December is here and we’ve begun decking the halls. Our Christmas tree is bright, we have a wreath on our front door and I’ve been playing Christmas music all weekend long. I just can’t get enough! With the holiday season in full swing I can’t wait to celebrate with family and friends, buy presents for loved ones from my favorite shops and spend the weekends watching movies and addressing our holiday cards. With a new month upon us let’s welcome two new fabulous sponsors – Leah Alexandra, a stunning jewelry line, Frances Lane, an event rental studio that has jaw-dropping tabletop items and Tug Tug SF, a kids shop that is utterly adorable. This week the 2013 holiday gift guides will continue. Be sure to check out the first few in case you missed them: Gift Guide: For Her Gift Guide: For the Littles Gift Guide: For Him Gift Guide: Small Shops I hope all of you have a wonderful and festive first week of December! Photo by Caitlin Flemming #lifestyle

This year, Treetopia reached out about testing their artificial Christmas trees. I have to me honest – we’ve always bought a real tree, but last year ours died so quickly that we had to buy a second. So, we decided to give it a whirl and picked out the Addison Spruce tree. What could we lose? Friends, we were shocked with how beautiful this tree is. Plus, with the lights already on it we didn’t have to deal with doing them one or two times over . . . it was always a challenge for us. My other favorite part, when you needed a branch to go one way or another you can just move it and you fill in a hole where you want to place the favorite ornament. It was amazing! Once we decorated it with out antique silver ornaments it felt just like a tree out of the lot. We placed our faux fur tree skirt underneath and wrapped a few presents that had already been purchased in Smock Paper (my favorite). I’ve never been more ahead of the game before – this is definitely a first! I even  bought a bit of greenery to go around the house and voila, we have the scent of the tree. If you’ve ever been on the fence to go real or artificial – take it from me, these are beautiful, you don’t have to worry about watering it, and once you get your family ornaments up on the tree, it’ll feel just like every other year. So take the plunge if you’ve thought about it! We are loving it! This post is brought to you by Treetopia. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. Photos by Claire Giffen #lifestyle

It’s time to take part in Small Shop, a movement to celebrate small businesses. I’m all about supporting small shops – yes it’s easier to go to the big stores to get everything in one fell swoop, but there is something so intimate about shopping at a boutique where they remember your name or a small online shop that you’ve been supporting for years. That’s why I wanted to put together a gift guide to support a few online shops that I love and go to all the time. They are truly my tried and trues! So, if you aren’t going out to support your local small shop this Saturday, be sure to pop over to one of these. I promise they won’t disappoint! 1.) Rebecca Atwood – Dot Artwork 2.) Freda Salvador – Star Boot (30% off all boots Monday in store and online) 3.) Blueprint Modern - Russell + Hazel One Day at a Time Stationary (30% off + free shipping with code SHOPEARLY) 4.) Furbish Studio - Gold Coaster Set 5.) Mille – Kathleen Whitaker x Samantha Grinsdale Clutch (25% off orders over $150 through Sunday with code Turkey2013) 6.) Design Darling - Gold Tassel Key Chain (20% off all purchases with code THANKS) 7.) Erica Tanov - Bringing Home Nature Book 8.) Furbish Studio - Herringbone Throw 9.) Design Darling – Coil Rope Bowl (20% off all purchases with code THANKS) 10.) Erica Tanov – Black Suede Tote 11.) Freda Salvador – Change Loafer 12.) Margaret Elizabeth – Black Druzy Teardrop Bangle (25% off storewide with code MEcyber25) 13.) Margaret Elizabeth – Smokey Quartz Cushion Cut Ring (25% off storewide with code MEcyber25) 14.) Blueprint Modern – Pehr Designs Cotton Storage Hamper (30% off + free shipping with code SHOPEARLY) 15.) Mille – Karina Bania: The Hour Grows Canvas (25% off orders over $150 through Sunday with code Turkey2013) 16.) Rebecca Atwood – Wave Pillow Be sure to also check my other gift guides: Gift Guide: For Her Gift Guide: For the Littles Gift Guide: For Him And lastly, my guide to all of the amazing sales going on this weekend! #lifestyle

Every holiday season I find it incredibly hard to shop for the men in my life. I’m always looking for that awesome gift that is unique and will blow them away. But year after year I’ve realized that sticking to the basics and getting them a few gifts they would never purchase themselves is the way to go. Add in some quirky things, like this Bacon Money Clip or The Godfather Family Album and you’ll be good to go. These are they items I’ve found for the men in my family this year! 1.) Jack Spade Windowpane Flannel iPhone Case 2.) Jack Spade Buckner 42mm Watch 3.) J.Crew Cashmere Plaid Scarf 4.) Mark & Graham Homme Square Cufflinks 5.) J.Crew Fair Isle Camp Socks 6.) Jack Spade Mason Leather Messenger Bag 7.) Powerbeats by Dr. Dre In-Ear Headphones 8.) Taschen The Godfather Family Album 9.) Mark & Graham Leather Wrapped Cocktail Shaker 10.) Jack Ruby Tonic 11.) J.Crew Wool Cable Cardigan 12.) Lexon Mini Dolmen Radio 13.) The Coin (this is AMAZING!!) 14.) The Man Can 15.) Baxter of CA Shaving Kit 16.) Jack Spade Bacon Money Clip 17.) J.Crew Trapper Hat Have you found any gifts for the men in your family? I’d love to know – I have a few more to shop for this season. Below are more items I’ve come across that I love – including a beer chiller. Now what man wouldn’t want that on football Sunday? Be sure to also check my other gift guides: Gift Guide: For Her Gift Guide: For the Littles #lifestyle

