Weekly Wednesday Wish List

ByYvonne Pratt

Find fresh Thanksgiving and Christmas decorating ideas, cozy finds, recipes, and home tours in this week’s Weekly Wednesday Wish List.

The season is moving from pumpkins to pine, and this week’s list is full of ways to enjoy every step of it. My friends from Eleanor Rose Home and Worthing Court are here too, sharing a clever use for dried hydrangeas, a cozy kitchen banquette, and lovely finds for your home. You’ll also find a printable Thanksgiving hosting guide, a maple bacon Brussels sprouts side dish, and an easy idea for putting up your Christmas tree before the turkey. Grab a cup of something delicious and enjoy!

1. FALL TO CHRISTMAS: As you start planning your Christmas decorations, I want to encourage you to think beyond the traditional decorations and get a little creative with what you already have. The most charming holiday touches are usually the unexpected ones!

2. COZY TIP OF THE WEEK: You might be tempted to cut off the brown hydrangea blooms from your bushes and throw them away. DON’T! I’ll be using ours in our Christmas decor this year, tucking the dried flowers into wreaths, garlands, and arrangements for natural charm.

3. AMAZON FINDS: Shop cozy finds I’m loving on Amazon.

4. LITTLE THINGS I’M LOVING:

5. FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS: All the delicious flavors of an apple cider doughnut, but in bread form. This apple cider doughnut bread is moist, full of warm fall spices, and coated in cinnamon sugar. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea on a chilly fall morning.

6. UPDATING MY WARDROBE:

  • I can never resist a good ruffle. Pair this top with jeans and ballet flats…cute and cozy.
  • A turtleneck sweater you can dress up or down.
  • Completely and utterly OBSESSED with this jacket!
  • I adore the print and color of this tote bag.

7. MAKE THIS WITH ME: I love old-fashioned Christmas decorations, and if you do too, you’re going to love these DIY Santa silhouette ornaments! They’re simple to make and look like ornaments that have been passed down through generations. Plus, I’ve included free printable Santa and Mrs. Claus silhouettes so you can make your own.

8. OVER ON THE ‘GRAM: My 12 DIYs of Christmas series continued with DIY #7, #8, and #9.

9. WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: “Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.” ~John Ed Pearce

10. BEHIND THE SCENES: We learned last week that my parents are coming to visit from Iowa this week! If you didn’t know, I’m originally from Iowa. My family moved to Massachusetts when I was 7 years old (40 years ago!!!), and about 10 years ago, my parents decided to move back to Iowa. I’m so excited to have them here for a visit, and as an added bonus, it’s been just the motivation I’ve needed to tackle some of those projects and chores around the house that I’ve been putting off…like finally finishing cleaning the kitchen cabinets!

graphic for post
colorful kitchen table

1. FAVORITE STYLING MOMENT: The banquette that I created in the eating area of my kitchen is such a cozy, happy spot. We constantly find ourselves sitting here-no phones, no tv – just talking about our day.

2. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: Let your fall decor echo what is happening outdoors. Branches, acorns, dried hydrangeas, seed pods, and colorful leaves gathered from your own yard can be just as beautiful as purchased decorations and give your home an authentic sense of the season.

3. DID YOU KNOW: Did you know that the bumps and ridges on pumpkins are called ribs? Their number and shape vary by pumpkin variety, which is why some pumpkins are beautifully smooth while others have those deep, old-fashioned grooves.

4. FAVORITE FIND FROM LAST WEEK: I have wasted so much money searching for a good makeup remover! This one is so easy to use and just melts the makeup (including mascara) off of your face. I rinse it off with water and follow up with this gel wash to get squeaky clean skin.

5. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND: Invite someone over without worrying about whether the house is perfectly clean or the menu is impressive. A pot of coffee and something simple to eat are plenty when the real purpose is spending time together.

6. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “I have a lot of family heirlooms and antiques. How do I decorate with them without making my home feel dated?” See #10 for the answer!

7. WEEKLY AWESOME FINDS:

  • Textured chenille and an elegant ogee jacquard pattern give this decorative throw pillow a sophisticated look that adds warmth and dimension to a sofa or bed.
  • Rich, mottled tones make these tortoiseshell-patterned bowls a timeless accent for a coffee table, console, or dining table.
  • Bring a cozy, traditional touch to fall gatherings with this taupe salad plate, decorated with a charming pumpkin toile pattern.
  • With its subtle animal print and cozy cotton-blend fabric, this throw blanket adds warmth and a stylish layer to a sofa, accent chair, or bed.
  • Delicate florals and an eye-catching finish make this glass vase beautiful displayed on its own or filled with fresh or seasonal flowers.
  • Add a little whimsy to your everyday table with this hand-blown juice glass, featuring playful dotted texture and charming decorative details.
  • Welcome the season with this 20-inch wreath, featuring hydrangeas, peonies, and white pumpkins in a soft autumn palette.
  • Inspired by traditional holly motifs, this brass candle holder has a convenient handle and vintage charm that brings a warm, festive touch to a holiday table, mantel, or seasonal display.

