'Tis the Season: 15 Sharp Gentlemen's Stocking Stuffers Holiday Gift Guide

Carat & Roses December 5, 2014

'Tis the season to spoil him with specialty, natural and novelty gifts that make the perfect holiday stocking stuffers, give back and keep on giving well into the new year!

1. Beats by Dre Earbuds

The music lover on your list will take these stylish earbuds from street to gym and every where in between. A great everyday accessory where style meets functionality, are compatible with all smartphones and tablets on the market, they're easy to store and will bring their holiday tunes to life!

***Recommended to listen to music for 60 minutes at 60% of max volume and then take a break and never more than 70% of volume overall.

Beats by Dre Earbuds, 99.95$-159.95$

2. Samsung NX Mini

Take aim and capture the perfect self or group portrait with this versatile pocket camera. With brilliant high resolution, simple photo beam to your phone, this ultra slim and stylish camera, attache your favorite NX mount for picture perfect moment they'll remember for a lifetime.

Samsung NX Mini, 649$

3. Freyrs Sunglasses

Top up the sunnies collector on your list with these beautifully designed eyewear at low prices and perfect for getting holiday getaway ready. Freyrs offers a wide range of on style s for him and her and fast worldwide shipping, you’re sure to find them the perfect pair in no time and maybe a few for yourself. With vintage inspired cat eye versions to classic aviators, you'll find something for everyone on your list!

Freyrs Sunglasses, 9.95$-14.95$

4. Harry's Razors

This razor just may be the best looking think in his bathroom! Add this stylish ergonomic grip razor to his stocking this Christmas in a variety of colors crafted for comfort and control with a blend of timeless simplicity and modern ergonomics, this razor is sure to add a special touch to his routine.

Harry's Razors, 10$-25$

5. Brummell Shave Creme

Give him the gift of a healthy natural shave with this authentic heavy cream shave perfect for the man on your list who enjoys an indulgent grooming ritual but created for the modern man.

Brummell Shave Creme, 18$

6. Stolen Riches Shoe Laces

Give him a pop of color to define his style with fun colorful laces for kicks, dress shoes or boots. Dress up his style and help him break out of the ordinary with these more than black and brown laces for the modern gentleman.

Stolen Riches Laces, 17.50$-70$

7. Jawbone Mini Jambox

Not just small but this easy to slip in to the nearest pocket bag or just pull out at any dinner, beach on a getaway or walking down the street, let them jam to their favorite tunes with this this mini box boasting up to 10 hours of battery life and rich, beautiful sound anywhere they go.

Jawbone Mini Jambox, 129.99$

8. Finch Goods Socks

Dress up his wardrobe with colorful patterns and playful style with these bright and full of joy socks add a pair or two or more for perfect way to update his sock drawer!

Finch Goods Socks, 13$-29$

9. Frausto & Co. Gentleman's Deck

He'll master the art of being a true gentleman with this quirky deck of playing cards with fun facts and tips on style an 21st century etiquette for the chivalrous man at heart. With tips on perfecting the windsor knot, gifting ideas and how to taste whiskey properly its the perfect anytime deck to share.

Gentleman's Deck, 20$

10. J. Crew Pocket Squares

From Italian wool to English cotton, find a pattern for every man on your list with chic pocket squares to upgrade their style with effortless ease and refined flare they're sure to love.

J. Crew Pocket Squares, 24.50$-135$

11. Puku Charger

Get him the gift that keeps on giving. Power that is. With an exceptionally powerful and rechargeable battery, this small easy to carry on the go portable device is perfect for keeping smartphones, tablets, mobile and hand-held USB chargeable devices charged. 36 hours of talk time, 900 stand by hours, and 153 hours of media play they'll stay connected on the go well into the new year.

Puku Charger, 99$

12. S'well Water Bottles

Add these sleek water bottles made with non-leaching and non-toxic 18/8 stainless steel, that keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. These bottles also contribute to the greater good, S'well proudly gives back to a number of charitable organizations such as WaterAid, American Forests, and Drink Up. Give them a gift that truly gives back with a variety of stylish looks in 9oz-25oz bottles that are perfect on the go.

S'well Water Bottles, 25$-45$

13. Bison Made iPhone Wallet

Get him the perfect for cards, money and phone with this Bison Made wallet is handcrafted and free of synthetic materials, dyes or glue and 100% authentic hand finished leather with a lifetime warranty on hand sewn stitching. It makes a great stocking stuffer for the eco-lover on your list.

Bison Made iPhone Wallet, 68$-98$

14. Sloane Fine Teas

A gentleman's list is not complete without a signature tea for a fresh start to their day. Add a variety of flavors from deep and fruity to strong and full. They'll enjoy taking in the holiday season with these fragrant specialty teas in individual, gift sets and optional sachets try them iced or infused into a holiday punch they make the perfect gentlemen's gift to the host or guest favors that keep on giving well into the new year.

Sloane Teas & Gift Sets, 15$-98$

15. Hammonds' Candies

Every gentleman needs his cane. His candy cane that is. Dress up stockings with these sure to please and some chocolate filled candy canes that come dressed a style sure to match the gentlemen on your list.

Hammond's Candy Canes Individual or set of 12, 2.95$-33$

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: 11 Things That Tell Us The Holidays Are Here

Carat & Roses November 2, 2014

From visions of sugar plum fairies, shop till you drop savings, chocolate and après-ski activities, get into the spirit of the holiday season with our top 11 ways to tell us the festive holiday season is here! Indulge in guilt-free desserts, treats and snacks with preservative, artificial flavor and color free, organic or all natural options that are sure to help you keep calories under control on this food driven time of the year and stay a fit with holiday activities for a fun and joyous holiday season that will help you stay in harmonious stress free balance!

1. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

We consider this timeless tradition as the official kick off to the holiday season. Whether you line the streets of the parade route, watch from a window reminiscent of Miracle on 34th Street or gather friends to view on TV, you'll be enthralled by giant balloons, colorful costumes and wondrous performances not to be missed at this epic event.

2. Black Friday

Ready, set, shop! There is nothing more classic than enjoying Thanksgiving with family and friends followed by a pre-Christmas round of power shopping. Shop til you drop with savings, deals and steals for the perfect way to check everyone off your list. Come prepared with snacks, lists and a great pair of comfortable walking shoes and take a break to warm up at a chocolate boutique to take in this time honored shopping tradition.

3. Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

It wouldn't be the holidays without a visit from the Victoria's Secret Angels. Plan a fun girl's night with chocolate desserts, cake and ice cream and get ready for a fun night of music, fashion and glamour. Try organic and all natural treats to cut down on calories, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives to indulge in guilt-free fun!

4. The Nutcracker Ballet

Sugar plum fairies, ballet slippers, Nutcracker Prince and Land of Sweets, it wouldn't be the holiday season without the traditional production of the Nutcracker Ballet. Bring family, friends or that special someone year after year to this holiday production sure to put you in the festive spirit and share the upcoming holidays to share this timeless gift with others.

5. Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting

Get into the holiday spirit with this iconic symbol representing the holiday season! Nothing says Christmas like this impossibly tall tree full of colorful lights, trumpeting angels and festive star-filled performances that are a holiday must if your in NYC or gather friends and family to watch on TV. This traditional tree lighting know around the world will fill you with holiday joy and will get you in the spirit of the season not to be missed.

6. Holiday Movies

From family classics to romantic comedies or timeless old fashioned films, holiday movies are the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit full of family fun, traditional dinners, holiday antics and the festive season, holiday movies will get you into the holiday spirit full of love, heart warming stories, happiness and joy throughout the season.

7. Advent Calendars

Whether you buy already prepared calendars or start your own DIY traditions, fill endless styles of bags, boxes or socks with traditional chocolates, toys or other chic gifts to give family, friends or that special someone thoughtful, deck the halls with fun gifts your loved ones will be sure to enjoy.

8. Holiday Parties

From company to friends and family, the holiday season would not be complete without party invitations, food shopping and looking for that perfect outfit. Get party ready, host the perfect party or bring the most wonderful hostess gift to enjoy the spirit of giving throughout the season.

9. Outdoor Skating Rinks

Enjoy piping hot chocolate, starlight late nights and countless turns around the rink at an outdoor rink that will truly tell you the holidays are almost here. Take in the experience you can only have on just cleaned ice, bundle up and 'tis the season with others or on your own for perfect blend of fitness and fun only this time of the year can bring.

10. Christmas Carolers

Whether they break out in song on the subway, you find them in the lobby of the mall, on a street corner or door-to-door, you'll know Christmas is right around the corner when you hear the joyous sounds of holiday music you'll want to hear again and again to take in the joy of the season!

11. Ski Vacation Getaway

You'll know Christmas is fast approaching when you start planning your holiday winter ski vacation. Whether you plan to enjoy the time away with family, friends or a special someone, the anticipation of ski days, après-ski s'mores by the fire, relaxing at the spa, hot chocolate and shopping. say happy holidays with a ski trip that will have you taking in all the best the winter holiday has to offer.

For the Love of Chocolate: 7 Must Try Chocolate Boutiques & Chocolates

Carat & Roses December 9, 2013

Deck the halls with these inspired chocolate boutiques and chocolates for the perfect way to warm up your holiday season, share the joy and indulge in the festive cheer of the season. With a variety of high quality gourmet chocolate and gifts you can bring home these decadent treats that will please the smallest of hands to the most selective of tastes you won't leave anyone off your list and will leave them dreaming of sugar plum fairies well into the new year!

1. MoRoCo Chocolat

From sipping chocolate to fondue to s'mores and a host of delectable afternoon and high tea options, this delightful chocolate boutique has everything you need to indulge in sweet treats made from the highest quality chocolate.

Along with their decadent desserts, dining options, beautiful wine pairings and cocktails perfect for an exclusive office party, Toronto's MoRoCo Chocolat offers a variety of gifts for the hostess with the mostess at your next holiday party or stocking stuffers for the chocolate lover on your list from their boutique and online, its the perfect way to warm up your holiday season with a delicious, Parisian inspired taste of chocolat.

2. Hammond's Candies

Hammond's not only offers a wide variety of festive holiday candy canes that are the perfect accent to any holiday tree and an inspired way to enjoy a flavored hot chocolate, they have a gourmet selection of chocolate bars that will keep you in the holiday spirit with every delectable bite.

Add them as stocking stuffers or the perfect addition to a holiday gift and you'll share in the joy of some of their all natural selections so you can have your chocolate and eat it too!

3. Marich Chocolate

Wrap up some of these gorgeous array of chocolates from Marich prefect for your holiday hostess or sharing at an office party.

Stock your candy bar with a selection of these natural fruit flavored options or add them to a holiday gift basket, they're a great way to share the festive season of joy and light up the winter nights with holiday cheer.

4. Hagensborg Chocolates

These decadent chocolate piggies are a fun sweet way feast on some of the finest chocolate.

Boasting a variety of mini fare perfect for your candy bowls and small hands alike, along with their special selection of inspired nostalgic truffle chocolate bars from dark mint chocolate chip to white bubble gum or their handmade Parisian selection in their Vancouver shop, Hagensborg will inspire you to travel the world of inspired chocolates to suit even the most discerning palette.

5. Green & Blacks

Let your senses take yo away from spicy chili to classic white, hazelnut currant to toffee, Green & Black's offers a variety of chocolate and drinking chocolate perfect for any occasion. Serve in a chocolate dessert bar or melt them into the perfect recipe, they'll tantalize your taste buds with their stunning range of ice cream perfect a la mode.

Check out gorgeous recipes and delight with others while you share in the joy only Green & Black's can bring.

6. Vosges Haut Chocolat

With Boutiques in Chicago, New York, Las Vegas and trendy Beverly Hills, Vosges Haut Chocolat promises not to disappoint with exotic truffles and home grown bacon and chocolate, you'll find their tasting salon perfect for discovering new and creative confections. From salt to champagne, this purple house boutique will warm you up with delectable drinking chocolates and give you not only unique ingredients but a chocolate experience to remember.

Share the joy of the discovery with truffles and bars for that anytime snack or that sweet moment to treat another to the array of flavors and new found experiences their chocolate is sure to evoke.

7. Serendipity 3

Famed for its frrrozen hot chocolate treat, Serendipity 3 in New York City, Las Vegas and Miami is the perfect chocolate boutique to indulge in the opulence of a golden sundae or warm up with a variety of traditional decadent hot chocolate or frrrozen options sure to delight the scenes and offer a sweet time out from the excitement of holiday shopping and festive activities.

Take home some of their delectable fare and find gifts perfect for your hostess or sharing the joy of the holidays any time you want.

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5 Inspired Hostess Ideas to Plan the Best Dinner Party

Carat & Roses December 2, 2013

Be the hostess with the mostess with our inspired hostess ideas that will make you the host and toast of the season! Plan food items made with organic or all natural ingredients avoiding any artificial flavors or colors that serve as fillers so you can provide your guests with an authentic food experience to indulge in.

1. Choose a Theme

Get creative and create an ambiance for your guests they'll never forget.

Select a theme, location or venue that will give more character to your idea, have guests come dress in a specific color, style or theme and choose decor that will match and highlight your theme whether rustic, glitzy or right out of a movie, your guest will admire the time and energy you've put in to develop a fun and engaging idea.

2. Design a Menu

No dinner party is complete with out an inspired menu full of savory, healthy and colorful options sure to please even the pickiest of guests.

Serve your guests family style, buffet style with portioned servings or have your party catered which will allow your guests to feel catered too while allowing you to focus on other aspects of the event.

Include a selection of meats (organic or Kosher options are our preference), vegetarian variations (including some that do not include cheese) and mini versions of your favorites for a fun and involved way to serve your guests.

Display menu options for guests and brief ingredients list so guests are aware of any allergy items.

3. Get Organized

Stay on top of your party planning with organization designed to help you keep track of all the things to consider for the party and also give you a better picture of what is left to be done, itemize your budget and remember any necessary last minute details.

Add guest lists, menus, decor ideas and entertainment options to help you plan and stay on track with your party planning.

4. Plan a Surprise or Entertainment

Add a special surprise to your dinner party like a stylish dessert bar, sundae station, cotton candy or popcorn bar or provide guests with a spa experience, have a band play, provide a games room or host a movie screening.

Any way you choose be sure that your surprise or entertainment will allow all your guests to be included and have additional options for any children.

5. Host the Party

Whether you host on your own, with friends or have a chef and hire wait staff to cater to your guests be sure to mingle, check in with guests and take time to chat with the people who took the time to be with you!

Before the party, be sure you have all aspects of the party under control if you don't, don't panic, ask for help and take things step by step you'll accomplish more with patience that will help you focus on your plans and host a party to remember.

Provide your guests with the ultimate experience and send them home with party favors that will have them ready to return for the next party. No effort is too small enjoy, relax and be the hostess with the mostess!