So you’ve been dating for a while, and you’d like to show her your place.  Great idea, but there’s more to preparing your home than just throwing everything in the dishwasher. Read on for the 10 key points that can make or break her visit.

1. Curb appeal. Initial impressions mean a lot. Still have those Christmas lights up from last year? Swap them out for a clean, new welcome mat. If the mailbox is overflowing with junk mail, go through it now.

2. Clean up! This might sound obvious, but you need to get it done. Start by removing clutter from all surfaces (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room). Once these are clear, wipe everything down and only put back essentials like your coffee maker or remote control.  Also, don’t forget to vacuum your floors, wash all your linens (sheets and towels), and make your bed.

3. What’s in your fridge? Yup, she’s going to look. If you only have beer and hot sauce in your fridge, at least wipe down the shelves so they’re nice and clean. Toss out all leftovers and anything past its expiration date. A good rule to live by: if you have to smell it to remember what it is, it’s too old. Extra Credit: Surprise her with a bottle of bubbly for a romantic nightcap!

4. Bathroom necessities. Your bathroom should be spotless. Always (and we mean always) close your toilet, have lots of toilet paper available, refill the hand soap, and place towels next to the sink. Extra Credit: Clean up your medicine cabinet. In case she takes a peek, this is not the place to hide anything you took off the countertop in step 2.

5. The TV. If you have dusty equipment or a maze of wires surrounding your screen, tidy them up. Video games and movies are fun for certain occasions, but don’t really scream romance, so store these in a drawer or basket. Extra Credit: Go through your DVR. Are you really ready to explain to her that you secretly love watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta?

6. What’s on your bookshelf? Books can be an excellent conversation starter, so start that conversation off right. If you have a passion for poetry or an extensive library of Russian literature, this is the perfect way to show her. But be careful: don’t put lofty books there just to impress her. If she asks about the influence of neo-realism on 20th Century Italian film, you’d better have an answer!

7. The dog. Find out beforehand if she is comfortable around pets. A well-mannered dog is the sign of a devoted trainer, so be sure your best friend’s on his best behavior. If she’s afraid of animals or just a bit shy, be respectful of her boundaries and keep your pooch behind closed doors.

8. Take out the trash! Empty out all trash cans in the house and check surfaces for old receipts, empty beer bottles, ashtrays, or anything else that should say sayonara. Extra Credit: Light some candles or pick a handful fresh flowers to clear the air. These subtle details will not go unnoticed!

9. The Ex. There should be absolutely zero evidence of any other woman ever entering your home. Exceptions are your family, your housekeeper, and me, in spirit (see all other steps).

10. Show your personality. Your home is a reflection of you, so keeping it tidy will allow your favorite pieces to shine. If you play a musical instrument, love to surf or have a knack for painting, showcase your interests and talents through your home. Extra Credit: Invite her further into your world by playing her a romantic tune or cooking a sweet treat. Whether you have a passion for wine, sports or astronomy, show her how much you care through an outlet where you thrive.

Bring in the new year with some luxurious new sheets. Browse our sale section for the best ways to freshen up your bedding!

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February is on its way, and love is in the air! If you’re stumped on what to get that special someone, we’re here to help. To find a gift as different and original as the one you love, consider what you love most about him or her, and read on…

If you love her cooking… complement her best dishes with dinnerware that will bring out the colors and shapes of the food.

If you love his artistic eye… encourage his creativity with a bold art piece. This crystal sculpture’s bold geometry and rich color make it a unique statement for any room.

If you love her elegance… a set of Varga stemware is a timeless gift. For a romantic touch, compliment a pair of flutes with a bottle of champagne, and propose a toast!

If you love his green thumb… a rustic terracotta planter can house a beautiful to nurture as a couple. Measure it now, and see how much it grows by next February 14th.

If you love her sense of adventure… present her with a travel book to dazzle the eye. Pick out one that will remind her of travels together, or of somewhere you want to visit. Having trouble deciding? Nothing says love like Paris.

If you love his sophistication… delight his refined side with a caviar set. This stunning silverplate bowl comes equipped with vodka glasses, perfect for sharing!

Need more ideas?  Check out our Valentine’s Day section.

Start off 2015 with festive brights! We’ve got new additions to our sale section with colors and prices to make you smile.

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It’s a brand new year, and that means getting started on some resolutions! For many, these goals are centered around health or weight loss. Whether you’re planning to shed some major lbs, or are just interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, here are five easy fixes that will promote good habits:

1. When preparing to sit down for a meal, try using a smaller plate to serve your food. The same portions will look much fuller and make you feel more satisfied. If you don’t already have some, treat yourself to a beautiful set of salad plates, which are smaller than dinner plates, but can still hold a hearty, balanced meal.

2. The color of your dinnerware can affect your eating habits as much as the size. Certain colors, such as red and yellow, can trigger hunger. To eat smaller portions, try using a rich eggplant purple or cool blue plate, which are appetite suppressants.

3. If your home has a set of stairs, energize them with a bright runner rug. Using stimulating colors will boost your energy level and motivate you to hop to the top. Once you reach the last step, run back down and up one more time!

4. One easy way to improve your overall health is by drinking more water. The simplicity of this step has made it easy to overlook, however. Give yourself a quick reminder with a colorful water pitcher and set of tumblers. Try putting lemon and cucumber slices in your water for a fresh, delicious twist.

5. Snacking can be a hard habit to break. Give yourself an easy alternative to chips or candy by keeping healthy options handy. Place a beautiful fruit basket or nut bowl on your counter so you reach for those first.

We’re starting the year off right with even lower sale prices! With additional markdowns, there is something in our sale section for everyone.

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2015 welcomes in the Year of the Sheep!

What does it mean?  If you or a loved one were born under any of these dates, the Chinese believe that people born under this Zodiac sign are tender, polite, clever, and kind-hearted:

Feb 1, 1919 – Feb 19, 1920

Feb 17, 1931 – Feb 5, 1932

Feb 5, 1943 – Jan 24, 1944

Jan 24, 1955 – Feb 11, 1956

Feb 9, 1967 – Jan 29, 1968

Jan 28, 1979 – Feb 15, 1980

Feb 15, 1991 – Feb 3, 1992

Feb 1, 2003 – Jan 21, 2004

Feb 19, 2015 – Feb 7, 2016

While Chinese New Year doesn’t start until February 19th this year, here are some of our favorite finds to remind us of this peaceful, nurturing animal throughout the year:

Happy New Year from all of us at Gracious Style!

Kick off your new year with a bit of luxury. With new additions to our sale section, it’s easy to indulge!

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Whether you’re in snowy New England or sunny California for the holidays, you can still have a white Christmas! Snag some of our wintery white sale items to enjoy now and last you all year long.

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With eight days of celebration ahead, there is still time to get a few last minute gifts. Check out our sale section for finds that can ship before the festivities end!

To view our full sale section, click here!