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Holiday Party Must-Haves

Holiday Party Must-Haves

From hostess gifts to sky-high heels, check out these soiree-ready finds for the busy social season

By Alex Apatoff

Updated November 30, 2011 05:00 PM

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GEORGETOWN CUPCAKES, $29

Credit: Courtesy Georgetown Cupcakes

Send cupcakes so cult-inspiring that they have their own show (DC Cupcakes) in a delicious holiday dozen sure to get you on next year’s party VIP list.

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FOLEY & CORINNA PARTY DRESS, $119

Credit: Courtesy Gilt Groupe

You’re sure to stand out in this unexpected hue, making it easy for potential beaus to make a beeline for you under the mistletoe – and since it’s from discount-designer site Gilt Groupe, this is one party indulgence that’s guilt-free.

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BHLDN CHAMPAGNE COUPES, $68

Credit: Courtesy BHLDN

Anthropologie’s sister wedding site, BHLDN, is packed with party-perfect décor, from coasters to cake plates to these ultra-romantic, vintage-y champagne coupes. Toast your host by presenting the set in a beautifully wrapped box.

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DANCING DEER BAKED ASSORTMENT, $36

Credit: Courtesy Dancing Deer

With just-right versions of gooey brownies and festive holiday cookies, Dancing Deer’s “Winter Warmer” holiday assortment is a great send-ahead gift that will give a hardworking hostess a break from the kitchen.

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ANTHOUSA CANDLE, $30

Credit: Courtesy Barneys

Get a glowing reception at any bash by showing up with Anthousa’s warm, nectarine-and-red-currant-scented candle, perfect for setting the mood or relaxing once all the dishes are done.

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ROBERTA CHIARELLA EARRINGS, $50

Credit: Courtesy Roberta Chiarella

The easiest way to get into the holiday spirit is to slip on a little sparkle – or in the case of these jaw-dropping glittering green danglers, a ton! They’re the perfect accessory to dress up your trusty LBD.

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VERA WANG FOR FTD BOUQUET, $70

Credit: Courtesy FTD

The star-loved designer has teamed up with the flower-delivery site to create the kind of bouquets any chic lady would love to display on her table. Bonus: It comes in a glass champagne bucket to keep the party going long after the flowers are gone!

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WEST ELM ACACIA SLABS, $24

Credit: Courtesy West Elm

These luxe-looking slabs do double duty as cutting boards and gorgeous serving pieces – and best of all, you can add a monogram, making them a thoughtful and elegant gift for the girl who loves to serve.

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MODCLOTH APRON, $34

Credit: Courtesy Modcloth

One of fall’s hottest trends, houndstooth, gets a retro spin on this too-cute apron. Toss it on over your party dress to move between guests and the kitchen with ease – and with style!

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DOWNTOWN COOKIE CO. ASSORTMENT, $24

Credit: Courtesy Downtown Cookie Co.

Put one of Downtown Cookie Co.’s delectable dozens on a pretty platter and pass them off as homemade to get major points from your host. On second thought, better to keep them in the box – one bite and they might not make it to the party.

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BOBBI BROWN PALETTE, $25

Credit: Courtesy Bobbi Brown

The makeup guru collected her best party shadows and glosses and tucked them into this teeny go-anywhere case that will fit into even the sleekest party clutch.

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ASOS METALLIC KNITTED DRESS, $61

Credit: Courtesy ASOS

A subtle metallic weave and leopard print make this dress great for day-to-night – just top it with a blazer and add tights and booties to tone down the eye-catching color, then slide on a few blingy bangles for an evening out.

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BANANA REPUBLIC FLATS, $66

Credit: Courtesy Banana Republic

As any hostess knows, mingling in 5-inch stilettos is the quickest way to call it an early night. Stay on your feet and still be fabulous in these sweet and sparkly “Brynn” ballet flats.

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ANN TAYLOR GLITTER BELT, $34

Credit: Courtesy Ann Taylor

Get festive in a snap with this ultra-glittery cincher. It’s a great piece for dressing up a low-key outfit for a last-minute invite or for giving your go-to party dress a fresh spin.

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MISS DIOR CHERIE GIFT SET, $83

Credit: Courtesy Dior Beauty

Be the belle of the ball with this sexy-but-sweet signature spritz, touted by . Its romantic scent ensures you’ll be making an impression long after the last champagne is sipped.

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DEBORAH LIPPMANN POLISH SET, $35

Credit: Courtesy Deborah Lippman

Not ready to break out the sequin minidress quite yet? Get plenty of holiday sparkle with manicurist-to-the-stars Deborah Lippmann’s glam holiday gift set, sure to brighten the day – and the nails – of any girl who wears it.

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NINE WEST PUMPS, $79

Credit: Courtesy Nine West

The classic shape looks great with everything from jeans to miniskirts, the platform means you’ll be able to stand in them if the party is low on seating, and the versatile pale gold hue guarantees you’ll get tons of use out of them after the holidays wind down.

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KATE SPADE NEW YORK STATIONERY, $24

Credit: Courtesy Kate Spade New York

She’ll love reliving the party memories as she sends out thoughtful thank-you notes on Kate Spade New York’s fizzy, festive notecards. If the party glow’s still going, perhaps she’ll jot off an early invite for next year!

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J.CREW PAJAMA SET, $78

Credit: Courtesy J.Crew

Hostesses will nestle all snug in their beds (once the leftovers are packed up and the kitchen is cleared, of course) in J.Crew’s chic ’60s-inspired pajama set – perfect for a cold winter’s night and for greeting overnight guests with mimosas in the morning!

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By Alex Apatoff

Account

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Holiday Party Must-Haves

1 of 19

GEORGETOWN CUPCAKES, $29

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FOLEY & CORINNA PARTY DRESS, $119

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BHLDN CHAMPAGNE COUPES, $68

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DANCING DEER BAKED ASSORTMENT, $36

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ANTHOUSA CANDLE, $30

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ROBERTA CHIARELLA EARRINGS, $50

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VERA WANG FOR FTD BOUQUET, $70

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WEST ELM ACACIA SLABS, $24

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MODCLOTH APRON, $34

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DOWNTOWN COOKIE CO. ASSORTMENT, $24

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BOBBI BROWN PALETTE, $25

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ASOS METALLIC KNITTED DRESS, $61

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BANANA REPUBLIC FLATS, $66

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ANN TAYLOR GLITTER BELT, $34

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MISS DIOR CHERIE GIFT SET, $83

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DEBORAH LIPPMANN POLISH SET, $35

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NINE WEST PUMPS, $79

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KATE SPADE NEW YORK STATIONERY, $24

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J.CREW PAJAMA SET, $78

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