The weather has officially changed and the leaves are filling the ground instead of the skyline. There is a lot of discussion aboutHalloween costumes and homecoming weekend will end this week's "Spirit Week" at school. These things have always been the tangible reminders that the holiday seasons are coming. We settle into our homes and welcome our friends and families to gather with us. This year, I have teamed up with
Joss & Main for their Holiday Hostess event to help you prepare for the holidays as easy as possible.
It has never been a secret that as much as I love to fill my home with loved ones, I like to make it as simple and as easy as possible. I don't want to finally sit down at the table, exhausted, only to rush through eating and then have to clean up after. I would much rather prepare as much in advance, have a more simplified meal and have a quick and easy clean up. Even though it is early, I want to think now about what I need to make my home welcoming for guests through the whole season. I start purchasing wine, soft drink and snacks now so we are ready to invite friends and family in. I have started thinking about seating, serving pieces, towels and linens. This year, I am determined to be done with all of my shopping early, not only for presents, but for having my home ready for guests.
When thinking through my table this year I chose to set my table with everything that could just go right into the dishwasher. The first thing I did when setting the table was forgo a traditional tablecloth - no ironing, no washing. I cut a length of brown kraft paper and set the table around that. Wrapping paper would work just as well and also provide lots of opportunities for design ideas.
Instead of worrying about flower arrangements, I placed rosemary plants in wide-mouth mason jars and tied on some simple twine. The candle holders? Those are from the hardware store stove pipe department - they are fittings for the end of the pipes. I just added a larger votive candles in them. I can easily see them transitioning for use at Christmas with some simple details added.
I finished it off with a simple bunch of dried lavender and snips of rosemary tied with twine. I added a galvanized tag that I wrote the word "gather", but you could easily use them as place cards as well. Oh, and instead of
napkins, I went for it and used dishtowels at each setting.
And if you need more ideas to be inspired to get ready for the holidays stop by
Joss & Main and their Holiday Hostess event. For the next few weeks you can shop for items all inspired from your favorite bloggers including
Miss Mustard Seed,
Stone Gable and
French County Cottage. 
My event launches tonight at 9pm! You will find items like you see below to help you get your home ready for the holidays. I do believe I will be purchasing that galvanized
tray! I don't think I have ever met a galvanized tray I have passed on. And since I also kill my real rosemary topiaries, the fake ones will be going in my cart! How pretty would those be on your holiday table or mantel?
I have been in the market for a new lamp for the family room and this one below may be just what I have been looking for. I have also been in the market for a new chair for our bedroom and I love the more casual nature of this chair. Even though it is a light color, I love that is slipcovered for easy clean up.
My event will be live for just one week and then it is closed. If you have never shopped with
Joss & Main before, be ready to be delighted. They launch new sales each day curating beautiful items for your home in a different theme. You just have to
sign up to get started and then you can shop whenever you like.
Wishing you a beautiful start to the holiday season and a home filled with loved ones!
Happy shopping and know
you are the ultimate Holiday Hostess!
