First, you should ask the host if they have anything they need you to bring. Chances are, they have something in mind that will go well with the food or drinks they are serving or that other guests are already bringing. Spinach and artichoke dip is great and all, but no party needs three separate servings. Or does it…?

If the host doesn’t have any suggestions, you can never go wrong with bringing a simple dessert. One of our favorites? Red velvet cake pops. Check out a simple recipe here. 

Pro-tip: Never show up empty handed. A bottle of wine or champagne is typically a safe bet, just be sure not to cheap out with $5 wine. Go for the $15-$20 range and you’re set. Or, if your host is more of a beer or spirits lover, that’ll do too.

Lastly, be sure you know who the general party attendees will be. If it’s an adults-only party, don’t bring your kids and unless the host is a pet fanatic, don’t bring your pets. However, if it’s an open invite, the more the merrier!

With these tips, you’ll be set to go about holiday party hopping like a pro. Best of luck and have a very happy holiday from Mosaic at Levis Commons!

The post What to Bring to a Holiday Party appeared first on Mosaic at Levis Commons Blog.

If you want your own Christmas tree…the beautiful thing about living in a smaller space is that less is more, so you don’t need to break the bank on a 12 ft. monster-size tree. Instead, find a tree that fits your space. It’s easier to set up and tear down so you have more time to decorate with your own flare.

Looking for a classy but subtle look? Add white and gold accents around your home. A new set of accent towels for the kitchen and bathrooms, soap dishes, or picture frames are good places to start. You could also buy large apothecary jars or another kind of clear container and fill with whatever goes best with your home’s look. Need inspiration? Think tinsel, ornaments, garland, string lights, gold accents, pinecones, or faux snow.

You may not have the opportunity to go full blown Griswald Family Christmas on decorations for the outside of your apartment home, but that just gives you more opportunity to bring the outside, in. Hang string lights on your walls and at night you’ll have extra ambiance for the season. You could also hang holiday wreaths on the inside of your doors so you can enjoy the greenery and liven up your every day décor.

Want to hang stockings but don’t have a fireplace? No problem. You could hang the stockings from a wall coat rack, a curtain rod, a stair railing, or even just on an open wall!

We hope this helped spark some new ideas for decorating your holiday apartment home and during this holiday season, we hope you and your loved ones are safe, happy, and healthy.

 We wish you a very Happy Holidays!

The post Celebrating the Winter Holidays in your Apartment Home appeared first on Mosaic at Levis Commons Blog.

1. Fill up water bottles and freeze them the night before. Use these as makeshift ice packs, and when they melt you can drink the water! Cooler space is sacred so don’t waste it.
2. Buy a helium balloon or invest in getting your team’s flag. Fly these high and proud so friends can find your spot with ease.
3. Serving potato salad or coleslaw? Set it out in a decorative bowl. No one will know you bought it from the grocery store that morning.
4. Supplies that will help in a bind: toilet paper, duct tape, permanent marker, hand sanitizer.
5. Make your own Bloody Mary bar or deck out your hotdogs with lots of toppings. Use a 6 pack cardboard container to carry all of your sauces.
6. Walking Tacos are a hit for all ages. Cook beef with taco seasoning the night before, heat it up however you choose the day of, and set out all the toppings people could want. Set up is simple, so it’s a win-win situation.

The post Tailgating Tips appeared first on Mosaic at Levis Commons Blog.