Christmas Morning Cozy

Christmas morning is something that we all look forward to, but maybe no one as much as us moms (and dads). We love seeing the faces of our children or our loved ones light up as they unwrap gifts and gather together. It is a special moment that I wouldn’t trade for anything! But over the years, I have learned how to streamline and simplify our Christmas decor and the way the morning unfolds, in order to be present in the moment. Here are some of my best tips: 

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-Do a breakfast or brunch prep the night before: Of course we all love fresh cinnamon rolls or eggs and fruit, but many of these things can be prepped early on. I recommend cutting any fresh fruit (except bananas) the night before and putting it in a glass snap top container. Add a few drops of lemon juice to prevent any browning, and slice the bananas the morning of, which will keep them from getting soggy in the dish. For yeast or cinnamon rolls, they are easy to do the night before with just the dough or prepped in a glass pyrex, and bake them the morning of so they’re fresh and warm! Even raw eggs can be mixed with chopped veggies, cheese, and heavy cream, and put in a Tupperware overnight to be turned into an easy scramble in the morning. 

-Move a trash can into the general gift-opening area, along with scissors! You will be able to really enjoy the gift-opening if you aren’t having to hop up and down a million times to get the things you may need. Of course, you don’t want a trashcan in all your pretty photos, so either use a little basket or tote, or move it out of the frame :) 

-Set your table to be the place to gather after or before gift openings: The more comfortable your guests feel, the longer they will linger, and you will get the easy, beautiful and restful morning you long for! I like to layer my table with lots of different textures, and linens that are washable if little ones are going to be dining with us. That way, you don’t need to worry about things being too ‘fancy’ to enjoy. Opt for neutrals, and leave enough space for people to move around and chat. Always have an extra place setting set aside, in case an unexpected guest arrives and needs a place to sit! 

-Cue up the playlist: Have friends and family put together some of their favorite holiday tunes before the big day, and put them into a super fun playlist! Have it ready to roll (and put it on repeat) before the festivities get underway, and set the mood with a scented candle, a crock pot of cocoa (add lids to cups for little ones to avoid spills near all the presents), and plenty of pillows or floor cushions for all the people you love!

Cooking for a Crowd (Post Pandemic)

Around the holidays (before a pandemic), we would fill our home with lots of friends and family during the months of November and December. We loved a cozy home filled to the brim with good food, good friends, and an abundance of laughter. Certainly this year is different, but I wanted to share some of my best tips for entertaining a large group! Maybe in a few months, we will all be back to a bit more normalcy!

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1) Choose a menu that has room for extras. The thing about a big dinner party of celebration is that sometimes extra guests show up. Whether they changed their mind last minute, or someone brought along a “plus one”, it’s nice to be able to pull up an extra chair and welcome them in without stressing about how much food you have. Recipes like pasta and soup are safe bets, and can be easily stretched just a little bit to accommodate more mouths to feed. If you’re doing something fancier, such as a ham, turkey, or intricate side dishes, aim to make at least 2 extra servings or plates, to allow to surprise visitors. If you’re struggling to increase your main dish, try bulking up your sides (think carbs) that can fill up more plates.

2) Consider accessibility when seating: If you have a dish or meal that requires getting up and down a lot (things with toppings, or things that require a few trips back to the buffet for butter, sauce, or gravy), make sure you can allow your guests to easily refill their plates or add their sides. If your seating is cramped, put toppings or sides onto the main table so they are easier to reach, and remember to seat the elderly or those who may need additional assistance in places where they won’t have to be jostled or moved repeatedly during the meal.

3) Make as much as you can ahead of time: This really applies to any dinner party, but when you’re feeding tons of people, you want your prep work to be done ahead of time because of the volume. Chopping things like onions and vegetables can decrease the amount of time you have to be in the kitchen, and also lower your risk of running behind on the day of because you didn’t realize how much time it would take. Salads can be pre-made and set in the fridge without dressings, and sides can be made and put into warming trays or crock pots until your guests arrive.

4) Remember it doesn’t have to be fancy to be meaningful: Even if you’re serving something simple like spaghetti, it’s okay! Light candles and set your table beautifully to add ambiance, and remember that your guests likely are not there for a fancy dinner, but rather for great company. If you’re inviting lots of people with small children, remember that they may be more frazzled or need to eat fairly soon after arrival, and try to be more relaxed with the timing. Simple is okay, and is always appreciated, because the effort and invitation matter the most.

I can’t wait to be cooking for a large crowd again!

Decorating for the Holidays (wIthout being cheesy)

I love the holiday season. Which one, you ask? All of them! I enjoy the special traditions and time with family, I love the great food and gatherings around a table, and of course, decor is so important to me. It’s one of my favorite things to create a welcoming space to celebrate special memories with my loved ones. But, holiday decor can be known as a bit cheesy. It conjures up images of huge inflatable pumpkins or oversized Christmas gifts in your lawn (if that’s your thing, go for it and love it!), which aren’t my style. I’ve learned a few things over the years about decorating while still staying true to my neutral, polished aesthetic:

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-Halloween is just around the corner, and although I don’t always decorate specifically for the holiday, I do love a moody/dark theme for the halloween season. Think black, navy, gold, and even hints of burgundy to create something that feels “moody” but still elegant. Shimmery gold charger plates, burgundy candles or linens…these can all work together without feeling like you threw some skeletons or black cats on the dining room table ;) If you don’t want to celebrate Halloween or decorate in black and orange, you can simply choose to mark the autumn season with rich jewel tones and pretty textures.

