1. Embrace the Unexpected—Creativity is memorable.  Use a blanket as a tablecloth, top a hurricane with a disco ball...the odder your use of an everyday item, the more your guests will remember it.

2. Bring Back the Good Old Days—Rely on nostalgia to get your guests’ memories rolling.  Old family photos, classic board games and a vintage musical playlist are just the ticket.

3. Audience Participation—Press your guests into action with conversation starter place cards or fill-in the blank place mats.  The resulting conversations will create new memories while reviving old ones.

4. Dress in Layers—More is definitely more.  The impact of two tablecloths, two napkins, three china patterns and a partridge in a pear tree will make your table stand out from the crowd.
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5. Ditch the Devices—Nothing kills the mood of a delightful evening more than the blue glow of an iPhone. Without the distraction of  Siri, Google, Instagram and Facebook, you will create new meaningful memories every time you gather.
 

So, I have 4 brothers-in-law and I think they are all hard to buy for.  Take it from me...any one of these 5 recommendations would satisfy the most difficult-to-please guy on your list.

I swear by Jack Black...and any guy who tries it will too.  Whether you pick a body wash, a moisturizer, or some of the slickest shaving cream ever, he will be a fan for life.

Fellas need a little bit of excitement when it comes to getting dressed for the office.  Check out our selection of men's socks that will spark a conversation and a chuckle around the water cooler.

Yes, you did your best raising him, but every once in a while, a salty sailor seems to emerge.  Gift him this clever swear jar to determine if he's a beginner, a master, or anything in between.

I love a good manly candle...and this one puts most others to shame.  Serengeti from Niven Morgan smells like the leather interior of a brand new Porsche.  It's what's burning at my house.

We all know the men in our lives can sometimes smell a little south of acceptable. What better way to keep him fresh as can be than with the laundry products from Frey.  Super-concentrated and great for the environment, they smell more like cologne than detergent.

Yeah, she's a little hard to buy for...but take a look at these 5 ideas from the shelves that are guaranteed to keep you on her Nice list this year.

Gorgeous bags and accessories from Spartina.  These floral and geometric prints featuring hues of pinks, navies, toast, and berry are sure to brighten up the dull winter days ahead.

One of my favorite scents in the shop, Cashmere is just as soft and silky as it sounds.  Enjoy it as a body lotion, hand lotion, fragrance spray, hand wash, candle, diffuser, and bath salts.

There really is no better gift than an inspirational message accompanied by a piece of delicate jewelry.  These lovely necklaces from Spartina range from $36-$39 and are perfect for every age.

You know she's the Queen...She knows she's the queen.  Make it official with Mariposa's Queen Bee frame in sand-cast aluminum or choose from one of our many other frames that help capture the magic moments in life.

She loves to laugh and her wicked sense of humor will appreciate the slab pads from Roseanne Beck.  Each one funnier than the last.

With a lot of hard work and the support of an amazing family, Home at Last opened in May 2014.  We unpacked a lot of boxes, schlepped a lot of furniture, priced about a million little objects and organized them just-so.

I threw open the doors and the hometown I love so much responded with great enthusiasm.  I've never looked back on my decision to move back home and I am grateful to each and every one of you who has offered a kind word, bought a little trinket, and entrusted me with transforming your homes.  It's been an honor and a privilege to be Home at Last!  THANK YOU!

In today's fast-paced environment of SnapChat and text messages, wouldn't it be nice to receive an actual hand written card in the mail?  With a glass of wine and a red Sharpie, I have put together one of the best card selections in the city.  If you want something funny and snarky, I've got you covered.  If you want something sweet and schmaltzy, I can do that too!   

Just imagine the smile on Grandma's face when she opens that birthday card from you...Trust me, you'll earn some serious points.

Take 10 minutes, pop in the shop, and laugh a little as you browse the selection.

Yes, she has everything!  She doesn't need one more thing.  But...she'll love getting this gift from you! Hand-crafted from sand-cast aluminum in Mexico, these stunning frames from Mariposa are the perfect gift for the gal who has it all.  Whether you choose the textured fashion frames or the engraved sentiment frames your thoughtful gesture will be treasured forever.

These sentiment frames the right choice for so many occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries and graduations.  I have a broad selection to choose from with prices ranging from $38-$79.  Come in and check out the collection.

All good parties start with good food. So, whether you're having a big bash or an intimate soiree, make sure you've got some delicious nibbles for your guests.  My current favorite is Stonewall Kitchen's Guacamole Starter.  All you have to do is add a little bit of this delicious tomatillo salsa to a ripe avocado and, voila...instant guacamole.  Serve it with a few sea salt crackers and you'll have a hit on your hands.

A couple of other great choices include the Roasted Garlic Onion Jam with a large hunk of Manchego cheese and few of the Roasted Garlic Crackers from Stonewall.  The jam is even delicious on a hot grilled hamburger.

If you're just looking for a salty cocktail snack, look no further than our Butter Mini Twists from American Gourmet or the Hot & Spicy Snack Mix from The Peanut Shop.  I'll let you in on a secret...as good as the pretzels are right out of the bag...put the in the freezer for a few hours before serving.  You'll think you've died and gone to heaven.

​Bon Appetit!

Home at Last is here because of you and your tremendous support.  As a little thank you, print out this post, bring it in to the shop and I will give you 20% off one, regularly-priced, in-stock item from now until June 4, 2019. See you soon!

Limit one discount per household. No cash value.

As heartbreaking as it was to watch the fire ravage Notre Dame, here are the rays of hope I've come away with in the days since:

This church, home to the Catholic religion in Paris, has been a destination for all people of faith worldwide, welcoming over 13 Million visitors a year. Those pilgrims, whether Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or Muslim, have found awe and peace in this sacred space because belief is bigger than a building, belief is bigger than how or whom one worships. Like many houses of worship, Notre Dame had an indescribable ability to connect you to your belief in a higher power, a higher purpose, or even a higher calling. And, it will again!

When we work together, we do incredible things, just as the architects, stone masons, and craftspeople did when they first created Notre Dame 850 years ago.  Remember this the next time you grow impatient, remember this the next time you watch the news.  Remember that we are a community...local, state, national, and global.  Each of us has a stake in what we become and our desires for that manifestation should not be at the expense of another community member.

Instead, practice peace.  Practice compassion.  Practice love.  It will be these virtues that will allow us, like the Phoenix, to rise from the ashes.