A Favorite Things Party is one of my favorite ways to gather friends — low pressure, thoughtful, and genuinely fun. The idea is simple: everyone brings one (or a few of the same) favorite item within a set price range, and you spend the evening sharing, swapping, and discovering new things you might not have found on your own.

The “favorite things” can be anything — a beauty product you swear by, a cozy accessory, a home find, a book, or even a pantry staple you always gift. Part of the fun is hearing why someone loves what they brought. It turns gift-giving into a conversation, not just an exchange.

It’s equal parts girls’ night, show-and-tell, and the coziest kind of party.

Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Set the guest list and price

Invite a small group — anywhere from 6 to 12 people works best. Decide on a price range ahead of time (usually $25–$50) so everything feels fair and easy.

Step 2: Pick the rules

Each guest brings one favorite item (or the same item multiple times, depending on your group) within the price range. It should be something they truly love and would happily gift again — beauty, home, cozy accessories, pantry favorites, books, etc.

Step 3: Wrap and label

Have guests wrap their item and include a small note explaining why they love it or how to use it. This is one of the best parts and always sparks conversation.

Step 4: Set up the exchange

Place all the wrapped gifts in one spot. You can:

• Draw numbers
• Pull names from a bowl
• Or go around in a circle

Each person opens a gift, shares it with the group, and reads the note before moving on.

Step 5: Swap or keep

Some groups keep what they open, while others do a final swap round at the end so everyone leaves with something they’re excited about. Choose what feels right for your group.

Easy Hosting Tips for a Girls’ Night

Keep the hosting simple so you can enjoy the night too.

• Lamps on, overhead lights low or off, plus one really good candle
• Chilled white wine, a simple spritz, or sparkling water with citrus
• Grazing boards that feel effortless
• Loose seating — stools, floor cushions, poufs, whatever you have
• Fresh flowers, a great candle
• And the essentials: wine, snacks, and deep conversation

A Favorite Things Party is less about the gifts and more about the connection. It’s cozy, meaningful, and one of those nights that feels easy to host but special to attend.

What to Bring

If you’re unsure what to bring, think about something you personally reach for all the time — useful, a little indulgent, and easy to love. Based on this edit, here are a few of my go-to ideas:

• A luxury body soap or lotion that feels special but still practical
• A clean beauty favorite — think lip balm, mascara, or a glow product you always keep in your bag
• A pretty candle with a soft, crowd-pleasing scent
• A chic hair accessory like a claw clip or brush you use daily
• Cozy accessories — socks, wraps, or something soft you’d gift again and again
• A small home upgrade, like cocktail napkins, matches, or a tabletop detail
• Everyday extras — sunglasses, a compact umbrella, or lace thongs
• A thoughtful little indulgence that feels elevated but not over-the-top

The best gifts are the ones you’d happily buy again for yourself. If you love it, chances are someone else will too.

Self-care doesn’t always look like a perfectly quiet morning or a full day to yourself. For me, it’s become more about small, consistent habits that help me feel grounded, energized, and a little more like myself again.

Here’s what that’s looked like lately — nothing fancy, just what’s truly working.

A Few Daily Rituals I’m Loving

A fresh pair of new pajamashas become one of my favorite ways to wind down at night. It’s such a simple thing, but it instantly signals rest and makes evenings feel more intentional.

I’ve also been very consistent with my Omnilux mask. I usually wear it while folding laundry or answering emails — very real life — and it’s one of those habits that feels indulgent but is also genuinely effective.

Every morning, I add collagen to my coffee. It blends easily, has no taste, and has become such an automatic part of my routine that I don’t even think about it anymore.

Meal planning has also been a form of self-care for me lately. I love having everything written out, and this meal plan charthas helped reduce so much mental load during the week.

Movement That Feels Sustainable

I’ve really shifted away from “all or nothing” workouts and into movement that fits into my real days.

Right now, that looks like walking about four miles a day (often while working on my computer), spending 10–20 minutes in our sauna four to five days a week, and doing pilates reformer classes four days a week. I’ve also been adding in about 30 minutes of weight training using the Ladder app and classes by Maia Henry. Nothing extreme — just consistency and listening to what my body actually needs.

December was full of cozy upgrades, beauty finds, and a few things I truly use on repeat.

The Alice Walk cotton sweaterwas an easy, elevated basic I reached for constantly. I also loved lighting the Nest Himalayan Salt & Rosewater candle in the evenings; it has such a soft, calming scent.

