Archives for November 2019

11/30/2019

Understated Holiday Decorating with an Advent Calendar

Christmas decorating involves the same tasks as a move, with its countless boxes that have to be unpacked, evaluated and composed into knockout arrangements. The main difference is that once a move is complete, you’re done. Christmas cleanup has an approaching end date, add all the celebrating, shopping, wrapping and family time, a person can be seriously tuckered out. Once the New Year hits, it’s time to repack the holiday–and don’t forget the safeguarding of Christmas ornaments that have the fragility of spun sugar. Are you feeling the internal tremors build? To minimize an episode, consider simplifying Christmas this year. (We may not even get a tree, but stay tuned to see how that plays out with the family). The idea was spurred by the first holiday addition to the home, a simple advent calendar from Trader Joe’s, which has become more than my go-to for frozen taquitos and cinnamon rolls. Their novelty items have always delivered in nostalgic design, but this year’s advent calendar is leagues above the garish Santa scenes that epitomize the holiday staple that spurs children to wake early so they can prod open the day’s corrugated door for a bite-sized chocolate. The engaging North Pole scene, probably drawn by the same artist who illustrates Nantucket shopping destinations, is given added detailing with a “Christmas Tree” candle. (The scent of pine is so authentic, it became the inspiration for the aforementioned idea to omit a tree). Thus, back to our design philosophy in “styled living simply achieved,” create holiday vignettes, such as an advent calendar display, to keep the home from being invaded by unnecessary Christmas decor. The result may promote a restful holiday season.

A minimalist holiday trend with an advent calendar and Christmas candle. The result could be the answer to a peaceful season.

Resources:

Advent calendar: Trader Joe’s

Christmas Tree Minimalist candle: Brooklyn Candle Studio

Art: ducks goose

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11/19/2019

How to Create Seasonal Holiday Decor without the Kitsch

Decorating for the season does not have to be about turkey prints or holiday motifs, which is the equivalent to Eiffel Towers sealing French style. This past weekend I experienced a first, a visit to the Christmas Tree Shop. I mistakenly had the notion that anything with Christmas in its name would be enchanting, imagining a Santa’s workshop with singing elves crafting items in the mist of gingerbread and holiday music. In reality, it’s the fancy cousin of the Dollar Tree. There were grommet curtains that appeared to be salvaged from a roadside motel, stuffed flamingos wearing Santa hats and, this one was new to me, Mommy to Be nutcrackers. Shoppers had their carts filled with the stuff. Carts! All purchases that will inevitably make its way to the curb with a free sign taped to it. This brings me back to my lament over the consumerism epidemic released by such establishments. The best way to put an end to faux poinsettia garlands is not buy them. Take stock of your own inventory and select beloved pieces that can create a beautiful yet subtle vignette that signals the holidays.

 

A simple arrangement, complimented with a design book in the same scheme, achieves a tasteful holiday display.

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11/13/2019

Give Quality – A Hand-crafted Backpack You Won’t Be Seeing on the School Bus

It’s the kind of accessory you could see a relation of Geppetto creating in his workshop. It will stand out among the shiny bags with logos that associate a generation of kids. With a wave of fast fashion that has taken over electronic shopping carts, a return to customized pieces that are thoughtfully produced will endure. When you need the reliable backpack that becomes an extension of your form, this is where quality matters.

The backpack that can take you around the world, or downtown on the 6 line, with style.

 

For this gift guide special, Mission Mercantile’s canvas leather goods gets our vote because they’re the kind of pieces you could see tested by throwing in a ring of bucking broncos and survive unscathed. (Though we don’t recommend that you do that.) The canvas, leather and craftsmanship is of such high standard, it will be that loyal accessory you hold with the regard of a family dog.

Resources:

Canvas Backpack: Mission Mercantile

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11/08/2019

Annual Holiday Gift Series: The Ultimate Everyday Blanket

It’s the fleece pullover for the home, literally. That go-to item you use to the thread, yet All the Feels velvet reversible blankets are more durable than your grandmother’s tartan. The texture is chinchilla soft with a designed look. Adding comfort and style to a space, it may be time to retire those fleece blankets touting your favorite NHL team. 

It may look luxurious but the blanket is as affordable as it is comfortable.

 

This is a gift that will be used, appreciated, and can make the rounds at sporting events, picnics or even work if you have that cool office environment with donut Fridays. It even hits all the PC icons: affordable, animal-friendly with plush faux fur, practical and for every item purchased, one blanket or the monetary equivalent is donated to a youth in need. In this holiday gifts series, from everyday affordable luxuries to heirlooms, we feature products that won’t need return receipts.

Resources:

Phantom Grey Velvet blanket: All the Feels

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11/01/2019

10 Steps to a Low-Stress Thanksgiving

There’s a lot of emotion associated with a bird that’s considered the misfit of the poultry family. Sure, the turkey is enormous and pulling out the giblets is a bit too literal for the occasional cook, but treating the holiday meal with the attitude of a special family dinner alleviates unnecessary holiday pageantry. Memories are built around the gathering, playing, watching and indulging in leftovers.

A simple table setting equates to low-stress planning.

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