Washing your hands before dinner is an unusual experience when the soap is actually shaped like little hands.  Made of all natural glycerin, the Handsoaps, which are made by hand) by Marie Gardeski, started out as an art project during graduate school.

After completing an installation of 2500 doll-like hands made of soap, the artist needed to dispose of her materials so she started to leave the tiny soaps in public restrooms and to give them away to friends.  The soaps quickly developed a cult-following and are now a best-selling item on her online shop, Plastic Foliage.

Slightly creepy yet adorable at the same time, the Handsoaps come in groups of ten hands in various shapes, skin colors and sizes ranging from half an inch to two inches tall. The Handsoaps come packaged in a green organza gift bag and retail for $18.

A truly original hostess gift, these little soaps are bound to make your party guests linger in the loo for just a little longer than normal.  At least you know their hands will be clean!

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Plastic Foliage

There is something so chic about using a brown paper bag for gift wrapping.  Not only is it the Lazy Hostess way to avoid the tricky and time consuming task of packing up your presents, it’s somehow effortlessly stylish.  On Etsy, we discovered a collection of Japanese design products that could transform your plain brown paper into an original piece of art.

Sold in packages of ten, these square wax paper bags can be dressed up with a variety of decorative stamps featuring lace doilies, chandeliers, birds and trees.  Sets of stamp ink, which can be used on paper, fabric, unpainted wood and terracotta, come in pretty colors like coral, cherry, clover, denim and espresso.

To create a gift bag, simply stamp your bag with the special ink and seal with either wooden clothes pins or patterned masking tape.  For a shopper, add handles in colored or metallic paper cord and fill bag with tissue.  Another clever idea would be to turn the gift bag into a make-shift vase by placing a glass inside to hold the flowers and water.

The wax paper bags ($6.50 for 10), stamps, inks and decorative tapes can be purchased from the Karuku’s Etsy shop and shipped from Japan to many countries around the world.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Karuku

Green thumb optional.  For those wanting to grow their own herbs but lack any gardening skills (or an actual garden), Bamboo Grow Pots by Potting Shed Creations are an ingenious solution. The handmade, sustainable bamboo pots come with organic soil and your choice of herb seeds including Lavender, Oregano, Basil or Parsley. The lacquered lid cleverly becomes the saucer for the plants.

Tied with a ribbon made from recycled plastic bottles, the Bamboo Grow Pots ($22 each) make perfect housewarming gifts.  To create a fragrant herb garden, consider buying the matching rack ($14), made from recycled steel.  The rack fits three pots and is compact enough for a kitchen counter or windowsill.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Branch Home

Make happy hour a stylish and simple affair by filling a Michael Aram nut bowl or olive dish with a selection of savories to accompany your favorite cocktails. We like this little hand hammered olive bowl from the Bronzed Botanical Collection.

“I love the idea of an object’s function being reflected in its form,” explains Aram. “The Olive Branch Dish holds olives … it’s a perfect reflection of this poetic symmetry.”  And, it’s pretty gorgeous as well!

The Olive Branch Dish ($75) is made of stainless steel and oxidized bronze.  For more condiment and snack bowls by Michael Aram, visit their website.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Michael Aram

We all know the expression, “you are what you eat.”  Now what you choose to eat off may also reflect your unique personality. In a step away from the traditional, Ink Dish is a tabletop company that collaborates with cutting edge design partners to create original collections of dishware.

The collection by Paul Timman, the world renowned tattoo artist whose client list boasts the who’s-who of Hollywood such as Drew Barrymore, Angelina Jolie and Ben Affleck, is in stores now and creating quite the buzz. His incredible tribal and traditional Japanese illustrations have been fired on porcelain plates, bowls and mugs in three collections entitled Irezumi, Cherry Ink and Tribal Lines.

Another upcoming collection is by Alyson Fox, a photographer and artist who works with various mediums such as paper, fabric and ceramics.  She is best known for her delicate illustrations that have be published in Lucky, Domino and the New York Times.   Her December, May and Tug collections for Ink Dish will be available in April 2010 and can be pre-ordered at Unica Home and Velocity Art and Design.

Four piece dinnerware sets for one including dinner plate, side plate, bowl and mug start at $65 but items are also available separately.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Ink Dish

It’s a family affair.  Since 1914, the Russ clan has been providing New Yorkers with smoked fish as well as other appetizers that have made them part of the city’s cultural heritage.

