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Everything You Need To Set the Thanksgiving Table

From flatware to bar carts turned pie carts I'm sharing my tips for setting your holiday table
Filed Under > Entertaining

Pinecone Candlesticks | Rose Gold Flatware |Gourd Plates |  Wine Glasses | Pumpkin Staub |Emile Henry Ruffled Pie Dish | Emile Henry Baking Dish | Taper Candles

With November basically here I’m officially in full Thanksgiving Dinner prep mode. While I love everything that comes with hosting during the holidays, my favorite part has got to be setting the table for the big dinner itself. And over the years through setting my fair share of tables I’ve learned that no matter what you’re celebrating there’s always a few items that make getting the table holiday ready easier than ever which I thought I’d share with y’all today.

First up, flatware. There’s no better way to dress up a table than with metallic flatware. Gold or rose gold flatware make every dinner party feel a bit more like an occasion, and will be perfect for any and every holiday you celebrate.

A few years ago finding flatware that was any color other than silver was incredibly difficult and often expensive.  Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. For example, the rose gold flatware shown here is only $15 per setting! And this gold set I found is only $65 for an entire 24 piece setting complete with a case! They’re even making disposable sets in gold that look almost like the real thing.

Another signature holiday table move of mine is switching out the salad plates.  Trust me when I say, there’s no one that would rather have enough room to store, or money to spend, on numerous holiday place settings.  If storage or money were of no issue I’d have a new place setting each season! So how do I keep things fresh, while not breaking the bank or bursting at the closet-door-seams…I switch out my salad/dessert plates.  

I often start my place setting with my classic white dinner plates and then dress the white up with a festive salad or dessert plate like these gourd plates.  This way your table doesn’t feel like an everyday setting, and you’re not worried about how much you spent, or where you’re going to store them next month.  And trust me this works for every season; I love these ones for Christmas!

A word to the wise, make sure you get round white everyday plates.  I made the mistake of registering for oblong ones when we got married which are awkward and don’t work with any other plate in my cupboard.

Lastly, don’t overcrowd the table.  Thanksgiving, or any dinner party for that matter, should be focused on spending time with the ones you love. Nothing is worse than having a guest more worried about where they’re going to set a dish or if they’re going to spill that bottle of wine, than conversing with their neighbor. How I handle this dilemma is by utilizing my bar cart.

During dinner parties or holiday celebrations, my bar cart is wheeled over to the table where it plays the integral role of both beverage dispenser and pie cart. By keeping both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic bottles off the table it allows for conversation to flow and the guests who talk with their hands like myself, to joyfully recount stories without worrying of knocking anything over.  And I’d much rather have my collection of Staub Pumpkin baking dishes gracing the table rather than empty bottles of wine.  Plus doesn’t the cart make the most perfect setting for all the holiday pies?

And much like the flatware I spoke about earlier, bar carts are extremely reasonably priced now.  I like this one and this one if you’re looking for your cart to serve in more of this capacity than full-time bar.

So whether it’s your first time hosting, or you’re an old pro, I hope sharing my go-to entertaining tips helped. And most importantly I hope your Thanksgiving is full of what’s truly important: family, friends, great food, and plenty of thankfulness.  Truly, MKR
 


 

Photography, Rustic White Interiors | This post is in collaboration with eBay, a company I love and adore.  All opinions and images are 100% my own.

Merry Christmas Eve!!

From my family to yours...
Filed Under > #OOTD (Outfit of the Day)

Jacket, Hat, Mittens, Sweater, Gingham Shirt, SunniesJeans, Boots

I’m writing this post just before midnight Christmas Eve, in between sipping spiked cocoa and wrapping what seems like my 100th gift.  Addison is snoring soundly on her pillow under the tree, my husband is trying not to fall asleep to Christmas Vacation, and my in-laws are tucked warmly in bed.  This season is my favorite.  And my family’s traditions that surround this season are what I hold especially dear.  

I’m thankful for these traditions.  But I’m more thankful for a family that is willing to change them all up, and make new ones all in the spirit of helping me live my dream.  

Tomorrow (or rather today now), Christmas Eve, will be the first that I have a physical brick and mortar shoppe.  So unlike years of past, this Eve looks a bit different.  Instead of  finishing up holiday baking or decorating, I’ll be helping last minute shoppers find the perfect gift. Holiday martinis will be pushed back to evening rather than afternoon. Church will happen via satellite in our living room (thank God for technology). Christmas Day breakfast has been simplified to pastries and mimosas.  And Christmas dinner is now a lunch because of the shoppe’s day after Christmas craziness.  

While it all looks a bit different, what matters is the same; family and the reason for the season, Jesus.  So my Christmas wish for y’all this year is that whatever you’re doing these next few days, I hope you’re surrounded by love, family, and the true meaning of Christmas.  Happy Christmas Friends!! xo, MKR
 

Photography, Kathryn McCrary

Gift Guide No. Two: My Everyday Favorites

A guide of my absolutely favorite, and most beloved items perfect for gifting
Filed Under > Everyday

 

 
 
When pondering what themed gift guides to do this year I thought, why not round up everything I love and use on a daily/weekly basis that would also make great gifts.  So that’s what we’re doing for Guide No. Two.  My very own Oprah-esq favorite things.  I’d love to know in the comments, if you were creating your own list of favorite things what would make the cut? Truly, MKR

One. Happy Menocal Mr. Charles Stationery.  I’m a HUGE fan of Happy Menocal; have been forever.  So when she launched her collection on Paperless post a few years ago I was besides myself giddy.  Of course Mr. Charles was my obvious choice as he looks so much like my Addy, but I also snagged this every day set and have used this holiday card more than once.