-It starts with the entryway: Your entryway is the first impression, and can set the stage for your party or gathering. Although we are still dealing with Coronavirus, it is still special to mark the holidays with your immediate family, with things like pretty wreaths, candles, or banners on the door. I like the look of the newer wooden circle signs, for something different than a wreath. If you don’t love changing your decor for every season or holiday, consider a neutral wreath that you can tuck little touches into for Christmas or easter, to make it simpler for yourself.

Don’t forget the bathroom: You don’t have to deck out your whole bathroom, but it’s really nice to add some small touch of festivity in your guest or main bathroom. At Christmastime, a tiny tree (opt for real plants or something that doesn’t look fake) with twinkle lights, and some vintage style hand towels make it subtle but sweet. You can really add a small touch of decor to your bathroom for any holiday (even Fourth of July) with things like star candles, twinkle lights, interchangeable rugs or hand towels, and little wooden signs. These things are easy to customize and change up, and they add personality without looking cluttered. Remember that less is more, and it’s okay if you only add a very subtle bit of holiday spark!

Cream and white can be festive, too: You don’t have to use tons of color if you always gravitate towards soft neutrals. For a lovely thanksgiving table, layer hues of cream, brown, and white for a really classy table (aim for textures like linen, cotton, and even burlap to add interest). You can add wooden candle holders, and greenery and, the tablescape can even be duplicated at Christmastime with some added touches. A neutral styled table can be the starting ground for any holiday, so it’s ideal to keep all those basics on hand, and then build on them when you need to.

Happy decorating!

Cozy Hues for Valentine's Day

What’s better than curling up by the fireside with the ones you love? Not much. As the “day of love” approaches, I wanted to share some of my favorite items that will give your living room or bedroom a cozy and welcoming feel. Even after Valentine’s Day has passed, you will still be feeling all the warm-and-fuzzies with the ones you cherish the most!

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-Anthropologie Unicorn Candle: This is such a gorgeous design, and the scent is to die for! The gorgeous rose pink glass is delicately rounded, and is filled with a hand-poured wax. At $40, it’s a little steep for one candle, but it makes a gorgeous gift, and a lovely accent for a coffee table, bathroom counter, or arranged with other items as a centerpiece. It’s available at Nordstrom online, and at Anthropologie online. Add some peonies in a vase for a cheery and romantic look.

-Faux fur ruched throw: This throw has unexpected details like ruching along the seams, and it’s a cool statement piece that’s practical as well. Pottery Barn throws are more expensive than one you’d find at Home Goods, but they also last much longer, and are a more generous size. THIS ONE is sustainably sourced, and is a 60x80 size..perfect to snuggle with your children or the one you love while you read books or watch your favorite movies!

-This fun and youthful heart shaped wreath: Our latest Target find is under $20, and is adorable for a child’s bedroom or for something pretty and fun to decorate your dining room or a large mirror. It’s affordable, and easy to swap out when the holiday is over. Although it’s not as high quality as a piece from West Elm or Pottery Barn, it will last a few seasons. We love the Olive branch faux branches, and the unique floral detail. it’s also perfect if you’re throwing a Valentine’s party.

-Stay Awhile Wood Decor: a true design steal at just $8, this adorable hexagon sign from Hobby Lobby is adorable, and the perfect piece for a bathroom shelf or bookshelf. It’s white, blends in easily, and can work with any type of decor from farmhouse to minimalism. Mix it with some pinks and reds for a pretty and feminine look, and consider gifting it when you’re done if you don’t have a permanent place for it! It makes a perfect gift when paired with some flowers (think housewarming!)

-Chevron velvet pillow: Another Target find that looks high-end, this pillow has gorgeous, Anthropologie-inspired details, and is still under $20! The color is perfect, isn’t too garish or gaudy, and it fits in with any other neutrals like grey or cream. Place it on your bed with a selection of pretty linens (cream or white), or add it to your couch for a pop of color that fits the holiday! It’s even prettier in person, and most of the Target stores have it in stock.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Cozy up for Christmas

When I step into the door after a long day, there is nothing I love more than feeling the warmth and comfort of home. Especially at Christmastime, coming home to a cozy (even if it’s not perfectly clean!) living area is one of the best things ever. Not only is a beautiful home aesthetically pleasing, it creates peace for your children and loved ones. I once heard it said that our home is an extension of ourselves, and that certainly holds true for me. I love hosting, planning, and inviting people into our home. Here are a few things that make our home extra comforting:

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-A mix of adorable mugs and the best cocoa: I am a big fan of matching mugs, like these cream colored ones from West Elm (find them here), but there is something really nostalgic and fun about getting out special Christmas mugs over the holidays. Most of us have a few collected here and there, but if you don’t, you can get a collection started with these gorgeous ones from Anthropologie (HERE). I like to put all the mugs in a pretty holder, and then place them next to a big pot of homemade cocoa. Here is a perfect recipe: 

Ingredients:

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 cup white sugar

1 pinch salt

1/3 cup boiling water

3 1/2 cups milk

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Directions:

Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature. (Recipe via Allrecipes)

-Add in a good book and the perfect blanket: There is a reason everyone loves those soft throw blankets…they are great for curling up with the family to watch a movie or read a book, and there are so many options, that you can easily find something to match your decor, or choose a more holiday-themed one for Christmas. HomeGoods is a good place to find throws for under $30, but I especially love the longevity of the ones from Pottery Barn (like this one). 

-Light the best holiday candle: Those bath and body works candles are delicious smelling, but there are so many pretty, organic options these days. I love to support small businesses, and Etsy has a large selection of soy candles that are better for you, and that smell wonderful. Most are made with beeswax, and I like to choose ones with balsam or vanilla scents at Christmastime! Here is one of the best ones (click here).