1. Light It Up—Softly

Swap out harsh overhead lighting for the warm glow of string lights, candles, or lamps. Soft lighting instantly creates a relaxed mood. Try clustering candles on the dining table or weaving twinkle lights around windows or mantels for an understated festive feel.

2. Layer With Texture 

Nothing says comfort like a well-placed throw blanket or an extra set of pillows. Think knits, flannel, velvet, and faux fur. Layer textures on your couch, bed, or even dining chairs to invite people to sit and stay a while.

3. Let Scent Do the Talking

Our sense of smell is deeply connected to memory and emotion. Simmer a pot of cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel on the stove, or light a seasonal candle with notes of pine, vanilla, or spiced cider. Your home will smell as inviting as it looks.

4. Bring Nature Inside 

A sprig of evergreen, a bowl of pinecones, or even a bundle of cinnamon sticks tied with ribbon can add organic charm. Don’t overthink it. Sometimes, the most simple, natural elements make the greatest impact toward creating a sense of hominess.

5. Add Personal Touches

Display items that tell your story: holiday cards, family photos, or cherished handmade ornaments from years past. These small touches are what turn a house into a home. Mix them in with your decor to add heart and character to the holiday aesthetic.

6. Prioritize Comfort

Put a basket of slippers by the door. Keep a tray of mugs and cocoa fixings at the ready. Stock the couch with books and blankets. Hominess is all about ease and thoughtfulness.

In the end, creating a homey holiday atmosphere isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. So turn on the music, dim the lights, and enjoy the simple magic of being home for the holidays.

This is a message I read again and again throughout Nate Berkus’ new book, Foundations. It is filled with dreamy rooms, yes, but the thing that really lands is how practical his choices are. The man is obsessed with storage, function, and where real people will put their stuff. Then, he layers in all that gorgeous, collected style he’s so famous for.

Recently, Rachel interviewed Nate on the podcast, which was our first ever conversation recorded while hiking. Because around here we’re fanatical about getting your daily movement in– and if it can come with a chat about falling in love, raising children and how to style your bookshelf? Yes please! Nate treats organization as an aesthetic. Not separate from beauty, not something hidden behind cabinet doors, but a core part of how a home expresses itself.

Here are four small, very doable Nate-inspired upgrades that can make your house feel calmer and more beautiful within the week. 

1. Fix the Front Door Drop Zone.

Nate is ruthless about entries. He does not want to see shoes, mail, keys, or backpacks the second you walk in. His goal is a clear, welcoming moment, with the practical stuff tucked just out of sight in a closet, chest of drawers, or armoire.

So look at your front door area and ask one question: What do I actually need to reach for here, and what is just clutter? ? Then, try this:

1. Give everything a hidden home.
   • If you have a coat closet, double your hanging space by adding a second rod halfway down.
   • Add hooks to the back of the door for bags and backpacks.
   • Use a low shoe rack or closed bins on the floor so shoes are not the first thing you see.
2. Swap the console table for real storage.
   If there is room, trade in a leggy little table for a vintage chest, semainier, or small armoire. Drawers instantly turn “pile of random things” into “contained and calm.”
3. Style the top like a still life, not a catchall.
   • One tray for keys and sunglasses
   • One small lamp for warmth
   • One framed photo or small piece of art
     That is it. No permission slips. No stack of mail. No returns.

This is classic Nate: same amount of stuff, better decisions about where it lives.

2. Upgrade One Utility Space With a “Project Light Bulb.”

One of my favorite stories in the book is Nate’s “Project Light Bulb.” Years ago his house had tons of different fixtures and every time a bulb went out, it turned into a scavenger hunt. So he pulled every light bulb in the house, sorted them by wattage, labeled which fixture each belonged to, and stored them together.

It is such a small thing, but you can feel the relief in it.

