holiday decor

Slowly but surely I'm getting into the Christmas spirit. This year we purchased our first real tree. It's such a treat to smell the fresh scent of fir every time we open the door and I'm totally guilty of trimming sprigs off the tree's base to spread goodness around the house. I love placing evergreen sprigs and red berries everywhere; It's so simple and yet so pretty.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is hanging stockings. Since we don't have a traditional mantle, we make do by hanging our stockings on the built-in in our dining room. These stocking holders were a sweet gift and I'm hoping to fill them with black and white photos before Christmas. There's still time though, right? 15 days to be exact.

Aside from my newly-gifted coffee cup ornament, this garland is one of my favorite additions to our holiday spread. I only wish I had ordered more.

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

modern thanksgiving tablescape

Lately I've been trying new recipes and, for a brief moment, even considered hosting a modest Thanksgiving meal at our home with friends. While our holiday plans have changed a bit, it hasn't stopped me from researching alternative recipes or daydreaming about decor for our very own celebration in the not too distant future. Below I've compiled some inspiration for the perfect Thanksgiving tablescape.

1 string lights  by onefortythree  |  2 large beech bowl by wind & willow home via brika  |  3 small beech bowl duo by wind & willow home via brika  |  4 bubble beverage dispenser via anthropologie  |  5 stripe napkin by ortolan organic  |  6 almoco flatware via design within reach  |  7 bergamo cookware via anthropologie  |  8 pair of breakfast cups via folklore  |  9 tipped writing desk via folklore  |  10 blogger Oh Joy apron collaboration by hedley & bennett | ruby's children apron by hedley & bennett

Here's a glimplse of last year's set-up.

What inspires your holiday tablescape?

for the gentlemen

Yes, I realize that it's barely September and hardly time for holiday gift giving but here's the deal. Just when October comes to a close and pumpkin lattes are being pushed aside for eggnog, I unexpectedly lose my ability to hand pick well-designed goods for loved ones. As such, I'm proactively creating a visual reminder for myself, as well as you - of course - just in case you need a little creative boost at the last minute. Just in case.

01 | night sky edition notebook by field notes | this pocket-sized notebook is easy enough to take on the go for jotting down big ideas and even serves as a refresher course for all of your favorite constellations.

02 |  cocktail mixers crafted by white whale | cleverly named and ready for mixin'. blended with exotic juices and garden fresh herbs, these mixers will certainly delight the palate. cheers! *

03 | mason shaker by W&P Design featured on west elm | perfect for the southern gentlemen or mason jar aficionado. for best results, fill to the brim with well seasoned cocktails or fresh squeezed lemonade, with a sprig of mint.

04 | red + blue bow tie crafted by high cotton | stripes are classic and timeless. luckily this brand has you covered with bow ties in a range of colors for dressing up or down. *

05 |  wood block + prints crafted by artifact uprising | select 12 of your favorite memories and display these thoughtfully chosen prints in a beautifully handcrafted block, made of reclaimed wood.

06 | bottle cap cuff links crafted by hazel cole | what better way to celebrate your guy than with cuff links, made of bottle caps from his favorite cold beverage. cheerwine or a locally crafted brew; either will do. *

07 | food-of-the-month club artfully curated by mantry | subscribe your favorite foodie fellow to the modern man's pantry and he'll stay well-versed on  the best american artisan foods.

08 | beckett glasses by warby parker | help your gent see the world in style with spectacles from warby parker's growing collection. When you purchase a pair for your loved one, you'll also gift a pair to someone in need. To read more about WP's global campaign to DO GOOD, visit theirsite.

09 | this land is your land tee crafted by clyde oak | handmade with 100% North Carolina grown cotton, so you know it's grown with love. *

* denotes locally crafted items.