Holiday Gifts for Him That You'll Totally Want to Steal
Shop Logan’s of Lexington for the best holiday gifts for the guys on your list — and for yourself!
{This post contains gifted items from Logan’s of Lexington. As always, all opinions are my own.}
I find that Bob is the easiest person to shop for on my holiday list. We’ve been together for over 15 years, so I certainly know his tastes pretty well; I definitely know the clothing styles and brands that he loves. He’d say that sometimes, I know his tastes a little too well — he often accuses me of buying him presents specifically so that I can wear them. Y’all know I totally don’t do this… well, okay, sometimes I do, but the thought is there, right? My motives aside, I’ve found that Logan’s of Lexington is a fantastic place to shop for the guys on your holiday list.
Of course, Logan’s has been a Lexington tradition for as long as most of us can remember. They’re known for their absolutely gorgeous array of men’s suiting, dress shirts, and ties; there’s no better place in Central Kentucky to shop for these pieces. But, if you’re looking for pieces that might migrate their way into your own closet (or that you might just want for yourself…), then Logan’s assortment of outerwear, accessories, and game day gear is the place to shop!
Logan’s has a fabulous assortment of Barbour, one of our very favorite brands! Their coats and vests are the absolute best (Queen Elizabeth swears by them!) and their accessories are simply beautiful.
Bob and I both are all about Barbour’s traditional plaid scarves. We’ve each gifted the other these scarves as Christmas presents over the years. They’re amazing. The cashmere-merino wool blend makes them super-soft yet extremely durable. The tartan plaids come in gorgeous color ways and lend subtle sophistication to a winter wardrobe. I loved this navy one so much that it may just live in my closet and not Bob’s.
Logan’s also has an extensive selection of UK game day gear. I’m partial to the Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt, and Bob thinks the Cutter & Buck quilted jacket would be perfect for Bowl Games and winter basketball games. We both love the Logan’s exclusive line of Vineyard Vines UK tees.
Logan’s also has the best assortment of Kentucky and sports-themed accessories. Bob and I both have these SEC caps, and wear them all the time. The pink one is my go-to, and Bob has it in UK blue. These would be the best gift if there’s somebody on your list whose team affiliation you can’t quite back, but y’all can agree that the SEC is the best conference in the land. (Which it totally is.)
I also love the assortment of Smathers & Branson needlepoint accessories for anyone on a holiday list, or to keep for myself! Y’all know I love to needlepoint, and I love the preppy, polished look of needlepoint accessories. But, with two weeks to go until Christmas, there isn’t time to finish needlepoint stocking stuffers. These are maybe even cuter than those you’d make yourself.
Logan’s is currently offering 20% off your entire purchase, so head in to shop for all the guys on your holiday shopping list… and maybe even find a thing or two for yourself!
Gift Guide for Black Lab Lovers!
The perfect presents for Labrador retriever fans!
Lab Door Hanger, c/o ForPetesSake Potter
If you know Bob or me at all, then you know we’re fairly obsessed with our dogs. In our defense, they’re really great dogs. Well, most of the time. But they’re awfully cute.
A lot of folks love their Labs and Lab mixes as much as we do, so I found a few fun gift picks for the black Lab lover!
Classic Longsleeve Tee, The Black Dog. Bob and I both have tees from The Black Dog. They’re so soft and comfy, and just so fun!
Labrador Door Hanger, ForPetesSake Pottery. Y’all, I love this! It goes ahead and warns people that I’m a crazy dog lady before they even enter my home. ForPetesSake Pottery is run by the sweetest lady, Susan Brown, who just happens to be my neighbor here in St. Matthews.
(and 7) Labrador Bourbon Barrel Hanger, Drunkwood. Another great local present! Drunkwood’s owner, John King, makes the most gorgeous installations from used barrel heads. So, so fun!
Black Lab Cufflinks, Smathers & Branson. I feel like these need to be Bob’s Christmas present from Max, don’t y’all??
Black Lab Needlepoint Hat, Smathers & Branson. I have this in pink which, sadly, is a color they no longer offer. It’s perfect for taking Max and Soph for a walk!
Campfire Mug, The Black Dog. I mean, sooooo cute.
What’s your favorite dog breed? Do you
How to Build a Maker's Mark Bourbon Bar for the Holidays!
Maker's Mark Distillery at Christmas
I always think of Maker's Mark as the bourbon of Christmas. Sure, there may be bourbons you drink at Derby time, and bourbons you drink on, say, your birthday. But, Maker's is the bourbon you buy for Christmas.
It may have something to do with the fabulous way that the folks at Maker's market the holiday, from nostalgic print ads to witty Ambassador gifts. It may be that Maker's Mark is the bourbon my family has always used in the bourbon balls that we make at Christmastime. Whatever it is, Maker's slays the Christmas game.
My cousin Amy had the most creative use for her Maker's Ambassador earmuffs! Lola the Chihuahua models them for us!
Since Maker's is the flavor of Christmas, it's a great idea to set up a Maker's Mark bourbon bar over the next few days. Only a few simple ingredients will allow you to offer your guests a variety of popular cocktails.
