Holiday Entertaining

More than any other holiday, Christmas is the time of year celebrated by adorning our homes with themes of the season: Twinkling lights, a Christmas tree, festive wreaths and decorations passed down for generations are lovingly displayed to mark this festive time of year.  I love the idea of carrying this same holiday spirit into the dining room by dressing the table with holiday-themed platters, linens, wine glasses and dinnerware. You can go all out and invest in place settings for each guest, or you can choose a pattern and add to it year after year for a more budget-conscious way of collecting. Whatever you choose, your home will be a warm and welcoming place for your guests, and a place to celebrate year after year.

Shop our Holiday Shop

Top Holiday Dress Picks

The magic of Christmas Eve isn't lost on adults, and I'm certainly not one to pass up an opportunity to dress up. Actually, between holiday parties, Christmas itself and New Year's Eve celebrations, the month of December offers many opportunities to break out the lace, sequins, velvet and tulle, not to mention the accompanying shoes and accessories. I'll cop to having a few favorite looks, and I've featured some of them below.

Another option, though, is to invest in a flattering little black dress. Find one that makes you feel like a million bucks, accessorize it differently for each event – add an embellished cardigan! Add a beautiful wrap! Add stunning, statement jewelry! - and you've got a budget-conscious look that will take you through the season in style. Enjoy… and Happy Holidays!

Ultimate Sugar Cookies, a recipe from KitchenAid®!

Whether you're whipping up a batch of cookies for your child's class, or making dozens upon dozens for the annual exchange, baking tends to go more smoothly with the proper tools. And anyone who's ever used one will tell you that the KitchenAid Artisan mixer is the gold standard in kitchen appliances. Treat yourself before the holidays (you deserve it! And it helps with the baking, which means that everyone wins!), or put one on your wish list. I promise you'll be glad you did!

Ultimate Sugar Cookies (© KitchenAid Best-Loved Recipes Cookbook – page 124)

1 cup Butter, Softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all –purpose flour
Makes 4 dozen cookies

1.  Place butter and vanilla in bowl of KitchenAid stand mixer. Turn mixer to medium and beat about 2 minutes or until mixture is smooth. Gradually add sugar and beat about 2 minutes longer. Add eggs and beat about 30 seconds more. Stop and scrape bowl.
2.  Turn mixer to low. Gradually add cream of tartar, baking soda, nutmeg, salt and flour to sugar mixture. Mix until blended, about 1 minute.
3.  Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto greased baking sheets about 3 inches apart. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from baking sheets immediately and cool on wire racks
4.  Once cookies are completely cool, decorate with your favorite frosting and holiday sprinkles.

Cyber Monday? Try Cyber Tuesday!

Lucky you – we’ve extended the Cyber Monday shopping bonanza!  Click through and shop our too-good-to-be-true, online-only Bonus Buys. You can also use your 25% off savings pass on a great selection of already-reduced items. And to top it off, we’re offering free shipping! If you missed it yesterday, now’s the time to take advantage of incredible pre-holiday deals. Happy shopping!

Bonus Buys priced so low, additional discounts do not apply.

Cyber Monday Cosmetics Gift

Today, online only, you will receive a FREE 12-pc. sampler with any beauty or fragrance purchase of $99 or more. This set includes:

• Estée Lauder Pleasures Eau Fraiche deluxe spray
• StriVectin Tightening Face Serum deluxe sample (1 week supply)
• Clinique Happy deluxe spray
• Elizabeth Arden Red Door Aura sample
• Dahlia Noir sample
• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Men's sample
• CK Encounter Men's sample
• Burberry Brit Sheer Eau De Toilette deluxe sample
• Dazzle by Paris Hilton sample
• Ed Hardy Villain Women sample
• Ed Hardy Villain Men sample
• Black cosmetics bag

Available while supplies last; limit one per customer.

Cyber Monday Begins Now!

Grab a cup of coffee and your credit cards, online shoppers, because today is your day! Settle in and check out our awesome assortment of gift ideas and deals for you, for your family and for your home. And remember, these offers are available for a limited time only, so shop early!

Black Friday Superstars

Rise and shine! Hopefully you've done your carb-loading and had a protein bar, because today is the day to make a huge dent in your holiday shopping list! Our Black Friday sale is stocked with amazing deals and great gift ideas for everyone on your list. Here are just a few of our favorites:

$20 off Juniors’ Jeans So many cuts, styles, patterns and colors to choose from! But don’t let that intimidate you. Check out our Silver Jeans Co.® guide

49.97 Ukala by EMU Boots Old Man Winter can show us his worst, but with these wool-lined Ukala boots by EMU, your feet will be toasty even on the coldest days. In Ladies’ and Girls’ sizes.

Door Buster: 21.97 Fiesta® Dinnerware 5-pc. place settings, plus Fiesta accessories up to 50% off Each 5-pc. place setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup and saucer. Want to add a holiday touch to your table? The shamrock, scarlet and ivory colors compliment the season perfectly.

Up to 45% off Drip Coffeemakers & Accessories Why splurge on a gourmet coffee from a corporate coffee shop when you can brew a better, richer tasting cup at home? Treat the coffee lover in your life to a coffeemaker that has features like single-serve options, a timer or one with a built-in grinder for an unbelievably fresh-tasting brew! Don't forget the coffee and accessories to complete the gift.

Door Buster: 19.97 any size LivingQuarters reversible Down-Alternative Comforter Give the gift of warmth this season with our ultra-soft and warm down-alternative comforters!  Available in a variety of colors and patterns, you are sure to find one (or two) just perfect for someone on your list.

79.97 Olympus VG-160 14MP Digital Camera with Accessories The perfect way to capture memories through the holiday season and beyond. Bundle includes everything needed to take breathtaking photos right out of the box.

Door Buster: Hand & Stand Mixers from top brands at prices too low to advertise The right tools make holiday baking a breeze, whether you’re baking for your family, or for a company cookie exchange.

Shop our entire Black Friday sale here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Turkey and Football Day! Obviously you're reading this because you've snuck away from the family chaos for three minutes of alone time before dessert. And I can understand that. I will even reward that. If you look around the site, you'll see that we're offering all of our Black Friday deals one day early. ALL of them. Including a phenomenal up to 70% off selected outerwear offer that you can take advantage of TODAY! So go get your credit card and do a little early shopping. There's still time before the pie is served and best of all, you'll get to sleep in tomorrow. Here's to great deals and Happy Holidays for all!

A Stocked Kitchen Means a Happier Holiday

No matter what your job, things always turn out better when you use the proper tools. Sure, talent and skill play a part, but just try to cut a tomato with a dull knife – it doesn't work, and it's dangerous, to boot. Holiday time means a lot of time spent in the kitchen, preparing those meals that are sentimental favorites, or those exciting new dishes you hope to add to the holiday menu. I invite you to shop our selection of cooking tools designed to make your holiday food prep a breeze. From thermometers and basters to timers and roasting pans, we have what you need to stock your kitchen, and make easy work for you and your family. Cheers, and happy holidays!

Deal of the Day: 4-Piece Luggage Set from American Tourister®

Holiday time means traveling to destinations near and far. Go in style with today's Deal of the Day: The American Tourister Fieldbrook 4-piece luggage set. It includes a boarding bag, wheeled duffel bag, 21" upright and 25" upright. And it’s a steal for just $59.97! (Reg. $200.)

Packing tip: Shoes add a lot of weight to your luggage. Be brutally honest with yourself and pack only what you’re really, really sure you’ll need. Odds are, you won’t be invited to a formal event, so it’s okay to leave the 4-inch embellished pumps at home. Here’s to safe, hassle-free travels this season!

Deals of the Day priced so low, additional discounts do not apply. Offer available online only.

Timeless Beauty: Estée Lauder + Michael Kors

A most stylish collaboration! Starting today you can purchase a signature Michael Kors cosmetics case filled with shades hand-picked for their modern, yet timeless, style. The bag includes a blush, lipstick, lip gloss, eyeliner, nail lacquer and mascara and it’s yours for only 38.50 with any Estee Lauder fragrance purchase.

If you don’t already have a favorite Estée Lauder fragrance, allow me to suggest Estée Lauder Beautiful.  It’s a light floral that takes me back to warm summer days without being too heavy. Available while supplies last; limit one per customer.

Setting a Formal Table

Our friends at Lenox® have shared this great step-by-step video on how to properly set a formal table.  If you’re curious, take a peek!

Sweater Dresses

Versatile, comfortable and totally on-trend, sweater dresses are a great wear-to-work option. Pair one with leggings and tall boots for a more casual look, or add tights and booties for an updated alternative to a basic dress. And with an incredible variety of colors, patterns, necklines, sleeve lengths and silhouettes, there’s surely something for every sensibility, fashion aesthetic and body.

Interested? I invite you to shop online from Thursday, November 15 through Saturday, November 17 and get 50% off a fantastic selection of sweater dresses! Browse our selection; I think you’ll like what you see!

Introducing … Bodum!

I’m pleased to introduce Bodum®, an exciting family-owned Scandinavian housewares brand focused on quality, innovation and functionality. Offering everything from coffeemakers, French presses, toasters, drinkware and much more, each piece is designed for ease of use: Their products are so simple, they say, that a monkey could use them! Now, I’d certainly never dream of comparing you to a chimp, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with seeking out sleek designs and fun colors when it comes to kitchen tools and entertaining essentials. Making them easy to use is just icing on the cake! Take a look at our selection and make your kitchen tasks (and this year’s holiday food prep) a snap!

Deal of the Day: Men’s Calvin Klein Winter Jacket

Staying warm and looking fantastic go hand in hand with this stylish Calvin Klein Men's Black Ripstop Jacket. It features a fleece bib and lining for added warmth, lots of convenient pockets and a stand-up collar to keep the wind at bay. The best part? It's today's Deal of the Day and it’s on sale for 70% off!

