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Ivory & Olive Holiday Gift Guide
The holidays are here, and if you're anything like us, you want gifts that feel thoughtful, elevated, and a little special. Whether you're shopping for the hostess, the design lover, the entertainer, or the mahjong-obsessed friend, we’ve curated our most-loved pieces to make holiday gifting effortless. From luxurious candles to cozy throws and handcrafted décor, this is your go-to guide for beautiful, meaningful gifts—curated right here in Dana Point for homes across Orange County, from Newport Beach to Coto de Caza. 🍾 Gifts for the Perfect Hostess Thoughtful pieces that elevate entertaining—beautiful, functional, and always appreciated. Glasshouse Fragrances Luxurious candles and diffusers that set the mood instantly. Pampa Bay Medium Footed Bowl A sculptural serving piece that doubles as a beautiful centerpiece. Resin Sorbet Cheese Set Playful, giftable, and perfect for cheese boards and gatherings. 🕯 Gifts for the Cozy Homebody For those who love warmth, texture, and pieces they’ll enjoy all winter long. Merry Christmas Lumbar Pillow A festive accent full of holiday charm. Copenhagen Throw Plush, luxe, and incredibly soft. Woven Striped Pillow A timeless textured layer for any room. 🥂 Gifts for the Entertainer Elevated essentials for hosts who love to gather. Aquarelle Glassware Playful color meets modern design. Giselle Red Wine Glass A sculptural silhouette with a soft green tint. VIDA Nube Ice Bucket Modern barware with sculptural appeal. 🏡 Gifts for the Design Lover Sculptural, timeless pieces for design-forward homes. Alabaster Long Rectangle Tray A refined serving and styling piece. Cinq Wood Link A sculptural accent with quiet impact. Encanto Serveware Luminous finishes with heirloom appeal. 🀄 Gifts for the Mahjong Lover Playful, elevated pieces designed to make every game night special. Mahjong Ornaments Perfect for trees, gifting, or year-round display. Mahjong Mats Designed to elevate the look and feel of play. Mahjong Starter Kits Everything needed to play—or upgrade beautifully. ✨ Shop the Holiday Gift Guide Every piece in this guide has been hand-selected by Shana & Katie to celebrate thoughtful gifting, beautiful design, and joyful homes. Visit us in-store in Dana Point or shop online to make holiday gifting effortless this season. Happy Holidays from Ivory & Olive.
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Black Friday Featuring NOIR and Jamie Young
Closed for Black Friday, Celebrating Small on Saturday We're skipping the Black Friday chaos to be with our families and to make room for something more meaningful. At Ivory & Olive, we believe in slow mornings, shared meals, and supporting the people who make our community special. That’s why we’ll be closed on Friday, November 28, to rest and recharge and then open our doors on Small Business Saturday with something sweet (literally). Small Business Saturday: Donuts, Decor & Holiday Cheer Join us Saturday for a festive day of sipping, shopping, and celebrating. We’ve partnered with our friends at Gourmet Mini Donuts to bring a little extra joy to your shopping experience. 🍩 Complimentary mini donuts for our early shoppers ☕ Cold brew lattes in three holiday flavors 🛍 Shelves stocked with holiday décor, gifts, and cozy finds Can’t Make It In? Our Online Sale Starts Wednesday ✨ Whether you're near or far, you can still take part in the fun. November 26 to December 3, 2025, discounts are automatically applied: 20% off Jamie Young 25% off NOIR Shop Jamie Young Shop NOIR Thank You for Shopping Small Your support means the world to us. Whether you’re a day-one shopper or popping in for the first time, you’re helping us, and other small businesses, keep doing what we love. See you Saturday 💛Shana, Katie & the Ivory & Olive Team
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Small Business Saturday: Shop, Sip & Celebrate
We’ll be closed on Black Friday to rest and recharge, but we’re rolling out something sweet for Small Business Saturday instead. Join us on Saturday, November 29th, for a fun, festive shopping day at Ivory & Olive featuring a special treat from one of our favorite local businesses: Gourmet Mini Donuts! We'll be serving up these irresistible mini donuts on Small Business Saturday, the perfect pairing with our holiday shopping experience. Come early, shop local, and treat yourself to a mini donut (or three) while you browse. You deserve it. We’re treating our first shoppers to complimentary mini donuts and bottled cold brew lattes while supplies last. Flavors include: Holiday Chai Peppermint Mocha Cookie Butter Meet Our Small Biz Besties: Gourmet Mini Donuts Haley and Felicia met in the fourth grade and have been inseparable ever since. What started as a childhood dream to work together turned into Gourmet Mini Donuts, a business rooted in friendship, collaboration, and joy. They didn’t start with a passion for baking — they started with a shared vision of building something meaningful. Each donut they make is crafted with care, nostalgia, and that same excitement they felt as kids dreaming about the future. We’re so proud to partner with fellow women entrepreneurs who share our love of bringing happiness to the community — one donut at a time. Thank You for Shopping Small Whether you’ve shopped with us since day one or are popping in for the first time, your support means everything. It allows us, and other small businesses like Haley and Felicia’s, to keep doing what we love. See you Saturday 💛Shana, Katie & the Ivory & Olive Team
