Holiday Cocktail Party Dresses

Although I am yet to have a Holiday Cocktail Party (most of my Holiday parties are jeans casual) I would wear any of these to a party. These dresses are for the age range of 18-30 but I would love to help find the perfect Holiday dress for any age or body type, just e-mail me at dressknoxville@gmail.com.

Dress 1. This stunning blue silk dress is a perfect tasteful Holiday dress that will get the attention you were looking for. I also think this dress would look great in a multiple of other colors.

Dress 2. This might be a new favorite dress! This black and white dress is classy and sexy at the same time. The black slims the right parts while the white highlights the best parts. This dress could also double as a work dress. This style is hot right now and available in a wide variety of price points.

Dress 3. Awwww the simple black cocktail dress, the must-have! What I liked about this one is the flowy bottom of the dress, not too tight and not too revealing. The wide straps make it more Winter appropriate and I think it would look great on almost all body types.

Dress 4. 3/4 length silk dress. This style is very popular right now and I only wish I had the legs to show it off. I thought the brown was a very different color then we have been seeing of this dress but it comes in many colors and variations. I think if you have the body for this dress then work it girl!

Dress 5. This red Holiday dress reminds me of a X-Mas package. This dress is definitely sexier but maybe you have a hot date to the party, if so, then this is your dress. It's my favorite designer and you can't go wrong with BCBG.

Dress 6. This BCBG dress is another sexy must-have!

This dress was also worn by Holly Madison at Bridget's Murder Mystery Birthday Party. It also comes in beige and white. I have to add this to my closet!

Kid's Gifts

We all know the toy department is the most visited place in the store during the Holidays, it's because that's where all of the fun is. Kid's are easy to shop for with all of the options of toys in the market. I found a few unique items to mention although you don't even need ideas, just walk through the aisles and you'll be buying a lot more items then you anticipated.

Kid's Rock Band- As if they needed encouragement to want to be in a rock band. They now make high-quality kid's instruments that are pretty durable. No guarantee what your child's ability to play the instrument is. No matter if they sound good or not it's a present most young one's will enjoy.

Bath Lego Soaps- Bath time was so much more enjoyable as a kid when you had toys. These adorable little soaps actually act like legos, so build away. Made from all natural ingredients, good thing in case they accidentially get a little hungry. Great stocking stuffer!

Tie Shirt- Little boys aren't too fond of the suit and tie, this is a great alternative. It's fun and comfortable which allows little boys to still act like little boys. I will be getting a few little boys these for Christmas.

Travel Bib- The travel bib is very important for any busy family. This travel bib comes complete with a whole package of wet wipes, fork and spoon. If only it cleaned itself!

X-Mas and Holiday Decor Items

I tend to want to purchase all new Holiday items this year of year (every year). I found some great small items that won't run me over budget since I guess I need to save some money for X-Mas presents. Christmas and Holiday decor items are also make great great gifts, especially as a hostess present for Holiday parties.

Snowflakes: These multi-shaped snowflakes are removable white decals. It will always look like it's snowing and makes for a good excuse to stay in and cozy up on the couch with a movie. Available in multiple colors and a come at a very affordable price point. These can be used all over your house, kicthen, bathroom, containers or whatever you can dream up.

Theme Napkins: I love that you can put these out earlier because of the color but are still festive. Something about cloth napkins makes everything feel more festive. These are also a simple and easy DIY project for you or the family. Just buy basic colored napkins and add any cloth cutout by stitching or fabric glue to the napkins. The options are endless. Great gift idea for a small budget.

Holiday Banner: Another great DIY project and could be created for more than just Christmas. Great to make for Birthdays and Congratulations party. I have also found count down banners for chidren, they get to take one number off each day. A great idea to make any home more cheerful.

Christmas Tree Wall Decal: If you are like me and limited on either space or money (both for me) then this is your option. This wall decals come in either one time use or reusable options. The graphic varies from where you purchase them but all are a great idea to get the tree of your dreams. Eco-friendly too :)

Dog Gifts

Now you can't tell me that you don't know a dog owner who does not give their dogs Christmas gifts? I am one of them but I know I am not alone. Dogs have become the new children, sorry but it's true. Here are some cute and some crazy gifts ideas.

Doggy Popcorn: You can admit it you like to share your popcorn with your pooch during a good movie night. Now you don't have to share and they can have their own. I haven't tried it yet on my dog but mine will eat anything. All natural and doggy safe. Check it out!

Fashion Dog Collars: Always a safe bet for your dog or for any dog lover. These are handmade and in limited numbers, no dog wants to be caught wearing the same collar as another. DUH! I prefer to have girly collars so no one asks, "What's his name?" Always a plus if they match my outfit too.

Doggy Treat Machine: So adorable and easy that Fido can now treat himself. Fill with their favorite treat, show him a couple times how to get the treats and he will be emptying the machine in no time. You may need to switch to low-fat treats after this gift.

Doggy Pajamas: Everyone I know gets pajamas for Christmas, now it's Fido's turn. These cute night time outfits will keep your pet nice and warm all night long (that's if they will keep it on). I know it's crazy but it's so cute I had to post it.

Dog closet: Okay, I admit I would never buy this but I found it and couldn't not post it. This is an actual dog closet to hang all of your dog's clothes. Who would have thought of it? Okay, I know some people who might actually use this. They also sell the hangers separately.

If you would like more information on any of the items posted or to use me as a personal shopping, e-mail me at dressknoxville@gmail.com.

Geekery Gifts

We all know and love at least one geek. I happen to know too many. Here are some ideas I have added to my X-Mas shopping list for my nerds.

Left Laptop Screens: Since laptops are the new accessory, you can't let your geek be without their laptop skins, why that would just make their laptops naked. Laptop skins come in all types of designs and can be purchased all over the internet now. No more ghetto bumper stickers on the precious laptop.

Right Retro Webcam: This ultra fun webcam is a great gift for anyone but especially those computer nerds. Perfect for photos, online chatting and even (for some) online dating. I don't consider myself a computer nerd but I am adding this to my wishlist.

Left USB fan: Maybe I just love this because it's cute and little. This small actual working fan is perfect for those long and hot days in the cubicle. I am not so sure how powerful the fan is but I like it anyway. Just stocking stuffer or filler gift.

Right Oprah's Favorite Things, The Kindle: I saw this on Oprah today and now I can't stop thinking about it. It is a digital book, but not your typical book. Selling points: completely wireless allowing book downloads anywhere, store up to 200 books on one memory card, includes dictionary to look up words, no more carrying heavy books around, even allows newspapers and magazines to be downloaded and lifetime backup storage on amazon.com. Not quiet stocking stuffer price but totally worth the money.

Gifts To Always Keep On Hand

I hate it when I have the impromtu birthday invitation or housewarming party. I like to keep items on hand for when those last minute parties come up and you should too.

Left: One idea is the handy dandy notebook. Everyone needs a notebook and it can be very uni-sex and can be for most occassions. I like to purchase handmade notebooks from local artists when I travel and they I have a story of where they came from to my recipient.

Right: Purchase in bulk! You can buy gifts in bulk (example- olive oil) then create custom gift tags to say "With Love from Henry and Sandie" and use them all year long as gifts. These are truly personalized and who knows your recipient just may steal your gift idea.

Left: Candles for all occassions. The picture I have is a candle made to look like beer, but you could go more traditional. Candles are good because they last forever in your closet (for those who don't get too many party invites) and can be given to men or women and are a great warm thoughtful gift.

Right: Pampering gifts can never go wrong. Keep a goody basket of lotions, soaps, oils, body scrubs, and other bath essentials on hand to give as a gift for a female in need of relaxing. Side note: If you need to relax you can gift it to yourself (I have never done that :).

Books Make Great Gifts

LEFT: All About Us By Phillip Keel

This is the perfect book for any two-some. The book asks questions and allows the couple to each answer their perspective of the question. All About Us will help you and your partner discover more about yourselves and each other than you ever imagined possible. Great for road trips or just a night at home.

RIGHT: Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield

What is the best way to describe your feelings towards someone? But of course... a mix tape. This book is a tribute to love and the correlation to the infamous mix tape. The good, the bad, and the ones you never want to hear again. Not your typical gift, this gift is love...

LEFT: Too old for myspace, too young for Medicare by Alan Corcoran

I think the title pretty much describes the book. Please do not give to anyone easily offended.

RIGHT: The Three-Martini Playdate: A Practical Guide to Happy Parenting by C.S. Mellor

I have purchased this book for a few new parents and they raved how great this book is. New parents would rather die then get another "parenting book" but this one is the exception.

LEFT: I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris

Amy Sedaris has finally perfected the ultimate entertaining book. This is a must have gift for newly weds, house warming and pick one up for yourself. Her photos, recipes, craft ideas and comments will have you laughing on the floor.