Weekly Wednesday Wishlist #233
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Weekly Wednesday Wishlist. As the Christmas season settles in, I have been enjoying the simple moments that make this time of year feel so special.
This week’s list is filled with easy ideas to make your home feel festive and welcoming. You will find a clever tip to give your tree a beautifully finished look, a smart trick for refreshing artificial greenery, and a few classic finds for both your home and wardrobe.
There is also a sweet reminder to practice quiet generosity during this season of giving, and an answer to a reader question that will help you style your mantel with confidence.
Pour yourself something warm and settle in for a bit of inspiration. I hope this week’s Wishlist helps you create a home that feels both beautiful and heartfelt as we enjoy the days leading up to Christmas.
1. WOULD YOU RATHER CHRISTMAS EDITION:
- Hot Cocoa or Eggnog
- Gingerbread Cookies or Sugar Cookies
- Real Evergreen Tree or Fake Christmas Tree
- Watch Home Alone or The Santa Clause
- A Cozy Night In or A Festive Night Out
2. COZY TIP OF THE WEEK: Wrap your Christmas presents as you buy them or as they arrive in the mail. It will make your life so much easier as Christmas approaches.
3. 20+ EASY CHRISTMAS KITCHEN DECOR IDEAS: Decorating your kitchen for the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
4. LITTLE THINGS I’M LOVING:
- Martha Stewart’s iconic first book is back on the shelves!!! I bought one for me and one for my mom.
- The prettiest wrapping paper EVER. I purchased multiple rolls.
- This Santa serving bowl looks like something you’d find at Pottery Barn.
- And the matching embroidered napkins are adorable!
- You won’t mind people seeing your trashcan when it looks like this.
- The coziest candle. Looks like Anthro, but only $15.
- This evergreen tea kettle will instantly elevate your kitchen for the holidays.
- On my Christmas list.
5. FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS: This time of year has a way of filling up our calendars before we even realize it, so I’m always grateful for a recipe that tastes amazing and comes together quickly. My Chick-fil-A inspired cobb salad can be a quick lunch or a simple weeknight dinner between all the holiday to-dos.
6. UPDATING MY WARDROBE:
- You can never have too many super cozy cardigans.
- Love, love, love these cozy faux shearling slide on loafers.
- The perfect blazer for the holidays.
- Dress this pretty sweater up or down.
7. MAKE THIS WITH ME: DIY cosmetic bags with iron-on patches are a fun and easy gift idea. They take just a few minutes to make, look like they came from a boutique, and you can customize them for anyone on your list…teachers, teens, coworkers, or stocking stuffers.
8. OVER ON THE ‘GRAM: I shared a wicker casserole basket that everyone needs in their kitchen this time of year!
9. WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: “Forever is composed of nows.” ~Emily Dickinson
10. PLANNING AHEAD TO THE NEW YEAR: We have one month until the new year (where did 2025 go?!), but this is the time when I like to start thinking about what I want our home to feel like after the holiday season. Nothing serious, just simple questions to mull over. What room in your home could use a little refresh? What decor trend are you ready to say goodbye to? What small change (lighting, linens, or a new organizing habit) would make your home function better?
1. This IS the most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy 20 recipes that taste like Christmas and find easy ways to add a bit of Christmas magic to your home.
2. AMAZON FINDS: See all my favorite new picks from Amazon.
3. THE CHRISTMAS MARKET: The 2025 Christmas Market is live. I’ve gathered beautiful and unique finds to help you decorate your home for the season. Stop by and take a look.
4. THIS AND THAT: Happy December! THIS will give you wonderful ideas for the month ahead. Need a pretty gift idea? THIS is such an easy and unique way to wrap one. Now is the perfect time to add a bit of life to your Christmas home, and THIS will help you do THAT. If you need help decorating your Christmas mantel, THIS will help.
5. FABULOUS FINDS: beautiful finds for your home.
- Last week’s most popular item- this set of festive dishes.
- Just got this perfect footed compote bowl to add to my decor- 50% off. LOVE!
- Cozy up with this warm, nubby throw blanket. Or give as a thoughtful gift. Great price.
- Create a gorgeous Christmas bedroom with this seasonal bedding on sale. Tip: Euro sham can be used as a throw pillow.
- This handsome leather chair would make a great gift, on sale.
- LOVE this versatile woven tray– on sale at a great price.
- This upholstered ottoman and bench, perfect for extra seating during the holidays. LOVE!
- This beautiful wood and brass rail display shelf.
6. HOME TOURS AND HOMEMAKING: You must see Lisa Holtz’s new 2026 Design Style Prediction. This will change everything! LOVE! Learn Christmas designer secrets from Maggie Griffin and visit her lovely home. Tour this 100-year-old home dressed up for Christmas. Tour the White House decorated for Christmas. It’s stunning!
7. FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS: What is December’s full moon called? What is the birthstone and flower for December?
8. CURATED CLOSET: EXTENDED CYBER MONDAY SALES!
- This soft, casual tunic in various colors.
- LOVE this classic long-sleeve tee shirt.
- LOVE this scalloped crew neck sweater– lots of color.
- Last week’s most popular item– great price.
- Just got this quilted vest (in red plaid). The price is amazing!
- This classic bouclé cardigan with beautiful buttons!
- I have this denim shirt and this white no-iron shirt and LOVE them!
- No-tummy pants in lots of colors.
9. CULINARY CORNER: Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, 1 small chopped onion, and 5 chopped garlic cloves; season with salt and pepper, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Add 1/4 cup dry white wine and cook 1 minute. Add 8 cups of chicken stock and 2 1/2 lb of leftover turkey, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Add 2 1/2 cups wide egg noodles and cook 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in 3 tbsp chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped dill, and 2 tbsp lemon juice; season to taste and serve.
10. THE LAST WORD: Skip the smelly water and dropping needles this Christmas. Instead, decorate your home with beautiful faux greenery. Get all the tips and images HERE.
ANSWER TO #7: December’s full moon arrives on the 6th. It’s called the Cold Moon, and this year it’s also a supermoon. December’s birthstone is the blue topaz, a gemstone that symbolizes peace and clarity. The month’s flowers are holly and narcissus, both winter blooms that represent hope and good cheer.
1. FAVORITE STYLING MOMENT: I love coordinating my Christmas gift wrap with my tree! It pulls everything together and makes the whole room feel intentional and festive. The gifts become part of the decor and it creates a cohesive look that really makes the tree shine.
2. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: Does your tree look naked early in the season? Wrap a few empty boxes in your favorite holiday paper and tuck them under the tree early. If you use coordinating paper, your tree will look complete and polished even before the real gifts arrive.
3. DID YOU KNOW: Did you know that fluffing artificial wreaths and trees with a hair dryer set on cool can help perk up squished branches in seconds? Just a quick pass does the trick.
4. FAVORITE RECENT PURCHASE: I am surprisingly very impressed with the loveseat that I recently received from Ikea. We needed some additional seating and this fit the bill in terms of affordability, sturdiness, comfort and ease of assembly. I’ve ordered a blue velvet slipcover for it and can’t wait til it arrives!
5. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND: Practice generosity in quiet ways. Slip an encouraging note into someone’s mailbox, leave treats for a delivery driver, or donate to a family in need. Small acts of kindness are often the ones that matter most.
6. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “My Christmas mantel always looks flat. What am I doing wrong?” See #10 for the answer!
7. WEEKLY AWESOME FINDS:
- This pretty tic tac toe set would be so fun to have out for your holiday guests.
- If you have holiday guests coming, wow them with this gorgeous embroidered shower curtain. Goodness it’s pretty!
- No need for keys with this electronic deadbolt lock.
- I’m completely smitten with this velvet bow garland!
- This beautiful white enamel Dutch oven is as pretty as it is practical. Perfect for soups, stews, or holiday baking, it looks stunning right on your stovetop or table.
- Need an accent table to fit in a small space? This gold one is perfect to go next to even the smallest chair.
- Aren’t these bow napkin rings the sweetest detail for a holiday table?
- I’m loving the tree taper candle trend for a fresh take on vintage.
8. WEARABLE STYLE:
- This sweet little pajama set feels like something timeless, soft, and comforting to slip into at the end of a long day.
- This metallic pouch is such a charming piece for the season. It has that classic, ladylike feel with just enough shimmer to make any outfit feel special, whether you’re heading out for dinner or hosting friends at home.
- There’s just something special about a classic cashmere sweater, and this one has that timeless elegance we’ve always loved.
- This Matilda dress is such a lovely blend of charm and tradition, with a print that feels gracefully nostalgic. Its easy, feminine silhouette make it one of those pieces you’ll enjoy wearing season after season.
- This cable-knit sweater has that familiar, cozy charm we’ve loved for years. The heathered texture and wide sleeves give it a relaxed, timeless feel that works beautifully for quiet days at home or casual outings.
- These little huggie hoops are such a timeless everyday staple. Simple, classic, and beautifully understated, they add just the right touch whether you’re dressed up or keeping things casual at home.
- These slim wide-leg jeans strike that perfect balance of polished and easygoing, with a classic rinse that feels timeless. They’re the kind of denim that works beautifully with sweaters, blouses, and everything in between.
- This shawl collar coat has such a timeless, graceful look to it. The belted waist and soft drape feel classic and refined, making it a beautiful layer for both everyday wear and special outings during the cooler months.
9. HOME HACK: Keep your Christmas tree watered with a plastic tubing trick. Thread a length of clear plastic tubing down into the tree stand and tape a small funnel at the top. Hide the funnel within the tree branches and you’ll be able to refill the water without crawling under the branches or spilling on your tree skirt.
10. ANSWER TO READER QUESTION (#5): Add height and depth. Layer a mix of tall candlesticks, greenery, and one or two focal pieces. Let some garland drape naturally and tuck in ornaments or ribbon. Asymmetry often makes a mantel feel more relaxed and welcoming. Check out this post for tons of mantel decorating ideas!