Dropping into the Russ & Daughters landmark shop in the Lower East Side, which has been in the same location since 1933, is quite the culinary experience with a vast selection of specialty fish including cured salmon, stuffed trout, peppered mackerel, pickled herring and caviar.

Try the New York Brunch ($85), which includes New York Nova Salmon, all natural cream cheese, hand rolled bagels,  chocolate babka and a bag of Private Blend coffee with a mug.  Available for delivery, the New York Brunch package serves up to 6 people and would be the perfect Lazy Hostess choice for an early morning get-together or a welcome gift for visiting in-laws or sleep deprived new parents.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Russ & Daughters

Leave it to one of the city’s chicest entrepreneurs to turn her weekend hobby into a cool new business.  Ria Browne, best known as the founder of Mella, the flip flop and beach accessories brand, and more recently as a partner at Mayle, took a well deserved break from the world of fashion to pursue some personal passions including opera singing and shopping the flower market.

After sending her friends some of her adorable potted creations, the requests starting pouring in and Tiny Park Flowers was born.  For holiday Browne offered small potted amaryllis, cyclamen, paperwhites and mini evergreens housed in white or natural ceramic pots or vintage silver cups.

The winter season will feature mini orchids potted in silver julep cups, begonias and Browne’s current favorite, starburst hydrangeas, which have tiny buds and flowers that look like white stars.

Named after her original consulting company where she worked with clients, including hotelier Andre Balazs and designer Kate Spade, Tiny Park Flowers is a stylish (and affordable) option to sending cut flowers for a variety of occasions including birthdays, engagements and baby showers.

“I thought it was the perfect name because I only do potted plants and you can think of each one like a little park. They represent nature and I really do believe that surrounding yourself with greenery is very therapeutic.”

Prices start at $35 for a basic potted plant, $45 for a mini orchid and up to $125 for a large multi-stem orchid.

To place an order, contact Tiny Park Flowers via email or call 917 623 0950.  Delivery available in Brooklyn and Manhattan. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Tiny Park Flowers

With holiday season in full swing, everyone has eating, drinking and partying on the brain.  Now’s the time to thank your favorite hostess, who has been tirelessly entertaining you all year long, with some gorgeous gifts.  No doubt any of these could make a featured appearance at an upcoming celebration.

Ice, Ice Baby
The gorgeous acrylic trays from IOMOI now have a stylish sibling.  Newly launched, the Ice Bucket ($68) can be customized with a monogram, name or address in a variety of bright colors with whimsical patterns or Palm Beach prints a la Lily Pulitzer.

Bamboo Elegance
Featured at the MOMA store, this award winning Espresso Set ($45) is a tray that comes with 6 inset bamboo saucers, 6 porcelain cups and 6 stainless steel spoons that can easily be used to serve dessert instead of coffee.  The Jakob Wagner bamboo serving board ($80) has an elegant ergonomically designed slant for easy transport.

Bedtime RX
A pill on the nightstand is reinterpreted by Jonathan Adler with his cheeky new glass water carafe.  Available in a variety of color combos including yellow/white, turquoise/white and tomato/white (Tylenol inspired?).

Fruit Bowl
Named for its three feet, the Trepied collection by Eno features whimsical ceramic and solid beech wood bowls ($50-$140) that can be used for so much more than fruit on your tabletop.

PHOTO CREDIT:  IOMOI, Jonathan Adler, MOMA Store, Gretel

This holiday season, let’s revisit the basics in a green way.  Here are three tips to get you started on your shopping for the green peeps in your life.

Tip 1/ Plan ahead.  Last minute madness inevitably means compromising everything.  There’s nothing quite like paying too much for irresponsibly made items that the recipient doesn’t even like.

Tip 2/ Excess is out.  Thoughtful and conscious is in.  You’re not a downer if you insist that eight (or one?  okay, two?) is enough when it comes to princess dresses for your daughter.

Tip 3/ Think before you speak.  Whether you acknowledge it or not, you talk with your dollars, so start saying something you can be proud of.

Now check out my holiday gift list, eco-style…

Sustainable Sound
For the audiophile and the interior design guru alike, Vers Audio ($219.99) sound systems offer great sound, great style, responsible design and even a take-back program.  Listen… That’s music to your ears you hear.

Hurry!  Chanukah Harry is Coming!
The perfect gift to set the tone for an ethereal eight days, this Wild Pomegranate wooden box (only $25!) includes a ceramic dreidel, beeswax candles and a beautiful set of matches.

