Christmas Steals & Deals All Week Long!

We're kicking off the end of the holiday shopping season with great deals on handmade and vintage for all the people in your life! Everyday we'll feature a new deal with both new and clearance products. See something you like? Grab it quick before someone else does!

(More products available in the store)

>>SHOP NOW

A Flickr Christmas: Walking in a Vintage Wonderland

I LOVE the holidays! The smells, the gatherings, the FOOD. But my favorite part (aside from the birth of Jesus of course!) is the tree! There's nothing better than drinking hot chocolate, listening to Nat King Cole on the hi-fi, and decorating the tree with all sorts of colorful ornaments, both new and old.  What's your favorite part of the holiday season?

(yes I know these are handmade but aren't they just the bee's knees?)

{All images via Flickr. Hover over image to view source}

How to Host Like a Pro

Hosting for thanksgiving?  You're braver than I am!  Having everyone to your place can be a big to-do and often requires more work than you'd think, especially if you're trying to impress your in-laws or your friend's opinionated girlfriend.  Here are a few tips to help you get ready.





General:

• Pick a subtle scent.  Air fresheners are nice and can really set the mood but don't pick a fragrance that's too strong or that overpowers the smell of the delicious food you're making.
• Get out the games.  If you'll still be cooking when people arrive, have something out for them to entertain themselves with like a couple of board games or a pack of cards. 
• Make a party playlist.  I usually go for more mellow songs by my favorite bands so we can talk without loud drums drowning us out!  Make sure there's nothing too offensive in your list...you probably don't want Eminem pumping with your nieces and nephews around.  If it's a mixed crowd, pick a variety of music that everyone will like.  You can even ask guests to bring their ipods or favorite CDs and switch them around every half hour or so.
• Wrangle your pets.  If you don't know all your guests super well, it's best if your cats and dogs make only a small appearance at the party.  As someone who's not a fan of pets that don't live in a tank or cage, I can tell you it's not fun to have someone's cat constantly rubbing against your leg or see them climbing on the table near the food.  You may think it's cute that Fluffy licked the cheese plate.  I don't.  Gross!  Some guests may be afraid of dogs and not know how to tell you they feel uncomfortable.  Even friends who love your dog most likely won't want him pawing at them ALL night.  Be prepared to have your four-legged friends sequestered in a room or outside for part of the night.  Give them plenty of food, water, and toys so they're not too lonely and bored.  Let them out every now and then or make sure someone goes in the room to check on them a few times. 

Entryway:

• Have a place for people to put their coat, shoes, umbrella, etc.  Make room for them in the coat closet or direct them to the room where they can put their stuff.  Also have a door mat ready to go so they're not tracking rain/snow/mud/grime into your apartment.  
• If you don't want them to wear shoes in your place, put a pair or two of your own shoes by the door so they get the hint.  If you have a few extra bucks to spend, head to the dollar store and buy a few $1 slippers for guests who have cold feet, especially the ladies who are wearing pantyhose or tights.  Put the slippers in a basket by the door and maybe add a cute sign so people know they're for the taking.

Bathroom:

• Stock the bathroom with extra toilet paper, feminine products, a plunger, air freshener, and first aid supplies (Dollar Tree has good supplies for only $1). Make sure they're put away but easy for guests to find.  Now no matter what they need, you'll have it!  As for the toilet paper, put out a brand new roll before people arrive, that way they'll most likely never have to change it.
• Clean your bathroom thoroughly!!  People are nosy and will look everywhere!  I can't tell you how many times I've gone into the guest bathroom after a party to notice that the shower curtain's pulled back a little from people peeking in.  Make sure your shower is clean and doesn't look like something out of a horror movie. Remove any toiletries or medicine that you don't want your guests to see if they look into your medicine cabinet.  Clean the toilet, get any gunk off your sink, and empty the trash can.
• Have hand towels ready.  Put out clean, fresh towels so people know where to dry their hands.  I've gone to several parties where the only towels around are the hosts' bath drying towels.  The thought of rubbing my clean hands on the same towel they used to dry their entire body isn't appealing!  If you're a paper towel person, put out a new roll.

Kitchen:

• Clean the kitchen.  The last thing you want is your in-laws finding last month's lasagna.  Not cool!  Make sure everything you or your guests may need from the fridge is accessible and move other items to the back.  Empty the trash and dishwasher so they're ready to be loaded at the end of the night.  Don't forget to sweep the floor...crumbs are no ones friend.
• Double check your dishes and silverware.  It's awkward when you go to someone's house and end up with a glass that has food from the dishwasher dried on it.  How do you kindly and discreetly ask for a new glass?  Check that everything came out clean so people won't be left with dirty utensils.

