Everyday

Coming Home to Sonoma

Filed Under > Travel

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When Williams-Sonoma invites you somewhere, you just go…duh.  And when you combine that with Fortessa and The Fairmont well words might not be enough especially since we were meeting in my happy place (wine country).  I would probably travel to any place on the planet for dear these brands but Sonoma?  Yes and yes.

During my numerous times to Sonoma I had peeped the Fairmont Mission Inn.  I mean how could you miss its pink facade?!  I had always wanted to stay there and being one of the oldest hotels in Sonoma, when I finally got the chance I couldn’t help but feel like like I was coming home.  With its stunning architecture,  it’s amazing how a large upscale resort can sit so quietly in the middle of Sonoma, without disrupting its majestic feel. Sonoma is, after all, a small town with a big city-luxury vibe. 

The Fairmont has done the most amazing job preserving what is; the magic in Sonoma, the beauty of the region, but it’s also included the modern amenities that you’d expect from a high-end luxury resort. Upon our stay, we were treated to dinners and breakfasts that were nothing short of extraordinary. But to top the stay at the inn, I spent the last day at their spa.  And I must say; it’s one of the best spas I’ve ever been to.

Williams-Sonoma joined us with Fortessa in Sonoma, one of my favorite dinnerware brands. If you’re not familiar with them, you’ve probably been enjoying Fortessa dinnerware for years and haven’t even realized it! It’s a family-run business (by brothers) that just gives you that good home-town feel.  Restaurants, hotels, weddings and events have showcased their stunning dinnerware for decades.  And now, to my greatest pleasure, Fortessa finds its way on our dinner tables at home too. 

WS and Fortessa teamed up for a dream day for us to celebrate its founder Chuck Williams’ 100th birthday. We got a glimpse at his original collections (hello copper) at the original WS store, which were beyond amazing to say the least. 

To top off the entire visit, we made a stop to Silver Oak, a winery I’ve long loved, and we spent the last day tasting a slew of Silver Oak’s primo cabs.  I walked through their sweepingly beautiful gardens too, which have always been a favorite. It was truly the most magical way to round off a great visit to one of my favorite places on earth.  

When I told you on Instagram and Snapchat that I was doing wine country, I know you didn’t think I’d do anything but go all out.  I think it’s safe to say that joining the big players: Williams-Sonoma, Fairmont and Fortessa, sure makes for an incredible visit.  I already can’t wait to make my way back again…which will be soon.  Truly, MKR

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All photography is original to Waiting on Martha| THIS STORY IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WILLIAMS-SONOMA, A BRAND WE LOVE AND USE REGULARLY.  OPINIONS AND IMAGES ARE 100% OUR OWN.

How to Make Your Home Holiday Ready

Keeping Things Fresh This Holiday Season with Febreze
Filed Under > "Hostess with the Mostest"

Decorating the Christmas Tree in partnership with Febreze | via Waiting on Martha #12stinks #holidaySprucing up the coffee table styling for the holidays | via Waiting on Martha #sponsored #12stinks #holidayHoliday house prep in partnership with Febreze | via Waiting on Martha #12stinks #holiday Keeping the house fresh with Febreze | Waiting on Martha #12stinks #sponsoredHoliday house prep with Waiting on Martha & Febreze | #sponsored #12stinks #holidayHoliday house prep with Febreze via Waiting on Martha #ad #12stinks Fresh holiday scents at home with Febreze via Waiting on Martha #christmastree #ad #12stinks #holiday

There’s no denying that Christmas is one of my all-time favorite holidays.  Cozied up with loved ones in cabin socks next to the Christmas tree, sipping mulled wine while watching Home Alone?  That’s my definition of an “entertaining” holiday season.  

But along with that cozy picture I just painted comes a lot of additional holiday hosting duties.  And the truth is, hosting during this time of year can quickly become a little chaotic and even quite stressful. In the Rye household, it usually consists of a few holiday dinner parties, several out-of-town houseguests and a kitchen full of dirty dishes after Christmas morning brunch.  And all that chaos, while lovely, can leave my home in need of a little refresh. Think full guest bedrooms (and bathrooms), the smell of holiday recipes lingering for hours after we’re full, and wine stains on just about every surface…you get the picture.  

So long before guests arrive, and long after they’ve left, I prepare by festively spritzing the heck out of my home.  As you’ve seen on Snapchat, Addy loves to lounge on our designer pillows and just about every bed in the house, so those of course all need a quick spray before guests arrive.  And since we always have an artificial tree, we miss the smell that comes along with having a real one.  Needless to say, I did a little happy dance when I found Febreze’s Jolly Pine Air Effects spray to get us that whiff of pine I love so much.  I also find the Cranberry Cheer to be helpful in the kitchen when all I want to do is join everyone on the sofa after dinner (the dishes may or may not wait until the morning…). And without question, I make sure to have the original spray and plug-ins in those high-traffic areas.  A little spritz here, a little spritz there…and the entire place feels clean, yet festive.  When preparing for houseguests, these thoughtful details that are sure to keep everyone comfy and me sane this season.   Truly, MKR

P.S.  Our friends at Febreze take holiday entertaining sans smells seriously just like us. And for all of you fellow Glee fans, Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison put it quite perfectly in a nice little parody on the truths of having holiday houseguests and the 12 stinks of Christmas…a vid that will sure make you smile.  And we’re giving away a prize pack full of goodies to keep the 12 stinks away!  Head over to Facebook to enter.  Happy holiday houseguesting Loves!

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Photography, Kathryn McCrary | THIS STORY IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FEBREZE, A BRAND WE LOVE AND USE REGULARLY.  OPINIONS AND IMAGES ARE 100% OUR OWN.

Celebrating The Fresh Fig: 11 Fig Recipes to Fix This Fall

From Finger-Licking Appetizers to Scrumptious Desserts and Tasty Libations...Here's 11 Ways to Enjoy Figs
Filed Under > Everyday

Okay so I know I’m pushing it with the whole Fall thing since figs are only in season for a tiny bit longer, but I just had to share a roundup recipes using this gorgeous fruit. If I ever had a crush on a fruit, it would be on fresh figs.

Thanks to Pinterest, I found myself pinning one recipe after another.  A fig’s deep, rich color is utterly eye-catching, especially when a fig is placed on a charcuterie board, on top of a cake or sprinkled on a salad.  After some digging, I quickly learned that grilling raw figs will give you a sweeter, fuller flavor that’s super juicy.  You can enhance its flavor, too, with caramelized sugar, and pair it with a rich goat cheese or salty meat to give your taste buds a treat. Figs have also been grown and enjoyed since ancient times, which as a quasi-history nerd, I was loved finding out.  Click through the slideshow above to find 11 fresh fig recipes that you should fix up before the end of fall. Enjoy!  Cheers, Kat

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Featured image, Baking The Goods

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