You know what I love about fall? Nesting. It’s the season I look forward to most for cozy gatherings at home. I enjoy simple, low-key get-togethers during the holidays—nothing formal, just a warm space where friends can relax, chat, and enjoy good food. We don’t fuss over perfect etiquette; sometimes plates and glasses land in odd places, but the company and conversation always make it worthwhile.
I like arranging the house and planning small touches that make guests feel welcome. A little thought goes a long way in creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
Creating a meaningful gathering makes opening our doors more enjoyable, and I hope it leaves guests with good memories. This year I’ve been busy with a book, but I still plan to host a few more gatherings. I always appreciate the chance to entertain.
One of our favorite drinks to serve is mulled cranberry-apple cider. It tastes great and fills the house with seasonal scents. I also enjoy pulling out seasonal recipes—like pumpkin squares (I sometimes bake them in a loaf pan instead of squares)—and adding small holiday touches around the house.
Last Christmas we added pops of red to our decor. This year the dining room will take on a different palette, but I’m excited to see how it all comes together after moving furniture and reworking rooms throughout the year. I love this season and the creativity it inspires.
I enjoy planning which serving pieces to use and how to set the table. Recently I created a small “hospitality cabinet” in the dining room so we’re better prepared for holiday meals. We’re still arranging the wall and moving a mirror to finish the space, but it’s coming along.
This week we’re giving our old rickety table a fresh coat of white paint so it will be clean and ready for any gathering. I’ve wanted to repaint it for a couple of years, so I’m excited to finally do it.
Those little pre-Christmas rituals are some of my favorite parts of the season—tidying up, setting out dishes, and refreshing decor. Nesting and fluffing the house makes it easier and more joyful to welcome friends and family and to celebrate what matters most.
Beyond decorations and traditions, I love small comforts like lit candles, a good playlist, and tasty food that bring warmth to any gathering.
I have a few versatile serving and decor items that I rely on year-round. I don’t own many overtly holiday-themed dishes because storage is limited, but I do keep a few seasonal appetizer and dessert plates that add a festive touch.
Many of you asked about the white wood tray in our entry that holds plush pumpkins—it’s a favorite because it can display nearly any decor and make the vignette feel cohesive. I often pair it with chunky white candlesticks from the same collection.
I also love the hand-blown glass lanterns and chalkboard tray that appear in my photos. These versatile pieces work well on open shelves, on tables, or scattered around the house to add subtle style.
The glass lanterns travel from room to room in my home. They’re lovely with pillar candles, or you can try floating a candle in water or filling the base with pebbles to vary the look.
Because I use many of these pieces often and readers ask about them, I hosted a Mary & Martha giveaway featuring a tray, a mug set with a serving tray, and a medium hand-blown glass lantern.
This giveaway was sponsored and has since closed.
While one of the photos above isn’t from my house, I love the styling and the unique dishes shown. They illustrate how a few thoughtful pieces can make entertaining feel meaningful. Pretty things and simple touches often make the biggest difference.
