Entertaining
Our Halloween Family Costumes 2024: I'll Give You One Clue
It was Professor Plum, with the knife, in the Conservatory. Happy Halloween from Clue characters: 1986 edition! Shop Costume Inspiration Over the years, we've dressed as everything from dolls and monsters to Peter Pan, E.T. characters, and The Wizard of Oz. But in the last several years, one of our kids has usually chosen our costumes. If you look back, you […]
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October 31, 2024
Entertaining
12 Tips for How to Host and Make Your Guests Feel Completely at Ease
I recently got a question from a commenter who asked me how I entertain at home to make guests feel at ease. This question came at a great time since fall can be a natural hosting season from watch parties (there's football...or The Bach) to Thanksgiving. The truth is — Chris and I really *enjoy* […]
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October 2, 2024
Entertaining
The Top 12 Fall Scents for Your Pura Smart Diffuser - 2024
Everyone gets excited to decorate for fall (same!) but an often overlooked element of decorating is how a home smells. Scent is such a powerful tool in making your home feel warm, welcoming, and seasonal. When I think about fall scents I definitely want some spicy or woodsy notes in there like cardamom, amber and […]
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September 27, 2024
Decor
3 Areas of the House That Pack the Biggest Punch for Fall
Faux Oak Branch | Vase | Serving Bowl | Candle | Dining Table | Chairs (vintage) (similar) | Wallpaper | Gallery Wall | Edie Two-Tier Chandelier After the busyness of summer, fall feels like a chance to really return to my roots of being a homebody. And yet, that doesn't mean I'm home alone just with my family! I love to have people over as well! There are […]
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September 11, 2024
Entertaining
Hosting a Party? Try One of These 7 Digital Invitation Sites
Last year, Chris wanted to do a fall low-country boil outside, and he wanted to invite 15 people over. He said, "I’m just going to send out a text." I said, "Wait, let me make an invitation!" When someone receives an invitation, they get the feeling that this event means something to you. I think […]
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September 5, 2024
Entertaining
3 Outdoor Jobs I Prefer to Hire Out
This post is sponsored by Neighborly, Your Hub for Home Services As we’ve grown older and busier with kids and life, I’ve gotten smarter about what projects we want to tackle at home ourselves and which ones we like to hire out. And there are some tasks I’ve never even thought to tackle myself and […]
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July 11, 2024
Entertaining
My 15-Minute Speed Cleaning I Do Before Guests Arrive
There's something so satisfying about a rapid fire clean-up round. If someone is coming over in less than 20 minutes, I've got a formula for speed cleaning that helps me feel like my space is welcoming, yet I'm not going to be hustling at the last minute. (Generally, I'm only focusing on the first floor […]
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May 23, 2024
Entertaining
6 Outdoor Entertaining Musts
We're ready to have people over in our backyard space now that it's so nice out in North Carolina, and it reminded me of the elements that I think really create that perfect outdoor setting for guests. Outdoor entertaining, to me, is really about making people feel comfortable and special. Here are a few things […]
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May 9, 2024
Entertaining
Ultimate Guide: Host Easter Dinner with These 12 Stress-Free Tips
Are you hosting anyone for Easter this year? We almost always host an Easter dinner with extended family, and it's just so much fun to have everyone around the table for a special occasion. Drum Pendant | Dining Chairs | Sconces | Candlesticks | White Bowls | Flatware (similar) What I've found is that with […]
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March 25, 2024
Entertaining
12 Staycation Ideas for Spring Break and Beyond
Sometimes I think ahead enough to plan a trip over spring break. Sometimes I just feel more like a homebody and want to enjoy time at home with my family. But how do you still make the most of a spring break home with the kids or a long weekend with no big plans? My […]
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March 22, 2024
Entertaining
10 Valentine's Day Experience Gifts to Woo Your Sweetie
Chris and I like to get each other a little gift for Valentine's Day, but my favorite gift to give is an experience gift — and I'm always scheming. Read on for 10 ideas for things to do together to celebrate your romance, and drop your best ideas for memorable dates in the comments, you […]
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February 1, 2024
Entertaining
How to entertain out-of-town guests at the holidays
A friend of mine recently called me for ideas for hosting her in-laws, who will be in town for the holidays for four days. Together, we brainstormed what works when it comes to entertaining out-of-towners (aka it's fun but low stress for you and not too tiring). We came up with a comprehensive list for […]
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December 14, 2023
Entertaining
Set The Table: Essentials, Next Level, and All-Out
Setting the table for the holidays can be an exciting endeavor that adds a special touch to your festive gatherings. Whether you're looking for a simple, straightforward setup or an all-out holiday wonderland, there are options for every style and budget. Here's how you can set your holiday table at three different levels: essential, next […]
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November 15, 2023
Entertaining
7 Spooky Eats For Your Halloween Party
We are planning to host a big Halloween party this year, and Chris will be overseeing the menu. Now, normally, he sticks to cooking exclusively dairy-free, gluten-free, and whole foods as much as possible, but Halloween is the perfect time to have a little fun with your food. In other words, this isn't your typical […]
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October 1, 2023
Entertaining
Setting a Festive Fall Tablescape With 5 Simple Tips
Chris and I are passionate entertainers. We love to spontaneously invite friends over for dinner, like tonight. Chris loves to host eager eaters with his new recipes, and I love to set the table. As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to blanket the streets, our focus naturally drifts to a tablescape more fit […]
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September 27, 2023
Entertaining
How to Throw a Simple Baby Shower + The Ultimate Baby Registry Guide
Over the weekend, I threw a baby shower for Brooke, our longest-held employee who's more like family than anything. It's been years since I've attended a baby shower, and much to my excitement, this was the first shower I've ever personally thrown!–Couldn't think of anybody else I'd rather throw my "first" shower for than Brooke. If you're someone […]
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April 20, 2023
Entertaining
4 Tips for Making a Cozy "Pop-Up" Temporary Guest Room
Recently, my four best friends flew to North Carolina for my birthday, and I set up a little “blow-up” sleepover room so that we could have a good old-fashioned slumber party. I shared a little bit about this sleepover room when I tested and ranked the best air mattresses on Amazon, and so many of […]
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December 6, 2022
Entertaining
Transforming the Study Into A Formal Dining Room + 4 Setting the Table Tips
Every night for dinner, we sit around the round table in the dining room. For breakfast, the girls usually sit at the island. And when we have company over, it's usually a combination of both or we eat outside. But I really wanted another overflow option for a formal dinner. Nothing permanent (we don't have […]
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November 9, 2022
Cleaning & Organization
An Hour-by-Hour Guide on Hosting a Dinner Party
This post was written by my lovely sister and brand manager, Victoria. My love of dinner parties started early. I remember an abundant bowl of fruit on my family’s Thanksgiving table when I was little. It was morning, and there were still HOURS until dinner. Still, I asked my mom if I could have an […]
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June 29, 2022
Entertaining
The Best Lawn Games
We've been focusing on outdoor spaces on the blog this month (if you haven't noticed!) and today is a fun one–all about lawn games! You're never too old for a lawn game! Both Chris and I grew up playing games outside and so of course we love doing that with our friends and family. Growing […]
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June 24, 2022
