Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all the beautiful A Taste of Love readers! Here's hoping that 2014 is the best year yet and that all your dreams come true!

Saskia XO

What I Got for Christmas!

I was very incredibly lucky to have the most amazing christmas ever, spending quality time with my loved ones and conseqently getting truely spoilt by my family, friends and boyfriend!

Without further ado, as this is probably one of the most requested posts, here are some of the gifts I was lucky enough to receive this year!

Ted Baker baby pink Jewelled Matinee Purse

 

Kurt Geiger Nanette Heels 

 Michael Kors Stone-Set Silver Chronograph Bracelet Watch

                                                         

 White Angora Deep v back knit 

                                                         

 The Gospel According to Coco Chanel

                                                       

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Souffle 

                                           

 White light up water speakers 

Gucci Guilty Perfume

                                                       

                                                                 Pandora Love Heart Ring

Hope you enjoyed this post! 

What did you get for Christmas?!

Saskia XO

Christmas Finds: Party Planning!

Eat, drink and be merry. That's what the holidays are all about, right? This makes December the perfect time to throw a festive bash. I usually throw a holiday party every year on Christmas eve and so I like to think that with every year that passes, I internalise a couple helpful top tips! And so maybe they will inspire you to throw your own holiday party?

First let's start with the basics...

Invitations. Figure out how many people you are willing to accommodate and send out invitations with at least two weeks notice. I'm a big fan of paperless invitations such as CocoDot.com and PaperlessPost.com. Going paperless is also the environmentally responsible thing to do.

Preparatory measures. If you host parties regularly, it's worth investing in some simple glassware. We bought about 40 glasses from IKEA and use them every time we have a gathering at our home. They are far classier than plastic cups and less wasteful. I like to dress up basic glasses with striped straws or ribbons. Otherwise, I suggest stocking up on bamboo flatware and taking a cue from this glittery DIY.

Food. I love taking the best parts of childhood parties and translating them into a grown-up context. I usually like to serve finger foods. In fact, I found a cute idea online: Mini grilled cheeses with tomato soup. I bet these are a real crowd pleaser. Finger food is best because it minimizes dirty dishes and the pressure of timing a meal for a large group. Deli platters are usually a hit too. Go to your local deli and put together a nice meat and cheese platter. I always have the butcher slice the meat instead of buying the prepackaged kind because it looks and tastes so much better. If you're not sure what to serve up in terms of sweets, I suggest setting up a self-serve s'more bar for dessert. It's another childhood treat that most adults rarely indulge in. And what person isn't happy with a s'more in hand?

Drinks. If you're going to have a big group over, I recommend making a batch of cider punch in a punch bowl. In addition to a seasonal drink, I almost always serve a bowl of spiked lemonade as an alternative to the punch. It's much easier than making one drink at a time and guests can easily serve themselves.

Now for the details...

Décor. Every party needs some sparkle. Try hanging strands of twinkling lights in each room. If was doing my party this year, I would probably make dozens of tissue garlands to stream throughout the house. Another easy decoration idea is to fill groupings of glass vases with holiday candies such as candy canes and peppermint pinwheels.

Lighting. Sprinkle the house with candles. It creates a warm, inviting ambience. Place tea lights in mason jars for a lovely glow that's both safe and beautiful.

Make space. Don't forget to move extra furniture to the perimeter walls and provide for plenty of seating.

Music. To keep the mood upbeat and festive kick off the night by playing plenty of classic, fun holiday tunes such as "Santa Baby," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Jingle Bell Rock," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause" and many more. As the night goes on transition to some fun dance music. You could even check out my christmas playlist http://www.vintagenoirinspire.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/christmas-crackers.html

Say cheese! Don't forget to set up a cute holiday themed photo booth. Click here to snag a few holiday printable photo booth props.

Remember. The key to being a good host is to be prepared, but to not get caught up in everything being perfect. You should enjoy your party. Drinks will spill, food will stain, and things will break... No party is perfect. The most important rule: Make sure you have plenty of food and drinks ready ahead of time and just have fun!

What's on your holiday playlist?

Saskia XO

P.S. Behind door 17 was a christmas pudding!

Noel Nails!

It's the most wondeful time of the year...dong, ding, dongggg! Dear bloggers, we are now only but two weeks away from the greatest season to be jolly fah lah lah lah lah la la la laaaa! Consequently, (I have become a little obssessed- incase you hadn't already guesssed!), but more importantly I have devised a post to tantalise your fingertips- aka 'Noel Nails'.....!

Whilst you are most probably all terribly busy decking the halls or rockin' around the christmas tree, I figured that as christmas vacation neares, you'd have chance to take care of your fingertips and exude a little more of that holiday spirit....and why not? You all deserve it!

So this post delivers to you all not as a DIY, list and learn activity, but rather a chrinspiration post, desired to inspire you through this toasty season!

Please post all pictures if you have given any of the styles a try!!