Two. C.O. Bigelow Cold & Flu Soak. I buy this in bulk because it sells out every year right when you need it.  I swear if you feel like you’re getting sick, or have gotten sick soak in this for 30 minutes and you’ll feel so much better.  And I’m serious, buy more than one bottle as it sells out every year.

Three. Herbivore Orchid Facial Oil.  Cult status with this oil; and yes I’ve drank the koolaid.  The oil is uber moisturizing, but my skin just glows whenever I use it.  My very own fountain of youth.

Four. Breville Tea Kettle.  This is my most used appliance next to my coffee pot.  It makes making tea, cider, hot cocoa, matcha, anything and everything you need boiling water for so easy. I actually have my kettle upstairs in my bedroom as I drink tea the most at night and I couldn’t imagine my evening routine without it.  This would also be great to have in a guest room if possible.  

Five. Great Lakes Co. Sweatshirt.  I’m a BIG fan of sweatshirts.  It’s the Michigan in me.  So when I found a small business named after my beloved Great Lakes and they just happen to make the coziest sweatshirt ever I couldn’t press buy fast enough.  And it has not disappointed.  It really is beyond soft.  I actually asked for a second one for Christmas so I can rotate them while ones being washed. 

Six. Singing Bowl. I cannot get enough of singing bowls, sage, palo santo, and anything that helps rid all that bad juju. And even if you don’t buy into the “spiritual” side of it there’s something very relaxing about the ritual of it all.  Don’t know it till you try it.

Seven. Illuminated Bible.  An gorgeous, illustrated bible that invites you to write and doodle all over it.  Game changer for my morning quiet time routine.  It comes in a hardback version, but if you’re going to use this as your everyday bible I suggest the classic leather as it will wear much better over time.

Eight. Teleties. The hairband that has caused a frenzy at WOMH.  Seriously, we cannot keep these in stock.  And I understand why.  They do not rip your hair, they actually work, plus they look like a bracelet on your hand.  Seriously, try them if you haven’t.  And if you’ve tried another brand in the past they’re not comparable to these which are SO much better!

Nine. Truffle Mustard.  I mean mustards mustard right? Wrong.  This mustard is beyond.  I keep it in my fridge and dip pretzels in it, always put it on a cheese plate, and constantly cook with it.  I brushed it over chicken and last night combined it with spices, herbs, and vegetable broth for a pork tenderloin roast.  Wow, just wow!

Ten. The Five Minute Journal. If you do anything for yourself next year do this.  I mean it.  Only five minutes in the morning and five minutes in the evening and I promise your life will be changed.  Promise.

Eleven. Young Living Essential Oils.  I won’t get on my soapbox again about YL Essential Oils, but seriously if you haven’t taken the plunge yet with the starter pack I really don’t know what you’re waiting for.  I use YL Essential Oils for everything.  Diffusing, cleaning, beauty, health, healing…everything.  Read a bit more about it here and join the WOM/Well Code oily life! You’ll be glad you did.

Twelve. Peloton.  This was my birthday gift from the hubs and I couldn’t love it more.  It’s the one workout I seem to be able to stick with and is worth every penny.

Thirteen. Sleep Mask. Another can’t sleep without it necessity.

Fourteen. RMS Luminizer Quad.  RMS is one of my favorite non-toxic beauty brands and this luminizer quad is definitely a beauty essential I use every day.

Fifteen. Ullo Wine Purifier.  I love wine.  I also get terrible headaches from too much wine which I think may have to do with sulfites as different wines effect me differently.  Anyway, that’s what led me to Ullo.  And I don’t know the science behind the magic all I know is every time I run a bottle of wine through the purifier I don’t wake up with a pounding head.  

Sixteen. Golden Goose Sneakers.  Okay, so when I first heard about sneakers that looked like they had been worn for 5+ years and carried a $500 price tag where all the rage I was like”yeah right.”  Then I bought a pair.  And they are honestly the most comfortable shoe I own.  More comfortable then my Nikes. Seriously, they are that comfortable.  Plus they really hold up and you don’t need to worry about scuffing them up…the more scuffs the better.

Seventeen. Toffee To Go Toffee.  There’s a reason this toffee is on Oprah’s list year after year.  We’re talking melt in your mouth toffee.  It’s so good all of us at WOMH ate through all the samples before we were able to sample any to customers.  Oops.

Eighteen. WelleCo. Sleep Welle Calming Tea.  I learned about this specific tea after using their Super Elixir; which is also a favorite.  It really does help you calm down and sleep sounder, plus it comes in the most gorgeous container.  If you’re like me and have trouble falling asleep then definitely give this a whirl.  

Nineteen. Goop Edition No. 2 Shisho Spray.  The description is what got me, the fact that its non-toxic helped.  “A perfume of cool air, pale sun, new life unfurling on the forest floor, this mystical perfume channels the energy of spring: sensual heat against cool, damp air.” 

Twenty.  Serena & Lily Carins Throw. I’m a BIG blanket fan. And this is my currently cozy, curl up go-to.  Plus it gorgeous!

Twenty-One. Gray Malin x Away Luggage. Y’all know I’m a HUGE fan of Gray Malin. So when he partnered with AWAY luggage to create a custom collection and one of those pieces was one of the Gray photos I own well I had to have it! Available in 3 colors and 3 different Gray prints this is the chicest and most functional luggage ever!

 

 

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