August is just around the corner and, if you’re anything like us, every last weekend of the summer is booked! If any of your plans include staying with friends, you never want to show up empty handed. Especially if you want to be invited back! You don’t need to break the bank to show your gratitude—it’s the thought that counts! Inspired by my remaining summer plans and a desire to show up each weekend with something more memorable than a bottle of wine, I came up with this list of thoughtful and charming gifts all my future hosts (and yours) will be sure to love.

1. Double Walled Oil/Vinegar Carafe $22- These carafes by Ichendorf bring art to the dining room table or kitchen counter. So modern and chic – they will look gorgeous in any home. Buy at aplusrstore.com.

2. Roberta Roller Rabbit Napkins $8 each – Who needs to travel around the world when you have Roberta Freymann? Finally, Roller Rabbit has an e-commerce site that features some of Freymann’s most popular prints. Mix and match colorful napkins and placemats for a fun and unforgettable gift. Find them at robertarollerrabbit.com.

3. Tocca Yma Candle $36 – One of my best friends gave me this candle when she was visiting me at school a few years back. I instantly became addicted to the red current scent and have loaded up ever since! I also love the turquoise color of the packaging – it reminds me of a Tiffany’s box. I guess good things really do come in small, sweet smelling packages! Buy it at tocca.com.

4. Riviera Beach Bag in Red or Blue $95 – Your hosts will use this handy, handsome bag to tote books and towels to the beach or pick fresh produce and flowers from the farmers’ market. The best part? You give while giving back – part of the proceeds got to Sabala, a non-profit society in Southern India that provides opportunities to widows and economically challenged women. Buy at calypso-cell.com.

5. Lacquer Tea Caddy $48 – This caddy, in it’s bright assortment of colors, will surely become counter candy in your host’s kitchen. Fill one with an assortment of loose teas (try Tazo teas) or something sweet like YummyEarth Organic Lollipops for a gift that keeps on giving. Buy the caddy at johnathanadler.com. You can find Tazo Teas and Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops on amazon.com.

6. Monogrammed Mug, Missus $6 – Personalize your gift with your hosts’ initials on these Alice in Wonderland-style mugs. Their morning coffee has never been so dreamy. Buy them at anthropologie.com.

7. Cheese Knife Set $42 – All my friends know that I am obsessed with French culture and cheese. That’s why this cheese knife set adorned with French statements is the perfect gift for all us Francophiles. C’est parfait! Buy the set at pinkolive.com.

8. Sweet Lydia’s Gift Baskets $4 to $50 – Everything on Sweet Lydia’s site is homemade and utterly delicious (I know too well from experience). You will need all of your willpower not to buy one of each of the assorted baskets of S’mores, Chocolate Covered Pretzels or Flavored Marshmallows. Good luck resisting temptation and getting your basket there in one piece without sampling some for yourself. Indulge at sweetlydias.com.

xoxo Lauren

Summer is the season of love, even if it’s not your own! Wedding and bridal showers are being held in abundance and most likely you are going to be a guest at more than one. Gift giving can be a daunting task on any occasion but especially for weddings and bridal showers as you are marking a serious milestone in the bride’s (and groom’s) life. We have some great recommendations for unique gifts that are sure to be a big hit with the bride. And, let’s face it; she’s the one that counts!

The best rule of thumb for wedding gifts is STICK TO THE REGISTRY. The bride (and maybe the groom too) spent a lot of time selecting those items so why risk leaving them disappointed just because you want to be original? However, I have been in situations where the registry was either completely picked over and therefore void of anything I’d deem appropriate for a gift or too small to find something in the amount I wanted to spend. In these instances, and these only, it is appropriate to go off the list and choose your own gift. To assist you we found some options that would be universally welcomed into any new marriage (the corresponding images are above):

1. La Plates – Customized Plates: $22 each – Buy them eight of these small plates in various patterns and colors with their new shared initial to make a cool set of dessert plates.

2. Jonathan Adler Backgammon Set: $295 – The perfect game for two, this trendy set will also look good on display in their new home.

3. Bone Rod Pattern Ice Bucket: $145 – New couples always need entertaining accessories and this exotic bucket would make a great showpiece at their parties.

4. Crystal Hurricane: $173 – Two of these crystal hurricanes would cast a gorgeous glow displayed on a mantle, dining table or sofa table.

5. Cracked Ice Tray by Home: $165 – This piece looks like it was plucked right out of a royal palace. What better way to make the new couple feel all grown up than with some fabulously fancy accoutrements?

