Snazzy holiday gift ideas

Neiman Marcus at SouthPark mall recently hosted its second annual Snazzy Holiday Luncheon. A mix of its top customers and members of the media sat down to a delicious lunch from Delectable's by Holly as the store's manager, Kristine Matthews, and its public relations manager, Kristin Jackson, shared some of their favorite gift ideas from the store. 

As part of the festive atmosphere, model Star Kiser was dressed as a retro cigarette girl. During the presentation, she helped pass around the gifts so guests could get a closer look. And at the end of the event, her cigarette box was filled with those famous Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookies individually wrapped so guests could take them home. Doesn't she look adorable?

For inspiration, here's a photo of the simple, elegant arrangements at each table. 

With their sparkling and witty personalities, Kristine and Kristin's presentation was informative and fun.They divided their gift selections into items for men, women and children, plus hostess gifts. Many of the gift ideas were $100 or less, so I highly recommend putting the store on your list of places to get some of your final shopping done. Not only will you know you're buying a quality item, it will be beautifully packaged. Who needs wrapping paper when your gift comes in an elegant Neiman Marcus bag or box?  

Here's video of Kristine talking about some of the tech savvy gifts:
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If there are any little girls on your list, these designer dresses that are part of the Neiman Marcus collaboration with Target, were a big hit. They're designed by Marchesa and Jason Wu. Here's Kristin (in red) and Kristine (in green) showing them to guests:
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Of course the luncheon had to have a fashion element. In this video, Kristin talks about the must-have pant for right now in an off-white color that can be worn throughout the year:

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This holiday look would be the hit of any party:
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In this video, a model shows off a dress from Lela Rose:
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One of the interesting trends I learned about at the luncheon is that dog owners are buying small Christmas trees for their precious pets and decorating them with dog-themed ornaments (an example they showed was a beautiful and amusing dog bone decoration). As a card carrying member of the cult of dog people, that idea gets two paws up from me.

Charlotte style experts Susu Bear, Sonya Barnes and Catherine Horgan loved this coloring book that's technically a children's gift but would thrill fashion addicts of any age.

I'll end with this photo of super chic guest Karen Spratt, who was wearing a medical boot on her foot. But a plain one just didn't fit her style so she went to Michael's craft store and bought some gems to bedazzle the boot. In another display of fashion brilliance, she figured out a way to wear the boot safely while not having to give up wearing at least one high heel shoe. With her doctor's approval, she took  a golf towel, rolled it up and placed it at the heel of the foot in the boot so that way she could at least wear one high heel shoe. (If you want to try her clever trick, please consult your doctor first.)

Karen, you are a style hero. 

Follow Olivia on Twitter @oliviafortson

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