8. WEARABLE STYLE:

  • Refresh your everyday wardrobe with this versatile new-season piece, which pairs easily with your favorite basics for an effortlessly polished look.
  • With its flattering silhouette, this wardrobe staple works just as well styled casually as it does dressed up with a few favorite accessories.
  • Perfect for brunch, seasonal outings, or special occasions, this feminine dress brings a fresh touch to getting dressed.
  • Give your seasonal wardrobe an update with this stylish piece, offering a polished look that feels current and easy to wear.
  • Classic style meets everyday versatility in this wardrobe addition, ready to mix and match for casual days or dressier plans.
  • Timeless and feminine, this dress can be accessorized for everything from daytime gatherings to an evening out.
  • Dark brown suede gives these ballet flats a rich, classic look that pairs beautifully with jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses.
  • Finish your outfit with this mini faux-suede bucket bag, featuring a soft texture and compact shape for everyday wear.

9. HOME HACK: Use a dishwasher tablet to tackle a stained baking sheet. For pans that took a beating during summer cooking, add hot water and a dishwasher tablet and let them soak before scrubbing. It can loosen baked-on residue and make cleanup much easier.

10. ANSWER TO READER QUESTION (#5):  Give older pieces some breathing room and mix them with simpler items. An antique bowl can look beautiful on a clean stack of books, and a vintage chest can feel fresh beneath a simple lamp and piece of artwork. Mixing old and new allows special pieces to stand out while still giving your home a collected-over-time look.

an arrangement of velvet pumpkins in a chinoiserie urn

1). BEST OF THE BLOG: This week’s Monday Favorites is filled with creative ideas for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and making the most of every day. And if you are blessed to be heading to someone else’s home for turkey dinner, 12 Tips To Be The Perfect Thanksgiving Guest is full of practical ideas to make you a guest your host will love having at the table.

2. AMAZON FINDS: See items for fall, Christmas, your home, and you from Amazon.

3. PRINTABLE THANKSGIVING HOSTING MAGAZINE: Make Thanksgiving easier with this Thanksgiving Magazine Guide packed with ideas for a memory-making holiday.

4. THIS AND THAT: I make THIS ahead every Thanksgiving and freeze it until the big day. Find out what THIS old English Christmas dessert really is that has been immortalized in a carol. Fill THIS for an edible Thanksgiving centerpiece. If you have a Christmas collection, read THIS to learn creative ways to display it. THAT‘s it.

5. FABULOUS FINDS: Items to grace your home.

6. BEAUTIFUL HOME TOURS: Let’s begin in a beautiful, classic North Carolina home with layers of detail. Tour the Atlanta home of one of the podcast hosts of How To Decorate. I love this 1954 California home with handsome architecture. And this University Park home where the art of collecting meets the gift of entertaining.

7. FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS: Name a food we traditionally eat at Thanksgiving that was not served at the first one. When was the first American Thanksgiving held?

8. CURATED CLOSET: Winter Favorites- classic clothes won’t go out of style.

  • Wear these great pull-on pants anywhere. On sale: over 50% off.
  • This turtleneck is the perfect first layer.
  • This pair of relaxed stretch jeans. LOVE!
  • Classic long double-breasted wool coat. This coat will never go out of style. Honey Beige on sale.

9. CULINARY CORNER: Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts, A Thanksgiving Side Dish: Toss 1 1/2 lbs. halved Brussels sprouts with 2 Tbs. olive oil, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Spread on a baking sheet, top with 4 strips diced bacon, and roast at 450°F for 20 minutes. Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans and roast 5 to 10 minutes more. Toss with 3 Tbsp. maple syrup and serve warm. Here’s another delicious side: Cranberry Orange Sauce.

10. THE LAST WORD: Think about putting up your Christmas tree, maybe with just the lights, right before Thanksgiving. We have done this for several years now and love the beauty and hint of the season to come. For more ideas see Transitioning From Late Fall To Christmas The Easy Way.

ANSWER TO #7: Here are a few foods that were not served at the first Thanksgiving: turkey, potatoes, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce. The first Thanksgiving was held for 3 days in the fall of 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

More WWWs To Enjoy

Happy Wednesday, friends…

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