Olympic-sized blues

The Olympics have come and gone and left an Olympic-sized hole in my heart that can only be filled every 2 - 2.5 years. Wah womp.

Last night's Closing Ceremonies were pretty...weirdawesome. They started out really weird, and ended really awesome.

Like this part:

Sorry for the crappy quality--NBC doesn't like to share.

But honestly, the David Bowie part was so weird. I started out excited that maybe he was going to be there, but then it was just this weird model thing. Anyone else catch Ryan Seacrest trying to cover up the fact that he didn't know any of the 'famous British models' besides Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell?

If you missed last night's ceremony, Buzz Feed did a pretty awesome job of summing it up (animated GIFs and all. )

Anyway...

Today was definitely a 'let's finish this' day. I finished Emily's guestbook, a special surprise for Emily's wedding, and FINALLY unpacked my closet. 

And...exhale. 

Today was a total production day in the Reese Household. Pictures were framed. Presents were wrapped. A top-secret project was finished. Self-tanner was heavily applied. I am totally excited about this weekend and the upcoming nuptials of Emily and Alex.

This brings me to one of my favorite parts of going to weddings are getting the gift. I love buying people presents. I love making people presents. I love presents. Love love love.

Wedding gifts come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. You want to give a gift that has utility, a gift that will last, and a gift that will be truly special to the Bride and Groom.

But, let's be honest--we all have different budgets and price ranges. Here's three great gifts in three price ranges [all with bonus DIY twists]:

$10 - $25: Cloth Napkins

$20 for set of 4 from West Elm

If you want to add a little DIY Twist, do my favorite bridal shower gift: buy nice solid-colored napkins and add a pop of metallic fabric paint. A step-by-step right here.

$26-$75: A fondue pot.

$50 on sale from Macy's

OK, don't laugh. We have a BLAST with our electric fondue. During the winter we use it constantly. It's perfect for entertaining, perfect for breaking-the-ice with newer friends, and there is nothing better than dipping carbs into hot cheese. Seriously. And plus, maybe the happy couple will invite you over for some fundoo?

Want to add a DIY/Personal twist? Load the box up with a home-spun recipe list of all your favorite fondues. A super cute template for recipe cards can be found here (the website is in Norwegian...I think. But the download link is about half way down the page in bold.)

$76 - $125: Just go to Tiffany's

Woven cylinder vase, $75 from Tiffany's

Getting something in one of those little blue boxes tied with the white ribbon just makes you feel special. Super special. Registering for a crystal bowl or an expensive vase seemed so silly last year when Ben and I were choosing things for our new home. But you know what? It totally makes sense. That expensive crystal vase or fancy bowl will always remind you of your wedding day, and how special you felt. Surprisingly enough, Tiffany's has some semi-affordable crystal wares, most under $150. Not cheap, but it's a special occasion for a very special couple.

Want to add a DIY/personal twist? Put a little note or a favorite poem inside the box. Go crazy at paper-source with specialty papers!

Do you have a go-to wedding gift?