Will you try a 'Noel Nail'?

Saskia XO

P.S. Today's advent callender door revealed a little snowman!

Christmas Cravings: Chocolate Dipped Pretzels!

One of my Aunts always makes chocolate covered pretzels over the holidays so this year I decided to give it a try. Dipped pretzels are a simple, delicious treat that can be tailored to a variety of different tastes. Whether they’re dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with crushed up peppermint, heath bar, or nuts—these sweet and salty little nibbles are a surefire crowd pleaser. Here’s how I made my batch:

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Ingredients

• chocolate chips (I did one batch with white chocolate, one batch with milk chocolate)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 16 ounce bag of mini pretzels
• topping of your choice (I used crushed up peppermints, heath bars, and nuts) 

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter together over a double boiler.
2. Once the chocolate and butter has melted, mix it up and then carefully dip the pretzels into the chocolate and immediately place the dipped pretzel onto a cookie sheet covered with wax paper.
3. Sprinkle your topping of choice over the pretzels.
4. Place cookie sheet into the refrigerator and allow to set for 30-minutes.

Not only are these little guys seriously delicious (and addicting!), they also make for excellent holiday gifts. Seal them in a jar with a pretty bow and you’ve got yourself an instant present, or set them on a platter and they’ll serve as a delicious holiday party treat.

No matter what you decide to do with your Dipped Pretzels, they’ll always be a big hit.

What will you top off your Dipped Pretzels with?

Saskia XO

Behind door 10 was a little cracker!

Holiday Tunes!

Here at A Taste of Love, nothing puts us in the holiday spirit quite like the seasonal sounds of festive holiday music… In light of this, today we’ve listed our top 10 favorite holiday tunes for 2013. Check them out below and be sure to give our complete Holiday Playlist a listen too!

1. Mariah Carey- All I Want for Christmas is You
2. James Taylor – Winter Wonderland
3. She & Him – Baby, It’s Cold Outside
4. WHAM- Last Christmas
5. Andy Williams- It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
6. Eartha Kitt – Santa Baby
7. Slade- Merry Christmas Everybody
8. Michael Bublé – Santa Claus is Coming to Town
9. Wizard- I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday
10.Band Aid- Do They Know it's Christmas

Click the image below to listen to our Holiday Playlist now:

What is your favourite holiday tune? 

Saskia XO

P.S. Behind door 7 was a little cracker!

Gift Guide: For the Hostess

Sooner or later your weekends will be booked with various holiday-themed soirées and get-togethers. Even though it is not mandatory, I always like to bring along a little something for the host. Whether it’s a home-baked treat, an appetizer, or a small gift—it’s never a bad idea to show your host a little appreciation. Since finding the perfect hostess gift can get a little tricky, I’ve put together a list of 10 hostess gift ideas. Check them out below and be sure to share your own ideas in the comments below…

Rosemary Sea Salt. This is a simple, budget-friendly gift that you can make at home. I love how thoughtful it is and how easy it is to make. Plus you can make it in bulk if you have a busy social schedule this December. Click here for instructions. 

Cheese Curler. If your host enjoys, well, hosting then this is the perfect gift. A cheese curler is an unusual find that your host will put to good use if they love entertaining.

Basil in a Bottle. I absolutely love this idea! If your host loves to cook, this is a no-brainer. This Wine Bottle Basil Garden repurposes an old wine bottle into a countertop basil garden. Perfect for the herb-loving chef!

Eco-Friendly Hand Towels. These hand towels from the XO(eco) line with BlueAvocado are not only environmentally friendly but also a great necessity that every host can’t have enough of…

Mini Fondue Set. My favorite gifts are things that you can eat, drink, or burn…and this Fondue au Chocolat set is something I would never buy for myself but would love to receive as a gift! Genius and so cute.

OCD Cutting Board. If your hostess is a kitchen-gadget aficionado, this OCD “Obsessive Chopping Disorder” Cutting Board is perfection. Check out that grid—need I say more?

Wine Stopper. This is another thoughtful but inexpensive gift idea that most people typically don’t buy for themselves. I love these wine stoppers from BHLDN. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, tie it onto a great bottle of wine.

Luxurious Candle. A nice candle (the above is one of my favorites, Tocca) is a wonderful hostess present. They’re also great last-minute gifts as well. 

A bottle of bubbly. This is another “eat, drink, or burn” idea. If you ask me, a nice bottle of bubbly is always a treat if your host is of age (of course) and into champagne. Add a festive twist by giving them a pretty bottle of something like Perrier-Jouët, which comes with a satin champagne chiller bag designed by Claire Coles (no wrapping necessary!).

Personalised Stationary: Hand printed cards can look very authentic, particularly these ones by Carrie Beth of Sugar B Designs; a lovely hostess gift choice as well.


Do you have a great gift idea? Sound off in the comments below. 

Saskia XO

P.S. Behind door 6 was a star!