Table Setting DIY: Holiday 2014

At our house, Christmas Eve dinner is the most elegant night of the holiday season. Fine china, crystal stemware, and silver utensils are all in attendance at the dinner table just a few hours before Santa’s sleigh touches down on the roof. While these three components remain the same from year to year, we like to make small annual changes to aspects of the tablescape and dining room decor. Below you’ll find a few hosting tips and DIY ideas for a festive holiday dining experience.

Always pull out your best china – if you can’t use it during the holidays, then when can you? Review those pesky table setting rules to keep your grandmother happy.

Be inventive with your flower arrangements. Cotton branches: snow-like, won’t melt, and doesn’t have a scent that will interfere with the food.

Decorate the table with small, unscented candles. Candles of slightly different height and shape will add some dimension to the table. Not everyone likes scented candles, and the artificial scents can give many people headaches. If you want to add some Christmas-spirit-inducing scents to the atmosphere, go for a pine garland or cinnamon sticks.

Ahh, place settings. Place settings are one of the easiest ways to get creative with a tablescape. For the most part, these seat-holding indicators are small and discrete, but pack a major punch. In my experience, everyone always notices this thoughtful detail and it automatically makes your dinner party more formal and elegant (even if you are dining with immediate family). Inscribe a piece of card stock with each person’s name and put it in a jingle bell.

Last important detail? Napkins! Paper napkins are a big no-no at a formal dinner table, and folding napkins in an intricate fashion can look mainstream hotel. Instead of falling into one of these pitfalls, try dressing up your napkins with things found around the house at this time of year – tinsel, pine sprigs, tiny ornaments, etc. This year I’m rolling up napkins, topping it with a pine sprig and a full cinnamon stick, and tying it all together with some hemp twine.

Check out the finished table setting at my house on Instagram – @twyla_shelmire. Merry Christmas!

From the Editor’s Desk: Week of 12.22.14

To Read: Jolene Hart, Eat Pretty: Nutrition for Beauty, Inside and Out, $15.26.

Take advantage of your extra time this week and pick up a book! If you want to learn about the science behind beauty-boosting foods, and get a few tips on stress management (amongst other things), then this is the holiday read for you.

To Quote: Dancing is so 2013.

To Make: Big stitch scarf. Expand your craft repertoire over the holidays by trying your hand at big stitch crochet. Tools available here.

To Emulate: Knit dress + knit sweater. No one will know whether you’re staying in or going out – and that’s the point.

To Escape: Home for the holidays.

How to Wear: Novelty Leggings

No one loves leggings more than I do. Stretchy, soft, and able to be worn both in and out of bed, leggings are a part of my daily uniform. In my eyes, the only thing better than your typical cotton or nylon-blend legging is a pair of holiday-season-appropriate novelty leggings. Novelty (/ˈnävəltē/) is defined as “the quality of being new, original, or unusual.” In the phrase “novelty leggings,” novelty comes to refer to velvet, knit, and sequins. These types of leggings can be easily found at a “fast-fashion” store this time of year – Target, H&M, and the like have got you covered. As to how to style these pieces? Keep reading…

I just bought a pair of velvet leggings at Target the other day, and am having trouble convincing myself to wear anything else. While these can obviously be worn in a party setting to stay warm and look festive, I like wearing mine during the day for some subtle, sartorial holiday spirit. For a daytime look, pair the leggings with a white, button-down shirt (one that is a little large and covers your butt), a colorful, chunky scarf, and either loafers, pointed-toe ballet flats, or your favorite booties. My opinion this holiday season = velvet leggings > leather leggings.

Another amazing Target find this last week: pink sweater leggings. These Fair Isle showstoppers are a little more difficult to style compared to velvet and sequins because they are multicolored, patterned, and closely resemble pajama bottoms. Okay fine, they are pajama bottoms. In order to avoid looking like you literally rolled out of bed in the morning, I suggest only wearing these at night – either vamped up for a party or just to get into bed on Christmas Eve. Pair bright knit leggings such as these with a chambray shirt, a structured, satin blazer, and a pair of sky-high, bejeweled heels.

