Holiday Party Survival with Dove

Over the weekend I hosted a holiday party for my friends. As much as I love hosting parties and try to get as much prep done as I can, the morning of is always a bit chaotic. The combination of a 400° oven that's been on since 8 a.m. while rushing around getting the house and myself ready is more than enough to make me break out in a sweat, and the last thing I want to worry about when I'm greeting my guests is whether or not my deodorant is holding up!

For this occasion, Dove invited me to try their new Dry Spray Antiperspirant. Like the name implies, when you spray it on it dries instantly. I was truly impressed by this, as I've never found that quality in a spray deodorant before; I could just shake, spray and go! Perfect because I just barely made it into my dress and heels before guests started to arrive. In the past I've loved Dove's products for their signature 1/4 moisturizing technology and the Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant is no different, my skin feels so soft and dry after using it.

Dove promises 48 hours of odor and wetness protection, and while I didn't do a full two day experiment, I can honestly say that by the time I saw my last guest off and finished my party clean up, I was still feeling fresh. Big goodbye hugs for everyone! And yes, it is 100% little black dress approved. Not a single white mark to be seen! I even tested it by spraying directly on a black tee I was going to be laundering anyway, and the spray was completely clear. Having spent too many occasions with my arms awkwardly down, Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant is officially part of my holiday party survival kit.

Having hosted a successful soiree, here are my tips to having a top notch party:

• Make sure you've got a detailed list of all the food you are serving and go over it once before the party starts and one more time during - completely forgetting about an appetizer in the fridge or leaving a cheese off the cheese plate is no fun.
• When entertaining in close quarters, try to stick to appetizers and finger foods, if some of your guests will have standing room only, they will appreciate being able to easily eat, hold on to their drink and still be able to mingle.
• Plan at least a few party games, especially if your guest don't all know each other. I planned a Yankee Swap where I bought all the gifts so there were no hard feelings and it was a lot of fun. Other party hits are Apples to Apples and Taboo.
• Use Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant to get ready in a flash and feel fresh all night.

Happy Hosting!

    

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Recipe: Thyme Cranberry Sparklers

This week is all about the holidays! Today I'm sharing a delightful cocktail which is about as festive as they come. A cranberry-ginger simple syrup gives it the gorgeous red color, and other than making the syrup, it's pretty easy to put together. The thyme liqueur is a really unique spirit and might be tricky to come by, but so worth it. Here is what you need to mix it up:

2 oz Mt Gay Gold Rum
3/4 oz Giffard Thym Liqueur
1 oz Cranberry-Ginger Syrup
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Pinch of Ground Nutmeg
Pinch of Ground Cinnamon

Shaken, strained into flute, topped with:
1 oz Sparkling Apple Cider

Garnish with cranberries and sprigs of thyme. (Get extra fancy - make sugared cranberries)

To make the Cranberry-Ginger Syrup, simply add one cup of water, one cup of sugar, a piece of ginger (about an inch) and a handful of cranberries to a small pot. Simmer until all the berries have burst and it's a bright red color. Strain out the berries and ginger.

**This is a festive variation of the classic Daiquiri Cocktail (Rum, sugar, lime)

   

 

Thyme Cranberry Sparklers

By Chic on the Cheap

Thyme Cranberry Sparkling Cocktails, a festive holiday drink

Prep time: 5 Minutes, Cook time: 2 Minutes, Total time: 7 Minutes
Yield: 1 Drink

Ingredients:
2 oz Mt Gay Gold Rum
3/4 oz Giffard Thym Liqueur
1 oz Cranberry-Ginger Syrup
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Pinch of Ground Nutmeg
Pinch of Ground Cinnamon
1 oz Sparkling Apple Cider
Optional Garnish of Thyme Sprigs and Sugared Cranberries

Instructions:

Combine first 6 ingredients in shaker, strain into flute

Top with sparkling apple cider

Add garnishes

Wish List 2016

While I got all my gift guides up pretty early this year, I've been lingering on my own wish list post. A few things I "need", a few things for fun. I haven't had a pair of brown riding boots since 2011 when my last pair turned out to be so painful to wear I tossed them out and haven't looked back until now. I find myself craving the simplicity of the knee high boot and not needing to bother with the cuffing and fuss of booties.

I also really want the gold Suz Somersall necklace, which I've been wanting since 2014 I believe, and the Clip Clip Spoon. I'm not sure why I'm so infatuated with it, perhaps because it's gold, perhaps because I appreciate a clever design (no more open coffee bags or searching for your scoop!) or perhaps I've just lost my mind. But ask Sean and he will tell you I talk about the spoon daily.

I was also searching for a new planter for one of my house plants that is looking quite sad these days, and happened up the cute lady face planter on Etsy - isn't it just the sweetest thing?

Okay, last weekend before Christmas - time to really get stuff done!

Rebecca Minkoff Velvet Bag, $275 at Shopbop
Theory Asymmetrical Fringe Sweater, $150 at TJMaxx
Hay Clip Clip Spoon, $10 at MoMA Store
Badala Necklace, $88 at Suz Somersall
Coach Easton Boot, $160 at Nordstrom
Footed Planter with Lady's Face, $24 at Etsy