Weekly Wednesday Wishlist #214

Today’s Weekly Wednesday Wishlist is a curated collection of decorating inspiration, practical tips, and a few fun finds. From a super simple styling trick for your walls to a heartfelt peek at a very special day in my home, there’s something here for every kind of home lover.

Also, not to be missed is a smart organizing solution I’m loving right now, a helpful answer to a common decorating dilemma, a fun little personality quiz, and plenty of pretty picks for your home and wardrobe.

As always, we have lots to share! Heidi is up first this week.

white throw pillow with embroidered wreath

1. CHRISTMAS IN JULY ACTIVITY: One of my favorite things to do with our kids when they were little (especially when we had consecutive days of excessively hot weather) was to have a cozy movie day. I would crank the a/c, put on our favorite winter jammies, and pretend it was the middle of December. We’d snuggle up with snacks and watch Christmas movies like it was snowing outside. It’s such a simple memory, but one of my favorites to this day.

I highly suggest giving it a try! Turn down the thermostat, slip into those cozy jammies, and put on a Hallmark movie. Sometimes a little reprieve from the heat is all you need to brighten your mood.

2. COZY TIP OF THE WEEK: Start a Christmas storage bin now. As you prep this season, toss in small things like stocking stuffers, wrapping paper, cards, or even gifts you pick up early. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself in December!

3. LITTLE THINGS I LOVE: A few Christmasy things that caught my eye this week, that I think you’ll love too.

The perfect addition to a hot cocoa bar.
I cannot wait for flannel sheet season.
A decoration that can be passed down from generation to generation.

He’s making a list, and checking it twice.
The most gorgeous tablecloth for your Christmas dinners and celebrations.
These stockings are ready to be hung by the chimney with care.

4. CHRISTMAS DECORATING DO’S & DON’TS: DO start with what you already have. Before buying new decorations, take inventory of what you own. You might be surprised at what you can repurpose, refresh, or rearrange to create a new look. DON’T feel pressured to follow trends. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it fits your home or style. Focus on decorations that feel meaningful, timeless, and most importantly…bring you joy.

5. FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS: I know, it’s hot outside. But if you love the smell of Christmas and don’t feel like turning on the oven, this winter simmer pot is the perfect way to bring holiday coziness into your home without baking a thing. All you need are cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, and a splash of vanilla. Then simmer on the stove or in a slow cooker if you want to avoid extra heat.

6. INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW: What the heck is Christmas in July? Christmas in July dates back to 1933, when a North Carolina summer camp held a celebration with Christmas carols, a Christmas tree, and even Santa. The idea gained popularity in the 1940’s as retailers began using it to promote sales during the slower months of summer. It’s been a fun seasonal tradition ever since!

7. MAKE THIS WITH ME: July is the perfect month to start making homemade Christmas gifts, and vanilla extract is one of the easiest (and most loved by my family & friends) ideas. All you need are vanilla beans and bourbon. Split 2-3 beans lengthwise, place them in an 8 oz glass bottle, cover with bourbon, and store in a cool, dark place. Give it a shake every couple of weeks, and it’ll be ready by December! If you like this DIY, you can find even more in our free Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas ebook.

8. 2025 TRENDING CHRISTMAS DECOR: Are you curious about what’s trending for the holidays this year? You can read my new blog post on the trending Christmas decor for 2025 to see how to bring these festive ideas into your own home. A little sneak peek…classic reds, block prints, and plenty of ribbons & bows are predicted to be big this year.

9. WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: “Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.” ~Edna Ferber

10. SAVE THIS FOR DECEMBER: If you’re not quite ready to pull out the garland and twinkle lights just yet, I totally get it! However, now is a great time to start saving inspiration for later. Pin this post to Pinterest, start a holiday planning folder, or screenshot a few ideas that sparked your interest and save them to the notes app on your phone. When the holiday season rolls around (and it always comes faster than we think), you’ll be so glad you gave yourself a head start.

Now, it’s time for Yvonne’s Wish List.

sunroom filled with neutral furnishings and accessories

1. FALL TREND PREVIEW: If you love decorating for fall, you’ll want to see Beautiful Fall 2025 Decorating Trends! This year’s looks are warm, cozy, and filled with timeless beauty that you can easily incorporate into your home.

2. AMAZON FINDS: See all my favorite new picks from Amazon.

3. 5 DAYS TO BE A BETTER DECORATOR: Solve your 5 biggest decorating dilemmas for good and be more confident decorating your home. Go HERE to sign up for a free mini course.

4. Fabulous Finds: Freshen up your home…

I love this 3-piece Jacobean print quilt set. So pretty!
This is the perfect vase with a ruffled opening.
Last week’s biggest seller!
This braided door mat is the perfect texture for fall.