A few years ago I invested in a pair of Alice & Olivia sequined leggings in black. At this point, they have paid for themselves in compliments. If you haven’t already taken the plunge and bought a pair of sparkly pants, I suggest you do so immediately. Regardless of the color of sequins you choose, I find sequin leggings easy to style because their texture is so unique. The only rule with sequined leggings is not to wear them with other sequined items of clothing – let the leggings be the star of the show. For a party outfit, wear sequined leggings with a long, chunky knit sweater, and a pair of delicate (non-bejeweled) heels.

Home Inspiration: Holiday 2014

If you’re prone to Grinchyness when the holidays roll around, or if you simply have trouble getting into the spirit – make some hot chocolate, cuddle with the nearest furry animal, and take a look at these beautiful, snowed-in homes. Eye candy galore!

Kiss-Proof Lip Balm: Holiday 2014

Mid-December to January 1^st is a very affectionate time of year, second only to that holiday we all love to hate – Valentine’s Day. Between lurking sprigs of mistletoe, and the infamous New Year’s embrace, celebratory kisses are (hopefully) on the horizon. That being said, don’t get caught at a crucial moment with dry, cracked lips induced by winter weather. Prepare in advance for potential suitors with the following colorless lip balms, which will have your lips feeling soft, moisturized, and kissable in no time. Lipstick optional.

Clark’s Botanicals, Ultra Rich Lip Balm, $19.00

Deeply hydrating, subtle vanilla flavor, scented with jasmine absolut.

Elemental Herbology, Nutritive Lip Complex, $18.69

Soothing with a noticeable pluming effect, and texture improvement.

Herbivore Botanicals, Rose Lip Butter, $12.00

Buttery texture, light rose scent, and 100% natural.

Fresh, Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy, $25.00

Immediately moisturizes dry lips, prevents flaking, and enhances volume.

Philosophy, Kiss me Tonight, $21.00

Restores color to lips, and deeply conditions with a creamy texture.

Dallas Beauty: Piermarini Launches Liquid Lipstick

I can’t think of anything more daunting then heading to Northpark Mall during the holiday rush to pick up a few makeup products. While Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and MAC alone have all of the shades and miracle-working products we could ever imagine, no one wants to risk crowd-induced anxiety just to visit the makeup counter. But alas, Piermarini Boutique, located in Snider Plaza, has answered our prayers.

Piermarini, a men’s and women’s clothing boutique, was opened in 2010. Just this last summer, the store launched its very own beauty line with over 30 cosmetic and skincare products. As a whole, Piermarini Beauty items are simple, classic, and sophisticated – just like the clothing. The products are made in the USA, never tested on animals, and are brimming with vitamins, minerals, and SPF. Piermarini Beauty does not aim to cover up its wearers with heavy, transformative pigments, but enhances natural beauty with sheer textures, and soft tones. Key natural ingredients in the line include water lily extract, avocado oil, aloe, jojoba, vitamin c, and vitamin k. All products – makeup included – are designed with hydration in mind to keep skin looking youthful and moisturized.

Don’t know which products to try first? Top sellers include the Vitamin C Serum, Liquid Eye Shadow, and Lip Liner. The Vitamin C Serum can be used morning and night, and helps to wake up the natural collagen in your skin. The result is overall brightness, wrinkle reduction, and evened-out skin tone. Piermarini’s Liquid Eye Shadow provides sheer, lightweight, natural-looking color and comes in several shades. Unlike powdered eye shadow, this shadow will not cake or crease and keeps eyelids hydrated. The Lip Liner comes in thee shades and is a makeup bag essential. The texture is gel like, which makes it go on and stay on. Keep your lips hydrated by using the liner alone, or layering it with lip balm or lipstick.

As for a holiday 2014 must-have, try out Piermarini’s Liquid Lipstick. This product just hit the shelves last week, and comes in 5 different shades ranging from bright coral to dark red. My favorite color at the moment is “Be Right There,” (second from the right) which is a perfect pink. If you haven’t tried a liquid lipstick, expect the glossy, flexible texture of a lip gloss, and the vibrant pigment of a lipstick. This Liquid Lipstick has serious staying power, and the color is brighter than it looks in the tube once applied. Apply a little for a subtle, lip staining effect, or brush on a full layer or two for a high-shine lipstick effect.

All Piermarini Beauty products can be purchased in the store at 6827 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205, or online (except the Liquid Lipstick) at www.piermariniboutique.com.

