Raindrops on roses
And whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings…

With all the gift giving coming up, we thought it would be fun to gather with friends and celebrate our favorite things. Little treats and splurges that make our lives wonderful. Each guest was invited to bring ONE of their favorite items, priced under $20 and wrapped up nicely, to share in a gift exchange.

We enjoyed crisp Belgian waffles with fresh fruit and flavored syrups. Hot tea with cold cream and pomegranate mimosas. And of course, each other’s company!

What would you bring?

Soaps, teas, facial oils, sparkling wine, incense, crystal balls, good books, cozy socks? Cream-colored ponies, warm mittens, lively houseplants, scented candles?

Here are some treats shared by our friends:

To Sip & Savor:

• A big mug to savor your favorite tea, coffee, or as one guest likes to use hers for: CEREAL! {“You’ve never had cereal until you’ve eaten it out of a mug.” –Lori} These bubble mugs are from Polish Pottery, one of our friend Andrea’s go-to stores for gift giving. Check to see if you have a store local to you, or you can purchase online.

• Roasted rosemary cashews, purchased from a local deli (although you could certainly make your favorite treat!) {Nancy brings these to any special gathering for an unexpected treat.}
• Gourmet chocolate bars from ethical sources, like Askinosie Chocolate in Springfield, MO {I love that they pay fair wages and don’t exploit children. –Lyndsey}
• Cocktail ingredients, including Luxardo cherries and Bittermilk No.3 Smoked Honey Whiskey Sour Cocktail Mix {All you need to add is some Jameson. –Miriam}
• Favorite teas like Harney and Sons Tea – Hot Cinnamon Spice {I love this flavor so much I buy it in bulk! –Erica}

• Gift cards to your favorite coffee shop {You gotta love coffee! –Missy}
• And a Milk Frother to take your drinks to the extra level! {“They don’t seem like much, but they are the BEST things to have! –Christa}

For the Home

• Iridescent Votive Candle Holders {I’m so obsessed with opal glass right now. –Stephanie}
• Fairy Lights & battery operated tea lights {So your house can feel hygge all the time. –Stephanie}
• Houseplants! {Specifically, a split philodendron} {“Can you have too many plants?” –Alex}
• Bottle Brush Trees {“I’m obsessed! I have these for all seasons. –Ricci}

For pampering your pretty self

• No slip ankle socks from Banana Republic {These REALLY WORK! –Linda}
• Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm – Hibiscus {“Perfect for people who don’t wear lipstick but still love a little color! — Avery}

• InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum {It’s like sleeping with orange juice on your face. –Nicole B}
• Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera {Great for all-year round! –Avery}

For the hostess with the mostess

• Baking supplies! Pretty paper likers, cookie cutters, and of course SPRINKLES. {Baking and coffee are pretty much some of my favorite things! — Missy}
• Paper Notebooks by Rifle Paper Co. {I always know my thoughts are in there somewhere! –Maureen}
• The Literary Witches Oracle Cards {“These are great for when you are about to start a new project.” — Nicole C}

So next question…what are some of your favorite non-thing things?

• Reading by firelight
• Late night dinner with friends
• Sunny autumn walks
• Skipping work to have tea (and mimosas) with friends
• Breaking out the holiday decorations each year
• Looking through old photos
• A well-loved cookbook and making recipes from it
• Doing something creative
• Working on a jigsaw puzzle
• A long hot bath
• Going to the movies
• The smell of brownies baking
• Driving around looking at Christmas lights
• Warm towels out of the dryer

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