Sophisticated Studies

Like every room in the house, a man cave has its essentials. It needs to be filled with objects, themes and furniture that scream “Man’s Territory.” Whether you call it a man cave, handsome hideaway or sophisticated study, they’re here to stay, so you might as well make yours awesome! Here are some essentials for a stylish Handsome Hideaway:

Leather:

Nothing is manlier than a sleek and sexy leather couch. Dark charcoals and browns are typical of man caves, like these three below:

http://site.inmod.com/blog/2011/01/17/a-modern-man-cave/

http://pinterest.com/pin/423690277414335776/

http://www.thepeakoftreschic.com/2013/07/man-cave-chic.html

Bar:

Perhaps the biggest component of sophisticated studies is the bar! No man wants to have to go all the way to the kitchen to prepare himself a neat scotch, so his drinking essentials should be conveniently located in his man cave, along with ice, glasses and mixers. Extra points for a keg.

http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/originals/13/ee/ec/13eeec91da6892cea9d4b670859284da.jpg

http://blog.claytongrayhome.com/2013/06/man-cave-bar-essentials/

http://pinterest.com/pin/38280665555123518/

Sports:

Sports: the number one reason men gather. Whether it’s decoration, a pool table or a spot to watch some sports, man caves are the perfect place to have a sports theme.  

http://photos.al.com/birmingham-news/2011/08/man_cave_1.html    

http://www.zillow.com/digs/craftsman-game-rooms-1869080866/    

Art:

No handsome hideaway would be complete without some beer signs or “Man Cave” signs covering the walls. These ones scream sophisticated study to me:

http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/141-mmm-beer-1-4899fe0b-sz413x550-animate.jpg?w=500&h=666

http://www.wordbilly.com/products/man-cave-billy

http://www.kirklands.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=2343&subCategoryId=2368&productId=167667&type=product

If you’re going to make a man cave that’s truly manly, make sure you have leather, a bar, sports and some tasteful art!

For some style inspiration and little pieces to add to your Sophisticated Study, check out the Minneapolis-based men’s store, Martin Patrick 3.

Fourth of July Party Favors for the Host

A lot of the blogs I post on here are about ways to make your home spectacular, whether it be a specific room in the house or how to throw a killer party. This holiday week I want to share some ideas for gifts for the host! Fourth of July gift ideas are virtually endless, but here are some of my favorites:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281076642614

How much fun would it be to relax with some drinks and friends on the water like this? And a six-person inflatable raft would definitely secure an invite to the next party!

http://www.wayfair.com/GoPong-Corn-Hole-Bean-Bag-Toss-Game-Set-CH-01-America-PFL1017.html

Bags is such a fun game, especially in this weather! A festive American flag-themed game like this would be a super simple DIY project and would make for the perfect gift for your Fourth of July bash host.

http://pinterest.com/pin/54676582945606415/

DIY ice cubes are a great thing to bring to a party where you know there will be festive drinks. Raspberries and blueberries would tie in the red, white and blue color too.

http://www.tasty-trials.com/2012/05/happy-birthday-to-us-and-sangria.html

And why not step it up a notch to bring your host ingredients for a refreshing cocktail? Plus, these would look even more adorable with the above ice cubes.

http://www.joyinthejumble.com/2012/07/fourth-of-july-treats-and-goodies.html

These sweet and salty treats are not your average Fourth of July snack, and I love them! First of all, they'd be fun to make; second, they're likely delicious; and third, they are adorable! These would make any host or hostess happy!

These are just a few ideas but there are so many more! Think treats to share with everybody, non-alcoholic beverages, other yard games or sparklers. It's a thoughtful thing to do for someone who's been planning the party for quite some time. They'll certainly be happy to have invited you!