You can steal that same mindset for your laundry room or utility closet:

1. Decide what actually belongs there.
   Nate and professional organizer Julia Pinsky start by defining clear categories: laundry supplies, cleaning products, first aid and medicine, and basic household backups like batteries and light bulbs. Nothing else.
2. Create zones, even on one shelf.
   Group items by category, then give each group its own spot. Laundry on the left, cleaning in the middle, household extras on the right. Use simple plastic or acrylic bins so if something leaks, you can just rinse the bin instead of scrubbing the shelf.
3. Do your own “Project Light Bulb.”
   Take every spare bulb you own, sort by wattage and type, and label where it goes. Put them all into one bin or drawer and label that clearly. Future you, standing on a step stool at 9 p.m., will be so grateful.
4. Pretty it up just a little.
   This is the Nate twist: decant your detergent into a simple glass jar or handsome bottle and keep it next to the washer. Add one small framed photo or found object on the shelf so the room feels intentional and not like a storage closet at a big-box store.

The goal here is not Pinterest perfection. The goal is that your “backstage” spaces feel cared for, the way you care for everyone who lives in your home.

3. Treat Your Closet Like a Tiny Dressing Room.

Most of us have at least one closet that feels like it is personally attacking us. You open the door and a handbag slides off the shelf in protest. In Foundations, Nate treats closets like real rooms, with their own lighting, seating, and a clear organizational language. Even if you are not building custom cabinetry, you can borrow his habits.

Pick one closet to transform and try this:

1. Invest in a few clever inserts.
   Nate loves drawer dividers so you can file folded tees vertically, not stack them in toppling piles. That one change makes it easier to see what you own and put things away quickly.
2. Sort shoes by style, then by color.
   High heels together, sneakers together, flats together, lined up light to dark. It sounds fussy, but it actually saves time because you can scan for “black flats” in one place rather than hunting through the whole floor.
3. Give accessories a real system.
   • Use a tray insert or small divided box for jewelry.
   • Roll belts or ties and give each its own little square.
   • Stuff handbags so they keep their shape and do not collapse into a heap every time you grab one.
4. Leave one shelf just for beauty.
   This is straight from Nate: in a room that is all function, leave one open shelf and style it with things that make you smile. A small framed photo, a travel souvenir, or a candle you love. It turns “closet” into “dressing room” instantly.

For a woman in the thick of midlife, this feels like a little daily gift to yourself. You are not just getting dressed. You are stepping into a space that reminds you you exist too.

4. Don’t Allow Your Work Corner to Become the House Junk Drawer.

Most of us have some version of a home office now, even if it is a laptop on the end of the dining table. Nate is clear about one thing: do not let that space become overflow storage for everything that does not fit anywhere else.

You deserve a spot that feels calm and capable, even if it is tiny.

Here is how to borrow his approach without buying anything new:

1. Choose one surface that is “the office.”
   A corner of the kitchen counter, the end of the dining table, a small desk in your bedroom. That surface is now off limits for random piles. Work things only.
2. Upgrade your containers.
   Nate talks about using a handsome cup for pens or a small bowl for paperclips, instead of plastic desk organizers that scream “supply closet.”
   Grab a mug you love, a small silver or ceramic bowl, a shallow dish for sticky notes and cords. Same function, much nicer to look at.
3. Add one small lamp and one piece of art.
   A vintage lamp or even a simple table lamp instantly makes the area feel intentional instead of temporary. A tiny framed print or photo on the wall behind your laptop gives your eye somewhere pleasant to land between emails.
4. Set a “reset rule.”
   At the end of your workday, everything goes back to its home: laptop in a basket or drawer, papers stacked in one tray, pens back in the cup. It takes three minutes, but when you sit down the next morning, the space feels like it is on your side.

Nate’s superpower is that he respects the simple stuff. He believes there is something wonderful that happens in a home when there is a place to neatly house all the things that keep it running and all the people in it happy and healthy.

You do not have to tackle your whole house at once. Start with the front door, just your light bulbs, or one closet that is driving you wild. Give yourself one small, Nate-inspired fix and actually finish it.

If you want to go deeper, listen to Rachel’s interview with Nate on the podcast and then grab his new book, Foundations. 

Lead Image Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

These are some of our favorite fall finds to make your home feel more homey this season. Just a reminder there are no affiliate links in this article; these are just products that we love and a part of our daily lives that we wanted to share.