Over-night guests 

• Have multiple blankets available.  This is something my mom taught me.  If you stay at her house, you'll find at least 2 or 3 blankets in the guest room.  It allows you to control the temperature without having to ask your host for a blanket if you get cold at night.  To save yourself on laundry, just put one blanket on the bed but let them know where the extra blanket is. This way if they don't get cold, you only have to wash the first blanket.
• Always have extra toiletries.  Yes, my mom taught me this too.  The drawer in her guest bedroom has extra toothbrushes, lotion, toothpaste, Q-tips, soap, etc. so if I forget to pack something when I come to visit, I don't have to run to the store.  Now I do the same for my guests.  It doesn't have to be anything fancy.  If I need to buy a new toothbrush, I buy the 2pack instead of just one, then I put the extra in the guest bedroom...super easy.  For lotion, you can squeeze some out of your own bottle into a travel container and have it available.  Once again, the dollar store is the perfect place to get everything you need for only $1.  Even hotel samples you've been saving are fine.  If you're sharing a bathroom, let them know they can use your body wash and toothpaste in case they forgot theirs.
• Magazines and books are always appreciated.  Just one more thing I learned from my mom!  She always has magazines perfectly arranged on the guest room dresser when we come.  It gives you something to do if you want to relax or read in bed.  If your guests read them, great.  If they don't, it's no big deal since it only took you a minute or two to put the books out!
• Hash out wake-up times the night before.  If you get up early or like to sleep in, let your visitors know so they don't feel like they're waking you up or slowing you down.  If you're sharing a bathroom, try to shower at night so they can use the bathroom whenever they want the next day, or let them know what time you shower in the mornings so there's no confusion.
• Invest in a bag of coffee, powder creamer and a cheap coffee maker.  We don't drink coffee but my grandpa does so I bought a cheap, $7 coffee maker from Walmart, a container of powdered creamer and a bag of Dunkin Donuts coffee.  Now, anytime he comes we can make him a cup.  The last thing you want is a cranky, under-caffeinated visitor!
• Have breakfast foods out and ready so they don't have to search through your cabinets if they get up before you. 

Happy Hosting!

V-Day Shopping at Apt528

Have you ever seen a pillow that helps you pop the question or tell your special someone how you feel?  No?  Then you're in for a treat.  Now at the Apt528 Store you'll find the Fortune Cookie Pillow with a hidden pocket for sending messages to your cuddle buddy. 

And that's not all there is at Apartment 528.  For under $50 you can grab the perfect gift for all the sweethearts on your list.  Just don't let them know about the money you saved!

Christmas on the Cheap

So I forgot to tell you about the great deal I found on artificial Christmas trees. If you're landlord doesn't allow real Christmas trees because of the fire hazard, head on down to Family Dollar where you can get a fake tree for as little as $10!


Yep, $10 can get you a 4' tree. $15 gets you a 4' pre-lit tree, $20 a 6' tree and $25 a 6' pre-lit tree. How do ya like them apples? Jerome and I bought two trees from them: a 6 footer for our main tree and a cute little 4' pre-lit tree in a champagne color for the lounge...it's retrotabulous!

Not only does Family Dollar have super affordable trees, but they also have cheap decorations. Of course some of the decor looks as cheap as its price tag so you won't find everything you're looking for, but you will find the basics like Christmas lights for $2 and plain ornaments for $1. Can't beat that!

Another great deal: Old Navy's Christmas stockings for just $1!! They're not the cheap plain kind either...they have several different colors with all kinds of designs.  They don't sell them online so I can't provide a link or picture, but if you have an Old Navy close by, I'd recommend stopping by and grabbing one.

Table Time

Hosting a holiday dinner party? Here are a few pics to get you inspired.

This table was created for the San Francisco Dining by Design event by interior designer Jean Larette in collaboration with Jo Malone London, a fragrance and lifestyle brand. Larette was inspired by Malone's cream and black packaging and clean, crisp lines. I like the use of the mirrors around the room which Larette said she used "to reflect that sparkle and enhance the intimacy of the dining room setting."

While you may not have the budget to do a professional table setting like this one, there are inexpensive ways to achieve a sensational table at home. Use ribbon to personalize table linens, print custom menus and place cards to make guests feel special, upgrade your chair cushions with new fabric, and use odds and ends (ornaments, greenery, candles) to make an eye-catching centerpiece.

Don't forget to add little touches to the buffet and maybe even spice up your walls with warm, winter-inspired art and decor.

Happy Dinner Party!

Trees on the Cheap

It's the time of year where you pile in the car with your loved ones and drive to the nearest tree farm in search of the perfect Christmas tree.

I'm definitely a fake tree person. As much as I love the smell of fresh pine, the thought of the needles constantly shedding all over my floor stresses me out! I wouldn't be able to think of anything else!

For those who feel my pain, I have a fake tree shopping tip for you...slum it at Family Dollar. While browsing the isles for a giant bag of suckers (or lolipops as they call them here in Boston), I found a 6ft. Christmas tree for $20. If you're looking for something smaller, you can get a 4ft. tree for $10. Can't pass that up!

If Family Dollar doesn't work for you, head to Walmart where artificial trees are $25 and live Christmas trees are $35. Who said you have to go broke this Christmas!?

Target and CB2 have great ornaments to top it off. After everything's decorated, curl up with hot chocolate and a copy of The Nativity Story. Ah winter...

The Smells of Christmas

Leave it to Method to come up with great housewarming gifts just in time for all those Holiday parties.

