Last year I hosted a Valentine's Day play date party and it made me realize 2 things: 1. When you take the pressure off of an event by having it during the day, it becomes so much easier to keep things simple. and 2. Freeing up weekends by hosting some celebrations during the week is simply awesome. Obviously not everyone can do this- if you are a full time working mama, a play date party probably isn't feasible. But you can still use these tips for your weekend hosting gigs.
Forever ago, I saw these centerpieces at a corporate event. I vowed that I would replicate it. A few years ago, I did. This is the easiest and least expensive tabletop decor ever.
What you need:
Glass dish--you could get fancy but mine were .97 from Wal-Mart.
Cranberries-- somewhere around $1.50 for a bag.
Water--free ☺
Floating candles/Tea lights--$1.97 for lots at Wal-Mart.
How do you decorate your table for Christmas? (Bonus points if it's less than ten bucks!)
Black and White
Taste{full} Tips: What to Wear for New Year's Eve - part II: The Conservative Fashionista
I realize not all of us want to bear our upper arms (not to mention, depending upon what region you live, some of the other options may lead to you getting frostbite and losing your arms entirely). Ergo see below for a few more modest options.
From Forever 21 (Twelve by Twelve)*:
*Forever 21 is currently offering 10% off last minute gifts with coupon code: HOLIDAY
From Charlotte Russe*:
From Macy's:
- MM Couture by Miss Me Ruffled Long Sleeve Top. On sale for 44.99. With all the gathers and ruffles this shirt is completely forgiving without sacrificing one bit of style.
- INC Metallic Banded Scoopneck Tunic. On sale for 44.25. Ok so it's not exactly black or white but it's the perfect mix of modern, sexy, and modest...not an easy combination to find.
Sheer Cha Cha Vente Top, with Embellishments. On sale for 24.99. As the description claims, this is the perfect desk to dinner option. Forget the blazer and go with this beautiful romantic shirt. You just may be the talk of the office party without doing anything embarrassing. ;)
Have a fun, safe, and blessed New Year from the ladies at Taste{full}!
Still short a few Christmas gifts?? With the holiday only a few short days away, present-buying time is very limited! In an effort to avoid the terror zone that is your local mall, try out one of these delicious and delightful recipes for a homemade treat sure to delight any of your gift recipients! With a quick trip to the store you can bake up some goodies and cover all those last minute random people on your list, as well as stock a few extra packages for unexpected visitors! Not only are these treats tasty to eat, they are also a visual treat as well, wrapped up to perfection in a variety of unique and adorable containers. Take the suggestions here but feel free to also substitute whatever unique packaging you can find around YOUR house! Check out these recipes courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens, and click here for even more.
Left to right, Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake, Chocolate Doughnut Delights & Cran Crackle Bars
Well Christmas is almost here and New Year's Eve is fast approaching. I never really 'go out' so I never buy evening wear...but then when I do go out, I never have anything to wear. It really is a vicious cycle. Well that cycle is about to end because these adorable tops have so inspired me to beef up my nighttime wardrobe!
From White House Black Market:
These black and white numbers are all from the clearance section and are 50% off.
- Floral and Lace Print Bustier. 49.99. I'm picturing this with high waist trousers or a full black skirt. Just lovely. As a side note, I'm totally lusting after her afro-y hair. I want it.
- Tiered Tie Neck Shell. 49.99. How can you NOT love this shirt simply based on the delectable description: “An exquisite confection of silky charmeuse layered with wispy lace and sheer chiffon” ?!
- Sleeveless Cascade Ruffle Shell. 49.99. I've always loved anything Grecian inspired and this shirt fits the bill!
From Bebe:*
Racy Cut Out Lace Pleated Cami. 59.99. The fact that this is a baby doll fit, means you can really eat at that New Year's Eve party!! P.S. It also comes in a pretty shade of pink.
*Bebe is currently having a buy one get one 50% off sale.
From Charlotte Russe*:
Why spend a fortune on one night out?! For the bargainista, you can't beat Charlotte Russe's prices!
- Bow Tie A-Line Halter. 19.99. I can't believe this adorable shirt is only 19.99!
- Two Tone Belted Corset. 21.99. This is only one of many affordable and sweet corsets on CR's site. *online exclusive sale, ends 12/20, various items priced at $5, $10, and $15!
From Macy's:
Style&co. Sleeveless Two Tone Tunic. Another budget friendly option, on sale for 23.00. Love the jeweled neckline--no necklace necessary.
Stay tuned for a few long sleeve options for the more conservative fashionista...
From now until Christmas the Taste{full} ladies will be posting various "What to Wear to a Holiday Party" options in every budget. It can be torture deciding what to wear to a holiday party, but have no fear; we're here to help. ☺

For the first installment, I found a perfect alternative to the generic 'shiny shirt with black pants' combo. This GUESS "Phoebe" Vest is the ideal piece to make your holiday party ensemble pop. The longer length is flattering on most everyone while the metallic snakeskin design makes it a little dressier than your typical fare. You can wear this adorable vest with skinny dark denim jeans, tuxedo pants, or if you're really daring, liquid leggings (I'm still not over that trend...). Seriously whatever you pair it with, you can't go wrong. Totally cute and much more original than a red sweater. ;)

For the first installment, I found a perfect alternative to the generic 'shiny shirt with black pants' combo. This GUESS "Phoebe" Vest is the ideal piece to make your holiday party ensemble pop. The longer length is flattering on most everyone while the metallic snakeskin design makes it a little dressier than your typical fare. You can wear this adorable vest with skinny dark denim jeans, tuxedo pants, or if you're really daring, liquid leggings (I'm still not over that trend...). Seriously whatever you pair it with, you can't go wrong. Totally cute and much more original than a red sweater. ;)


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