DIY, Sort Of
Spoonflower offers eco-friendly fabrics and printing.  It’s simple: You design, they print!  Get your creative on and give something unique, chic and sustainable to that too-cool-for-school girl or guy on your list. Order by 12/14 to arrive by 12/24.

Gifts That Keeps On Giving
Give a gift of giving.  Boring?  Donations don’t have to be if you accompany them with a related, cool somethin’ somethin’.  Some ideas…

Give: Catskill Mountainkeeper (Help NY and PA protect their land, water and air against unsafe gas drilling)…Gift: Klean Kanteen water bottle ($17.95).

Give: Room to Read (Empower girls by providing educational resources in rural villages around the world)… Gift: A book, of course!  Or, if it’s got to be more exciting, eco-soccer ball ($34.99).

Give: Peter C. Alderman Foundation (Train health care professionals to heal the emotional wounds of victims of terror in post-conflict countries)… Gift: A Make A Wish necklace ($30).

Service not Stuff
You can also skip all the stuff and instead support your local business community while giving what are often the most well received gifts. Massage?  Facial?  Mani/Pedi for a year?  Make it work within your budget, and choose the recipient’s favorite salonista. If you can’t resist a small gift item to go with the service, throw in a Priti non-toxic nail polish ($12.50).

Contributing green writer Danielle Venokur is the founder of dvGreen, a sustainable event design  and production firm.  She hosts The Green Party on MNN.com, and has  been featured in GOTHAM, The Knot, Treehugger, Vogue, and Modern Bride as one of their 25 Trendsetters of 2008.

Lighting a candle – whether for a private vigil or a lively party – can change the energy in a room.  With a candle in a glassybaby votive , the gesture can contribute to improving a person’s life.  Created by Lee Rhodes, a cancer survivor who wanted to find a way to give back to the care centers that cured her and to the community of patients that needed her support, glassybaby is a collection of beautifully colored votives that benefits charity.

Every year, glassybaby selects a group of colors to benefit local and national cancer organizations such as the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the Martha Stewart Center for Living.  Handmade by glassblowers in a Seattle studio, the votives, which can be used as vases or drinking glasses, come in a wide range of delicious colors from pastel pinks and greens to deep blues and burgundies.  With over 70 shades, there is a color to match every tabletop setting or room aesthetic.

Available at their retail stores in Seattle and New York (opening October 29, 2009) and online, glassybaby votives are sold for $40 each with 10% of sales going to charity.   The sturdy and sophisticated votives can also be rented for weddings and events for $5 each.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of glassybaby

The Colorado Springs company has been creating these beautiful glasses by hand by slicing off the bottom of used wine bottles, sandblasting them to attain a new finish and recycling the tops.  Available in two sizes, the glasses come in a variety of colors including Amber, Aqua, Olive and Blue. A set of 4 old fashioned glasses is $28 and the taller set is $30.

What a romantic anniversary gift to give a spouse to have the actual bottles from the wedding (that might have headed to a landfill) refashioned into everyday drinking glasses.  For an extra touch (and major points), the name, date or a special message can be etched on the exterior of the glass.

To custom order your glasses from Wine Punts, call 719-229-3059 or visit the website.

There is a certain beauty in imperfections, especially when it comes to the handmade pieces of American potter, Frances Palmer.  Based in Connecticut, Palmer is known for her irreverently shaped tableware and accessories including vases, footed bowls and cake plates all adorned with whimsical details.  For private clients, Palmer throws each piece by hand in her studio resulting in truly unique designs that can be used as functional tableware as well as art.

The Frances Palmer Pearl Collection, which includes everyday dining and serving pieces, is a collaboration between the artist and a leading manufacturer.  Created from molds taken from her hand, the pieces are finished individually in order to maintain their slight irregularities, yet have the durability of high quality china.  The tea service (shown below) including tea cups ($25), creamer ($35), sugar bowl ($35) and tea pot ($175) are particularly charming and come in blue, black, white and honeydew.

The collection is available online via Frances Palmer Pottery or at The Art of Cooking among other specialty retailers.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Frances Palmer Pottery

Opposites attract.  This pair of ceramic mugs, one white and one black, are hand painted with a delicate dandelion design in the reverse color.  Heat sealed and dishwasher safe, they would make an affordable gift for a housewarming or an appropriate gift for a co-worker.

The collection, which includes plates and tumblers, was created by graphic artist and illustrator, Soule (pronounced soul) who has been featured in the book, Stencil Nation, Community Art and Graffiti by Russell Howze.

The 8oz Dandelion Mugs are $19 for the pair and available on Etsy at Soule’s Shop.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Soule’s Shop

Etsy Finds is a recurring post about the treasures that we unearth on Etsy.com, the online arts & crafts marketplace.

Give Love.  Give Luck.  Give Wisdom.  At Chewing the Cud, they believe that gifts should be given to cherished friends with a positive message.  Hand printed on 100% organic cotton with soy based inks, these reusable fabric gift wraps are brightly patterned and include these meaningful phrases.

Based in San Francisco, Chewing the Cud creates charming letterpress invitations and cards on 100% cotton paper with non-toxic inks as well as other gift items.

The fabric gift wraps (28 x 28′) retail for $10 each on Etsy at Chewing the Cud’s Shop.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Chewing the Cud

Etsy Finds is a recurring post about the treasures that we unearth on Etsy.com, the online arts & crafts marketplace.

As any social butterfly will tell you, sometimes the most memorable evenings come out of accepting a last minute invitation.  But, attending a spontaneous dinner party or cocktail soiree will leave you little time to wrap a hostess gift, let alone find an appropriate card.

Sesame Letterpress offers a charming solution to this social predicament with their new collection of gift tags that feature designs appropriate for every possible occasion and recipient.

“Often a big folded card is too much for a small hostess gift, but a simple tag is perfect and can serve as a calling card as well,” explains Breck Hostetter, founder of Sesame Letterpress.

The little tags (2 ¾ x 1 3/16”) are printed with Victorian era imagery of silhouette profiles representing each member of the family including, a man in a hat, a fancy lady, a young girl (actually Hostetter’s daughter’s profile), a young boy, a cat, a dog, a rabbit and a bear (perhaps your Uncle Toby?).

Each tag is printed one at a time by hand on a 19th century letterpress.  A  set of the silhouette tags (which includes one of each of the profiles) is available for $10 at the John Derian store in New York.

Custom silhouettes of your most cherished loved one – either human or animal – can be commissioned by sending in a digital photo of the subject in profile and in front of a light colored background.  The price for 100 gift tags with a custom silhouette is $150.

To contact Sesame Letterpress, visit their web site or send an inquiry via email.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Sesame Letterpress

For artisan popcorn maker Jean Arnold, perfection can be found in the details.  Named after the optimal Fahrenheit temperature for popping corn, her company 479 Popcorn, launched in 2008, revives the tradition of making small batches of popcorn by hand in heavy copper kettles.

Reflecting her training at Le Cordon Bleu in London and international upbringing, 479 Popcorn offers a range of eight gourmet flavors including Black Truffle & White Cheddar, Vietnamese Cinnamon Sugar and Chipotle Caramel & Almonds.  Four samplers, ($33-$38) which contain 5 boxes of assorted flavors each, are cleverly grouped with names like The Purist or The Sweet Tooth and make for original (and well received) gifts.

The company, which is committed to being green, uses only organic and local ingredients in their products and sustainable materials for their gorgeously branded packaging.

Available in specialty stores across the U.S., 479 Popcorn is sold at Dean & Deluca, Zabars & Whole Foods as well as online from the company’s web site.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of 479 Popcorn

A decadent pillar of black bees wax embedded with an opulent gold wax cameo, Le Cierge Imperial candle was originally created in limited edition to commemorate the christening of Napolean’s son.  Created by the legendary candle purveyor, Cire Trudon, this unscented candle would make a dramatic centerpiece for a dinner setting or a romantic decoration on a marble bedside table.

Cire Trudon, who has been producing candles since 1643, is one of the oldest wax artisans in France and has worked with esteemed fashion houses including Hermes, Guerlain and Dior.

The candles including the exquisitely scented Bougies Parfumees and the original Bustes de Cire (wax busts of Napolean and Marie Antoinette) are available at specialty stores around the world.  Find them at some of our favorites shops such as Aedes de Venustas, John Derian and Barney’s.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Cire Trudon

Created by a stylist, TapeSwell is an affordable and easy way to turn plain brown boxes in distinctive packages and a modern way to approach gift wrap.

