Friday Favorites – Weekly Inspiration
Welcome to Friday Favorites, a series where we share our favorite decor, design inspiration, fashion finds, TV shows, recipes and more!
This week I’m going to talk last-minute gift ideas because I know some of you are not done. But, I’m also sharing lots of things that aren’t holiday related in case you’re done, burned out, or just need a break from all-things-holiday!
Also, I wanted to let you know that next week I’ll be taking the week off as my kids arrive tonight and I want to soak up some family time with everyone. And I assume you’ll want to be doing the same! 🙂
But, I will be back before the end of the year with our annual Top 10 Posts of 2024, and this year, I’m also including all the best sellers you’ve loved, articles you’ve enjoyed, the most clicked on recipes, shows, and more – all chosen by you! So keep an eye on your inbox for that the week following Christmas!
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas or Hanukkah! Whatever you celebrate, I hope you are surrounded by love and light during this holiday season.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for my full disclosure policy.
THINGS I’M LOVING IN DESIGN/DECOR
I haven’t seen a house I’ve loved this much in a long time! A Maryland remodel by Studio McGee.
If you’re looking for gifts, I’ve listed things that should get there by 12/24. Also be sure to check if they have a ‘buy online, pick up in store’ option!
Definitely not a gift, but you guys! I found some gorgeous wool runners & rugs for amazing prices! I bought this runner and it’s absolutely lovely and a steal at this price! (rug version here). I created an LTK with several of my favorites so I didn’t have make you click through a bunch of links. You can see the runner collection here and the rug collection here (simply click on the photos).
More new Studio McGee x Target items that I love and that also make great gifts! This ceramic vase is stunning and looks way more expensive than it is (also comes in a taller version here) and this faux fur blanket makes a great cozy gift.
A few Amazon items I own/love or want that get here in time! This digital picture frame makes a great gift for a mom, dad, or grandparent, these adorable cocktail napkins are perfect for a neighbor, friend or hostess gift (love!), and a silk pillowcase is quiet luxury for less (plus it’s great for reducing wrinkles!), and if you want to give something that anyone will love Apple AirPods are 100% worth the price!
This cheeky holiday candle (on sale) is so clever (and I smelled it in store and it’s wonderful!) and you can never go wrong with these monogrammed mugs. I’ve bought them for everyone from my son’s girlfriend, to teachers, to friends.
Last week’s best sellers: this little tabletop tree and these lit twinkling trees (both still on sale!)
THINGS I’M WEARING/WANTING
Do you have plans for New Year’s Eve? We are going out to a hotel dinner/event and I couldn’t be more excited! We have not done anything ‘fancy’ for NYE in literally 20 years!
If you have an event to go to, here are a few items I’ve found/am loving: these gorgeous wide-leg velvet pants seem dressier than a ‘jean’ style, and I’m loving this adorable velvet top (could work for so many things!) as well as this stunning sequin top (60% off!)
I also love the idea of wearing a dress! The maxi dress (above) is so chic and looks really flattering, and this beautiful chiffon dress is lovely and feminine (and 60% off now!)
Some gift ideas that get here quick! I just purchased these earrings for myself and love them! They are the perfect understated size and look very real, and this necklace has been a best-seller all year (people love it and it’s very on-trend with the pearl!)
This is a great leather bag and is 40% off right now (plus comes in 6 colors).
Anything cashmere always makes a lovely gift. This cashmere blend poncho is perfect for travel or gifts and is 60% off now, and these cashmere tech gloves are 30% off now (I own them in 2 colors).
For a very special gift, give these amazing French fragrances! I shared them with you last year when I first discovered them and not only do they smell amazing, they are soo unique! This set contains the five most popular (my faves!) or get sampler sizes of all 10 scents to try! I’m not a big fragrance person but these are truly special.
Last week’s best sellers: this sherpa half-zip pullover (still available and 60% off) and these pajamas (most colors get there in time and still on sale!)
THINGS I’M WATCHING/READING
Fall is such a wonderful time for movies, and with so many good ones coming out this year, I’m excited to be going back to the theater more! Here are a few I’ve heard are really good or are already getting nomination buzz: The Conclave (above), The Brutalist, The Order, Babygirl, and Anora.
So far the only movie we’ve seen in the theaters lately is A Real Pain which we liked, but hoping at least some of these stay in the theater long enough to see them. On the rare occasion that we go now, I’m really struck by how much better of an experience it is than watching in our living room!
THINGS I’M EATING/DRINKING
This year’s holiday cocktail is a good one! A traditional Cranberry Fizz features either vodka or gin, cranberry juice, club soda, and simple syrup. But, our version adds a cinnamon simple syrup that makes it so much better! And note the festive glasses! Fell in love with them – perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s!
And since Christmas is next week, I thought I’d share our traditional menu. I make this prime rib with 2 different sauces, this potato gratin, plus these parmesan popovers (they are soo good!) Our kids wait all year for this meal (as do I!)
RANDOM THOUGHTS
This new-to-me Instagram account shares elevated European country style (and she’s living in/remodeling her childhood home!)
18 Fun Behind-the-Scenes Facts About ‘Love Actually’ – loved this!
The Magic of Less Holiday “Magic”
Where to See Christmas Lights All Over the World
And if you missed it, this week we shared our holiday front porch (above) as well as a yummy festive cocktail!
Shop the Post
Happy Holidays to you all!
Sheila
xo
P.S.
Have you signed up to be a Maison de Cinq subscriber yet? You’ll get every post so you don’t miss any and you’ll receive my free 5-day email series How to Get French Farmhouse Style for Less for FREE! Sign up here and get Maison de Cinq straight to your inbox!
Oh and if you’ve missed any of the previous Friday Favorites, you can find them all here!
I can’t wait to see this year’s Christmas tour! Every December I go all-out and decorate for Christmas and host lovely Christmas tea parties with holiday china. This year I had even set up a progressive dinner party with each course served at a different friend’s home. All was looking wonderful until a deep injury which resulted in chronic hematoma put all plans (including annual vacation) to a halt. I was feeling rather blue until I took a tour of your past Christmas tours and bought a lovely gift for my daughter, a Nordstrom triple necklace, from your link. I can enjoy some festivities after all!
Aww Debbie, I’m so sorry to hear all this – how awful for you! But I’m glad to hear you’re finding inspiration here in spite of all that – it truly warms my heart. And I hope your daughter loves the necklace!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas – hang in there!!
Sheila
xo
I can’t wait to see this year’s Christmas tour! Every December I go all-out and decorate for Christmas and host lovely Christmas tea parties with holiday china. This year I had even set up a progressive dinner party with each course served at a different friend’s home. All was looking wonderful until my a deep injury put all plans (including annual vacation) to a halt. I was feeling rather blue until I took a tour of your past Christmas tours and bought a lovely gift for my daughter, a Nordstrom triple necklace, from your link. I can enjoy some festivities after all!