What you'll need:
- A couple of bottles of Maker's Mark
- A bottle of vermouth
- A bottle of Angostura bitters
- Simple Syrup
- Sour Mix (3 cups simple syrup to one cup lemon and lime juice)
- Maker's Mark cherries
- Lemons, limes, and oranges for garnish
If you have these items, you can mix up a whisky sour, an old-fashioned, or a Manhattan, in addition to serving your bourbon neat or on the rocks. Add a couple of sizes of glasses to allow your guests some choice.
Set everything out in an accessible place, keep fresh ice handy, and your guests will be refreshed and full of holiday cheer!
What's your favorite holiday cocktail?
The HerKentucky Guide to Black Friday
Five great Black Friday sales
I know, I know. Y'all have seen a million, zillion Black Friday promos. And a trillion blogs about where you should shop. I won't waste a ton of your time; just wanted to alert you to five of my favorite sales!
Draper James
The Scoop: 25% off site wide with code Merry. (And 25% of all sales today goes to Girls, Inc.)
What to buy: Stock up on holiday party dresses for yourself and fun holiday gifts for your friends!
L.L. Bean
The Scoop: 25% off Bean Boots today with code Friday25. 20% off clothing and outerwear through Tuesday with code Thanks20.
What to buy: Classic Bean Boots. Holiday pajamas.
Pomegranate, Inc.
The Scoop: 50% off site wide today only with code Special50
What to buy: Table linens for holiday gatherings; cashmere blend ponchos.
Quest Outdoors
The Scoop: 20% off in-store and site wide with code FryDay2017
What to buy: Barbour coats and scarves!
Stoneware and Company
The Scoop: 10% off site wide with code BlackFriday10.
What to Buy: Classic Bachelor Button place settings. Christmas pottery.
What deals are you shopping today?
Pomegranate, Inc Warehouse Sale
Tuesday, I had the opportunity to take a sneak peek at the Pomegranate, Inc. Warehouse Sale. Y'all, it was absolutely amazing. If you aren't familiar with the brand, Pomegranate is a line of bags, table linens, and clothing based in Lexington. Their designs are so fresh and fun and timeless!
I ran across these Kentucky Wildcats cloth napkins; I *may* have had to buy the apron as well!
This cashmere/ wool blend poncho is so classic; I know I'll wear it time and again!
These potholders in the Round the Christmas Tree print have me pretty pumped for holiday baking!
Oh my goodness; I was so excited about this embroidered pillow! It has a sale price of $45!
And this pineapple print apron is the most perfect hostess gift I've ever seen!
Visit the Pomegranate Warehouse Sale today through Saturday at 527 Lagonda Ave in Lexington. If you stop by today or tomorrow, mention HerKentucky for an additional 10% off your purchase!
Thanks so much to Pomegranate for partnering on this event! I hope you love their textiles as much as I do!
Local Halloween Sales!
Hadley Pottery Coaster
Happy Halloween, y'all!
If you're like me, the majority of your day has been spent trying to avoid eating all the Reese's pumpkins. Obviously, a better use of your time would be to shop these great Halloween sales from Kentucky-based businesses! Here are a few of my favorites!
Hadley Pottery
30% off select Halloween Pottery (3 Day Flash Sale!)
Anchal Project
30% off orange scarves, quilts, and pouches, today only! (And don't forget that all Anchal Project purchases are helping change the lives of the artisans who create these products!)
Pomegranate, Inc.
A. St. Clair
Use code "Halloween" at astclair.com to take 31% off one piece today only.
Hope y'all find some scary good deals. I'll be handing out candy (even those Reese's pumpkins I'm trying to avoid!) in a Vineyard Vines tee!
Maker's Mark Bourbon Balls
A classic Kentucky Christmas treat!
In my family, it isn't Christmas until somebody makes a batch of bourbon balls. This recipe, passed down from my Great-Aunt Marie, is the only one that will do. Because the bourbon isn't cooked down, the candy retains the taste of the bourbon used. I think it's pretty important to use a rich wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark to retain the sweetness of the dough. Bourbon balls made with a rye blend bourbon (think Early Times or Old Forester) tend to add a bitter note.
This yields between six and seven dozen bourbon balls.
1 to 2 cups good bourbon whisky (I use Maker's Mark)
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 to 1 cup whole pecan halves (optional)
1 two-pound bag of powdered sugar
1 stick butter, softened
2 bags Ghirardelli semisweet chocolate chips
paraffin wax
Place 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped pecans in shallow bowl. Pour Maker's Mark over nuts, immersing completely. Cover and let soak 12 hours to overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pecan halves in shallow pan and toast lightly for about ten minutes.
Cream butter in stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Combine bourbon-pecan mixture with just enough powdered sugar to form a stiff ball. Refrigerate to let stiffen slightly.
Roll dough into small balls.
In double-boiler (or a sauce pan placed over a cooker full of boiling water), add a third to a half a bag of semisweet chocolate chips and a small shaving of paraffin wax (no more than 1/4 cup). Heat until just smooth. Dip dough balls into the chocolate mixture. The key is to coat them quickly and make small, frequent batches of melted chocolate.
Place bourbon balls on wax paper to cool. Top each with a toasted pecan half, if desired. Results are better if you leave them to cool at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator.