Of course, we are all ready to see friends and family, swig some yummy holiday cocktails, and munch on party food. It’s what makes this time of year so special. But the number one mistake people make with hostess gifts, other than not giving them? Waiting until the last minute to pick them out.

Stocking up early means all you have to think about is what to wear. Wondering when it is appropriate to bring a gift? If you follow Emily Post’s advice, there are few events that do not warrant a hostess gift. And when in doubt, it never hurts to bring a little something.

So, get shopping for these holiday hostess gifts that are green, healthy, and sure to please any hardworking soiree thrower.

7 Green Holiday Hostess Gifts to Buy Now

Consumables are a hostess favorite. They are fun to receive, often a luxury item that someone would not ordinarily purchase for themselves, and (maybe best of all) they go away so they don’t need to make a permanent spot for a new item. Any of the following are sure to be welcome.

1. A bottle of something sparkling: You know your hostess will receive a bottle of wine or two. A sparkling wine is more fun and something she can save for a special occasion (or later that night!). Not a drinker? Can’t go wrong with a sparkling cider, especially for a host with children.

2. A beautiful little bouquet: You may have heard that you should not bring flowers as a hostess gift because finding a vase adds a new task to an already busy hostess list. Still, there are few party givers who’d actually frown on a beautiful bouquet. How about something special? Like a farm fresh, artisan bouquet. Have delivered to your hostess’ home before the party starts.

3. A lovely hand lotion: Everyone’s skin gets dry this time of year. After all the hard work of party planning, give the gift of smooth, soft skin with a luxe hand lotion.

4. Say cheese: A chunk of high-quality cheese can pinch hit if appetizers run low quickly, or as a treat for your host the next day. Hit your local Whole Foods Market for a good selection. No clue where to start? Check out this handy cheese shopping guide.

5. For the sweet tooth: French macarons are as pretty to look at as they are delicious. The perfect gift. Choose sweet treats made with the best ingredients. May we suggest an assortment?

6. The day after: Throwing a holiday bash isn’t easy. It takes days, even weeks, to pull off a good party. Give your hostess the gift of bliss with detoxifying bath salts. Throw in some Moon Juice Good Night Dust for a fresh start.

7. For the home: Help your host set the tone with a seasonal home scent. A candle made with natural ingredients with cedar fragrance brings the outside in and is perfect for the season.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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5 Perfectly Ugly Sweater Holiday Party Ideas

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It’s that time of year again and an ugly sweater holiday party is the perfect excuse to parade around in your gaudiest getup, sip spiked punch, and play games like a boss. So take a second and have a peek at some of our best ideas for your upcoming event – and you don’t have to wait for December 18th to get started.    

1. Sweaters

Whether they thrift it, buy it new, or make their own, make sure your guests know that an ugly sweater is mandatory for entry into your party. The best way to do this is with some kitschy invitations that will set the precedent for your shindig. To help you get started, check out this website that’s so generously offering four free customizable ugly sweater holiday party invitations.

When it comes to what to wear, the possibilities are endless. Scour thrift stores for some cheesy vintage goodness, buy a used one-of-a-kind pullover from The Ugly Christmas, order a new wool-free sweater from Tipsy Elves, or choose option number four, and my personal favorite, DIY your sweater!

Fill your uglification arsenal with fabric scraps, battery operated string lights, pom poms, ties, scarves, garland, and pretty much anything else you can glue or sew to a sweater. Pay homage to your favorite holiday, movie, pet, or even your significant other. There are some seriously tacky ideas found here that should have you inspired and on your way to a mangled masterpiece in no time.

2. Décor

Reuse and recycle what you already own, and bargain hunt at your local thrift store for inexpensive decorations that are delightfully dreadful. Think grandma’s attic on this one and fill your party pad with copious amounts of garish garland, tinsel, lights, tablecloths, colorful Christmas trees, wild wreaths and more.

Make a banner for your party and string it up on the mantel, create some welcome signs, decorate a few gaudy stockings, wrap some dummy gifts in ugly paper, and pick up some cute ugly sweater ornaments from Made With Luv By Mimi, or make your own using this tutorial from Aunt Peaches – check out her easy peasy pom pom branches, too.

3. Drinks

Refreshments are important at every party and now you have a chance to mix in some creativity alongside your liquor. For those who prefer a stiff drink, opt for festive beverages like eggnog pudding shots, candy cane shooters, or sparkling cranberry punch. And for a non-alcoholic treat, a hot chocolate bar would be so much fun for all your guests. Serve these in festive containers, like mason jars and funky mugs with plenty of tasty candies and treats for garnishing.

4. Food

Full guests are happy guests, so give your friends something to much on during your party. Skip the meat this year and nosh on appetizers, like this simple vegan pear and pomegranate salsa, red and green mini caprese appetizers, or even a wreath-shaped cheese and cracker platter with a few strategically placed olives.

Have a potluck-style menu for the main course, or opt for casseroles dishes. Something as simple as pizza is great, too. For dessert, sweater themed cakes and cookies would be so much fun. Pick up the supplies you need here and here, or order premade cookies from Yummy Delicious Cookies to take the stress out of the prep work.

5. Activities

After eating and drinking you don’t want your guests sitting around snickering at everyone’s awful sweaters. No, you need activities – and lots of them. Keep your friends entertained with these ideas that will fit right into your festivities.

Who wouldn’t want a reminder of such a fun evening with friends? While I’m sure you could name a few people, like Aunt Edna or Great Uncle Rick, chances are a photo booth complete with props would be a huge hit. Make your own or purchase them premade from The Manic Moose. Use empty picture frames, a chalk board for customized messages, and even some wacky hats, wigs, or scarves as additional props for good measure.

An ugly sweater contest is a must! Assign everyone a number upon arrival and have a box with slips of paper available for voting. Winner takes home the coveted title of Ugliest Sweater and something terrible, like a fruitcake, chia pet, a pair of Handerpants, or a blinged out second hand soccer trophy you picked up from the thrift store. And don’t rule out the more traditional party games like charades, Pictionary, pin the carrot on the snowman, one minute to win it, and a gift exchange white elephant style – these almost always guarantee a good belly laugh or two.

Now that you’ve gotten some pointers for your ugly sweater holiday party, it’s time to have some fun decking the halls, your walls, the neighbor’s dog, your cat, and anything else that stays still long enough to be ornamented. What did you think about our ideas? Do you have a sweater party planned this year? Let us know on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Red Sweater and Cocktails via Shutterstock

The post 5 Perfectly Ugly Sweater Holiday Party Ideas appeared first on EcoSalon.

This is my favorite time of the year – holiday time. We get to drink hot toddies, mingle with friends, kiss loved ones under the mistletoe, and sing along to our favorite holiday tunes. So why not find new ways to not only spice up our eggnog but our holiday party looks too? I have put together 5 different ideas to help you add a little flare to your perfect holiday look. Choose one or more of these and you can’t go wrong.

1. It’s in the Details

Lace, fringe, or sequins all add interest in my mind. So play with one of them on your dress.

2. Add Some Texturee

These adorable hand-crafted T bar pumps with a stunning lotus flower print and intricate design from Bourgeois Boheme are vegan, sexy, and totally perfect for a night out. They are the icing on the cake.

3. Go Big with Accessories

Why not make a statement with a bold necklace or a fabulous handbag or clutch?

4. Change Up Your Hair & Makeup

Throw your hair into an updo for a little something special, or check out some alternatives to hair bands to give your hair a fresh look.

Zoya is my favorite non-toxic nail polish.

Make your eyes shine with this RMS Beauty Eye Polish.

5. Work with Vintage

One of my favorite holiday party looks is working with vintage. Whether that’s your grandmother’s jewelry or a vintage clutch you found at a thrift store. Or hunt down a great vintage skirt or jacket for a timeless, glamorous look.

Try this vintage Prada skirt, composed of a gorgeous aqua, mint, and silver brocade fabric.

This pair of vintage gloves was once owned by Angelica Huston! Perfect for a throwback look.

Have fun wearing your holiday party outfits and Happy Holidays from The Well Coiffed Closet!

Megan M. Evans is a personal stylist and founder of The Well Coiffed Closet, offering closet and style makeovers in Los Angeles, New York and Charleston, South Carolina. Visit www.wellcoiffedcloset.com for more info. 

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Image: geishaboy500

The post  5 Ways to Spice Up Your Holiday Party Looks   appeared first on EcoSalon.

ColumnGlam up your holiday outfits this season – sequins, metallics, beading and glitter are back in style. Take the spotlight at your next party as you shimmer and shine in our favorite picks from made in the USA and eco-friendly fashion brands.

These stylish, on trend picks will glam up all of your holiday outfits from the casual to swanky. Look great and seasonal with the sparkly shine of gorgeous beads, sequins, lamé and more.

Rocket Skinny Jeans

Channeling space age metallics, these crackling silver jeans are the perfect way to easily dress up for any holiday occasion. Made  in the USA from a blend of rayon and cotton, these super stretchy jeans will let your curves shine!

Citizens of Humanity, $288

Edison Shooties

Black leather dotted with light white creates the perfect subtle glitter effect, and makes these super cute shooties casual and dressy at the same time. Wear these shoes with your favorite skinny jeans or a sexy little LBD.

Joie, $335

Vintage ’80s Sequin Top

Vintage sequin garments are the way to go to rock the shimmer and shine trend, especially when sourced from the ’80s. Work this disco top with a pair of silver jeans or a figure hugging black skirt.

Free People, $298

Feather Mini Skirt

We LOVE this magnetic mini made from fake feathers and cinched with a metallic waistband. Perfect for parties and night’s out on the tow.

AQUA Glam, $188

Caviar Beaded Mesh Sheath Dress

Elegant, sophisticated and incredibly chic, this beaded dress is worthy of a champagne toast. Wear it for a formal event that requires you to dress to impress.

Alexia Admor, $225

Vintage 1920s Beaded Handbag

This ’20s beaded handbag will look elegant and chic wrapped around your wrist, especially when paired with a sexy lamé jumpsuit and flashy heels.

Free People, $428

Lamé Crossover Jumpsuit

Channeling a chic cat-woman, this jumpsuit is sure to turn heads. Definitely pair it with heels and a bold, statement necklace.

AQUA Glam, $168

Mesh Rhinestone Necklace

This vintage Art Deco era necklace is the perfect statement piece to dress up  your holiday outfit or LBD. Wear it with pride and sass in your step.

Free People, $428

Vintage Sequin Sweater

We adore this vintage sequin sweater, perfect for covering up on chilly winter evenings. Wear it over a cocktail dress or to glitz up a jeans and tee combo.

Free People, $398

Jazz Standards Glam Rock Nail Color Duo

Top of your shimmer and shine look with a glittery nail polish! Deborah Lippman nail wear is made in the USA, and they don’t contain toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor or DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and are never tested on animals.  This duo comes with a glitzy bag.

Deborah Lippman, $19

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