Sorry, Deals of the Day priced so low, additional discounts do not apply. Offer available online only.

Introducing Jordin Sparks’ Ambition

Ambition, the exciting new fragrance from American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, is exclusively ours!  Designed with her fans in mind, Jordin is proud of her work helping to create this beautifully unique scent, which reflects her desire to accomplish her dreams. Experience it for yourself!

Holiday Shopping Style Showdown - Enter to Win a $50 Gift Card!

The holidays are just around the corner and everyone has their own way of searching for great deals.  Do you shop online, in-store, wait in lines on Black Friday or wait for Cyber Monday?  Now through November 26, you can vote for your favorite holiday shopping style on Facebook and be entered to win a $50 gift card!  Check back each week for a new chance to vote and win!

Visit your preferred store’s Facebook page and get started today:

Bon-Ton
Carson's
Boston Store
Bergner's
Herberger's
Elder-Beerman
Younkers

" … Make every day a beautiful day."

A celebrated food writer, editor and lifestyle expert, Sophie Conran believes in enjoying every moment and creating a beautiful world around you inspired by warmth, simplicity and love. It is in this spirit that Sophie collaborated with Pormeirion® to create a lovely dinnerware collection, Sophie Conran for Portmeirion®.  Each piece in the collection goes from oven-to-table and features ripples and curves that echo those of a potter's hand. Durable, yet delicate to the touch, and with a contemporary design that also feels earthy and organic, it is no wonder that this pattern has been a hit with wedding registrants. And we’re thrilled to introduce a brand new color within the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion® family: Mulberry. Whether you’re updating your home in preparation for holiday entertaining, or registering for your wedding gifts, the Sophie Conran collection may well be the choice for you!

Meet EMU

Winter is on its way and I invite you to experience the softness, comfort and durability of authentic EMU Australian sheepskin boots. Between you and me, I wasn’t an immediate fan of the sheepskin boot look. Once I tried them, though, I quickly realized what the hype was about: The thick, soft lining, giving the boot more structure, the ergonomic sheepskin-lined insole, the tough rubber outsole with soft EVA inset, and the increased fit and support. The bottom line, though, is that as someone who lives in the northern part of the country, I appreciate that they’re warm, waterproof, and able to stand up to extreme weather. If you’ve tried EMUs before, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, well, what can I say to persuade you? Try a pair for yourself. I promise you’ll be a convert.

Window Treatments

So important, but so often overlooked, the window treatments in your home add interest to your room design and offer functionality, too. Draperies, blinds, decorative shades, hardware... It all adds up to beautify your home on the inside and maintain privacy from the outside. So whether you’re renovating your entire home or simply freshening your space, click through our selection of window treatments and hardware. I think you’ll like what you see!

Deal of the Day: 70% off Select Jeanne Pierre® Sweaters!

Welcome to cozy sweater season!  Stay warm in one of these beautiful cableknit sweaters from Jeanne Pierre - 70% off today only. (It’s today’s Deal of the Day!)

Deals of the Day priced so low, additional discounts do not apply. Offer available online only.

Estée Lauder Ultimate Color Collection

Be your own makeup artist with the Estée Lauder Ultimate Color Collection! This holiday favorite is yours for only 58.50 with any Estée Lauder fragrance purchase. Your kit includes 24 gorgeous colors, a full-size Sumptuous Extreme Mascara, brushes and much more, as well as a sleek Beauty Wallet with interchangeable eye and cheek palettes. You’ll also get helpful look cards illustrating just how to recreate both subtle and statement looks, and the entire collection is contained within an elegant SlimCase Traveler. A $340 value. Limit one per customer; available while supplies last.

Bunn My Café®: November’s Gift with Registry!

I am so excited to introduce November's "gift with registry", Bunn's My Café single-serve pod brewer, a $199 value!  It's a single-serve brewer that utilizes pods to produce great-tasting coffee and tea, one cup at a time. Some of the features include:  A stainless steel hot water tank to keep water at the right temperature to brew without bitterness, a pulse brew option to brew a bolder cup of coffee or tea, and it is compatible with hundreds of coffee and tea pods + tea bags!  If there are wedding bells in your future and you have not created a registry with us yet, what are you waiting for?  Register now. We’re ready with a thank-you gift when you do!

Cashmere

Soft, classic and so elegant, cashmere sweaters are a great go-to when you need instant style. The array of colors is beyond impressive, and the variety of silhouettes means that there’s something to go with every look, from casual to dressed up. And with so many grades and blends to choose from, there’s something for every budget, too.

Whether you’re thinking ahead to gift-giving time, or simply shopping for yourself, a cashmere sweater is the perfect purchase. Better yet, a “One to Give, One for Me” approach easily justifies the purchase of two. Happy shopping!