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Holiday Decorating Tips for Your Mantle
Create a Warm, Layered, Effortlessly Elevated Look Last month, we had such a wonderful time learning from Cassie of Wildflower Floral during our Fall Mantle Decorating Workshop. She reminded us that, just like the Christmas tree, your mantle or tabletop can set the tone for the entire season. A well-styled mantle can look warm, cozy, intentional, and magical—but it can also look cluttered quickly. The key? Thoughtful layers, texture, and asymmetry. Here are our top tips to help you create a mantle that feels curated, elevated, and unmistakably festive. Start With Greenery Whether you use live or faux garland, this is your foundation. Mix and match: Cedar or pine garlands Eucalyptus sprigs Berries, holly, or magnolia leaves Pinecones tucked throughout To create a full, dimensional look, layer some garland on top of the mantle and let the rest drape below using mantle hooks. Add Textural Garland Once the greenery is placed, bring in materials that give depth and interest. Try adding: Brass bell garland Wood-beaded garland Woven textures Metallic touches like copper or gold These layers break up the greens and make the mantle feel designer-level. Inspiration: Don’t Over-Balance Your Mantle This is Cassie’s favorite rule: asymmetry is your friend. Instead of perfectly matching each side: Cluster two candle holders on one end, and one on the other Mix heights, shapes, and finishes Let one side feel “heavier” than the other This gives your mantle a collected, organic look. Add Seasonal Objects Once the core layers are down, bring in the festive touches. Consider: Mini faux trees Ceramic or brass reindeer Ornaments scattered intentionally Small wrapped gifts Seasonal branches Don’t Forget Ambient Lighting Faux candles are a must for glow, warmth, and safety. We love: Battery-operated pillar candles Twinkle fairy lights woven through garland Glass lanterns on one side of the mantle And, of course, a seasonal candle from Glasshouse Finish With a Seasonal Mood Once everything is in place: Turn the lights low Light a holiday candle from Glasshouse (Christmas Morning …all stunning!) Enjoy the glow, warmth, and beauty of your layered, curated holiday mantle If you want help creating your dream holiday look, visit us in-store—our team loves helping customers pick the perfect greenery, garland, and decor pieces. Happy Holiday Decorating!— The Ivory & Olive Team 🎄 Join Us: Holiday Wreath Workshop Come create your own holiday wreath with Ivory & Olive + Wildflower! Date: Thursday, December 4Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PMLocation: Ivory & Olive, Dana Point Click here to reserve your spot →
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One Year of Ivory & Olive and Just Getting Started
We can hardly believe it’s been one full year since we opened our doors in Dana Point. What started as a shared dream between friends has become a space full of connection, creativity, and community. Last week, we celebrated our 1-year anniversary with a night of sips, shopping, and sweet moments with so many of you. From the launch of our holiday collection to the shelves filled with our favorite finds from the past year, the shop was full of warmth, and not just from the candles 😉. Thank you for showing up, not just for our anniversary, but all year long. Whether you've popped in for a gift, brought a friend to Mahjong night, styled your home with pieces from the shop, or just shared kind words online, you’ve helped make Ivory & Olive what it is. We’re so proud of what we’ve built and even more excited for what’s next. New collections. More community events. Even more design inspiration. Here’s to year two. Let’s keep creating beautiful spaces, together. Highlights from Our 1-Year Celebration From candlelit corners to chicken nuggets and champagne, our anniversary event was full of warmth, laughter, and the most beautiful community. Scroll through some of our favorite moments from the night, and thank you for making Year One unforgettable. 💛Shana, Katie & the Ivory & Olive team
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One Year In! Ivory & Olive Decor Has So Much to Celebrate
When Katie and I first dreamed of Ivory & Olive Decor, we envisioned more than just a store. We wanted to build a home accessory and furniture destination in Dana Point filled with thoughtful, beautiful products, and a place where people could also find onsite design help from a team dedicated to elevating homes with care. Our mission has always been to make design accessible, enjoyable, and inspiring, helping homeowners bring their dream spaces to life. One year later, we’re overjoyed to see that dream become reality, and we couldn’t have done it without you. From our design clients who invited us into their homes, to our community of shoppers who found favorites like the fan- favorite Cereria Molla Tuberose & Jasmine candle, to the support of Dana Point and South Orange County communities, as we launched our e-commerce site, we are so grateful. Now it’s time to celebrate together! Mark your calendars for our 1-Year Anniversary Celebration:📍 Ivory & Olive Decor, Dana Point📅 Thursday, October 16th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM RSVP HERE Join us for a night of fun, featuring:✨ Our take on the ultimate “Girls Dinner”—Caesar salad, fries, martinis, and champagne✨ Giveaways & special surprises✨ 10% off all purchases made in-store or online that evening✨ A sneak peek at our holiday collection (yes, the halls will be decked!) This night is all about raising a glass to you, our community, our clients, and our friends who’ve made this first year so meaningful. We can’t wait to toast, laugh, shop, and celebrate with you! With gratitude,Shana & Katie