I wore my Rafe suede mulesnonstop, and the Ilse Jacobsen raincoat in milk cream was both practical and polished — exactly what I want in an outer layer.

A few wardrobe staples I loved were the black cutout Dawson tunic, my updated 7/8 black leggings (my old pair was three years old and these last so well), and the AGOLDE 90s pinch waist jeans, which remain a forever favorite.

For beauty, I finally found my perfect blush after trying every viral option — the Laura Mercier blush in shade Strawberry. I also keep reaching for this under-eye concealer, which brightens without feeling heavy.

A few more December favorites include Diva Wash (I just can’t stop using it — it smells so good), thisAmazon pilates top I wear constantly, and theClean Skin Club clean towels, which I restocked because I truly love them.

We also picked up the TheraGun for my son, but I may be the one using it the most. And lastly, the VB Valentina flats— I bought these full price in August, then spotted them on sale and had to grab them. I wear them all the time.

As we settle into a new year, I always love taking a moment to look back at the things that truly earned their place in our everyday life. Not the impulse buys or the passing trends, but the pieces I reached for again and again — the ones that quietly made days a little cozier, easier, or more enjoyable.

These are a few favorites from 2025 that stood the test of real life — busy mornings, slow evenings, travel days, and everything in between.

One of our most-loved home pieces this year has been this Peacock Alley All Seasons Blanket. My husband and I are both obsessed with it. It’s lightweight but still cozy, works year-round, and somehow always ends up on the couch with us at night. It’s one of those simple comforts that becomes part of your routine before you even realize it.

Another home favorite has been this Ruggable rug with the built-in rug pad. It’s practical, comfortable, and such a relief to have something that can handle everyday life without sacrificing style. Between kids and daily wear, it’s been a true workhorse in our home.

On the beauty front, the YSE Skin Glow SPF 30 Primer stayed in heavy rotation. It gives that subtle, healthy glow I love while still feeling lightweight and easy — perfect for days when I want my skin to look fresh without doing too much.

My Boo Bag from Breck & Grier also deserves a spot on this list. It’s one of those bags I reach for constantly — thoughtfully made, practical, and easy to throw over my shoulder whether I’m running errands or heading out for the day.

I also lived in my Sewee Coast hat this year. It’s my go-to sun hat for long walks, beach days, boat days, and even spending time in the garden — easy, comfortable, and something I grab without a second thought.

One of the bigger lifestyle shifts this year was ditching my Keurig and coffee pods in favor of this Café coffee pot. I originally made the change due to inflammation concerns, and I’m so glad I did. The coffee tastes better, the ritual feels calmer, and it’s become something I genuinely enjoy each morning.

For wardrobe staples, Quince’s $50 cashmere sweaters were such a win. The quality for the price is incredible, and I’ve slowly collected them in multiple colors because they’re just that good — soft, classic, and easy to wear with everything.

And finally, the Elemis cleansing balm continues to be a favorite I always come back to. It’s gentle, effective, and such a soothing way to end the day — one of those small rituals that makes nighttime feel calmer.

Looking back, all of these favorites have one thing in common — they fit seamlessly into real life. They’re comforting, reliable, and genuinely loved, not just for how they look but for how they’re used. As I reflect on 2025, I’m grateful for the small upgrades that made everyday moments feel a little more intentional and a lot more enjoyable

This time of year has a way of filling up quickly — calendars layered with plans, to-do lists growing faster than we can keep up, and a general sense of rushing that seems to follow us from one day to the next. I’ve learned that if I’m not intentional, the season can slip by before I’ve had a chance to actually enjoy it.

Lately, I’ve been trying to create small pockets of calm in the middle of all the bustle. Nothing elaborate or time-consuming — just simple habits that make the days feel a little softer and more grounded.

An Evening Bubble Bath

A warm bath at the end of the day is one of the easiest ways to reset. Even ten quiet minutes in the evening gives my mind a chance to slow down and settle. I recently found these bath pillows that make the bath even more cozy!

Easy Dinners

Lowering the bar on weeknight meals has been such a gift. Simple soups, sheet-pan meals, or something from the freezer make evenings feel less rushed and far more enjoyable. I love these sheet pans.

Keeping My Spaces Tidy and Cozy

A messy home overwhelms me more than anything else, especially during a busy season. Keeping things tidy — soft lighting, a clear counter, folded blankets — brings a sense of calm I can feel immediately. I always close the night with a quick kitchen vacuuming ( this is my fav.), and it makes the morning so much better.

