Holiday Gift Giving Guide!

Hello everyone!

I am back, after a brief, crazy action and drama filled, sabbatical from Aalayam! Thank you Deepa for holding down the fort in style, while I was away! I see that, we are 348 members strong now. I am looking forward to seeing the number of niche followers of the Aalayam family grow. Its humbling....and exhilarating at the same time to see Aalayam obtain critical mass in the blogosphere. 

Now that everyone is working off their Thanksgiving meals, perusing once more through their Black Friday shopping bags, sipping on mulled wine (or hot apple cider, with a sprinkle of cinnamon - try it, its the best!), listening to holiday music as they decorate their Christmas tree and finalize their holiday gift lists, we thought we had to bring you a list of our favorite gift ideas that we are loving this season! I myself have a houseful of people I am planning gifts for these holidays, not to mention co-workers, and best buddies from all over the world who deserve a lot of my love, fashioned as lovely gifts, hand-picked with love or handcrafted with endurance, packaged in style, and gift wrapped in timeless elegance! Now that's quite something isn't it! And we had to, had to, curate some inspiration right here in Aalayam!!

We've chosen an array of gear - home decor, fun accessories, jewelry and handcrafted chotchkies! Take your pick. Get inspired! I am sure there is something in here, that will excite you enough to either head to the store, or to your crafting table to create a unique giftable for someone you love!  


We've divvied up the curating into two lists: One from me - Supriya, and the other from Deepa. So here goes!

Supriya's gorgeous giftables!

Smart storage for the savvy shopper, and the modern day collector!

Here's a practical, modest, yet gorgeous gift to start your list off with. Stackable Sprout-City-Print-Cardboard-Cubby-Bins for your favorite family that well....collects the mementos of everyday life! (trust me, we do!). Use them to store kids toys, clothes, supplies or even your favorite books. You just cannot go wrong when there is pretty storage involved in your gift repertoire! Or go timeless with stackable Hadley boxes. You could use these boxes as fashionable storage, and double them up as wow worthy side tables! Amazing did we hear you say? Shop online at Wayfair.com to get cheap,yet beautiful storage options like these! 

Funky vintage locomotive ornaments for the fun-loving friend!

Bored a little of the shining tinsel, and glittering ornaments that are practically everywhere you see?! Turn then, towards some vintage story telling with these funky, tin car, firetruck, motorcycle and train ornaments to adorn your tree with. Perfect for all year around decorating too! Grab them quick, before they go away at Wayfair.com.

Ethnic decor (for me!) and for the design diva in your circle!

I will give anyone who'd give me a gift from World Market, the return gift of my lifelong friendship, and unwavering love! :) I absolutely adore these handcrafted ethnic decor items from World Market. I am currently coveting the elephant side table, and the gorgeous earthen urn, that can gloriously beautify any corner in any home! 

Consider a World Market giftable to someone who loves beautiful home goods, respects the concept of sustainable, handcrafted design, and appreciates world culture! Also check out the gorgeousness of the pillow covers, tableware, stemware and crockery! World Market has everything you need and more, for all budgets. A definite stop in my holiday shopping destinations! 

Eyecandy for the hostess with the mostess!

More fabulous finds from World Market! (or any artisanal store for that matter, Sunday Soul Sante anyone from namma Bengalooru?) These eye catching owl card holders will impress the hostess who is elegance personified, by adding a quirky touch of whimsy to her stash of dining and entertaining chotchkies! Pair these card holders with  handmade cards, and you have yourself a memorable gift option for under $20!

Don't forget the Nutcracker chalkboard ornaments that you can personalize for the dinner table, or a cool Chevre Cheesmaking Kit to amp up the adventure quotient of the yuletide season!

I also loved the Travel Spice Kit, and the Owl Brass Trivet shown below! The trivet specially oozes personality, sparks conversation around the dinner table, and you get bonus points for being the coolest gifter around! 

Vintage inspired games for the kids!

Pick some new "old" games for the kids you know. Like these "52 Fun Things to do in the Car", or the "Knitting Doll". These vintage board games will definitely be loved by the moms (I know, that works!), and therefore by the kids. The kids do need a break from the commercial merchandized junk that sells like hot cakes everywhere. Sorry, Disney, love your movies, but that's where it ends! Visit your local World Market store, or go online to WorldMarket.com, for more quirky, vintage games to keep the young uns satisfied these holidays

Jewelry and Personal Accessories for the cool fashionista!

Aaah....now we are warming up! Charlotte Russe, Target, Forever 21, Zara, H&M, Nine West and a other retinue of fashion retailers get a guaranteed visit from me every year as I get ready to welcome my sister, cousins, my husband's cousins, my friends to our home over the holidays. 

You see, I love baubles and accessories. I worship the way a statement accessory like a necklace or a scarf transforms an architectural piece in your ensemble (like a plain white shirt, or a black sweater) into a stunning outfit option! Giving you oodles of confidence and charisma as you sashay around the holiday party lineup!

Therefore, accessories are a MUST in my repertoire of giftables!

Feast your eyes on the necklaces, bracelets and bedazzled hats!! Every single item in the selection is less than $20, maybe even less that $10 in some cases. A sure fire way to score a fun infused, high-impact gift option, without breaking the bank!! Here's to girlfriends and sisters!!

Handcrafted with Love! For the connoisseur in your circle.

I realize some people LOVE to make gifts instead of buying them. I love that tradition too. But patience is a virtue, that is in short supply in my sizable list of virtues (ahem!), so I take the easy way out and shop!!!

But for those of you that love to make things, here are some cool ideas. Starting from gorgeous gingerbread cookies and peppermint hot chocolate, to a heart shaped wreath made of personalized wine corks, and hand-quilted home decor! Heart warming and soul nurturing...With all the options for instant gifting in the holiday season, some part of me would be charmed if someone took the time to make something for me! Wouldn't you?

Here's something more achievable. Semi-hand made if you will. This requires only assembly, no construction! Perfect for someone with limited patience like me! Consider putting together a bundle of love, a package of perfection for someone special in your life - mom, aunt, neighbor, husband! Like the adorable tea wreath, held together with love with wooden clips! Or the baking accessories packaged together in an oven mitt!

Don't forget Indian Spices, packaged together in a ethnic Masala box!(Labeled darlingly!) or a heavenly assemblage of hand-made, organic soaps! Consider this seriously for self-gifting!! Go on! You deserve it!!!

God is in the details! Here's to divine gift wrapping!!

Finally, do not! do not! forget to wrap your giftables up in style!! Gift wrapping does not have to be in traditional gift wrap you'd get from the store. Consider options like maps, crossword puzzles, posters, comics, and scarves as alternatives to traditional gift wraps! They are sustainable (read green!) ways to reuse, recycle and re-purpose beautiful stuff that is often lying around in your own home!

Deepa's delightful giftables!

Indian "Wow"spiration!

In true blue Aalayam style, Deepa curates some fantabulous finds for the world traveler, heavily ridden with Indian influences. I am deeply coveting the folk art inspired puzzles Krishna Leela in Madhubani from Jaypore, and the Chess set from World Market. 

These games are perfect for those cozy family evenings, where we get together around the fire, with  steaming mugs of hot chocolate (or any other beverage of your choice!!!) for memorable game nights! And the icing on the cake, or the cream on the hot chocolate, shall we say, is the quirky, ethnic glory of these games themselves. How about, we complete the montage with hand painted stacking tables from Signals.com, and a jaali patterened (bidri) tea cups in holiday colors from Good Earth India!! 

Resourceful, and colorful!! What more do you need from a blog post!? :) Let us know please if you need specific links to any of the items listed in this post, or help shopping for any specific special person in your life! We'd be happy to help!!

Tableware and Edibles for the Eclectic! 

What a sensational ode to the party host, best friend or eclectic foodie, if they received something like holiday chocolate squares  from Crate and Barrel, or gold toned baroque flatware from Hrochow!! Sublime aren't they? Also consider this option for tableware. Handmade Central American placemats from Novica. Arty, Timeless and Vibrant! The fact that they are handmade, is a HUGE plus!

Finally, to top off this round up for the eclectic, Deepa has handpicked Color me cookies from deandeluca.com. This decorating kit is a great option for a holiday party activity! Think, kids + fun + no clean up of messy icing later! Win Win Win!

                                                
Don't forget the men in the group!! 

And, Thank you Deepa for sparing a thought for the gentry in our midst! With gift options for the savvy sartorialist, and cool paisley stationery, we are letting our men embrace and exhibit their style quotient to the hilt! 

Here's a selection: A boyish lavender bow tie from One Kings Lane, Pocket squares for dapper dudes from Nordstrom, and some fantastic looking kalamkari stationery from Etsy.com!

Finally, Delight the Diva (or practically anyone else) with chic couture for the home!! 

Don't forget coffee table books (or regular books, maybe even kindle versions) to inspire the divas (sure you can give books to bloggers!) all year around! 