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Fall Mantel Styling Workshop in Dana Point
Looking for something fun to do in Dana Point this fall? Join us at Ivory & Olive for an inspiring mantel styling workshop in collaboration with the talented team at Wildflower Florals. This hands-on event will guide you through the process of creating a warm, welcoming, harvest-inspired mantelscape. Whether you're decorating your actual mantel or another cozy nook in your home, we’ll show you how to layer textures, play with dried foliage, and use pottery and accents to bring your space to life for the season. What’s included: Hand-picked pottery Harvest-inspired dried foliage and branches Accent gourds Design demonstration and Q&A with design professionals from Ivory & Olive and Wildflower Florals And the best part? You’ll head home with everything you style in the workshop—so your space will feel instantly transformed. Think of it as design school meets take-home treasure. Don’t have a mantel? No problem! These concepts can be applied to console tables, entryways, coffee tables—anywhere that could use a little seasonal magic. 📍 Location: Ivory & Olive, Dana Point, CA 🎟 Tickets: $160 (includes all materials and instruction) 📅 Upcoming Date: October 9 We can’t wait to welcome you in and help you create something beautiful. 🍂
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When It Comes to a Kitchen Remodel, Designers Want You to Do These 5 Things
When it comes to a kitchen remodel, the decisions you make will determine whether your space feels timeless or quickly outdated. At Ivory & Olive Decor, we view the kitchen as the anchor of the home — a place where family and friends naturally gather, and a room that can stand on its own as a design statement. It deserves thoughtful choices that balance style and function. Here are five things we always encourage our clients to consider when planning a remodel. 1. Invest in Appliances That Elevate the SpaceAppliances are one of the biggest expenses in a kitchen, but they’re also one of the most powerful style statements. Choose wisely, and they’ll enhance the look of your kitchen for years. Range + Oven Combinations: A professional-grade range instantly makes your kitchen feel more substantial. Even if you don’t cook often, opt for at least a 36” range to give the space scale and presence. Color Options: We love statement-making ranges in color, but even if you stay classic in stainless, focus on proportions and details. Brands like Thermador Pro offer beautiful mid-range options that balance quality and cost. 2. Wrap Your Hood for a Custom LookA hood can make or break the look of your kitchen. Don’t just install a standard stainless steel option — wrap your hood insert with plaster, wood, or colored-metal to create a sculptural, architectural feature. This one detail instantly elevates the space and becomes a wow factor. Trust us — you’ll never regret the extra effort here. 3. Make Your Island a ShowstopperThe island is still the anchor of today’s kitchen — it’s where everyone gathers. Instead of treating it as a block of cabinets, treat it as a design moment. Add Interest: Incorporate fluting, shelving for cookbooks or pottery, or dramatic drawer fronts – oh and beautiful, bold hardware. Consider Shape: If space allows, an oval or curved island feels fresh and unexpected. Plan Seating First: Always map out the number of stools or chairs you want, then design the island to accommodate them comfortably. Extra seating at one end can make entertaining easier and give you much needed entertaining or family space. 4. Opt for Custom or Modern CabinetryIf your budget allows, custom cabinetry is always the best investment for fit, finish, and longevity. If not, there are stunning prefabricated options that still feel elevated. The key is to avoid styles that feel safe-but-dated. Flat-front or slab cabinetry keeps the look updated and keeps the kitchen from automatically feeling dated. Use your cabinetry as a backdrop, allowing your appliances, hood, and island to take center stage. 5. Mix Finishes & Don’t Shy Away from ColorOne of the easiest ways to date a kitchen is by sticking too rigidly to one finish or color. Designers love kitchens that feel collected and layered. Mix metals: Matte black, unlacquered brass, and polished nickel can all play together beautifully. Embrace color: White oak lower cabinets with deep green or robin’s egg blue uppers? Heavenly. Bold color choices feel timeless when paired with quality materials. Final Thoughts: Be Bold, Not BoringRemodeling a kitchen is a major investment, so don’t be afraid to make bold choices. Play with shape, scale, texture, and color. The safest choice isn’t always the best choice — and a designer can help you navigate what’s “bold but lasting” versus “trendy but fleeting.” If you’re dreaming of a remodel and want guidance on what to do (and what not to do), reach out to Ivory & Olive Decor. We’d love to help you create a kitchen that feels timeless, functional, and completely you.
