Party Etiquette

Happy New Year everyone! In this New Year, many of us have resolved to spend more time with friends and family. As the invitations start coming in to the many soirees you plan to attend in 2012, you may also want to resolve to brush up on your party etiquette as well.


1) Always RSVP.

 I have to confess, this is actually my own personal resolution for 2012. If you ever hosted a party you know how aggravating it is to plan when your guest don't indicate whether they are coming. You've got to commit. One of your friends has gone through the trouble of throwing a little shindig and has thought that you are special enough to be invited to this event. You know more or less what is happening in your life in 2 weeks and you need to respond to this gracious invite with a yes or no. Of course there may be a few exceptions, but all of these exceptions fall into the emergency situation where a prompt phone call and a perfuse apology will suffice. If you feel the need to make up a story or you are worried that your friend won't accept the excuse, then you probably don't have a good enough reason and need to suck it up and get ready to have a great time with your friends!

2) Don’t arrive too early!

Unless you are attending a wedding (you never want to be late for these) or a formal dinner party, or unless you are BFFs with the party thrower and are coming to pitch in and help, arriving early can derail your host. I once hosted a bridal shower for a friend and one of the guests who I had never in my life met showed up 45 minutes early!!! I was just about to get myself ready to great my guests so I just go her working on some last minute items.

3) Don't arrive late.

Arriving up to 15 minutes after the stated start time is what is known as fashionably late, after that you need to have warned your host in advance that you are coming later. I once had some guests of guests show up an hour after my evening soiree had ended (at 1 AM) and thought I should open up my home to them - ahem I don't think so.

4) Offer to bring something!

Your host was thoughtful enough to include you in the gathering of friends, show your appreciation with a token gift. It does not have to be expensive, just thoughtful. As boring as it may sound, everyone appreciates a bottle of wine, but you if you are feeling creative, whip up a treat for the host and present it in a new dish. Other well-appreciated options include fine tea towels or linens, a wine opener (especially at a house warming or almost always needed if it is moving day), or how about a bottle of bubbly and edible wild hibiscus flowers in syrup (a delicious treat that is always a hit).

5) Don't be a party pooper!

Your host, has really done all of the work. The food, drink and fellow guests are there for you to enjoy. It is your job to enjoy and have fun. Not too much to ask.

Any other party etiquette tips that I've missed?

Noteworthy items for the holidays

We're not always into holiday specific decor, but when we saw the Tidings table runner and pillow we had to bring them into the store.  AND ... they're on sale as part of our Christmas decor sale!

We also love the use of slate while entertaining - use the 8x8" squares as hot plates or as platters for your cheese.  And I'll always love the condiment bowls on the slate tray.

Our rectangle plates are so versatile and beautiful

 Show the world your romantic side with this Paris table runner and our billingual conversation starter placemats.

Elegant Comfort

One of our projects lately has been making over our parents home.  "Elegant comfort" is one of the words I use to describe their vision.

Here are a few great products that can help you too look great and feel comfortable.

I know I'm not the only one who has sacrificed comfort for beauty, wearing those heels that are just a bit too high for just a bit too long!  These Footzy Rolls are perfect - they come with a small drawstring bag to hold the footzy roll, and a larger one to hold your heels.  So you'll slip off your heels and not ruin your gorgeous look by limping or looking uncomfortable!  And they're only $20!

Once at home, what's more cozy than sitting in front of the fireplace - what, your house doesn't have one?  Not a problem with our gorgeous tabletop fireplace.  This takes 3 of the eco-friendly ethanol fuel - we've got those in stock for you too!

Finally, as you sit in front of your fireplace, you will want to cozy up with a gorgeous throw to help keep the "elegant" in elegant entertaining.  These blissful throws are made of bamboo and cashmere (joy is bamboo only) - we love them!  The fireplace is only $50 and the fuels are each $8.50

humanity, $99

 

joy, $49

medallion, $99

Entertaining with Casper the Ghost Chair

After a recent buying trip we were able to find you these beautiful armchairs for only $120 each

 

The arm chairs are in store now!

Stay tuned to find this Royal Loveseat in our store soon

While the arm chairs are in store now, the love seat is coming shortly.  

We also brought in for you a fantastic glass coffee table and a side table.

Come visit us soon before they're gone!

Happy 3rd Anniversary to US!

They say that time flies when you are having fun ... wow, that's an understatement. Three years of holding a retail store together we realize is no small feat. We could not accomplish this with out the support of our family, friends and loyal customers. Everyday we count our blessings and the amazing people we meet. People who meet us, start blogging about us, send business our way, give us great advice, or otherwise help us in anyway they can. We are amazed at the goodwill of our neighbours in Leslieville and beyond.

Retail is a labour of love, and all of you who support us make it very easy to love. Thank you for 3 great years and hoping that we get to enjoy many, many more.

Congratulations to the following shoppers who won prizes at our party:

Guerline C. - winner of the Bellini set from Samoras Fine Food

Kevin B. - winner of the beer tasting set

Mark F.- winner of the design book by Tom Dixon & Slate Trivet & Coaster Set from Elby Gifts

Michelle L. - winner of the Humanity Throw from Bliss Living Home

Sara T.- winner of the jewelery from Valerie Blackmann Designs

We will contact all of you individually to make arrangements on how to pick up your prize.

Linens from BlissLiving

We just received a new shipment of Linens from BlissLiving. These pictures do not do them justice. You've got to feel the fabrics and the amazing weaves on these products.

I think my favourite is the London Line of Table Linens made of 100% Linen - no out of shape placemats after the first wash!!!

We also have the coordinating throw pillows which is perfect if you have a Living/Dining Room all in one.

The subtle pop of yellow adds the element of colour without it being a crazy colour risk.

The throws from BlissLiving are just amazing. The cashmere, bamboo blends make the softest fabrics. I'm not sure if I'd ever get off the sofa after wrapping myself in one of these babies. Just in time for the season, and to remind you of what's important all through the year are the popular Joy Throws (just $50!)

Exciting Times!

We have a few new things we wanted to call your attention to:

• We're very excited to be able to offer you gift registry options! Are you getting married, having a baby, or having another special occasion for which you'd love to register at our store? We're partnered with The Gift Network, so you can come in store, peruse their site to get your choice of items from us or other local stores.
  http://www.thegiftnetwork.com/cry-if-i-want-to/
  

• We've posted pictures of some of our past events on our website - check them out here

• Ladies - join us on Wednesday October 19 for a networking event run by the City Circuit. To view their flyer go to http://cryifiwantto.com/news.php

• SAVE THE DATE: Our 3rd anniversary at 1175 Queen East is coming up! Join us on Wednesday November 9th for fun, frolic and fundraising (Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada)! Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming fun!