Putting this gift guide together was probably the most fun I’ve had sourcing. Why are things so much cuter when they are small? I now know that when we do have kids I will be broke because I will want everything. It took a lot of will power to make this gift guide so small – check out more of my favorites below in the shopping widget. Some of these items I may have bought for friends and family members that have kids . . . I have no will power! When I search for items for kids, either for my clients, or for gifts, I always think about items that are timeless – I never look at trendy items. You can never go wrong with animal bookends or a Sophie teether that most moms swear by. For clothes, I tend to gravitate towards neutrals (surprise?). And lastly, you can’t go wrong with wooden toys like the race car above. I hope this helps you with your christmas shopping for the littles in your family or for your friends cuties that you can’t resist purchasing gifts for during the holidays. I certainly got into a bit of trouble putting this one together! 1.) Oeuf Knit Wild Things Crown 2.) White Elephant Menagerie Bookend 3.) Girls’ Stadium-Cloth Box Coat 4.) Pkolino Art Easel in White 5.) Gap Bear Cozy Hat 6.) Polaroid for J.Crew Colorblock Earbuds 7.) Maileg Baby Girl Mouse in Matchbox 8.) Petunia Houndstooth Long Sleeve Onesie 9.) Sophie La Girafe Teether 10.) Bear Print from The Animal Print Shop 11.) Elephant Snack Box 12.) Quilted Bunting in Midnight Blue 13.) Fringe Bootie 14.) Glitter Lodge Moccasins 15.) J.Crew Kids Playforever Buck Race Car 16.) Brown Giraffe Menagerie Bookend 17.) Hanna Anderson Dove Star Sleeper And don’t forget to check out gifts for her if you missed it yesterday! #lifestyle

Let the holiday shopping begin! I’ve found myself already starting to shop for family and friends. Thanksgiving is a little too late this year. It only leaves us with three short weeks to shop. With all of the holidays soirees in the middle – it’s good to get a head start. To kick off our Holiday 2013 gift guides, I wanted to pull together a round-up of items I’ve been lusting over this fall that I’m hoping are under the tree this season (hint, hint!!). From coveted Clare Vivier handbags, to chic heels you can wear year-round, to beautiful handmade clutches from Rebecca Atwood – there are a ton of beautiful items out there this year at different price points. I hope this wish-list of mine inspires you when your family starts asking you what is on your list. 1.) Diamond & Saphire Evil Eye Pendant Necklace 2.) Clare Vivier Mini Caircalf Bag 3.) Black Contrast Leather Trims Oblique Zipper Coat 4.) Le Labo Fleur D’Oranger 27 5.) Design Darling Monogrammed Leather Change Tray 6.) Collection Etta Calf Hair Pumps 7.) Aurelie Bidermann Love Ring 8.) Stripe Cashmere Wrap 9.) Madewell Lisa B. Fair Isle Trouser Socks 10.) Clare Vivier Basket Weave Simple Tote 11.) Linen Merci Tee 12.) Rebecca Atwood Spots Zip Pouch 13.) Valentino Patent-Leather Rockstud Pumps 14.) Leah Alexandra Argyle Ring 15.) Club Monaco Carrie Pompom Hat Check out these other favorites and be sure to come back tomorrow because I’ll be sharing gifts for the kids! #lifestyle

Cold weather has hit most of the country – with snow storms in Oklahoma and temperatures on the East Coast that are requiring my friends to wear at least three layers. With that being said, I’ve pulled together my favorite look for when it’s cold outside. Despite not wanting to go out in the chilly, freezing temps, you’ll eventually have to brave the outside world. Starting with a classic striped sweater and boyfriend jeans. I’d cuff the jeans so you can see a peak of your socks. Then add a few jewels, a scarf, hat and layer on a warm jacket to keep you toasty on frigid days. I hope this inspires you to layer up on these cold days ahead! 1.) Stripe-block Gamine Sweater 2.) Aidan Mid-Rise Boyfriend Jeans 3.) Arctic Fur-Trim Parka Coat 4.) ASOS Spike Triangle Earrings 5.) Pointelle Knit Infinity Scarf 6.) Mirar Suede Bootie 7.)Lauren Ralph Lauren Trouser Socks 8.) Knit Visor Hat 9.) French Connection Mixed Chain Stone Pyramid Bracelet #style

This weekend was all about prepping for Thanksgiving – grocery shopping, cleaning, planning, and figuring out what last minute things need to be done. I can’t wait to sit down at the table with family and friends to devour all of the delicious recipes we have planned out. Let’s just say – Eric is making three desserts . . . I better wear some comfy pants! There is a busy little week ahead here on Sacramento Street. I’m starting my gift guides a bit early this season because I’ve found myself already holiday shopping since Thanksgiving feels so late this year. I figured I wasn’t alone. We have some fabulous finds in store for you – some that you might put on your own wish-list and then others for your loved ones. I promise you’ll find something for everyone throughout the next few weeks. And Friday, I’ll be sharing all of the best Black Friday stops to hit up around the web. So instead of having to deal with all of the commotion in the stores you can shop from the comfort of your own home – with a cup of coffee and all snuggly in your pj’s. So be sure to check back then! Be sure to enter the Lo & Sons giveaway that went live yesterday. One lucky winner will win a bag of their choice. They have the ultimate travel bags – I swear by mine! Also, check out my curated gallery I created on UGallery. It’s one of my go-to sites for artwork for clients. I hope all of you have a wonderfully productive week. Aren’t you thrilled it’s only a three day week? I certainly am! Photo by Caitlin Flemming (corner of our new apartment) #lifestyle

Although Thanksgiving is on the later side this year it feels as though November has flown by incredibly fast. I can’t believe Turkey day is just four days away. ‘Tis the season where everyone will start packing up their bags to either drive or fly to see their loved ones. When it comes to packing for trips I have go-to bags that I know won’t let me down. My ultimate travel bag is the OG from Lo & Sons. When I first discovered Lo & Sons a few years ago I was elated that there was finally a simple, chic bag to carry on a plane that also thought about every organization detail you could want. Yes, for a crazy person like me it was as though Christmas had come early that year. Fast forward to today and I’m still in love with this bag and it goes on every single trip with me — it should have its own passport. With an array of beautiful colors — I now have the black and navy (a girls gotta have choices), a pocket to place your laptop, iPad, extra shoes, magazines, cell phone and more in this one carry on, it is perfect. I’m always shocked at how many items fit in this one bag, which is good for those long flight or layovers. One of my other favorite features, it slides onto your roller suitcase, so say goodbye to your bag falling anymore. This OG bag will stay in one place. As you make your plans for the holidays and want to simplify the way you travel I highly suggest either the OG or OMG for any future trips. And for your avid travelers looking to add something to your holiday wish list – this is the it item to have. Now for the fun part — one lucky Sacramento Street reader will win an OG, OMG or their amazing weekender, the Catalina – it’s your choice! Any style or any color! Entering is easy — simply follow the steps in the widget below and that’s it! You can then opt to submit additional entries. The giveaway runs until next Monday, December 2nd, and I’ll announce the winner on this post. Also, Lo & Sons is offering all Sacramento Street readers 25% OFF until the end of December (AMAZING!) with code SACSTREETHOLIDAYS2013. Photos by Claire Giffen #lifestyle #travel

With Thanksgiving only a week away (how is November already over?), I’m excited about this year’s table. Instead of going with the traditional – oranges, reds, browns and greens, I wanted to give our table a touch of glam with a few rustic elements. The entire concept sprung from these lucite and brass candlesticks that I found at the flea market a year ago. I’ve been dying to use them for a dinner party and thought they’d be a beautiful centerpiece. From there I found these beautiful gold ikat placemats from West Elm – I didn’t want to use a tablecloth this year because I wanted to be able to see our farm table. I added my Grandmothers gold dishes, silver that I picked up on Portobello Road and wine glasses from our wedding. To finish it I wrapped gold paper around white napkins and tied them with metallic bakers twine and gold leaves to bring in a fall feel. When it came to the flowers I wanted to create two arrangements that brought a little more of a rustic vibe to the table. I picked up Lisianthus, Eucalyptus, Wax Flowers and Jingle Bell branches to create the centerpiece down the table. I wanted to create a look that anyone could recreate in their own home – either for Thanksgiving or a dinner party over the holidays. It can be easily recreated with items from your own home or these treasures below. Plus, the placemats – that I’m absolutely in love with, are only $9.99! Here’s more on how to get the look. It was such fun putting together this year’s Thanksgiving table – all of the details got me incredibly excited for the holiday season. In fact, I love this tabletop so much I haven’t taken it down. I want to host a dinner party before my Thanksgiving guests arrive. I hope this has inspired you for the season of party throwing. What are you planning for your Thanksgiving table this year? Get the look: Plated Glass Votives – Silver | Global Views Decor Ice Pillar Candle Holder | Ikat Rings Placemat | Promenade Flatware 20-pc. Place Setting | Moroccan Tea Glasses | Organic Shaped Dinnerware with Metallic Rimmed | Cross Dye Basic Napkin Set | Gold Leaves | Gold and Ivory Baker’s Twine More fabulous tabletop items: Photos by Claire Giffen #entertaining