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Design Details We’re Loving Right Now: Curves, Warm Tones & Lighting That Finishes the Space
Design inspiration is everywhere right now — and as we head into late summer, we’re leaning into softness, warmth, and thoughtful lighting that adds both style and function. From sculptural shapes to upgraded exteriors, here’s what’s catching our eye and showing up in our latest projects. Curved & Sculptural SilhouettesThere’s something inherently elegant about a curve. From arched cabinetry (LOVE) and rounded sofas to gently sloped accent chairs and pedestal coffee tables, we’re seeing more organic shapes make their way into interiors — and the elegance is real.Curves add visual interest without being loud. They soften a room, invite movement, and create contrast when paired with clean-lined architecture. When rooms are too square, with so many sharp angles, a rounded dining table can change the entire dynamic and bring interest to a room by simply being round. See for yourself, try adding a curved bench at the end of the bed, a round dining table in a smaller space, or a sculptural mirror to make an entryway feel intentional and elevated. Warm Toned Furniture with DepthThe trend toward warmth is more than seasonal — it’s a full embrace of comfort and character. Think: camel caramel colored leather, oxblood velvet, burnished wood, and earthy hues like rust, honey, and espresso. These tones bring depth and richness to a room, especially when layered with textured fabrics or mixed finishes.We’ve been sourcing pieces with presence, like smokey glass, moody bar carts, boucle sofas in soft cinnamon tones, and accessories and moody lighting that anchor a space. Sconces as a Finishing LayerIf a room feels “almost done” but still missing something, it might be sconces.Wall sconces are the secret ingredient to a finished space. They provide ambient glow, highlight architectural details, and bring a sense of balance to artwork, mirrors, or open walls. We’re especially loving oversized or sculptural sconces that feel like art pieces themselves.Use them in unexpected places: flanking a headboard, above open shelving, lined on a hallway wall, and in powder rooms for a polished glow.Outdoor Lighting That Makes a StatementWe’ve said it before, curb appeal starts with lighting. If your outdoor fixtures feel dated or builder-grade, or more importantly, small, a swap to elevated pieces can instantly transform the entrance of your home.We love working with Hudson Valley Lighting for exterior fixtures. Their designs blend timeless craftsmanship with modern lines — perfect for California homes that blend coastal and classic styles.Here are a few of our current favorites: Troy Lighting “Beckham” Outdoor Pendant: Great for porch ceilings or entryways — sleek, dark bronze finish in a statement elongated modern shape that feels perfect on a California Spanish home. Hudson Valley’s “Huxley” Collection: Adds a fresh take on natural elements for hanging pendants that look amazing grouped together to make an outdoor living room everything you want it to be. Hudson Valley Lighting “Laight” Wall Sconce: A modern nod to lantern-style fixtures with clean curves and clear glass. ✨ Pro Tip: When upgrading your exterior lights, don’t forget the side and garage doors — consistent lighting across all views creates cohesion and architectural flow. Inspiration, Brought HomeDesign is all about the layers... a curve here, a tone there, the perfect sconce to finish the scene. Whether you’re starting a full remodel or just looking to refresh a space, these trends offer easy ways to bring warmth, character, and intention into your home.Ready to update your space? Visit us in-store or reach out for a consultation; we’re happy to help you style the details that make a house feel like home.
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