Party Shoes: Holiday 2014

Here you’ll find 10 of the most lust-worthy pairs of shoes out there to complete – or inspire – your holiday party attire. On the forecast: pointed toes, leopard print, light pink, and manageable heel height. Dance the night away, Twinkletoes!

Prada, Pointed Toe Metallic Flats. While I can’t find these online to save my life, here you’ll find a similar pump by Prada, and metallic pointed flats by Marc Jacobs.

Anthropologie, Pilcro Hayden Booties, $208.00.

Dolce & Gabbana, Mary Jane shoe, price upon request.

Christian Louboutin, So Kate Booty Red Sole Ankle Boot, Papaye, $1,095.

Ballet Beautiful, Satin Street Shoes, $280.00.

Oscar de la Renta, Evelyn Point-Toe Calf Hair Bow Flat, Leopard, $725.00.

Kate Spade, Angelique Heels, $350.00.

J.Crew, Dulci Calf Hair Kitten Heel Loafers, $398.00.

Valentino, ‘Rockstud’ Patent Leather T-Strap Ballerina Flat, $975.00.

Steve Madden, Sillly Shoe in Silver Foil, $79.95.

Last Minute Beauty Gifts: Holiday 2014

If your main gifts have been bought, but you’re still looking to even out the number of things everyone has to open, take a look at these beauty products. Super cute, super effective, and all under $40, these products are crowd-pleasers to the highest degree. Below find everything from jasmine hair powder to beard balm.

Thayers, Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner, $9.95

I’ll trust any product that has been on the market for over 150 years. This witch hazel, alcohol-free toner comes in a variety of aloe vera infused formulas, from rose petal to peach to lemon. Everyone on your list, including the hard-to-please-boyfriend and the conservative grandmother, will be pleased to receive a bottle of Thayers delicately scented, highly moisturizing toner.

Santa Maria Novella, Antique Calming Water, $14.00

The historian in me totally loves this kooky gift, which is sure to spark a debate or two upon opening. Back in the days when women wore tightly laced corsets, the extreme discomfort and lack of oxygen often caused hyperventilation and hysteria. Ingestible formulas made with essential oils, such as this one, were meant to be taken by hysterical women for a generally calming effect. Santa Maria Novella’s “Anti Hysteria Water” was first prepared in 1614 by Dominican friar, Angiolo Marchissi. Gift with caution.

Herbivore Botanicals, Orchid Facial Oil Roller, $24.00

Ever heard of a facial oil roller? Me neither! Give the gift of innovation with this well designed, highly potent exotic flower oil. This face oil formula is a mouth-watering blend of orchid extract, jasmine sambac, and Japanese camellia flower oil. The combination of these three ingredients increases elasticity, restores beneficial vitamins, and defends skin against free radicals. Overall effect: a youthful, hydrated, lit-from-within visage.

18.21 Man Made, 3-in-1 Wash, 16oz, $24.00

When buying for men, you can never go wrong with a 3-in-1 wash. As a shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, this powerhouse product will help your man stay clean, smell good, and keep his shower organized. 18.21 Man Made is Texas local, with a man-approved, sweet tobacco scent, and packaged in what seems to be a whiskey bottle. Head to their website to check out complementary hair styling products as well. It’s safe to say 18.21 Man Made products leave nothing to be desired.

Beauty Counter, Routine Clean Cream Cleanser, $24.00

While it can be tricky to buy everyday beauty products as intimate as a face wash for someone other than yourself, this cleanser is a well-priced, best seller at BeautyCounter. Routine Clean Cream Cleanser is perfect for an adolescent little sister, beauty product maven, or anyone who needs a soothing cleanser for the winter season. This cleanser gently removes makeup with organic coconut oil, and hydrates skin with witch hazel. In conclusion, if it’s good enough for goop, it’s good enough for us.

Olio E Osso, No. 1 Clear Balm, $28.00

This is one of those items that should be on your list of “3 things I’d take with me to a deserted island.”  Olio E Osso produces four highly effective balms (all of which you should give a whirl), but this one in particular is well suited to those who don’t need the added cheek and lip color – i.e. dads, brothers, boyfriends, babies, and the makeup-intolerant. Use the clear balm on everything that needs conditioning: cracked lips, split ends, unkept beards, scary eyebrows, and dry cuticles.