1. A Candle that Smells Cozy  

• Why It Works: Scent is the fastest and easiest way to transform the vibe of any room. Instantly, change the atmosphere from busy to calm. 
• How to Use It: To elevate your evening routine, light one candle as your “transition ritual” from work to wind‑down. Look for notes like cedar, amber, smoke, or spice.
• Style Tip: Set the candle on a small tray with a wick trimmer and matches—it reads intentional, not cluttered. Primally Pure has a great citrus spice candle perfect for slower, cozier days.
• Use What You Have: Any unscented pillar works. Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to a nearby dish for a hint of fall. A little goes a long way!

2. A Texture Throw Blanket

• Why It Works: Texture adds instant warmth and visual depth. Don’t overthink it. There’s no fancy or frilly redesign required.
• How to Use It: Drape a chunky knit over the sofa arm, fold a quilt at the foot of your bed, or keep two throws in a basket by the fireplace. Try this cashmere wool patterned throw from Quince.
• Style Tip: Mix one plush texture (fleece or sherpa) with one natural texture (cotton knit or wool) for a layered look.
• Use What You Have: Rotate a summer blanket out and bring an older, heavier throw forward.

3. The “Pulled-Together” Tray

• Why It Works: Corralling small items on a tray turns bits-and-bobs into a styled moment.
• How to Use It: Build a simple vignette with a candle, small vase, and coasters. Keep heights varied and leave visible space.
• Style Tip: Round trays soften a square coffee table. Rectangular trays look great on a bench or console. You’ll love the display worthy mist trays from Hayworth.
• Use What You Have: Repurpose a cutting board, baking sheet, or even a shallow basket as your base.

4. Palo Santo or Your Favorite Grounding Ritual

• Why It Works: A tiny ritual helps you press “reset” on the day and your space.
• How to Use It: Light Palo Santo for a few seconds (you can grab them at any natural food store), then walk your space and set an intention or say a prayer. Let the smoke drift and place the Palo Santo into a decorative dish where it will extinguish on its own. Prefer incense? That works too. Not into smoke? Try a light room spray or simply open the windows for five minutes. 
• Style Tip: Keep a small ceramic dish and lighter on your tray so the ritual is easy to repeat.
• Use What You Have: Try a drop of essential oil like cedar, clove, and orange on a cotton pad near the entry is a nice smoke‑free swap.

5. Mugs That Feel Like a Warm Hug

• Why It Works: A comforting mug turns coffee, tea, or cocoa into a calming daily ritual.
• How to Use It: Choose one or two mugs you love and store them within arm’s reach. That tiny frictionless step makes your ritual stick.
• Style Tip: A photo-worthy and practical approach is to place a mug, saucer, and a teaspoon on a tray beside a book. To elevate the moment, we love these dreamy stoneware mugs from Anthro.
• Use What You Have: Mix‑and‑match is charming—pull a favorite from the back of the cabinet.

6. Pillow Covers in Cozy Fabrics

• Why It Works: Swapping pillow covers, not whole pillows, is a simple seasonal refresh.
• How to Use It: Keep your inserts and rotate covers in velvet, tweed, plaid, or boucle in tones like camel, rust, olive, or plum. We love these plaid pillow covers from Pottery Barn.
• Style Tip: Aim for a simple palette—two solids and one subtle pattern.
• Use what you have: Flip a reversible cover to the darker side or move pillows from the bedroom to the sofa for a fresh mix.

7. The Multi-Use Basket

• Why It Works: Baskets hide visual noise and make everyday living look intentional.
• How to Use It: One by the door for shoes, one by the sofa for throws, one in the family room for remotes and magazines. Jenni Kayne has a beautiful woven basket, perfect for intentional organization.
• Style Tip: Natural fiber adds warmth while leather handles or a stripe detail elevate the look.
• Use What You Have: A tote bag or wide bowl works in a pinch. Organization and containment are where the real magic lies.

8. Simple Branches in a Vase

• Why It Works: Seasonal greenery adds height, movement, and that feeling of “someone really thought about this.” Try out Crate & Barrel’s handcrafted pottery as the base to your branches with their Forma Handcrafted Brown Terracotta Vase.
• How to Use It: Grab eucalyptus, olive branches, or even tree clippings from the yard. One tall bunch beats a fussy arrangement.
• Style Tip: Clear glass is timeless. Bonus points if you can find a matte ceramic vase, which feels extra fall. Rachel has a collection of seasonal foliage that she stores in giant tupperware and then re-uses year after year.
• Use What You Have: A pitcher, measuring jug, or cleaned-out jar is perfectly charming.

9. An Added Bonus: Milk Bar 6″ Pumpkin Coffee-Cake Cake

• Why It Works: The Pumpkin Coffee‑Cake Cake from Milk Bar packs all the signature fall flavors—pumpkin, cinnamon streusel, and a cozy coffee‑cake topping. It’s also layered with creamy pumpkin cheesecake and a vanilla base. This cake is truly a seasonal showstopper! 
• How to Use It: Serve it as the centerpiece of your dessert offering. Bring it to room temp by removing it from the fridge two hours before serving. Pair with a simple hot coffee brew or autumnal spiced tea to let its layers really shine.
• Style Tip: To seamlessly tie this centerpiece into your fall home decor, place the cake on a rustic wooden cake stand surrounded by mini pumpkins, dried oak leaves, or neutral linen napkins.
• Use What You Have: Transform this cake into both an edible treat and a visual focal point by accenting it with warm amber or beeswax candles and deep earth‑tone colored decor.

Don’t Forget: Shop Your Home First. 

Before you buy anything, do a five‑minute sweep of your home. You might be surprised by what you find. Do you have a tray or board, a few favorite mugs, a candle, a basket, a throw, or a vase? If yes to any of the above, you already have what you need. Style one corner of your home, like the coffee table or entry console, and notice how the room immediately feels calmer. If you still want to add something new, then you’ll know exactly what you’re missing.

The goal of fall favorites isn’t perfection, but instead, it’s about simple pleasures. A candle you light every night, a soft throw within reach, a tray that makes things feel intentional. Start with one corner today. You’ll feel the shift every time you walk by.

There’s almost nothing I love more in the world than telling others about something that’s been helpful for me. Sometimes that’s a book I read or a mindset shift and lots of times (at least once a month in my weekly newsletter) it’s products that I dig.

Since it’s the season of gifting I thought I’d share some of my favorite things to gift (and to get!) in case you’ve got some present procurement on your to-do list. As always, there are no ads and no affiliate links in this gift guide… just stuff I actually love and think you’ll love too!

For the Cook

1. The Mozza Cookbook by Nancy Silverton – this is the absolute most used cookbook in my kitchen… I’ve had it for years (ever since Nancy was a guest chef on this very blog). It’s a little more advanced so maybe not ideal for a beginner (there aren’t step-by-step photos and most recipes require a real commitment of time) but Nancy doesn’t gate-keep. She tells you exactly how to recreate her famous dishes and if you follow the directions you’ll impress yourself.
2. Shun Chef Knives – A really great knife is an absolute key component of any kitchen. It’s my go-to wedding gift or housewarming present because it’s the kind of financial investment most people don’t want to make until they have it– then you wonder how you ever chopped without it. I love Shun knives (I have several of them) and when I was just starting out Henckle was my go-to.
3. Beautiful bowls + Plates – Beautifully colorful platters, bowls and tiny appetizer plates make me so happy so I love to gift them to others. The best part? They absolutely don’t have to break the bank! I’m linking out to these gorgeous bowls but one of my favorite ways to collect them is to wait until the after-Christmas sale at places like Anthro or Crate + Barrel when these little beauties get marked way down. I’m the queen of buying my holiday serving dishes, napkins, etc after the holiday. I also love visiting the local Salvation Army or Goodwill to see what they’ve got for kitchenware. My favorite aunt worked at the Salvation Army for decades so I grew up getting holiday gifts that were previously loved. She’d collect them over time, wash them up then package them beautifully. I still think this makes great gift for anyone who wont mind a little vintage moment.
4. Hedley + Bennett Aprons – I never cook without an apron on (I’m way too messy for that!) and Hedley + Bennett are my favorites because they’re so durable. I’ve personally got 2 of them in rotation and I already bought two as holiday gifts this year.
5. Le Creuset Dutch Oven – At the risk of sounding ridiculous, I will never forget the day I got my first Le Creuset! I couldn’t afford the official dutch oven so I got 4 teeny tiny individual dutch ovens with visions of using them at a dinner party. That never actually happen. I used them almost exclusively as a prop here on the site but when I finally got the real deal… I felt like such a chef! I use my Le Creuset dutch ovens for everything: Soup and stew and fried chicken and pasta... you name it! They’re incredibly durable (I hope to pass them down to my kids) and I’m slowly collecting a rainbow of colors and sizes. I’m linking out to the color “nectar” which I don’t have yet but I am really lusting after.