An Early Bedtime When I Can

Sleep shapes everything. On the nights when I can, getting to bed early resets my whole mood and helps me move through the next day with more patience and presence. I recently added this cozy all seasons blanket to our bed, and it might be my favorite find of the year.

These little habits don’t change the speed of the season, but they do make it feel more manageable — more peaceful, more intentional. A reminder that even in the busiest moments, there is always room to slow down, breathe, and find a bit of calm.

December always arrives with its own kind of magic, but it’s the small rituals that truly make the season feel like Christmas. Nothing elaborate or overdone — just simple traditions that bring a sense of warmth, familiarity, and joy to the weeks ahead. These are the little moments that mark the beginning of the season in our home.

Lighting the First Holiday Candle

The very first sign that the holidays have arrived is lighting a seasonal candle. One match, a familiar scent, and suddenly the whole house feels different — warmer, cozier, and ready for December.

Unwrapping Collected Ornaments

Bringing out our collected ornaments, especially the needlepoint ones, is a tradition I look forward to each year. Unwrapping each piece feels like revisiting a memory — a gentle reminder of all the seasons that came before this one.

Driving Around to See Christmas Lights

A simple evening drive with hot chocolate in hand is one of our sweetest traditions. There’s something so joyful about seeing the lights glow in the cold and pointing out our favorites along the way.

Christmas Pajamas

Nothing fancy, just soft, cozy pajamas that make the whole house feel festive. It’s a small tradition, but one that instantly brings everyone into the spirit of the season.

The First Fire and a Holiday Movie

The first fire of the season, paired with a holiday movie, makes an ordinary evening feel special. It’s usually the moment when December really settles in for me. Our favorites include The Holiday, The Santa Clause, Home Alone, and Polar Express.

A Christmas Playlist

Music is one of the quickest ways to set the tone for the month. If you need something to ease into the season, here’s my playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6eF9T9USgdBz1c7Eq8lDgU?si=R-qwUxqmTL-DT2bYPu0f6Q

Coffee by the Tree Lights

My favorite tradition of all: sipping coffee in a holiday mug by the glow of the tree before the house wakes up. It’s quiet, simple, and somehow becomes the moment I treasure most each year.

These little traditions are what make the season feel full — small rituals woven into the rhythm of December, reminding us to slow down and enjoy the beauty of this time of year.

Now that Thanksgiving has passed and the house is settling back into its usual rhythm, I’ve found myself thinking about the year as a whole — the quieter shifts, the small lessons, and the ways I’ve changed without even realizing it at the time. This week after Thanksgiving always gives me a bit of space to reflect, and this year especially, it feels meaningful to look back.

It was a year of looking inward, of giving myself permission to grow quietly instead of loudly or quickly. A year where I finally allowed myself to slow down, to move at a pace that felt honest, and to stop rushing toward something just because I felt I should.

I’m grateful for the reminder that focusing on just today makes everything feel softer, calmer, and far more manageable. When I stopped trying to hold the whole year at once, my days became gentler.

I’m grateful for the people who showed up for me — the steady ones, the surprising ones, and even the ones who taught me something in unexpected ways. This year made it clear how much those small moments of support can shape a season.

I’m grateful for the ordinary moments that ended up being the ones that mattered most: slow mornings, quiet routines, simple dinners, laughter at the end of long days. None of them were spectacular, but together they grounded me more than anything else.

I’m grateful for clarity — clarity about what I want, what I value, and what I’m no longer willing to carry. Letting go of what weighed me down opened space for something lighter.

And I’m grateful for a deeper trust in timing and in myself. This year didn’t move in the straight line I expected, but it moved in the direction I needed.

As we step into the final stretch of the year, I hope you find a moment to notice the quiet ways your own year has shaped you. Sometimes the softest seasons become the most meaningful ones.

xox

Maggie

Every year, the holidays bring a wave of inspiration — new colors, textures, and little details that make our homes feel warm and special. And while trends come and go, I’m always drawn to the ideas that feel timeless enough to use year after year, just with a fresh twist.

What I love most about this year’s trends is how timeless they feel. Nothing loud or fleeting — just warm, layered details that make your home feel settled and lived in. Whether you lean into bows, garlands, or soft metallics, the goal is the same: a cozy space filled with light, texture, and a touch of nostalgia.

Here are the holiday decorating trends I’m loving for 2025: simple, charming, and perfect for creating a cozy, collected home.

