A woman in a green dress lights a candle on a dining table decorated with autumn flowers, candles, and fruit. The room has neutral tones, wooden furniture, a landscape painting, and a large gold chandelier, by McGee & Co.

Monthly Musings | November

24 November –

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A Deep Breath Before the Holidays

October was a lot — in the best way. Between a belated anniversary trip to the Cotswolds with Syd (17 years!), the Kohler photoshoot in Wisconsin, spring 2027 product reviews, a Studio McGee install, and our family trip to Florida…I basically unpacked just to start packing again.

Now that I’m finally home — deep breath — I’m all about the holidays. The air’s crisp, something’s always baking, and life feels like a mix of after-school activities, design meetings, and trying to remember where I put the tape for wrapping paper. It’s busy, but it’s the kind of busy I love.

Which brings me to the fun part — the hosting, the prepping, and yes, the outfits. Here’s what I’m loving now.

How I’m Hosting

Thanksgiving is my favorite kind of chaos. Food everywhere, people squeezed in around the table, and dishes piled high.

This year I’m keeping things easy and warm: oak, linen, brass. Our Hughes Oak Extension Dining Table fits everyone (and then some), and I love the earthy tones of the Hestercombe Tablecloth for fall. Down the center, I added a few Antique Brass Mini Taper Holders. They’re simple, classic, and work with anything.

A few of my favorites for serving: the Elizabeth Bread Board (for all the carbs) and Thanksgiving essentials like the Olindo Platter and Pritchard Gravy Boat. Oh, and I can’t forget these Ridley Stone Coasters (because, well … kids). It’s not about perfection. It’s about warmth, conversation, and a little candlelight.

A dark wood dining table with a floral placemat, a white scalloped plate, two brass candlesticks with tall candles, a white gravy boat, and two wooden cutting boards arranged above it on a white background, by McGee & Co.

Getting Ready for Guests

We always seem to have someone staying over this time of year — family, friends, sometimes both — so I gave the guest room a little love.

Fresh towels from our Ellis Organic Bath Collection, a Quimby Laundry Hamper for tucked-away linens, and a mix of Baptista and Bellevue Velvet Pillow Covers instantly made it feel new.

I added a Caro Throw at the end of the bed and the Irving Table Lamp for reading.

On the console: a Delphine Footed Vase with Faux Purple Eucalyptus. Simple touches, but they make guests feel at home.

A collection of home decor items including a beige throw blanket, a cream rug, a faux leafy branch, a dark blue pillow, a patterned brown pillow, a brown table lamp, and a cream ceramic vase with handles, arranged on a white background, by McGee & Co.

What I’m Wearing

This time of year, I’m living in clothes that can handle a day that starts with school drop-off and ends with dinner out.

Lately it’s been this Washable Silk Maxi Skirt with Organic Cotton Boyfriend Sweater — soft, effortless, and somehow still pulled together. For everyday errands: DL1961 Barrel Jeans, Quinn Ballet Flats, and the Le Turismo Shoulder Bag that just goes with everything.

If you catch me on weekends, I probably have the Forest Toile Scarf tied around my bag and this Dôme Cuff Bracelet catching the light. These always make me look pulled together, even if I’m running around.

A silk floral scarf, a black textured handbag, woven brown flats, and a simple gold cuff bracelet are arranged on a white background with a faux tape accent and a handwritten-style signature at the bottom, by McGee & Co.

Feeling Thankful

At the end of the day, it’s not about the tablescape or the food. (Though let’s be honest, the food helps). It’s about Syd cueing up the movie Elf for the hundredth time, the laughter from the girls — and those quiet moments when everyone’s asleep, but the candles are still flickering.

Here’s to a cozy, connected Thanksgiving — full of warmth, laughter, and maybe that second slice of pie.

xo, Shea