One lucky Hip Hostess Blog reader will receive this charming vase by Dahlhaus Art.  This vase features one of Dahlhaus’ original designs, with 3 poppies on each side.  The vase will add a pretty touch to a coffee station set up for brunch, a small breakfast table or nightstand.  If you can part with it, give it as a hostess gift.  Vase is 7″ tall and 4.5″ wide at it’s widest section, and can hold 2-3 stems.
For more of dahlhaus’s charming pottery pieces visit their Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/dahlhaus or their website www.dahlhausart.com

Enter this giveaway by clicking on the link below.  The winner will be randomly selected on February 28th at 9pm EST.  One entry per person.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFNtTVY5cmRFdmloQ0RCRFhHcWZUeUE6MA

Two lucky winners will receive either an International or Indian sampler size spice kit ($18 value each).  Each sample kit contains 10 round spice tins, featuring the incredible variety of spices listed below.  With these flavorful spices you can experience the amazing flavor of international cuisine.  These fresh spices come in neat little tins that are easy to store and pleasing to look at.  Great product with a great package!  Visit SpiceKits Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/spicekits to view the entire variety of spice kits offered.

International Kit includes the following spices:  Chinese Five Spice (Blend of cinnamon, star anise,fennel seeds, cloves, and black pepper), Garam Masala (Indian blend of green/black cardamom,cinnamon,bay leaves, coriander, cloves, and black pepper), Greek Seasoning (Blend of salt, bell peppers, onion, sesame seeds, parsley, and lemon extract), Herbs d’Provence (Blend of rosemary, thyme, savory, fennel seeds, basil, lavender, and marjoram), Italian Blend (Blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage and marjoram), Taco Seasoning (Blend of chili peppers, salt, garlic, and onion), Cajun Spice (Blend of salt, garlic, paprika, chili powder, sesame seeds, parsley, hickory smoke), Lebanese Zaatar Spice (Blend of green herbs, toasted sesame seeds, salt), Curry Powder (Blend of Tumeric, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel, Allspice, Red Pepper, Black Pepper, Ginger, Mustard, Allspice) and Steak Spice (Blend of Salt, Garlic, Black Pepper, Coriander Seed, Mustard Seed, Dill Seed, Red Pepper).

Indian Kit includes the following spices:  Turmeric, Coriander powder, Coriander seeds, Cumin powder, Cumin seeds, Red chili powder, Black mustard seeds, Green cardamom, Garam masala and Curry powder.

Enter this giveaway by completing the form at the link below.  The winners will be randomly selected at 10pm EST on February 25, 2010, and will be notified via e-mail.  One entry per person.  Shipment to US address only.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDZaQ1hNa0NaVlZBMTNDSFFDZ0g0d2c6MA

One very lucky Hip Hostess Blog reader will win a fabulous custom baby gift from New Arrival Art ($75 value) to keep or to give.  New Arrival Art is a very thoughtful gift:  It’s a memorable keepsake and a unique way to decorate a nursery.

Enter this giveaway by clicking on the link below.  Winner will be randomly selected at 9pm EST on February 22, 2010 and notified via e-mail.  All information needed for customization will be collected after the end of the giveaway.  One entry per person.  Shipment to US address only.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dERDMDl3OTIxYmhxYVZuMHM0ZFFwc3c6MA

LinenMe is graciously giving one Hip Hostess Blog reader a beautiful linen table runner in the diamond pattern pictured above ($27 value).  If you aren’t into ironing, table runners are a great option for you; they take minutes to iron and can easily be store rolled up and secured with rubber bands to prevent wrinkling.  This 100% linen table runner features rhomb weave, is machine washable and measures 20″ x 55″.  The giveaway winner may choose from black, wheat or off white for the runner.  View the color selection at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37542111.

LinenMe carries many modern and classic designs for bed, bath and dining.  To view LinenMe’s entire collection, visit their Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LinenMe.

To enter this giveaway, click on the link below and complete the form by February 18th at 10pm EST.  Winner will be notified via e-mail.  One entry per person. Note: This item will be shipped directly from Lithuania, and will take approximately 3 weeks to arrive.  This fine item is worth the wait.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHNQSzFmak1sUlNMZXdXT3B2T3M1VWc6MA

In honor of the Chinese New Year (2010 is the year of the Tiger), Paper Tiger Wrap is offering one Hip Hostess Blog giveaway winner 2 sheets of their beautiful wrapping paper.  The winner will receive 1 sheet of the Red Dragon/ Tiger pattern and 1 sheet of the Orange Plum Blossom pattern ($10 value).  All Paper Tiger papers are created with a reversible pattern or color so there are two sides to choose from.  Printed on heavy 100% recycled paper with soy-based ink and each sheet is a generous 23.6″ x 34.2″.  Paper Tiger’s designs reflect the richness of Chinese art – they have a wonderful collection of contemporary, colorful and fun gift paper.

To view Paper Tiger Wrap’s entire collection of fine paper visit their Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperTigerWrap.

Enter this giveaway by completing the form at the link below.  The winner will be randomly selected at 10pm EST on February 10, 2010, and will be notified via e-mail.  One entry per person.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHQ5eXRFMmduSzVVLTlmdjFMUXVjRnc6MA

This giveaway features exquisite handcrafted truffles from Haute Chocolate NC, located in North Carolina.  Haute Chocolates uses quality chocolate and infuses it with really delicious and interesting flavors.  HC’s truffle are free of added sugar and butter – just delicious chocolate and natural flavors in these decadent treats.

There will be two winners for this giveaway:  One winner will receive a 6-piece Love is in the Air Collection; the other will receive a 6-piece box of Wine Infused Truffles (flavors in each collection listed below).  You can choose to have the cookies shipped to you or to your Valentine – just be sure to provide the shipping address of where you want them shipped on the giveaway entry form.