For Her (or you!)

1. A New Apple Watch Strap – I’ve had my eye on the Hermes apple watch strap for as long as I’ve had the Apple watch… and I’ve still never pulled the trigger on it. But maybe you’re a billionaire who wants to splurge?? 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m going to link out just in case. What I actually wear everyday is the far less expensive neon option which is my companion for every workout. I’m putting both the boujee and the friendly options here so you’ve got choices!
2. American Vintage Cardigan – You’ve maybe seen me wearing my favorite orange cardigan in more than one photo or podcast episode. I’m gutted to tell you that I lost it traveling back from London (I like to think that someone at Heathrow was super happy to find it and it gave it a good home) and even more devastated to say that (as of now) they’re sold out in that particular color (hilariously named “neon carrot”). But. American Vintage is the coolest most lovely brand and the other colors they make are totally gorgeous. I have a red sweater vest and a neon green oversized sweater and the second that carrot comes back into town this bunny will nab it again!
3. Custom Name Necklace – Of all the questions I get from y’all one of the top has got to be where I get my jewelry. My “Rachel” necklace was actually a gift from Cez after I mentioned to him that I’d always wanted one as a little girl. He had it custom made from Noemie Jewelry but they also make a ton of beautiful ready-to-wear options
4. A Book to Kick off the New Year – My newest book What if You Are the Answer comes out on January 7th and it’s the absolute best thing I can think of to help you start 2025 with intention. Plus, if you pre-order before it comes out there are all kinds of fabulous freebies. So maybe this is a gift you get yourself while you do a little shopping for others. 😉
5. My Favorite Candles – I love a great smelling space! It’s one of the most home-making elements I can think of and I love to gift my favorite scents. Two of my favorites for wintertime are Thymes Frasier Fir (which smells like a romantic fairy forrest) and Maison Louis No. 4 (which smells like your favorite stylish gay uncle’s house) and both make fabulous gifts!
6. Nap Earrings from Maison Miru – The first time I tried “nap earrings” it was a revelation! Imagine wearing fabulous studs without the sharp post in the back stabbing the side of your head when you sleep. That means you never have to remove them… and I never do!
7. Moisture Rich Balm from Oak Essentials – I discovered Oak Essentials through an Instagram ad and that algorithm knows me well because I am a sucker for new skincare! This one was a big winner and I absolutely love it so much I’m telling you about it too. Luxuriously moisturizing and the smell reminds me of new beginnings… don’t ask me why but every time I smell it I feel like I’m 20 years old moving into a new apartment.

For Him (or you!)

1. Carhartt Work Jacket – We’re big fans of Carhartt– the workers in my family tree have been wearing it for decades and now my teenagers are rocking it for the arduous labor of third period Chemistry. Regardless of what your workload calls for their product is always a great gift because it lasts forever and looks fantastic.
2. Imogen + Willie Socks – I’ve told y’all about how much I adore I+W as a great family-owned American small business but beyond that… they just make really cool stuff! I’ve got plaids and flannels and t-shirts and socks in almost every design they have. Also, all their stuff gets shipped to you wrapped in their leftover denim scraps which only adds to the unique experience of shopping with this brand.
3. Freaks of Nature Skincare – This recommendation is coming straight from Cez who loves it. It’s a clean, performance driven skincare founded by pro-surfer Kelly Slater. They use nature as their inspiration and collaborate with best-in-class partners to biosynthesize high-performing ingredients. Also… their packaging is fantastic.
4. The “Question Game” that Made Us Fall in Love – You may have heard me tell the story of how I fell in love with my fiance over a series of questions… this is the game we played. By asking each other questions it allowed us to get to know each other so much faster than we would have otherwise. For someone like my boo (who is naturally more introverted with new people) this was a really great way to get him talking. Best of all, they make this game for couples, families, kids, etc. We have every deck!