1. Bows Everywhere

Bows are still at the center of holiday decorating, and I don’t see them going anywhere yet. Oversized, layered, and feminine — they add softness and charm in a way few other details can. Luxe velvet, satin, and grosgrain ribbons feel especially beautiful this year, whether tied on wreaths, garlands, sconces, or the backs of dining chairs. This is my go-to red ribbon for that cheery holiday bow.

2. Chocolate Brown Accents

Chocolate brown is one of the biggest design crossovers from 2025 interiors into holiday décor, and I’m completely here for it. Rich, warm, and grounding, it pairs beautifully with blue, gold, and even evergreen. Think brown velvet bows, brown gingham ribbon, or touches of deep brown woven throughout tablescapes and mantels.

3. Tartan and Heritage Plaids

Everyone is calling it a “Ralph Lauren Christmas,” but truly, this is just classic plaid done well. Tartan always feels timeless, but this year the styling leans more elevated and less rustic — mixed with polished metals, crisp linens, and tailored silhouettes. It’s the perfect pattern for bringing warmth and tradition into any space.

4. Mixed Metals in Softer Tones

This season’s metallics are muted and elegant: champagne, pewter, brushed gold, and antique polished silver. The key is to mix them subtly so they read as collected rather than shiny. Think vintage trays, old silver vases, candlesticks in different finishes, and small touches of metallic décor that softly catch the evening light.

5. Long, Drapey Garlands

Garlands are getting longer, looser, and more organic. Faux mixed with real greenery creates the fullest look — cedar, juniper, olive leaf, and eucalyptus are favorites this year. Let them drape naturally over mantels, tables, and doorways for that simple, effortless charm.

6. Warm Lighting

Warm, ambient lighting is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel cozy during the holidays. Candlelight, lamplight, and small glowing accents give everything that soft, golden feeling. A home lit with warm light instantly feels more inviting, no matter how minimal or maximal your décor might be.

7. Vintage Glass Ornaments

There’s a significant return to vintage glass ornaments — the delicate, slightly imperfect ones with soft colors and beautiful aging. They bring nostalgia and texture to a tree, especially when mixed with simple white lights or warm metallic touches.

8. Paper Decorations

Paper chains, folded stars, and handmade garlands are having a moment again. They’re simple, charming, and a sweet nod to classic, homemade holiday traditions. Whether crafted with kids or bought from a small maker, they add a light, whimsical element to your holiday décor. We just purchased this star garland to add to our fireplace.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Everyone On Your List

Stocking stuffers are genuinely one of my favorite parts of Christmas morning. Those little surprises in each stocking feel thoughtful, personal, and fun without being extravagant. Whether you’re shopping for kids, teens, your husband, grandparents, or your best friend, stockings are the perfect place to tuck in everyday small luxuries and those “how did you know I needed this?” items. This guide rounds up stocking stuffers for everyone on your list, helping you add a little extra magic to the mantel this season.

What Are The Best Stocking Stuffers?

When it comes to the best stocking stuffers, I always look for little luxuries that feel thoughtful without being fussy. Think cozy essentials, timeless beauty favorites, and charming everyday items we tend to skip buying for ourselves. Stockings are such a fun opportunity to mix practical with delightful tiny treasures that make Christmas morning feel magical, personal, and perfectly tailored to each person in your home.

You can click on any of the images above to shop each guide and explore all of the pieces I’ve handpicked for this holiday season! Cheers! Xx, Maggie

And, If you need more help with your holiday shopping, be sure to check out my 2025 Holiday Gift Guides post. I hope this makes your holiday season shopping a little easier!

Black Friday sales are starting, and there are some great deals available! I’ve highlighted a few of my favorite sales for you below. Be sure to check out these offers, as they can help you save significantly on gifts for family and friends or even treat yourself to something special.

Black Friday Sales

As we roll into the holiday shopping season, I love getting a jump on finding the perfect gifts for my family and friends. There’s just something special about giving classic, timeless gifts that really show how much I care. And when I can score a great deal? Even better! Planning ahead means I have the time to pick out presents thoughtfully, instead of scrambling at the last minute. Plus, I always enjoy sharing my favorite finds with my friends. It just makes the whole holiday experience more enjoyable!

I’ll update this list as the sales change! Happy shopping!

The Best Black Friday Sales

Keep an eye out as I update this list with the latest and greatest sales. Happy shopping, and best of luck finding gifts that bring joy!

Looking for more ideas? Many of my gift guide selections are on sale! Click the image below to shop!