Whether you are wrapping gifts for the holidays, or for your bridesmaids, a pretty package can give even a simple gift the ‘wow’ factor.

One of the ways to make a gift gorgeous is to adorn it with jewelry. Simply tie on a brooch or pendant, and your package has gone from average to awesome!

I used a stunning pendant from the {styled} by Tori Spelling line of jewelry for this package.

What’s inside?

Another gorgeous pendant from Tori Spelling Styled.

Beautiful inside and out!

Head on over here to see another DIY project made from the {styled} by Tori Spelling line of jewelry.

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Imagine a beautiful wedding feast of fresh breads dipped in olive oil, roasted meats, fresh pastas and grilled fish, ending with a delicate sip of cappuccino—a little taste of the Mediterranean. Any food and wine loving couple will love a wedding space with the charm, nostalgia and beauty of Italy.

Il Fornaoi-Carmel Cucina Italiana–in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California–is a charming restaurant and wedding venue set within the historic Pine Inn. It originally started as a cooking school to preserve the traditions of Italian baking and has since attracted couples and travellers to its authentic cuisine, nostalgic atmosphere and romantic setting.

The venue features two private rooms suitable for an intimate celebration of up to 100 seated guests. The Sun Room offers an elegant view of the garden with two walls of windows and a sloped ceiling perfect for the sun to shine through. The Ocean Avenue Room, the larger of the two rooms, has a rustic charm with a wooden inset ceiling and open beams. Each room can hold up to 70 seated guests (100 guests combined) and additional private rooms can be added to accommodate more seating.

The Piazza terrace space would be ideal for an outdoor ceremony overlooking the ocean and lush garden. Everything from decorations to flowers to seating can be arranged to perfection through their catering and event planning services. Il Fornaoi offers event coordinator services to bring together all of your special details.

And don’t forget about the food. With a name like  “Il Fornaio,” which translates to “the baker,” guests will be in for a treat. The award-winning cuisine is based on traditional Italian recipes and simple, fresh ingredients. Choose from dinner menus featuring antipasti, salads, soups, house made pastas, grilled and rotisserie roasted meats and wood-fired pizzas.

Visit Il Fornaoi for more information on the venue.

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To me, jam thumbprints are synonymous with the holidays. My mom made them as a holiday treat as far back as I can remember. In recent years, I’ve taken over the tradition, filling them with scrumptious homemade raspberry jam.

If you are having a winter wedding, these would make a fabulous addition to your cookie table.

Jam Thumbprints Recipe (from Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book)

I’ve used this recipe countless times and it has NEVER failed me. These cookies are always one of the first to go on the Christmas cookie tray!

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

• 2/3 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 slightly beaten egg whites
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup jam

(The recipe says this makes 42 cookies, but I only got 22.)

Looking for a creative and stylish DIY wedding favor for your bookish guests? Make DIY ribbon bookmark favors!

Ribbon bookmarks are perfect favors for a book-themed shower, a literary themed wedding or a vintage wedding. Give them on their own, or tuck them inside a book. They’re a great way to re-purpose old jewelry!

Here’s how to make ’em: