OK, I apologize in advance for the title of this blogpost. I know it’s not yet appropriate to be talking about the holidays, but with Thanksgiving just around the corner, and my in-laws coming up to stay with us, I have begun mapping out holiday must-haves. As pretext to this post, I will confess that one of my biggest faults is a total inability to live in the moment. I’m always peering around the corner, anticipating what’s coming next. Mr. Magpie is the polar opposite and I so deeply love and respect that about him–he can fully live in the moment, soak it up, unbothered by what’s around the river bend (yes, that’s a Pocahontas reference).
+First up, I snagged this bay leaf wreath ($29-60, depending on size — we got the 22″) for our front door. (I also considered this olive leaf one, and this boxwood one.)
+I want to refresh my loungewear situation — these LLBean Wicked Good slippers ($69) are the gold standard.
+This throw was too snuggly and chic to pass up (on sale for $21).
+This monogrammed serving board in the shape of shield ($69) seems like a perfect vehicle for in-front-of-the-fire cheese and charcuterie.
+My sister and brother-in-law love this easy-drinking red wine (typically around $14/bottle) — we just stocked up recently for the holidays. Great to buy a case of easy-drinking wine to have on hand for impromptu gatherings or to bring as a gift when heading over to dinner at a friend’s.
+We like to drink wine out of tumblers (ours are from Crate + Barrel, but these are a close call and even more affordable).
+I like to stock up on little treats to keep out when guests are at home — Trader Joe’s always has such great pickings, like their truffle marcona almonds and their sweet and spicy pecans. Also — there’s incidentally nothing more fun than putting out some flavored kettle chips with a bottle of nice champagne. I keep them out in little dishes near the wine — I typically serve out of white bowls like this or this — but I am intrigued by these glass “tilt” bowls from Crate + Barrel. How cute would these be arranged around a tray of glasses and a few bottles of wine? (Or these.)
+Back to the jams: Hanna Anderson apparently makes the snuggliest pajamas (incidentally, they make them so that you can outfit your whole family, including dogs, in matching sets…my mom did this to us for a few Christmases growing up and I don’t think my brother ever forgave her). These (on sale for limited time — $36 for tops and bottoms) are the CUTEST. (PS – Even Tilly could match me! Check out this little dog sweater.)
+This cozy vest (on sale for $109) looks like an ideal layer to any fall look.
+This throw ($42) would be such a great gift wrapped with a large red or white bow. Or for curling up on your couch.
+Fur earmuffs ($55) are my best friend — no hat hair, but totally warm. Well, TBH, these are technically my best friend when it comes to staving off the cold weather. I always have these on hand for extra cold Chicago days.
+SwissMiss is a holiday must.
+I have always loved Juliska’s Country Estate pattern holiday china — maybe I’ll get the mugs ($32 each) this year? Love them so. I mean, HELLO. Can my tabletop look like this pretty please??!?!?
+I’m thinking this monogrammable log carrier could be a good gift for Mr. Magpie.
Finally, miscellaneous:
+This has to be the CUTEST stocking I’ve ever seen in my life. Mr. Magpie and I have these personalized with our names on them — I just ordered one for Tilden. (Too far? Am I one of those dog people?)
+I always stock up on these gold taper candles. They burn fast (ugh) but are super cheap and look FAB with my mercury glass candle holders for a festive tablescape.
+This ceramic turkey tureen was marked down to 50% off, so I HAD to snag it. #win. Am I turning into a middle aged cat lady with this kind of purchase???
+Every year, I get Mr. Magpie a new ornament as a stocking stuffer. I’m thinking this one (he’s a grilling god) or this one (the terrier!) are my top contenders for 2016.
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