Here's a coffee table book from Pottery Barn, for the design diva who has it all! And to top it all, for the love of writing, we proffer as a pleasant offering of Kate Spade pens. Funky, functional, and great for home and office. With color block and bling, these writing instruments are sure to be eye candy for the design queen in your life!

That was quite something huh! As I wrap up this post, and head to the stores (yes!!!!), I hope we have inspired you to spread some holiday cheer with these gorgeous giftables.

Remember, tis the season to spread goodwill, and love and friendship. So do consider spending time, and giving in kind to the needy and the lesser fortunate. 

But....... we also love splurging (albeit wisely) on unique, beautiful and global finds that make our homes and our lives textured, so...in true holiday spirit, we just wanted to share that excitement with you!!

Hope this curated inspiration helps you gift away this holiday season!!! Let us know if you need any specific links, have any questions or need any suggestions to help find the perfect gift for your special people!!! Happy Holidays!

Lots of love,

Supriya!

Media Room - A La Mode! (A fourth of July tribute to American decor!)

A wide angle - to get us going!

Dimmer lights, surround sound, popcorn and  a good game of poker - those are the buzz words for today's post!
Welcome to the next stop on my (Deepa's) home tour. Previously, I've taken you through our guest room and our little boy's room. Today, we are heading to our basement for a tour of our newly transformed catch all space - media + game lounge!

Chic accents = chic room!

We were lucky - the previous home owners had already finished a portion of the basement and so all we were left with was adding our personal touch. Even before I could say the word basement, my husband and son claimed this as their space!   They were excitedly exchanging ideas and I didn't have the heart to interfere. However, I did stake claim to a closet in the basement. This sits underneath the staircase and has wall to wall shelving. It is a great space to store all my extra/seasonal home decor accessories and arts and craft supplies. This closet is now fondly referred to as the Aalayam closet and I love the utilitarian value of this closet! I will share a picture of this someday.

I digress. Back to the media room story... 
Space planning for soon-to-be men's den began in earnest. A wet bar, a game and seating area and media station were all promptly assigned to their respective corners. This room was ENTIRELY designed by my husband and is unlike any other room in our house. The rest of our house is very global in its feel and Indian in its roots (courtesy moi). This room on the other hand as an All American feel - big on style, big on comfort! 

Of course, with men being men, the room was first fitted with a projector and a big screen! That's right - a bare space with a big screen! I was probably the only one in the house who seemed to think that was odd. The boys lounged on the floor with a bag of chips, while the images came alive on screen aided by the surround sound and nothing else mattered! This went on for a few weeks.

But eventually, my husband got down to work and the space was outfitted with all the essential elements - furniture, art work, accessories, a rug, lighting and the finishing touches!.  And it all began with a well conceived, budget-savvy plan! This was his project from start to finish and I must say, I am mighty pleased. An old breakfast table was repurposed as a table for poker nights.

The white accents were all gifts - reuse, repurpose, refashion!

 A previously used media credenza was now positioned against the back wall as a storage unit for cords, cables, gaming console accessories, dvds and books. A few select accessories were used to dress this cabinet for a stylish yet clutter free look!  

Mismatched accents work- don't be afraid to use what you have!

I love his choice of art work for the room - particularly this planked airplane from Pottery Barn! It sits comfortably above and across the length of the couch, grabs your attention and reflects my husband's love of travel. Perfect for his den! Tufted sofas are in and I knew he digs the tufted look but finding something that was appropriate for a media room was tricky and so, he was ecstatic when he found this tufted sectional. It is not too bulky, came in a gorgeous camel shade and has enough seating to allow for comfortable movie viewing.

Playing with a neutral color palette can be fun too!

The inherent acoustics of the room and well picked sound accessories enable a theater-like audio experience . We opted to add a screen instead of projecting the images directly on to the wall and this enhances the picture quality. We enjoy watching movies and games at home much more than heading to the movies and that has always been our thing. With a little planning and some effort we have recreated theater ambience right here at home!

The wet bar area was already painted in a gorgeous dull-red.  A little sprucing up was all it took to make it ready for our guests!

Happy hour anyone?

Overall, the colors are cozy and calming leaning towards rustic and earthy.  This is in stark contrast to the rest of our colorful home but works really well for this room!
My favorite in the room (and it was hard to pick) has to be the coffee table , the round shape adds visual interest and the jali style wood -work incorporates just a touch of India into this otherwise western room. I picked the coffee table accessories - a couple of gorgeous coral accents . They look great as a pair and  combined with a reflective metallic tray they make an eye-catching arrangement!

Jali style coffee table  + coral accents + metal tray = Vow?

