Weekly Wednesday Wishlist #225
This week’s all new Wishlist is a mix of coziness, timeless styling tricks, a few irresistible finds for home, and a sitewide sale for one of my favorite clothing brands. From a long-awaited dining room update to an easy tip that will make your sofa look designer-styled, there’s plenty of inspiration packed in.
You’ll also find a clever solution for keeping pictures straight, a fun fact about UV rays and their effect on your home, and a thoughtful take on this week’s Lovely Living feature.
1. FALL DECORATING WITH A STORY: Learn how to make your fall decorations feel more personal and unique with simple touches that add character, warmth, and meaning to your home. I love things like layering patterns, mixing old and new, and bringing in pieces that tell a story.
2. COZY TIP OF THE WEEK: Use a blanket or quilt as a tablecloth for instant warmth and charm. The cozy layers and imperfect folds make meals feel relaxed and inviting, plus it’s a creative way to repurpose pieces you already own.
3. JOIN THE FUN: You can now chat with me directly on LTK! I have a new chat feature on my profile so we can connect even more, whether you have a question about something I’ve shared, need a quick link, or just want to say hi. Check it out!
4. LITTLE THINGS I’M LOVING:
- Drape this quilt over the back of your sofa for extra coziness during the holidays.
- I bought a cozy Christmas throw pillow that matches the above quilt.
- I couldn’t resist bringing home this woven handled basket…only $10!!!
- Why shouldn’t your matches look pretty too?
- Each stocking looks like it has a unique story to tell.
- This wall art makes me want to pour some cocoa and pretend I’m in a cabin in the woods.
- Wicker, but make it festive!
- Holiday houses that I think will become collectibles.
5. FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS: One of our families favorite comfort foods is my easy, creamy corn chowder recipe. It’s filled with sweet corn, bacon, and potatoes, making it the perfect bowl to warm up with on a chilly fall evening. It’s a new recipe that I’ve been making on repeat lately, and I think you’ll love how simple (and delicious) it is to put together.
6. UPDATING MY WARDROBE:
- The coziest fairisle cardigan. I bought blue (I love the acorn one too).
- CUTE beaded pheasant tote bag with gingham handles!!!
- I want one of these pants in every color.
- These boots were made for walkin’…comfortably.
7. MAKE THIS WITH ME: Fight dry skin with a homemade whipped sugar hand scrub. Mix organic raw cane sugar, coconut oil, pumpkin pie spice, and whip until fluffy. You won’t believe how soft your hands will feel after using this.
8. OVER ON THE ‘GRAM: Last week I shared a reel of our new relaxed roman shades that we added to our living room, and I’m so excited with how much warmth and softness they bring to the space. You can watch it here and see why this simple swap made such a cozy difference.
9. WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: “Don’t forget to love your normal house. It’s a lie that we constantly need upgrades. What we really need is to steward and love the home we’ve already been blessed with.” ~ Shelby Dersa
10. PLANNING AHEAD TO THE HOLIDAYS: If you’re already daydreaming about decking the halls (I plead the fifth), you’ll love my post on when to decorate for the holidays. From traditional dates to more “do what feels right” approaches, it’s a guide to help you find the perfect timing for your home.
1. DELICIOUS FALL RECIPES: Soup was made for fall! There’s nothing better than a warm, hearty, and delicious bowl of soup on a crisp autumn day. Gather those you love and savor 7 Family Favorite Fall Soup Recipes, and 5 Delicious Fall Desserts to serve with them.
2. AMAZON FINDS: See all my favorite new picks from Amazon.
3. EASY IDEAS FOR HOSTING THANKSGIVING: It’s not too early to begin to think about Thanksgiving. Get our Thanksgiving Planning Guide with easy ideas, helpful tips, and pictures filled with holiday inspiration.
4. THIS AND THAT: Come visit me on my fall porch. THIS year it’s very colorful! Charlotte Moss shares THIS one secret for finding the perfect vintage and antique items for your home. Let’s have a little fall DIY fun! Grab a paintbrush and give THIS sweet pumpkin a charming new look. Be sure to visit THIS to find a plethora of ideas for Thanksgiving! That’s THAT!
5. FABULOUS FIND FOR YOUR HOME: Very pretty finds this week!
- These pretty leaf dessert plates– on clearance!
- This pretty pre-lit tabletop Christmas tree. It’s not too early. Place it on this textural basket table, which features storage.
- Look at this gorgeous sofa– an excellent price!
- This candle smells like a Christmas tree.
- This attractive set of three stoneware scalloped serving bowls.
- This Christmas stocking and this matching pillow are the inspiration for my 2025 holiday look. Also, this coordinating Christmas stocking.
- LOVE this perfect, nubby, neutral rug – on sale!
- Gorgeous jacquard cotton coverlet set (with shams) in various colors- on sale! LOVE!
6. BEAUTIFUL HOMES AND IDEAS FOR YOURS: If you like vintage and antiques and charm, you will LOVE this home in Georgia. Step inside this storied pied-à-terre in New Jersey filled with bold patterns. Meet my favorite designer, James T Farmer, III, in his welcoming, traditional southern Georgia cottage. See this week’s Amazon finds for all his beautiful books.
7. FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS: What is leaf peeping? What does the word Halloween mean?
8. CURATED COTTAGE:
- An investment that will last a lifetime, you will love!
- This is the perfect tote bag– LOVE!
- This nubby sweater is a classic. And this one is gorgeous!
- The colors in this long-sleeve tee are perfect for the fall and the holiday season. Just got this last week.
- This wear with almost everything top is chic and comfortable. Wear it with these pants, both on sale.
- This insulated vest in various colors- on sale. Get discount in bag.
- This inexpensive sweater looks expensive- I have it and love it.
- This single-breasted blazer is the perfect layer for almost any outfit- various colors and machine wash.
9. CULINARY CORNER: Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder: Preheat oven to 325°F. Trim 4–5 lb boneless pork shoulder roast and cut into 4 large pieces. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; sear pork 4–5 minutes per side until browned. In a bowl, whisk 2 cups apple cider, 2 cups chicken stock, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp dehydrated minced onion. Add to pot with pork, 3 rosemary sprigs, 4 thyme sprigs, and 1 head of garlic (top sliced off). Cover and bake 2 1/2 hours, turning once. Add 1 sliced red onion and 2 peeled, wedged apples; cover and bake 30–45 minutes more until tender. Rest 30 minutes, squeeze garlic into broth, season, and serve pork with apples, onions, and pan juices.
10. THE LAST WORD: October is a magical month, and there are so many fun and interesting things to do. Start celebrating every single day in this glorious month. And get ideas, tips, inspiration… and delicious recipes too!
ANSWER TO #7: Leaf peeping is the practice of traveling to tour, photograph, and appreciate areas where fall leaves are changing color. Halloween comes from All Hallows’ Eve—the evening before All Saints’ Day, which celebrates all the holy ones, or saints. Over time, All Hallows’ Eve was shortened to Halloween! Now you know!
1. FAVORITE STYLING MOMENT: As we continue to get settled in our-new-to us house, it was a thrill to finally be able to hang the wall brackets in my dining room. I purchased them months ago from Ballard Designs, but sadly they’re no longer available.
2. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: Instead of relying on matching pairs of pillows on your sofa, try mixing different sizes, patterns, and textures. For example, combine 20×20 solid pillows with an 18×18 patterned one on each end, with a long’ish lumbar pillow in the center.
Why this works:
This styling trick will create depth and visual interest, making your sofa look professionally styled instead of flat or overly matched.
3. DID YOU KNOW: Did you know that the sun will fade your furnishings, decor, and even your floors over time? If you don’t want to go to the expense of adding UV filters to your windows, swap the things that you can move around every few months to protect them.
4. FAVORITE RECENT PURCHASE: I cannot say enough good things about these very well made, sturdy totes – I own three of them and have more on my Christmas list. They come in multiple sizes, colors and configurations and can be personalized for free. They’re even available in multiple handle sizes!
5. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND: Lovely living is often found in the beauty of the smallest of everyday moments. Be it a single seasonal bloom in a small vase beside your sink or a favorite small plate filled with a fragrant bar of soap in your bathroom. Any one of these can quietly remind you that beauty doesn’t have to be grand.
6. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “Now that cold weather is fast approaching, how can I make my home feel cozy without looking cluttered?” See #10 for the answer!
7. WEEKLY AWESOME FINDS:
- I saw this mirror in my local Target and it is too die for. Awesome price too.
- This is so well done and is the perfect size for when you need something small. Currently on sale.
- I can’t believe this is only $21! In my cart for delivery today.
- Oh my, this one too at only $17!
- I’m ordering this classic design for my stairwell.
- I’m on the hunt for a gold framed mirror and this is the best price that I’ve seen.
- This fabulous coffee table is currently 30% off.
- This beautiful, dreamy bedding.
8. WEARABLE STYLE: One of my favorite clothing brands is currently having a 40% off sitewide sale.
- I love a crisp, classic, no-iron shirt. Available in 25 colors.
- This is the warmest coat I have ever owned. Get it while it’s on sale.
- And this is the best raincoat.
- This is a closet staple for cooler weather.
- I love the style of this classic cardigan.
- Perfect for layering and comes in 19 colors.
- This top and these leggings (with pockets!) for cozy days at home.
- These are my favorite mock-neck turtlenecks.
9. HOME HACK: Have pictures that won’t stay straight no matter what you try? The answer is to apply one of these on the backside, on a corner or two.
10. ANSWER TO READER QUESTION (#5): The secret to having a cozy, but uncluttered home lies in focusing on texture and lighting. Layer soft throws and pillows, use warm-toned bulbs in lamps, swap out smooth ceramic pieces for wicker. The key is warmth through texture, not more stuff.
