Hostess with the Mostess:  An English Garden Raleigh Event

As we prepare for the upcoming holiday season, there is a lot to consider far beyond the tasty trimmings for delicate palates.  Not only do we all desire the dining room tables to be enticingly beautiful, but there is so much more involved and making that first impression begins the moment your guests make their initial presence. 

You have more than likely already tidied your home or have that on your lengthy to-do list before your guests arrive, along with garnishing your table with your most cherished china, but have you really thought about the intricate details that leave a permanent memory?  

In efforts to make you the most amazing Hostess with the Mostess and give your guests a memorable experience, I’ve teamed up with a few local businesses to ensure that you are holiday ready.

The English Garden Raleigh is a beautifully extracted family-owned business that uses floral art to capture the heart of their customers.  Not only is the English Garden Raleigh a full-service florist, but they also provide affordable gifts within their retail shop that are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.  And their once-a-month design classes... well, that just tops it all!

Floral arrangements are sure to set the stage for a grand event.  Thanks to English Garden Raleigh, there are a few lovely ladies who now know how to twist a Lilly, curl a Tea Leaf and construct a variety of gorgeous flowers into a Thanksgiving showpiece.  

And as Dan George once said, "May the flowers fill your heart with beauty"... and your home too!

Just look at some of these center stage floral arrangements that will be the talk of many Turkey gatherings this holiday season!

So if you were not able to attend the floral design class at the English Garden Raleigh, don't fret, there will be plenty of other ones for you to join!  Find them on Instagram {@englishgardenraleigh} and Facebook for upcoming events.  

In the meantime, go grab an empty vase, a few maple leaves, monkey grass, berries, a sunflower, stems of that gorgeous mum you bought, and any other beautiful flower you can get your hands on.  Start constructing your Autumn masterpiece and be sure to spread those beauties around your home to set the stage for a memorable Thanksgiving Dinner.  

We all know the Hostess has a lot to prepare for, but the guests are just as important!  To all you planning to show up for the party, it is strongly recommended to shower your best hostess with a delightful gift that he/she can enjoy for days to come.  Mary Phillips Designs offers the most superb gifts that are guaranteed to entertain and create witty conversation.  Mary Phillips, is a local, artistic designer who started her career within the walls of a small art gallery.  Her dream expanded as she started creating handmade greeting cards that were later transformed into more.  After 16 years in business, she now offers a line of classic designs across the Triangle and her products have been extended to other retailers within the US and Canada.  Her wine glasses, greeting cards, cocktail napkins, coozies, and more are the perfect hostess gift if you want a unique piece that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.  After all, who doesn't love the perfect gift with the right dose of attitude?  Check her out via www.maryphillipsdesigns.com or visit one of the local retailers to get your hands on some of these stunning items... and go grab a few napkins to make for an even more entertaining gathering!

And for all parties attending the big gathering, you not only need to look and feel your best, but definitely come smelling it too!  The featured fragrances from Jo Malone London are guaranteed to knock your socks off and be sure to leave an airy aroma as you mingle with your beloved friends and family.  

Jo Malone fragrances and candles are absolutely amazing as they offer variety and a unique consistency.  The beauty of the product is that you can create your own fragrance by combining any of the pieces together, without being left with an overwhelming blend of scents.  The ingredients of each Jo Malone fragrance is mixed with natural undertones and only includes 100-150 ingredients, unlike many other major fragrance brands that usually consist of 1000+ elements.  

The sweet essence of Jo Malone will not disappoint and I can assure you of that!  Head on over to Belk at Crabtree and let Fragrance Stylist, Leon know I sent you! 

I think that covers the basics.  Prep your tidy home with fresh flowers [visit The English Garden], bring a Mary Phillips Designs hostess gift, and smell amazing with Jo Malone. Well now that you're ready, go put your Hostess skills to the test, set the stage for an amazing time with friends and family, and dig deep into that delicious Turkey!

To my dearest friends at the English Garden Raleigh, thank you for the opportunity to experience such a whimsical evening and for your thoughtfulness in letting me capture the details.  This has been an amazing adventure.