Lulu Organics, Hair Powder 4oz in Jasmine, $30.00

I came across this amazing, organic jasmine hair powder while standing in line at Anthropologie. At Anthro, they sell tiny, 1oz capsules of the silky powder, but these larger 40z sizes are available at the source – Lulu Organics – in a variety of intoxicating scents. The original dry shampoo, hair powder is perfect to style and spruce up unwashed hair on the go. To use, put a dime size amount of powder in your hands, and rub through the roots of dry, unwashed hair. In my book, the art nouveau packaging is reason enough to purchase a capsule – or two.

L:A Bruket, No. 050 Petitgrain Face Scrub, $32.00

My darling mother is the mastermind behind Dallas’ Flower Road Natural Therapies, and let me tell you, I have smelled every essential oil and absolut under the sun. That being said, my favorite essential oil is still petitgrain, one of the first essential oils she ever imported. L:A Bruket, a Swedish skincare company, has combined this increasingly rare essential oil with jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin e, and fine sea salt, for a gently exfoliating, highly moisturizing facial scrub you won’t want to part ways with. L:A Bruket products were created to address skincare issues associated with coastal living conditions in Sweden – so as you can imagine, this line is particularly well suited to the harsh winter climate.

Little Wonders: Holiday 2014

Slinkies are cute for the first five minutes, but these are the things we actually want to find in our stockings this year. Ladies – add these sub-$30 little wonders to your list, you won’t be sorry. Thanks in advance, Santa!

Egyptian Magic 2oz Jar, $26: http://www.egyptianmagic.com/store.htm

Named “The People’s Choice” for a reason.

Marvis Toothpaste, Jasmin Mint, $10.50: http://www.beauty.com/marvis-toothpaste-jasmin-mint/qxp85279

My secret weapon – so good you’ll wonder how you ever used Crest.

Clarisonic Brush Head, $27: http://www.clarisonic.com/shop-our-products/clarisonic-deep-pore-brush-head-CL305.html?cgid=Brush-Heads&dwvar_CL305_size=Single#start=7&cgid=Brush-Heads

Plan ahead, you’re always going to need a new one.

Hurraw! Vata Balm, $4.29: http://www.hurrawbalm.com/vata-balm.html

Organic, vegan, raw, and AMAZING.

Scotch Naturals Premium Nail Lacquer in Lambs Wool Creme, $15: http://www.scotchnaturals.com/products.php?pack=none

Non-toxic and beautiful? I’ll cheers to that!

Men’s Gift Guide: Holiday 2014

We could shop for ourselves, our moms, and our bffs all day long, but when it comes to dads, brothers, and boyfriends, most of us aren’t sure where to start. In my experience men are quite transparent about their feelings towards the gifts they open on Christmas morning as compared to women. In my brother’s adolescent years, he unwrapped Catcher in the Rye and said, “But I already have a book.” And thus with this Shelmire fable, I advise to go utilitarian when buying for the boys. Wallets, grooming kits, camping supplies – anything classic, leather, or gadget-like is most likely to get you that elusive man-seal-of-approval.

Grooming:

Captain Fawcett, Beard Oil, $56: http://www.captainfawcett.com/products/beard-oil-cf-332-private-stock

Harry’s, The Truman Set, $15: https://www.harrys.com/products/the-truman-set

Iron Lion, Soap Arsenal, $25: http://www.ironlionsoap.com/collection/soap-arsenal

Gadget:

GoPro Hero, $129.99: http://shop.gopro.com/cameras/hero/CHDHA-301.html

Beats Tour In-Ear Headphones, $149.95: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MHAH2/beats-tour-in-ear-headphones

Samsung Gear S Smartwatch, $299: http://www.samsung.com/us/explore/gear-s-features-and-specs/#nfl-section-buy-now

Style:

JackSpade, Wad Money Clip, $68: http://www.jackspade.com/wad-money-clip/WPRU0180.html?cgid=wallets-view-all&dwvar_WPRU0180_color=927#start=20&cgid=wallets-view-all

J.Crew, Ludlow Topcoat in Herringbone English Wool, $475: https://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/TheTopCoat/PRDOVR~B2267/B2267.jsp

Warby Parker, Downing Sunglasses, $95: https://www.warbyparker.com/sunglasses/men/downing/walnut-tortoise