Close-up of a child's hands, one wearing a red and white striped sleeve, holding an adult's hand. Below the hands, there is text that reads "South House House Mates" on a paintbrush-stroke background.

11-1-24

What I Can’t Let Go Of:

(just like the NPR Politics podcast on Fridays- minus the “Politics or otherwise” disclaimer.

This blog is a publicly politics-free zone, so all musings will be “Otherwise“.)

Sometimes the smallest details are the most telling — in projects, in DIY, in decor AND in life!

Just look at those little hands! Yes, she’s getting little knuckle dimples.

Her tiny, frail little fingers are growing strong

— and showing a bit of delightful chubbiness.

Close-up of a baby's hands placed on a textured blue blanket. The baby is wearing a red and white striped long-sleeve shirt.

I’d love to hear (and see pictures of) what you can’t let go of!

On the Blog

Cream tree skirt with deep green velvet banding and buttons covered in assorted red and white fabrics is seen under a flocked Christmas tree on a wood floor

BESPOKE TREE SKIRTS!!!

They are just about ready. I’m working on the listings now.

Watch your inbox for ordering news soon — very soon!

Are You Hosting Thanksgiving?

Then don’t miss my top tips for setting a beautiful table that is also functional!!!

This guide will step you through all the layers and thoughts behind how you set the table.

two placesettings with floral salad plates atop dinner plates and gold napkins

wall-mounted dried arrangement hanging above a mantel with gourds and vintage books. The garland hangs down below the mantel on one side

Take the Centerpiece to the Wall!

Surprisingly easy — AND free! Another advantage to foraged materials.

Yes! you can have your table overflowing with a delicious feast, and still have a lovely centerpiece.

Everyone liked it so much, I added some fairy lights and it stayed up through Christmas.

Would you like more help with hanging and styling your Christmas stockings
as well as elevating them to a holiday focal point?

I’m offering a NEW email series of 5 episodes delivered straight to your inbox:

If you are already a subscriber, don’t worry, you will not be double mailed. You will receive the Ultimate Stocking Guide and then back to your usual.

Sharing From Around the Web

Five women's headshots with their signatures under the title: Shopping With Friends -- so much better than alone

It’s the first Saturday of the month — the day we take a shopping excursion together, I and some of my blogging friends are inviting you along!

Hello November!

It’s too early to decorate, but perfect time for pre-holiday organizing!

Two beverage organizers display various drinks: one holds cans and bottles upright and another stores Coca-Cola cans in a staggered formation. Both have sleek, metal designs and adjustable dividers for different sizes.

Time to organize the garage or basement beverage fridge with these beverage dispensers that work great for most cans, bottles and even cartons.

Available in 3 row and 5 row.

For maximum storage, combine with these rolling dispensers for the mainstays.

For just the two of us, this egg dispenser works great and saves valuable space.

But with all the holiday baking and the kids home, I’ll be using this one. It’s an easy swap out and makes life just that much easier and organized.

Easier and organized! We’re talking my love language — and greasing the wheels for joy-filled living!

A blue egg dispenser holding eggs, a small wicker basket filled with eggs, and a stack of three clear plastic egg containers each with a dozen eggs.

Six pastel-colored water bottles are neatly arranged in a transparent plastic storage rack. The bottles are in shades of blue, purple, pink, and peach, each with a secure lid, and the rack is designed for easy horizontal stacking.

Water bottles! They’re everywhere and the bane of tidy storage.

This simple solution is on its way to clear this clutter.

New wire baskets for the onions, garlic, potatoes, apples, bread, etc. etc.

I love these, because I can see at a glance what’s running low. The wood lid and open face allows for storage on top. Add them can be wall mounted too!

HINT: I add a piece of cardboard inside so if produce gets a bit too soft and mushy, clean-up is a breeze. And if you’re the over-achiever type, wrap the cardboard with contact paper and now it looks all fancy (and wipes clean)!

(And never store your potatoes and onions together!!!)

Two black wire baskets with wooden tops in a geometric design. The top basket is filled with red onions, potatoes, and tomatoes, while the bottom basket is empty. Perfect for kitchen storage and organization.

Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us

Cindy – Reinvented Delaware

Thanksgiving is around the corner and I’m hosting! I’m in the planning phase so of course I’ve been looking for some fresh ideas for our dining table.

We are big water drinkers in our family and keeping a small 2-quart water pitcher filled is a challenge with 14 people! This gorgeous glass water dispenser will get plenty of use for the holidays. Fill it once and we all stay hydrated!
We have used mason jars as drinking glasses for years and years but when I saw these pretty blue glasses, I just knew I would love them! The price can’t be beat!
Unscented candles will be perfect down the center of our large table. I have a nice collection of brass candlesticks and taper candles are just what they need to light up the dinner table.
I love using cloth napkins on the daily so I’m always looking for new ones. Blue striped cloth napkins would be pretty but so would gold checked cloth napkins! Help me decide!

Anna – Sky Lark House

These are my favorite finds for the month.

With the cooler weather, this pom pom blanket found its way into my shopping cart and was a great price at $20. I keep mine on the back of my slipcovered chair in the livingroom.
Are you cooking for Thanksgiving? If so, you may like these wooden handled measuring cups and measuring spoons. They are also a great price.
I always love to change my bedding with each season. These sheets are perfect for fall and have such a pretty pattern. These sheets would work well for Fall and for the Christmas holiday.
The simplicity and practicality of this mug tree helps keep your coffee station organized.

Lynn – Living Large in a Small House

Every year I do something different with our Living Room Christmas Tree. This year I’ve decided to slide seamlessly from my fall browns, coppers, and blues right into Christmas. All of the items I’m sharing today are reasonably priced at Walmart

I will start by adding blue, brown, copper, and beige ornaments to my tree.
Then I will then drape the tree with wooden ball garland. Tying skinny brown velvet bows to the tips of the branches will add a finishing touch.
Finally, I’m using a brown woven hyacinth tree collar to cover the bottom of the tree.

Lora – Lora Bloomquist Create and Ponder

My friend, Kristin Lenz, from White Arrows Home blog just came out with her first book, Adventure Awaits. Her words are encouraging and motivating, and you’ll love the cozy north woods photos throughout. Great gift idea for a friend (or yourself;) Get the Adventure Awaits book HERE.
Last year I got a set of these adorable battery powered wax pinecone candles. They have been so fun to tuck into cabinet displays and centerpieces. I definitely want more for this winter season. Find them HERE.
It’s time to deep clean the house to ready it for the holidays! I love having THIS upholstery and carpet cleaner handy. I totally need to clean my kitchen sitting area pieces before decorating for Christmas.
I was wearing sandals…yesterday! But today I’m enjoying these cute ruffly edged gingham socks. They’re going to make the shoe transition less painful;) Love all the fun colors and comfy, stretchy fabric. Find these cute socks HERE.

As you probably know by now, I use some affiliate links in my newsletters and on the website. An affiliate link means that if you click on my link and purchase something, I may receive a small commission but you pay nothing extra.

I truly appreciate you using my links whenever possible!!!