In time for the holidays, here are gifts for everyone on your list.  From hostess gifts to parties to the littlest arrivals, find the things to keep things merry and bright. 

1. Thymes Lotion - These lotions feel amazing and come is a range of great scents for both men and women.

2. Southern Tea Towels - Remind your family members to clean up after themselves

3. Bombas Socks - These socks are so comfortable and are great for men, women, and kids.

4. Wolf Jewelry Box - These jewelry boxes come in sizes and are beautiful and luxurious.

5. 10ft Charging Cable - Everyone can use a 10ft charging cable in their stocking.

6.  23 and Me - Learn your ancestry and health traits.

7. Leather Coasters - These leather coasters (and lots of other great leather products) are made in Tennessee and come in lots of styles

8. Personalized Stationery - These charming notecards can be customized with your name

9. Taco Goat Cheese Pizza - This fun card game is a great ice breaker for any party

10. Maison d' Hermine Botanical Napkins - These charming napkins are perfect for any dinner.

I recently had the pleasure of participating in a Christmas girls night out for the holiday season at the Gathering Barn in Columbia, TN. It was a collaboration between Liberty Grace Farm and the Mockingbird Restaurant.

Guests were treated to custom cocktails and a cooking demonstration in addition to food stations.

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I provided a floral workshop station to help guests create a custom floral arrangement to take home. I chose elements that matched natural feel of the barn but still felt like a winter holiday event. I chose white and red flowers and lots of greenery - boxwood, magnolia, cypress, cedar, and pine. Accents included dried orange slices, dried seed pods, and dried flower heads.

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The holidays bring cheer and joy.  They also bring lots of parties, decorating, and gatherings to host.   Here are four simple tablescapes that you can create, recreate, or re-purpose with collected decor pieces. 

Tablescape 1 - Lush and Colorful

With lots of greenery to create a lush centerpiece, the flowers add color and fun.  You can change the feel by swapping these lighter colors with dark moody reds, bright oranges, classic whites, or soft yellows.

Tablescape 2 - Fall Inspired

White pumpkins are both classic fall while also being modern.  Combined with magnolia leaves and wood details, this feels welcoming and homey.  Handwritten names on the leaves makes a thoughtful touch for guests. 

Tablescape 3 - Simple and Minimal

If you like your table to be minimal, then the combination of lanterns and greenery create a clean but not stark atmosphere.  A simple rose tucked into each place setting elevates the setting. 

Tablescape 4 - Classic

A centerpiece of blush and pink roses is festive.  Using monochromatic or similar shades of flowers, keeps the arrangement classic and traditional.   White roses would be elegant; red flowers are dramatic and very appropriate for the holidays.

What is a summer gathering without a great glass of lemonade?  

In honor of National Lemonade Day, here are 3 great recipes to try for your next event.  

Classic Lemonade

• 1 cup lemon juice

• 6 1/2 cups water

• 1 cup sugar

Mix together and serve over ice

Mint Tea Lemonade

• 3 pints of water

• 1 handful of mint leaves

• 3oz frozen lemonade

• sugar

Bring water to a boil.  Add a handful of mint tea. Simmer for 5 minutes.  Strain.  Add the frozen lemonade and sugar to taste.

Lavender Lemonade

• 6 cups water

• 1 cup honey

• 2 Tbsp dried lavender

• 1 cup lemon juice

Bring 1/2 water and honey to a boil.  Remove from heat.  Add lavender and steep for 30 minutes.  Strain. Add lemon juice and remaining water. 

Creating a holiday centerpiece can be simple with items that you already have and some natural elements.

I started with some wooden pieces with the lantern and wooden ball decor.  You could use any complementary pieces such as mercury glass or a collection of clear vases and bowls.  I chose silver accents both on the lanterns and the candle holder.  Gold, copper, and bronze also work well for holidays.  For this display, I used only greenery because it holds up well without water. You could add a small bowl of white flowers. Pinecones in a glass cube completed the details; cranberries, acorns or ornaments are also very pretty.   A linen table runner or silk ribbon would also make an elegant addition.