Alright friends, that’s all I can think of for this year’s holiday gift guide. I hope you found it super helpful (or at least entertaining to read).

A few years ago I made a video about a Mummy Door for Halloween. Last year, my friend Eryn made that mummy door with her daughter. It was a hit. Like, a massively big hit and her three year old gave their mummy a name and cried buckets of tears when they had to pull him down for Thanksgiving. More than once Eryn has asked me if I would pretty please, come up with another front door creature. Well Eryn, today’s your day! Behold the Easter Bunny Door! It’s way easy to make with a few craft supplies and our free printable below. Hope it makes your kiddos super hoppy! 

Start by cutting out the free printables for your Easter Bunny Door.

Attach black eyes to paper plates with glue or double sided tape. Attach the bunnies eyes to the door using double sided removable mounting tape. Next attach the bunnies nose with removable mounting tape and use Washi tape to create whiskers. Attach the ears to the door (with removable mounting tape) at the bottom and halfway up the back of the ear… this allows them to flop forward. Just make sure you put the ears low enough that they won’t get stuck in the door.

You can add the bow as is, or for extra fun, let your kiddos decorate it themselves. We used glue and pastel pom moms but they can decorate with paint, markers, stickers or any craft supplies you have on hand.  

Our door at Chic HQ is brown but all bunny colors are allowed for this craft! 

Hope you like our Easter Bunny Door, if you make one please send me a pic on Facebook so I can see how it turned out! xo, Rachel 

About 15 years ago my Mema made me a beautiful crocheted tablecloth. It must have taken her hours and hours to create the intricate design and I’ve always felt so touched by the gift. Over the years she’s knitted blankets and even sewn quilts for me, but the crocheted tablecloth has had a special place in my heart.

The only problem, is that it isn’t in a style I usually use so I’m not sure how to style it. I thought perhaps I might not be the only grand daughter who’s unsure how to use their grandma’s tablecloth, and so I set out to style a summer tablescape with the crochet at it’s center. The end result was so pretty that I’m kicking myself for not doing this sooner! It’d be just darling for a brunch or maybe a lunch with your girlfriends… better yet, call up Mema and invite her over dinner using this scheme! However you celebrate, I hope the style inspires you to bring your crocheted or lace overlays out of the linen closet and put them to good use! ~Rachel 

Since my overlay is a taupe color I knew I wanted to do a more muted base and then really highlight a great pop of color (in this case teal!) I started with a white tablecloth and then put the crocheted tablecloth on top.

The whole color inspiration came from these cool teal cups I found at Pier One. They were so fun I decided to use them and once I saw how great the muted tones and the teal played off each other I knew I was on to something.  I added matching napkins and used a few richer brown pieces to anchor everything.

I created simple monogram seating cards with white card stock to top my color splash style napkins. This is such an easy accessory and it also adds a little modern touch to the crocheted tablecloth making the style a bit fresher than what you might normally see.

The centerpiece was utterly simple… white peonies (get a couple bunches of whatever is in season at your grocery store) dropped down inside a glass water pitcher. The flowers were surrounded by some votive candles for another anchor of brown.

This year I decided to elevate my Christmas decor with the help of Walmart. This is the perfect trick to combining your old ornaments and holiday decor with brand new budget-friendly items to up your holiday game. And because it’s Walmart there will be plenty of cash left over to deck the halls and enjoy some eggnog too! Here’s a look at some simple (and budget friendly) ways you can enhance your holiday decor the way I did.

I started with the tree because it’s the focal point that ties everything together. Get a little variety this year for your Christmas tree by picking a new color scheme. I went with gold, white and silver. This look is easier to achieve then you think. I bought two tubs of gold and silver matte glitter ornaments for less than $10 each! The addition of these ornaments instantly added some glam the look of the tree.