As if the original scents weren't wonderful enough, Method's created a new line of winter-inspired aromas like toasted hazelnuts, frosted fir and winter berries. I love the Spiced Pear Bamboo Aroma Ring...I use Method rings in our bathroom and they're great at filling the whole room with gorgeous scent.

Check out the Method website for more eco-friendly Holiday scents and don't forget to grab a couple products for yourself!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know you've already made (or defrosted!) your Thanksgiving dessert but I just HAD to share this with you...

I was browsing Flickr for Thanksgiving inspiration when I came across what could be the most delicious dessert EVER!! This pumpkind gingerbread trifle was made by Jade19721 as an alternative to pumpkin pie. It definitely works for me!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

• 2 (14-ounce) packages gingerbread mix
• 1 (5.1-ounce) package cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (30-ounce) can pumpkin pie filling
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon
• 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping
• 1/2 cup gingersnaps, optional

Bake the gingerbread according to the package directions; cool completely.

Meanwhile, prepare the pudding and set aside to cool. Stir the pumpkin pie filling, sugar, and cardamom into the pudding.

Crumble 1 batch of gingerbread into the bottom of a large, pretty bowl. Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread, then add a layer of whipped topping. Repeat with the remaining gingerbread, pudding, and whipped topping.

Sprinkle the top with crushed gingersnaps, if desired. Refrigerate overnight. Trifle can be layered in a punch bowl.

Black Friday at Apt528

Stop!

Before you head out to the stores and wait in long lines for Black Friday Deals, check Amazon.com where the deals start NOW! That's right. NOW! You can also take advantage of Gold Box hourly deals featured from midnight to 11pm PST and thousands of products that are on sale for a limited time only. Click here to start shopping! Who knows, maybe you'll get the flat-screen TV you've been wanting!

In other shopping-related news, Apartment 528 now has an Amazon book store. Hosted by Amazon.com, you can check the shop to find great Apt528 recommended home decor books, including books reviewed in past Apt528 Reads posts. I tried to cover a wide range of topics from DIY to design inspiration so there should be something for everyone.


Click the Apt528 Amazon Store link (in this post and on the sidebar) to start shopping today...you might even find a few early Christmas presents for yourself!

Getting out the Pumpkins...

I'm not a big Halloween fan nor am I someone who redecorates my house for every holiday. But, there's still something super cute about Pottery Barn's Halloween-themed decor. The pumpkin candles are especially adorable and best of all, you can leave them up till Thanksgiving!

Have a spooky weekend!

White Pumpkin Candles

Vampire Teeth Placecard Holders


Spiderweb Table Runner

Merry Christmas!

So we opened our presents Friday night! In addition to getting me the cutest peep-toe houndstooth heels ever, Jerome also got me a Home Depot gift card...a man after my own heart!



Today, Saturday, I ran around the house cleaning and cooking in preperation for our first dinner guests! I love to entertain and plan things, but we've been so busy with work and fixing up the house that there's been no real time for guests. Not to mention the fact that there's been no top to our dining table.

The solution: Jerome ran out and got a 1/4" sheet of wood that we spray painted black to serve as the table top. At first we were a bit skeptical as to how it would turn out, but after seeing the paint go on, we knew we'd love it! You can see the natural grain of the wood which goes perfectly with the grain of the table. The contrast between black and silver is also nice. Eventually I'd like to do some kind of design in the middle of the table top and cover it with glass but for now this is super!

After setting the top in place, I needed to find textiles to dress the table. I'm super picky and didn't feel like spending hours at the store with all the Christmas shoppers, so instead I grabbed some scrap orange and purple fabric and got to work making my own table runners and placemats. The great thing about doing these things yourself is that you can choose what size you want things to be. I intentionally made my placemats smaller than normal because I like the look. Later, I'd like to get nicer fabric and try experimenting with different shapes.

Youz*r Tip: In a rush and don't have time to sew? Grab No-Sew hemming adhesive. Simply roll it out on the hem, iron over it for 2 seconds, fold the hem, iron again for 8 seconds, and you're done! You can find No-Sew and other brands at any craft store.




Now that dinner's over and I managed to cook a delicious pot roast that was actually edible, it's time to move on to the next project - my work area. Armed with my new gift card, you can bet I'm going to spend up a storm when I get back from Ohio! Getting that room painted is going to feel great!

I return from vacation on Friday so, until then Merry Christmas!!

Rockin' Around the Christmas Sticks

This year's trend: Christmas Sticks. Currently, I'm the only one participating in the trend, but I'm pretty sure it'll catch on eventually!

Originally, I wanted a white or silver tree with thin branches...something with a mod look to pick up on the 60's decor of the living room. After looking around, it turned out that every tree I wanted was pretty pricey. With Christmas a week away, it didn't really make sense to pay a lot of money for a tree.




Thus, the birth of Christmas sticks! We found cute ornaments that match the room and threw them on the decorative sticks that were already in the room. It's kind of funky and weird, but it wouldn't be mine if it wasn't!! I already have some matching wrapping paper or all the gifts...I can't wait to see them under the tree!