6. Calvin Klein Solar Bowls: $100 – $200 – Filled with fruit or simply left to stand alone, these modern bowls are a designer’s dream, as they can go with almost any aesthetic.

7. Susani Melamine Platter: $65 – An ethnic printed platter makes a great centerpiece at a dinner party.

Lingerie is the traditional gift given at bridal showers – but I find it somewhat ridiculous to buy someone something so personal. Instead, give her something pretty yet unexpected that she would not otherwise buy for herself. The one thing most brides do right after their wedding is travel on a honeymoon. Luxurious travel accessories are the prefect way to make her feel like a princess, even after the big day has passed.  Here are some of our favorites that any bride would love:

1. Aspinal Classic USA Travel Collection (Includes two luggage tags, a passport cover featuring the United States of America crest, and the classic travel wallet.): $160 2. Lapin Vilardi – St Germain Luxe Lingerie Bag: $55 3. Lapin Vilardi – The Zoe Report Travel Set  (Includes Jewelry Roll, Laundry Bag, and Bikini Bag): $115 4. Aspinal of London Travel Jewelry Box: $175

We hope this helps you survive the summer wedding season. Any of these recommendations will most certainly make you a popular guest!

xoxo Melina

We want to remind you that Father’s Day is right around the corner (Sunday, June 20^th) so get on those gifts now. The MKIAs love this holiday because it’s the one time of the year when we can celebrate our fathers and it doesn’t involve them getting any older. To get you started the MKIAs chose some good gifts for different types of dads:

1. “The Traveler” – Victorinox Swiss Army Luggage $340. For the dad on the go, this sturdy, stylish rolling luggage will keep his belongings safe yet is small enough to fit in the overhead bin.

2. “Cool Dad” – Adidas Campus Sneaker $65.  For the dad who can wear sneakers with a button down and blazer to the office, this navy and white pair of Adidas Originals will go with all his summer attire.

3. “Mr. Fix-It” – Magnogrip Magnetic Tool Belt $40.  For the dad who is never finished fixing things around the house and can use a little help staying organized, this spill free holster has magnetic pockets to keep nuts, bolts, and drill bits in place.

4. “The Competitive Leisure Man” – Park & Sun Pro Bocce Set $80. For the dad who likes to play games while sipping his Rosé, this European sport is the perfect leisure activity for lazy summer afternoons.

5. “The Weekend Warrior” – Jack Spade Tarpaulin Dry Dopp Kit. For the dad who relies heavily on his dopp kit to take him from city home to summer home on the weekends, this stylish satchel is made with industrial grade material for water resistance and maximum durability.

6. “The Techy, Family Guy” – Kodak EasyShare 7″ LCD Digital Photo Frame $90.  For the dad who appreciates technology and likes to have his family around, even if it can only be in a photo. I live 1,500 miles away from my dad so for this Father’s Day I am going to snap a bunch of new pics of me, my husband and my brother  (who happens to be visiting me in Chicago this weekend) and download them all onto this frame so my dad can always have his kids around!

7. “The Hamptons Man” – Prada Canvas Belt $180. This is the quintessential sporty, weekend accessory for the dad who likes to look stylish while socializing.

8. “The Player” – Excalibur Professional Poker Chip Set $110.  For the dad who loves to play Texas Hold’Em, this handsome set will be sure to boost his popularity among his fellow “players”.

We hope some of these suggestions work for you or at the very least inspire you to find something that fits your dad. If you need more help, email us at askmkia@missknowitall.com or click the “Ask MKIA” link on our homepage and we will help you think of something special for the first man in your life. Happy Father’s Day Dad!

xoxo Melina & Lauren

Just because Valentine’s day is over, doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve a little treat! Instead of waiting around for some guy (read: tool) to send these to you, order them for friends, or better yet—yourself! LA based and celeb fav, Compartes Chocolatier makes these dark chocolate truffles not only trendy, but dangerously tasty with their golden skull design. Infused with sinfully tempting Mexican hot chocolate spices, including cinnamon and cayenne pepper, you just might need to order a second box.

With all natural and organic ingredients, Compartes also boasts Dark Chocolate and Beer limited edition truffles that will give memories of those glorious frat party days a run for their money. In addition, their popular Honey, Peanut Butter and Sea Salt truffle will satisfy those sweet and salty cravings in one explosive bite. With orgasmic concoctions like these (and multiple ones in every box!) who needs a man? compartes.stores.yahoo.net