These beautiful modern spindle chairs.
This handsome catch-all basket to put beside a chair.
This rattan footed bowl, trending for fall.
I love this two drawer chest! Great price.

5. HOMES YOU WILL LOVE: Visit this beautiful maximalist home in Dallas and designer Meg Braff’s home in New York. Get beautiful ideas for Hampton Style.

6. CURATED CLOSET: Classic basics that never go out of style. Comfort in the best way.

I just got these black pull-on jeans. Comfortable!
This should be in everyone’s closet, in both colors. On sale!
This denim shirt will be in style for years and years.
This white boyfriend shirt I wear all year long. On sale!

LOVE this polished, casual knit jacket.
These sneakers are a classic. 30% off.
These classic jeans– 50% off “in bag.”
I like this denim jacket, it’s a bit longer.

7. FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS: About how many stars are in the Milky Way? What is the name of the brightest star in the sky?

8. THIS AND THAT: Do you have a small room that could use a little refresh? Then THIS post is a must-read! THIS salad is summer on a plate. We make it on repeat right through mid-September. So fresh and delicious! Love Nancy Meyers’ cozy-upscale style? Find out what decorating elements help define it in THIS inspiring article.And if you’re growing zinnias, THIS guide has helpful tips for harvesting their seeds to plant next spring. Free seeds, endless blooms. That’s it for today!

9. CULINARY CORNER: Peach Cobbler: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a saucepan, combine 5 peeled and sliced peaches (about 4 cups), 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook over medium heat for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Slice 9 tbsp butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place in the oven to melt. Remove once melted. In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir in 3/4 cup milk just until combined. Pour into the pan over the butter. Do not stir. Spoon peaches and juices evenly over batter. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon. Bake 38–40 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.

10. THE LAST WORD: You get the last word- When is the perfect time to start decorating for fall? Let us know what you think in the comments.

ANSWER TO #7: There are about 3- 100 billion stars in the Milky Way. Sirius, the dog star, is the brightest star in our sky. Look up! Now you know.

pair of traditional style dining chairs facing one another with blue, yellow and white fabric seats

1. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: When decorating a wall with a collection of multiple items, whether it’s art, mirrors, plates, or something else, hanging them in a symmetrical arrangement will create a balanced and polished look.

2. DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that the sweetest, most momentous event that ever took place at my house was when my daughter was married there? The license was signed in our office, the vows were said in front of our fireplace, a buffet was set up in our kitchen, and the beautifully simple wedding cake was cut in the dining room.

3. FAVORITE RECENT PURCHASE: When we moved recently (more on that soon!), we downsized our main living space quite a bit. As a result I’m looking for space-saving solutions in every single room! I’m currently loving these that I’ve ordered for increased storage and organization in our master bathroom.

4. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND:

Here’s a fun one – what flower are you? Take a fun quiz to find out which flower suits your personality. In case you’re wondering, I’m a sunflower.
If you love to buy books a thrift stores, you need to know this tip! But also – ewww.
Do yourself a favor and take a look at this charming new house that was designed to be “quiet, but not forgettable”. The dining room – swoon!

5. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: My bathroom has shiny chrome fixtures, but I want to use brass for the light fixtures and hardware. How do I mix metals in a room without it looking mismatched? The answer is below!

6. WEEKLY AWESOME FINDS:

I just ordered two of these and can’t wait to display them in my china cabinet.
These are such versatile pieces and would be especially great for styling bookshelves.
This is my favorite way to keep coffee pods handy and make them look pretty at the same time.
Such pretty outdoor drinkware – plus free shipping!

I adore this shape and so many fabrics to choose from – on sale!
These are perfect for fall decorating.
Such a good price for a pair of classic lamps that would work in any room.
What a pretty vase and I love the shades of blue.

7. WEARABLE STYLE: Perfect for summer and on sale and stylish yet comfy – these ankle pants with this simple top.

8. HOME HACK: Keep a collection of different sizes and thicknesses of felt pads on hand. They are invaluable for protecting the floors tops of furniture from scratches.

9. FAVORITE STYLING MOMENT: If you know me at all, you know that I love to mix patterns and colors in a room, especially when I can do something a little unexpected. Such was the case when I chose the fabric for the seats of my dining chairs – an unexpected pattern mixed with a classic stripe and the introduction of a fun, trending color (that’s a current obsession).

10. ANSWER TO THE READER QUESTION: Mixing metals in a room is a great way to add interest to a space! The trick is to treat the different metals the same as you would any other accent in a room – by using balance and repetition. A few tips: