Thursday, December 29, 2011

Gifting Themes {2011 = tea + shoes}


Many of our Christmas gifts seem to run in (unplanned) themes around here. One year it was pants (I suppose my husband had worn through most of his that year), or socks, or sweaters -- or (more fun) jewelry. 2011 appears to be the year of tea and shoes, along with some cashmere thrown in owing to a great sale at Lands' End just before Christmas, plus free upgraded two-day shipping that got it here on time.

I gave my mom a Lenox teapot from a pattern she had admired since I was a little girl, and happened to remark on when we were shopping in Atlanta last summer. I love it when I remember something. I also had fun shopping varieties of tea at Teavana, and found pretty tea canisters, tea cups, a glass tumbler and some different blends of tea and German rock sugar there for her and my brother and his girlfriend.

My parents arrived from the airport bearing suitcases of treats - mostly of the homemade cookie, candy and coffee cake varieties (my grandmother's toffee candy was highly requested this year), but also some incredible teas. One of my favorites is this Chinese Green Kiwi Strawberry Tea from The Salt Table in Savannah, Georgia. I haven't been to Savannah in ages, but my parents are closer and can visit more often and this is one of their favorite shops. I'll be perusing their website soon as they do ship (free 3-day on orders over $25. in the lower 48).



On the shoe theme, parcels from John Fluevog (for my brother) and L.K. Bennett (most definitely a happy surprise for me) arrived ahead of my parents, along with a big box which turned out to contain those drizzly-puddly-perfect wellies from Hunter in classic green. I wore them for three days straight. The L.K. Bennett package turned out to hold the nude patent Maddox I've been wishing for since my summer trip to their Atlanta store. It was the last pair in my size, and they sent them out to me with a sweet note. I look forward to popping in again this coming summer.


So. Our houseguests have all flown off, the extra dining table is put away, my husband is back to the office, and I suppose it is time to start taking down the decorations. How long do you leave them up?

xoxo


12 comments:

  1. It has been puddly here too, love those Hunter boots!
    I'll be taking our decorations down New Years Day as is the tradition.

    Happy New Year!

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  2. Those shoes are to die for--the color is perfect! Hope you had a great New Year!

    www.sarahandthecityblog.blogspot.com

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  3. Thank you hostess and Sarah! Happy New Year! xx

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  4. Happy 2012! I have a question for you regarding LV bags....but can't find a way to email you. Help! :)

    Amy

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  5. Beautiful shoes! I already took my Christmas decoration down. I know it's early but I want to start the new year fresh. Also, we are going on vacation in couple days ( Paris ) and I don't want to come back and then have to deal with it.

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  6. I'm taking our decorations down tomorrow. Then it's time to rearrange the furniture for a fresh start to 2012. :)

    Happy New Year!

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  7. Fabulous Florida Mommy and ABC - Happy New Year!
    Amy in CA - I can be direct messaged through Polyvore (link over on the sidebar). I'm happy to try to help :).
    Happy 2012!

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  8. Outfit of the day - exciting! Have a great time!! :)

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  9. Happy New Year!

    We leave the decorations up depending on when we put them up. This year we were a little late, so maybe we'll leave them up thru the 2nd week of Jan.

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  10. Happy New Year Sparrows and Sparkles!!! Love your blog--and your style--and all your travelling pics! :)

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  11. Love those shoes. Our decor is still up!
    xoxo
    SC

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