Oxford Exchange {giveaway}

Last week I was invited with the Tampa Bay Bloggers to enjoy a bit of holiday cheer, and also swoon over the beautiful location that is Oxford Exchange.

The night was full of festive inspiration. Entering through The Bookstore, I was greeted with a warm welcome, and a bit of bubbly. We could have stopped the evening right there, and I would have been a happy girl; books, comfortable seating, and champagne that was magically replaced when I was low. I mean who couldn't get used to such a thing?!

But meeting, and greeting was just the beginning of our evening. We were later led to the main atrium for Party Appetizers in a Pinch — Executive Chef, Erin Guggino showed off delicious pairings for holiday parties: Butternut Squash Shooters and Dried Figs with Goat Cheese and Toasted Walnuts. Neither were bites I would think to prepare,  and both were delicious, lovely, and simple. I need to re-think a few holiday appetizers I am planning to make!

After a sampling of bites, and a bit more bubbly, it was time to learn about the Buddy Brew Coffee and Tebella Tea offered at Oxford Exchange. We learned how to pair yummy warm drinks with chocolate, featuring Dandelion Chocolate Co. and Mast Bros Chocolate. As Jason like to point out, I like my coffee sa-weet, and flavored. But after trying straight, warm coffee paired with chocolate, they may have made me a believer in savoring just coffee. Maybe not all the time, but it is something I intend to try again at Casa de Crews.

After eating, drinking and being, merry, it was time to learn about 7th Avenue Apothecary {also sold in the The Shop}. I had never heard of them, but after learning from the owner, Erin Grossman, that they were a fifth generation family business owned at operated in Ybor City, I was excited. They had some amazing scents! The only one I could not find in The Shop, was their Espresso + Dark Chocolate. In the end it was probably a good thing, because I would have most likely bought five.

Lastly, we were given the History and Interior Design Tour — A behind the scenes tour of Oxford Exchange with Designer, MaryBeth Courier, and Director, Allison Adams. There is no way I can even begin to try and explain the history and tour the way these ladies did, but just know that I want Jason to join their Commerce Club and study upstairs, where I can visit him for lunch, buying chocolate, and candles, and reading, downstairs. Naturally.

Emilee and I

Lydia lounging

The evening ended catching up with several blog pals, wanting to buy all the things at The Shop.

I want to be ALL the things

Not only did I leave with a bag full of goodies, but Oxford Exchange was generous enough to offer one reader a gift as well. I picked this gift for my giveaway because it seemed so fitting after an evening at Oxford Exchange, and because I personally love to give, and receive lovely handwritten notes any time of the year!

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Enter below (open to all U.S. residents):
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