When guests come to my home for dinner during the holiday season, there are two things they are guaranteed to find: a meal made by someone – anyone– besides me and a table dressed in plaid. This time of year, I am firmly committed to never, ever cooking. And, to filling my life with as much plaid as … [Read more...]
Embrace Fall: 6 Ideas to Inspire
No one moves to the Midwest for the weather. In the heartland, we have hot summers and cold winters. But in the fall, there are a few days so perfect, I swear I’d never live anywhere else. The trees are ablaze, the sky is azure blue, and the air is crisp and cool, sweetened with the smell of falling … [Read more...]
Add a Touch of Fall with Bittersweet
Bittersweet reminds me of my childhood. In the fall, my friends’ families harvested strands of this woody vine, which grew naturally in the woods around our hometown. Their moms snipped bits from the vines, which were covered in dazzling orange berries, and used them to create beautiful fall … [Read more...]
A Warm Welcome for Holiday Guests
I can’t wait. On Christmas Eve, my big sister Judy will come spend the holidays with us. I am so thankful that she keeps coming back because, to be honest, I have been a pretty rotten hostess in years past. Absolutely no food in the house? Check. Complete lack of toilet paper? Check. Within hours of … [Read more...]
Saved by the Incredible Wreath
I will never forget the year it felt like Christmas passed over the Garrity home. We had just opened Nell Hill’s Briarcliff, and I was working a million hours a week. I didn’t have a spare second to decorate our home for the season. Since I am surrounded by so much Christmas décor at Nell Hill’s … [Read more...]
Ingredients of a Marvelous Mantel
Next to your tree, your fireplace mantel is the most important part of your holiday décor. After all, this is where Santa makes his big entrance! The sky is the limit when it comes to dressing this long, thin stage.Some of us like a display that has a few discreet touches of seasonal cheer. … [Read more...]