Fall Favorites — Holiday Edition!

and then came fall, the season of the soul that reminds us over and over again how beautiful it can be to gather, rest and let things go 

So here we are in the third week of November and as many of us prepare to gather for a season of celebration, I thought it might be fun to share some holiday favorites with you – tablescapes, decorating inspo, gifty things – it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these and I thought we could probably all use a little joy.

I recognize that we come from a variety of backgrounds and traditions and have different ways of celebrating as well as different life priorities so the focus of this particular feature is not on commercial links but rather simple DIY ideas to inspire your own creativity and direction.

I don’t think things have to be complicated or expensive to be impactful.  Nature is my greatest inspiration and teacher; in its unadulterated form, I find it exquisite.

I hope some of these ideas spark joy – that’s really the intention.

Happy browsing! x

ps: wherever possible, I will link you back to the original source

TABLESCAPES, PLACE SETTINGS, CANDLELIGHT  …  

the essence of simplicity ~ rustic beauty with sprigs of winter greenery & pomegranates by Julie Blanner, I imagine this smelling like a winter wonderland too…. found here.

… and in centerpiece form from On Sutton Place, found here.

love the feeling of movement from the placement of the greens and warmth of the pillars, inspired simplicity by Julie Blanner, substitute pumpkins, pears, citrus, pinecones, bells, etc. for apples as you wish, found here.

spotted these rustic beauties over at Liz Marie, full of personality and simply gourdgeous in their full bodied selves next to the handsome pears, found here.

eucalyptus takes the place of a formal table-runner in this farmhouse tablescape by Four Oaks Manor — husk-textured pumpkins harmonize well with the country theme and offer a pretty contrast in colour, found here.

greenery of different tones and texture adds volume and a sense of abundance to this pretty table setting by Andee Layne – I like how the elements of nature are coupled with a touch of elegance from the warm amber glassware (she even has an adorable kids’ table), find it here.

farmhouse cozy setting by Little Glass Jar and how fun is her idea to create “always thankful for” cards as an invitation to guests to share some reflections (great conversation starter for teenagers?!), find the details here.

these are too adorable (and so easy) find the instructions over at Mallard the Maker here.

assorted fresh & fragrant herbs in glass bottles with candles give a great visual effect and I’m also digging the Bohemian vibe, reminds me of something I’d see at Café Santropol in Montreal.

clean lines & Scandi style minimalism by Jojotastic, found over here.

delicate and beautiful mini wreaths by Paper Thin Moon, learn how to make them here.

adorable edibles carrying a wish by Eclectic Creative with handwritten names on leaves for place cards, found here.

anything hand-tied with twine, jute or raffia pretty much makes me melt, found here.

simple and adorable, piped names on cookie place cards offer a personal, intimate touch and a sweet keepsake for guests, found here.

one of my favorites, fragrant rosemary paired with cinnamon and hand-tied for a napkin hold, found here.

the mandarin makes me happy ~ most citrus are at their peak in the winter … delicious in desserts and salads but also perfect for holiday decorating (loaded with vitamin C for the winter months as nature intended).

the contrast of the black plate is awesome but it’s the plant bulb that’s got me really excited; what a great decorative touch and gift idea for guests, spotted here.

i want all of my winter drinks to look like this pleeease… this White Lillet Winter Thyme cocktail by Foodlovin’ sounds incredible; find the recipe here.

this gorgeous non-alcoholic seasonal cocktail with spiced pear is on the menu!  Find the recipe here.

vintage bottles with simple sprigs of green that you can gather on a walk… love.  Spotted here.

something about the combination of amber hues & red … combustion ✨ spotted here.

loving the frosty feeling coming off of these snowy mason jar luminaries by A Pumpkin & A Princess, pretty decorative detail for contrast too, find the details here.

GIFTY THINGS …

how about this potted amaryllis bulb by Gardenista, yes please! find the details here.

a homemade stovetop infusion of citrus, herbs & spices by Boxwood Avenue creates a natural aromatic potpourri for your home (not the migraine inducing kind you’ll find in stores), find the details here.

a great small hands project, homemade cinnamon ornaments by Live Simply – find the details here.

make your own clean burning candles with herbs and essential oils with the help of this thoughtful tutorial by Herbal Academy, find the details here.

okay, I realllly want to try this wintery mint mocha mask by Live Simply … question is, will it make it into my mouth before going onto my face? I can’t wait to find out.  Recipe details here.

since i whetted your appetites, it’s only fair to share this 4-ingredient lemon mousse which is to die for… light, luscious & tart, it’s the perfect accompaniment to those heavier holiday meals.  Find the recipe here.

tension relief essential oil roll-on by yours truly (just in case it comes in handy during the holidays …) find the details here.

these embroidered dish towels by The Merrythought are so stinkin’ cute, find the details here.

this deep soothing mango butter balm is the ultimate antidote to chafed winter skin, find the details here.

citrus ornaments by A Clean Bee, exquisite.  Find the how-to here.

skin healing tea tree oil meets lavender & epsom salt in this deeply soothing foot soak, so easy too, find the details here.

easy cranberry jam dressed for the holidays, beauty! find the recipe here.

A Beautiful Mess displays citrus ornaments on a home-fashioned tree of evergreens … when light filters through the fruit it creates a beautiful translucent effect reminiscent of stained glass, found here.

SPOTTED ELSEWHERE …