Enter this giveaway by completing the form at the link below.  The winner will be randomly selected at 10pm EST on February 9, 2010, and will be notified via e-mail.  One entry per person and shipment must be made to a US address.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFlBaE9ERFhmWE5TVHdnTVhvZFh3Smc6MA

Love is in the Air Collection features the following flavors:

* Champagne and Strawberries (Dark chocolate over white chocolate infused with REAL champagne (no flavoring here!) and strawberries)
* Bellini (Dark chocolate over white infused with REAL peaches and champagne)
* Mimosa (Dark Chocolate infused with orange zest and champagne)
* Mojito (Dark chocolate over white infused with lime zest, rum and fresh spearmint leaves)
* Creme Brulee (White chocolate with the signature creme brulee flavor profile and topped with caramelized sugar)
* Hazelnut (Dark chocolate with freshly ground hazelnuts)

Wine Infused Truffles features the following flavors:

* Rooster Red – A Chianti style wine with a hint of cranberries (dark chocolate)
* Sweet Mountain Bliss – A sweet Blush with a hint of Raspberries (white chocolate)
* Grand Vieux Chateau du Roi – Made in the style of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a deep red with hints of cherry and berry (dark chocolate)
* Blue Norther – Blueberry (dark chocolate over white chocolate)

For a complete list of flavors offered, check out Haute Chocolate’s website at www.hautechocolatenc.com.

HC’s individually wrapped truffles are perfect party favors for any time of year.

This giveaway includes a fun linen tea towel handmade by Sima.  This tea towel is a lovely addition to any kitchen.  This contemporary vintage-inspired pattern is an original illustration by Sima, printed and sewn onto the towel.  The color makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day!  Made from 100% linen, this towel is machine washable (warm/cold wash; tumble dry low), and measures  24″ x 13″.

Check out Sima’s Etsy Shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/handmadebysima for other charming hand made contemporary designs and high-quality linen products, such as tablecloths, table runners and cloth buckets.

Enter this giveaway by completing the form at the link below.  The winner will be randomly selected at 10pm EST on February 8, 2010, and will be notified via e-mail.  One entry per person.  Shipment to US address only.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDZjUDl5YXIySWNwUlRvc2lYaDkyZXc6MA

Give parents-to-be a memorable gift to take home from a baby shower by having each guest decorate a onesie.  Supplies for this project are inexpensive and easy to find:  White onesies in various sizes, a few pieces of cardboard (to put inside the onesie so the paint doesn’t bleed through), a package of stencils (animals, flowers, etc.), fabric paints in a few colors, a small plastic tray for the paint and a package of paint brushes.  Cover a table in newspaper and an inexpensive table cloth.  Buy a package of small clothespins and use a piece of ribbon, yarn or string to make a clothesline across the room (the paint will need time to dry).  If you have the space, have guests go into another room to do the decorating and bring the mom-to-be into the room after everyone has made one to present her with the gift.  Every new parent will appreciate having a plethora of cute onesies for their new bundle.

If it feels like the father in your family is hard to shop for, throw a Father’s Day party with a monogram theme and tell all your guest to bring dad a monogrammed gift.  Your dad will feel super special with his initials all over.

A monogram theme also works well for a bridal shower, a birthday party or an anniversary. 

Here are some other ideas to get your monogram party started:

• Send invitations with the guest of honor’s monogram.
• Buy a brander with the guest of honor’s initial or monogram and brand steaks and burgers before serving them.
• Serve drinks from a monogrammed pitcher or in monogrammed glasses. 
• Buy disposable napkins with the guest of honor’s first initial imprinted on them. 
• Serve cupcakes with with the guest of honor’s initial piped on top or use alphabet shaped cookies to spell out their initials. 

Some great ideas for monogrammed Father’s Day gifts include:  Pilsner, low-balls or martini glasses, beer mugs, flasks, coasters, leather catchalls (for change and keys), money clips, cuff links, key chains, cotton hankerchiefs, toiletry bags, towels, coffee mug, playing cards, polo or button-down shirts, grill tools, guitar picks, gym bags, golf towels, golf balls or golf club links.

*Monogrammed beer pitcher shown above is available at Pottery Barn for $21.50 (including cost of monogramming)
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p11076/index.cfm?pkey=cbarware

Why pay for expensive chocolate covered strawberries when you can make your own batch in about 15 minutes?  These are perfect with a glass of champagne for dessert on Valentines Day.  Or place them in individual candy wrappers (as shown), and place them in a small box or bag as a party favor or gift for your Valentine.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

8oz high quality dark (70% cacao) or semi-sweet chocolate

1 lb. strawberries with stems attached, preferably organic

1.       Wash strawberries carefully to keep stems intact.  Dry them completely – you don’t want any water left on the berries.  Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper and set aside.

2.       Chop chocolate with a serrated knife and place in a microwave-safe bowl.  Heat in the microwave at 30 second intervals until half of the chocolate is melted, stirring each time you take it out.  Once half is melted, stir until the chocolate is smooth and shiny (the heat from the melted chocolate will melt the remaining chocolate and this method ensures that the chocolate won’t seize or burn).

3.       Hold the stems of the strawberries away from the berry and dip the berries into the melted chocolate.  Twist the berries as you lift them out of the chocolate to let the extra chocolate drip back into the bowl.  Place dipped strawberry on prepared parchment lined pan.  Repeat with remaining strawberries.  Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature (about 30 minutes).  If you make these in advance or on a warm day you can put them in the refrigerator after they have set but cover them with plastic to prevent the chocolate from absorbing other flavors in your refrigerator.