For the Entertainer

The entertainer appreciates anything that enhances the taste of the wine, the look of the table and the atmosphere of the room. Find gifts to delight your favorite host or hostess with our top picks of 2009.

The entertainer appreciates anything that enhances the taste of the wine, the look of the table and the atmosphere of the room. Find gifts to delight your favorite host or hostess with our top picks of 2009.

Luxurious, shimmery, textured and contemporary are the words to describe the best gifts of the season for your favorite trendsetter.
Holiday decorating options abound! From wall decals and dessert plates to wreaths and ornaments, there is something for everyone, no matter what your style.
We've compiled some of the best.
Some highlights:
I am the queen of last minute shopping. I am not sure why, but everytime I need to purchase a gift, I find myself racing around at the last moment frantically trying to find the perfect present. Maybe I do this because I like the challenge? Maybe I thrive under pressure? I am really not sure, but come Christmas Eve, you can usually find me scouring the aisles at the closest department store braving the NYC holiday crowds.
This Mother's Day I have found myself in a similar predicament . . . empty-handed two days before the occasion. Here are some last minute Mother's Day gifts I have been considering this year:
1. Gift certificate to a spa: What hardworking mom wouldn't want a day (or even just an hour) of pampering? Many spas often offer Mother's Day specials on their services.
2. Digital frame: You can upload some of your favorite family photos and she can add more. These can be found at almost any electronics store, but Pottery Barn as some digital frames that will look great in any living room.

Check them out here!
3. Wine: A wine-of-the-month club subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. It is up to you how many bottles, what kind, and how frequently you'd like the wine delivered. Williams-Sonoma has a wine club and in addition to offering monthly gifts, they have a great selection of one-time gift packages. The experts pick wines that they think are best suited for certain personalities. For example, "The Connoisseur", "The Explorer," and "The Entertainer." Each gift also includes tasting notes and recipes to compliment the chosen wines.

See what they have to offer here.
Happy Mother's Day, everyone!
In honor of Earth Day, we are trying our best to help the planet and pay attention to the big eco-issues. First step: Switch from chemical-packed cleaning products to "green" cleaning supplies. After hearing all the talk about how harmful traditional cleaning chemicals are on our pets and our bodies, we didn't need much motivation to jump in head-first to our task.
Enter our two intrepid roadtesters: The green novice (Clay) and the eco-friendly pro (Emily). We sent Clay off into her new (dirty) apartment armed with four products from Seventh Generation:
Here's what happened...
"Until recently, I have not been as conscious of the environment as I probably should have been. If I could not find a recycling bin close by, I would not think twice about tossing my soda can into the garbage. Now I realize that every small change I make can have a positive impact. Last week I moved into a new apartment in New York. I happen to think that unpacking is worse than the packing process. In the past, I have moved everything – not just clothes and furniture, but all of the random hair products, aspirin, and old makeup that have been sitting in the medicine cabinet for years. I have since learned my lesson, so this move was the perfect opportunity to try out some new cleaning products."
The Product: Natural Dishwashing Liquid
The Result: My plates and silverware were spotless after using just a small amount. I enjoy the lavender and mint smell so much that I prefer to use it instead of hand soap, since it leaves my skin feeling so smooth.
The Product: All Purpose Cleaner
The Result: I have used this to scrub bathroom tiles, marble kitchen counters, and a glass dining tabletop. The cleaner did not leave any streaks on the glass, and left other spaces shining. I prefer the lavender scent of the dish soap, but the green mandarin and leaf smell is pleasant and not overpowering like many all-purpose cleaners can be.
The Product: Laundry Liquid
The Result: I like that this laundry detergent is 2x concentrated, yet the bottle is still a good size – it makes me feel like it will last for a while. I chose the free and clear scent because I do not actually want my clothes to smell like anything other than my preferred perfume. My clothes came out clean, and the detergent removed stains that I was not sure it would be able to.
The Product: Natural Fabric Softener Sheets
The Result: Admittedly, I was very skeptical about the appearance of these. They are not soft and white like I am used to; instead they are brown and paper-like. My clothes did, however, come out feeling just as soft.
Top Pick: The dishwashing liquid, especially since I use it every day. I honestly cannot tell the difference between environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies and traditional products. So I'm excited about trying out more!"
More to enjoy:
10 Quick Tips for Green Cleaning
Shopping for Safer Produce
Easy Tips for Saving Money (and the Environment)
Many of us have saved flowers from special occasions to dry and keep forever -- wedding bouquets, baby shower centerpieces, birthday arrangements, the list goes on and on. (I think a few of said memories are still hanging in my parents' basement!) But finally someone (two smart sisters, to be exact) has created a unique way to put floral memories to good use.

Bella Fiore Keepsake Jewelry just recently turned its brilliant idea into a business, and the timing is perfect for Mother's Day. Flowers you've saved from a special event are transformed into beautiful beads on bracelets and rosaries. The Una Bella Bracelet offers a variety of charm options, our favorite of which is the mother/daughter split heart that is worn, you guessed it, half with mother and half with daughter.
Who doesn't want to get more mileage out of their clothes? Jones New York, our partner on the upcoming new FLN show, Closet Cases, is hosting a series of in-store events at major department stores nationwide to help women stretch their clothing budgets. Together with Closet Cases style expert Lloyd Boston, the JNY Style Miles program will travel across the country to help you create a recession-proof wardrobe.
Wardrobe clinics will show you how to take classic pieces from your closet and pair them with key items from the spring collection from Jones New York. A fashion show of key looks will be followed by one-on-one style consultations with Lloyd.
IN-STORE EVENT SCHEDULE:
For more info on the events, visit jny.com.
Let's be honest -- whose doesn't? Closet Cases, FLN's new, original series, is a style savior for the style challenged. Expert Lloyd Boston takes you on a shopping spree in your own closet -- helping to identify what works and what doesn't, what to keep and what to toss.
Each of the lucky participants on the show needs to get ready -- fast! -- for a big event, from a high school reunion to a hotel launch party. So together with closet expert, Carey Evans, Lloyd transforms their wardrobes from shabby to chic.
Closet Cases premieres on Monday, April 13 at 10:30pm ET.
Get a sneak peak of the fun, new series:
Champagne. Alone, with a strawberry, or in a seductive cocktail, Champagne is our favorite no-fail gift for Valentine's Day procrastinators. Forget the ubiquitous flowers and chocolates and opt for something sexier with more romance potential. The classic Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label is a universal favorite, or try the Rare Vintage Rose for extra elegance.
How well do you know the world of bubbly? Test your Champagne IQ.
Everyone loves a sweet treat, just not necessarily for Valentine's Day. When asked which gift they would prefer NOT to receive from a sweetheart, 40% of fineliving.com users said to stay away from the infamous box of chocolates! Flowers and "the ring" were next on the list of what to avoid, but diamonds (in general) are still a girl's best friend -- jewelry is by far the most sought-after gift. A little blue box, anyone?
Cast your vote for the least appealing Valentine's Day present, and speak out below (by leaving a comment) if you agree or disagree with the backlash on Forrest Gump's favorite feast.
Start shopping for Valentine's Day