In the Dirty Picture, Vidya Balan seductively quips "Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment"  Let's admit it! We love our Bollywood movies!  And their inherent entertainment value. After all, they are so integrally woven in to our cultural tapestry. For expats like ourselves, weekend trysts with Bollywood movies is not just an exercise in unwinding but also a surefire way of clinging to our native identity. With their glitzy and flamboyant fare, Bollywood cinemas have continued to entertain native audiences for over a century now and that includes us. To revel in the Bollywood pomp and show in the comfort of our American home and to spend a cherished evening with each other is something that we as a family truly enjoy and this room enables just that!

Unknowingly, life tends to creep up on us and take over at times! We lose sight of what's most important! And at those times we need to remind ourselves that snuggle-time with our families is as good as it gets!

Next weekend is movie date-night and I plan on showing up in my pajamas!

Hope you've enjoyed our tribute to American decor? Happy 4th folks!

 We have a busy busy summer ahead of us - a fabulous food blogger's home tour is up next followed by a two-part spotlight feature on a phenomenal jewelry artist and her gorgeous gorgeous home! So, do not budge!

If you like our features and have friends who might be interested, please share our link and help us grow the Aalayam family!

Cheers!
~Deepa
p.s: The pictures are copyrighted. Please ask before using.

In love with Fall!

Japenese koi pond at the Fortworth Botanical gardens. Credits: uj, my better half

Cool weather, falling leaves, changing colors, Friday evenings and the comfort of home - don't you simply love this time of the year when everything is just so calm ?
The summer heat, the scent of freshly cut grass, the long days and visits to the pool are behind us. The holidays,  the snowflakes, the whimsical light displays and the Christmas rush is still a few weeks away! For now, it is quiet and yet so perfect! 

Ah! It's autumn!  

The Arboretum - Dallas. Credits: Uj, my better-half

Do you have a  favorite fall family ritual? How do you celebrate this season? Ours has always been to a pick a fall weekend and go on a photographic expedition around town. The local gardens is one of our favorite stops. The crisp air and the riot of colors is a soul-stirring experience in itself.

And then there is the cooking!  There is something about the pumpkin displays  everywhere that makes me want to cook! Even my weekly rounds at the farmers market is exciting thanks to the fall line-up of pumpkins, squashes, gourds and more!

The arboretum - Dallas Credits: Uj, my better half

And so, we celebrate with a fall-inspired savory meal each year!  A hearty South - Indian home cooked meal with fall's signature produce is a treat in itself for a vegetable enthusiast like me!
That I can configure a tablescape with an autumnal influence is a plus!

What's not to love about fall?

I would love to hear about what inspires you this season?

Fall brunch at home.Photo courtesy : Uj, my better half

Cheers!
Deepa

p.s: my gorgeous serveware is the "persimmon doubled handled soup crock" from world market. Check it out!

"Indian"izing your living space!

Do you often ponder how to add a touch of "India" to your living space? Do you miss the rich colors, the deep textures, and the vibrant accessories that create a melody in your heart..whenever you browse through the aisles of World Market or Ten Thousand Villages? Symbols so reminiscent of the iridiscent diversity of Indian decor? Then..I am one of your kind.

Here's a visual journey..a traverse through my living room which I have "Indian"ized. A touch of grandeur to give me and my family a taste of India as I walk in the door everyday...

Start with the statement piece - it could be a vintage statue that you found at a thrift store that captures the colors you love, or a intricate carved center table you discovered on craigslist that you refurbished and polished.

Group similar pieces together. Find unconventional ways to display artifacts. Capture the essence of colors, themes and contrasts. Is Red your favorite color? Does the vibrancy of the hue remind you of paprika and warm spicy curry? Then pick bold red accessories, statues, idols, flower pots - group them together and create a vignette.

Don't forget the softscaping! Pillows and fabric based accessories add texture - that creates the visual interest in any living space. Texture instantly transforms your space from blah to having chutzpah! With internationalization of markets, you will be surprised to find how affordably you can decorate your space with the flavor of India.

And..the piece de resistance! The seating. Your options are virtually unlimited. The key is to think out of the box. I personally do not like couches. Low seetees, rattan furniture and quirky looking chairs (read Ikea and World Market) work great if you want to add that touch of whimsy to your living space, while on a budget. 

I do love the structure and the texture these outdoor seating chairs and ottomans bring to my living room. Add some tailored cushion covers custom-made in your current favorite color, and ambient lighting, and there! all of a sudden - you have your very own piece of desi nirvana that no one else has! 

Enjoy your living space. You deserve the joy it will bring you.

Love,

Supriya