You know what I love about fall? Nesting. It’s the season when my house feels coziest and most welcoming, perfect for simple get-togethers. I’m not a formal host—my parties are relaxed and a little imperfect—but that’s part of the charm. We might pass plates the wrong way or set glasses on the wrong side, and still enjoy great conversation and laughter.
I enjoy arranging my home thoughtfully and planning small events that make guests feel comfortable and at ease.
Creating meaningful gatherings makes opening our doors more fun and memorable. This year I’ve been distracted with book writing, but I’m determined to host a few more gatherings—every time I do, I’m glad I made the effort.
One of our favorite offerings is mulled cranberry apple cider. It’s warming, delicious, and fills the house with a wonderful aroma. I like to bring out seasonal recipes—like my pumpkin squares, which I sometimes bake in a loaf pan—and add small holiday touches throughout the house.
Last year we added pops of red to our holiday decor, which felt festive. This year I’m trying a different palette in the dining room, and I’m excited to see how the new arrangements and furniture shifts come together. I truly love this season of decorating and reimagining rooms.
I like to think through serving dishes and table settings ahead of time. Recently I created a small hospitality cabinet in the dining room so we’re better prepared to set a welcoming table for the holidays. We’re still settling the area—adjusting a mirror and adding a few finishing touches to the wall—but it’s coming together.
This week we’ll refresh our worn dining table with a coat of white paint so it’s clean and ready for whatever festivities we host. It’s a small update I’ve been meaning to do for a while and it will brighten the space.
These pre-Christmas routines are some of my favorite rituals: a tidy home, thoughtfully arranged dishes, and refreshed decor. Nesting and fluffing the house feels like preparing a warm welcome for friends and family and honoring what the season is about.
Beyond decorations and traditions, I love the small comforts—lit candles, good music, and delicious food—that make gatherings feel special.
I keep a handful of versatile serving and decor pieces that work year-round and become my go-tos for entertaining. I don’t collect lots of holiday-specific dishes—storage is limited—but I do enjoy a few seasonal plates for appetizers and desserts.
Many readers asked about the white wood tray I used in the entry display with plush pumpkins. It’s one of my favorites because it can hold a variety of decor and instantly makes a vignette feel put together. I also love chunky white candlesticks and other simple accessories that transition easily from season to season.
I’ve also been using hand-blown glass lanterns throughout the house, as well as a chalkboard tray and ruffled-edge dishes I like to display on open shelves. These pieces are versatile for everyday use and for entertaining.
The glass lanterns are lovely in many spots. Try them with floating candles or fill the base with pebbles for a different look—small changes can refresh a display quickly.
Because I use several of these items, I recently hosted a Mary & Martha giveaway featuring a tray, a set of mugs with a tray, and a medium hand-blown glass lantern. Events like this are a fun way to share some of my favorite entertaining pieces.
The products pictured are charming and practical—useful for creating thoughtful moments when hosting. I enjoy items that help make hospitality feel effortless and inviting.