I added some texture with gold ribbon and a few snowflake Christmas ornaments, and my tree was immediately transformed! Then I combined our family ornaments that we love to enjoy every year as a finishing touch.

Like what you see? Then check out the rest of my living room decor HERE 

In honor of St.Patrick’s Day we thought we would share our favorite tips on decorating your Bar Cart. Though we completely understand that in some parts of the country y’all are dealing with super cold weather, the best thing about a bar cart is you can also have one indoors. Also, these are great tips to keep on hand for your summer parties. So take a look at all our favorite essentials to use the next time you’re celebrating something or someone special! 

For our bar cart we wanted to keep things simple  with using items we had as well as things we purchased at Pier1 Imports.

Instead of having to run back and forth for limes and mint we placed them in these marble bowls. For the champagne to stay cool we placed the bottle in a marble holder with ice to keep cold. Little hint this holder is meant for utensils but we switched it up for a champagne holder instead.

Every bar cart needs a charcuterie plate!  It’s great for when people need a little snack while drinking. We purchased this board at Pier 1 and it seriously is the perfect size for the bar cart.

It’s always great to have an option for all our favorite non-alcoholic drinkers. Whether it’s sparkling water or lemonade, place this on the cart so it’s easy to grab.

Why not serve some delicious desserts on one of your favorite cook books. These bite-size cakes are so simple to serve for your guests.

It’s always the best to have a signature cocktail on hand that you can quickly mix together. You can totally keep it simple with just a couple key ingredients or make it fancy. The best thing is to keep a shaker on the cart so everyone has the option to make their own drink.

Here’s a tip always keep some straws nearby. These ones are super cute and your guests can easily throw them away when they are finished.

Now we can’t forget about Jeffrey am I right? I think he can totally be a professional dog model! With that being said  this picture shows the way we placed all our glassware at the bottom of the cart that way nothing breaks (well we’re hoping)

Now it’s time to cheers with all your favorite people! Share how you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year by posting a photo on Instagram and  #ChicTribe!

photo credit: @racheljwise

party planner: twineevents.com

I love holiday decorations you guys!

I look forward to decorating for weeks in advance and I was so excited to get our tree this past weekend so we could start the whole holiday makeover. Some of you may have seen on my Instagram story that I made a DIY craft to go along with it and shared pics from last year’s holiday decorations. Typically I’m using a lot of the same items over and over but I nab a few new things here and there to update my look. Check out what I did below…

The mantle is always the thing I’ve most excited to decorate! I made that DIY garland a few years ago using scraps from the Christmas tree lot. The stars are a collection of past Christmas decor and a vintage checker board we have. 

In the last couple of years I had stockings that were all a similar burlap material but this year I thought it would be fun to do mix and match. I just love the way it turned out.

This is my favorite tree we’ve ever had because it’s full of homemade ornaments. Every year my boys make new ornaments which makes the tree feel so special. The rest of the things you see are the ornaments I’ve collected since I was a child.

We’re BIG fans of the Elf on the Shelf in our house! Need some ideas on what to do with yours? Check out this long list of fun ideas I posted on my Facebook page!

Do you like those bows? That was a game-time decision! Dave picked out this gorgeous tree but it was too tall so our star wouldn’t fit! That’s why the stars ended up on the mantle and I used a spool of ribbon to add some pops of red to the whole display.

I wanted to add some red to my sofa but I didn’t have any holiday blankets. My answer? I used one of my ponchos! I just folded it over and nobody will ever know… ok, well you know, but other than that…

A holiday pillow helped our chair get into the Christmas spirt! Hard to believe this chair used to be a total wreck. You can see the before and after here!

Ford begged and begged and begged for a nutcracker… so they all got one! We set these guys up on our entryway table along with the countdown to Christmas chain he made at school. 

A bowl filled with pinecones and cinnamon sticks is simple decor for our side table.

I bought a pack of little fake trees (the kind you use to decorate your holiday village) and used them to add some spirit to my coffee table. 

And last but not least, I’ve wanted to make this DIY wooden nativity for years! I saw it on Pinterest and thought it was so cute and easy enough to pull off with my limited painting skills. I just love how it turned out!