The industrial tape comes by the roll for $7 or in combo packs (2 rolls of mix-and-match tape) in a reusable aluminum canister for $20.  The collection also features chic, wrap around labels and mailing labels.

Sold online or at select Kate’s Paperie locations.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of TapeSwell.

Paulette Koumetz and her award-winning chef, Christophe Michalak, have created 12 everyday classic flavors like caramel, lemon and coconut as well as seasonal specialities including jasmine tea and cinnamon.

A wonderful alternative to serving cake, their five-tiered tower ($106) holds a selection of 60 macarons in a dramatic yet elegant display. For dinner party or wedding favor gifts, order 2 macarons in a mini-box ($4) with signature logo cutout (which cleverly shows the flavor inside).  For special events and large orders, contact Paulette by email.

Orders can be made online for overnight delivery or in person at their shops.

Paulette Macarons Beverly Hills (9466 Charleville Boulevard, Los Angeles 310-275-0023)

Paulette Macarons San Francisco (437 Hayes Street, San Francisco 415-864-2400)

It is recommended that all macarons be consumed within 3 days of purchase…as if they would ever last that long!

PHOTO CREDIT:  Tina Rupp

For an elegant yet inexpensive alternative, we turned to our friends at Ron Wendt Design, who have created florals and decor for some of New York’s most fashionable including brands like Cartier, Frederic Fekkai and the New York City Ballet.

Inspired by the traditional “ring in a box,” Ron Wendt and Philip MacGregor show us step-by-step how to create this floating rose bud gift which can be seen as a unique expression of your affection.

SUPPLIES
1 5 x 5 clear glass cube
2 yards sheer organza ribbon
6 pieces of variegated lily grass
1 full open large head rose

Fill the glass cube with about 1.5 inches of clean water. Take all of the lily grass and wrap it around your hand. Then set into the bottom of the cube so it lines the interior. Cut the stem of the rose to 1/4 inch and set into the cube to float in the water. Find the center point of the ribbon and lay across the top of the cube. Wrap the ribbon around to the bottom of the cube, twist the 2 ribbon pieces together and wrap up around the other sides of the cube and tie it in a bow at the top, just like a gift box.

Insider Tip: To ensure a proper match, take either the rose or one of the outer petals with you when selecting the ribbon. In terms of roses, try the Grand Prix for red, Esperance for pink, Skyline for yellow, Faith for lavender and Tibet for white.

It’s a great way to utilize flowers that have broken or to get a few more days of enjoyment out of a fully open rose. When you place several floating buds (without the ribbon) in a row interspersed with low votive candles, they become a simple and romantic centerpiece for any dinner table.

Ron Wendt Design (245 West 29th Street, 212-290-2428) is known for their refined classic aesthetic with cutting edge style for clients ranging from Hermes to People Magazine.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Ron Wendt Design

With delicious and almost edible scents including Beeswax & Whipped Cream (with essence of steamed rice, honey and cognac) and Wild Oats & Bourbon (with wild oats, mandarin ginger and bourbon), the original fragrances make wonderful gifts for the foodies in your life or simply for those who enjoy living well.

Available for $32 at luxury department stores nationwide including Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nest Fragrances

3R Living, an eco-minded lifestyle store based in Brooklyn, sells a collection of stylish home accessories including beeswax candles from Big Dipper Wax Works. Naturally aromatic (infused with sweet honey), nontoxic and nonallergenic, the candles come in both pillars and tea lights.

Pair them with these stone-like tea light holders ($36), made of reclaimed mahogany from a window manufacturer (which throws out hundreds of pounds of waste each year) and you have an elegant, sustainable table.

3R Living – 276L Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-832-0951.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of 3R Living

Originally created as a wedding favor for her friend’s nuptials, the 1.2 oz Flying Chocolate Pig comes in a lavender gift box with a matching silk tie. Available online and at various Vosges stores, the chocolate pig retails for $12.

SPECIAL OFFER: From now until November 30th, 2008, readers of Notesonaparty.com will receive 10% off all web site purchases of truffles, chocolates, bon bons and more. Enter promo code 2810WB1 at check out.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Known for their crisp patterns and vibrant colors, IOMOI’s glass coasters can dress up any table. They are the perfect place for a minty mojito when you entertain or as a chic table accessory to hold small items like jewelry or keys.

Available with two or three letter monograms or up to 32 characters, you can personalize the glass coasters in a variety of ways. Prices range from $26 for one coaster to $95 for a set of four and comes with a chocolate gift box.