High-Low Hostess

A tale of two tartans: one for the cocktails and one for the cocoa. 🥰

This traditional tartan holiday aesthetic is everywhere right now (very Ralph Lauren, obviously); and while it’s timeless, beautiful, and undeniably festive, I initially had a different direction in mind for our holiday décor. But in an unexpected twist, even my 11-year-old daughter was “influenced” and requested this classic-and-cozy vibe for her annual holiday sleepover.

So here we are… planning a cuddly night for the kiddos and a classic (yet still cozy) cocktail party for the adults.

TIP: I’m taking a high–low approach and have found great plaid pieces at Target, J.Crew Factory, CB2, Amazon, and more. Mixing patterns and textures has been key.

A few standouts so far:

1. Paperless Post Invites:
Still the chicest way to send an invite. I created two versions—one for the sleepover and one for the cocktail party—similar in spirit but different in tone: playful vs. elegant.

2. Hammond’s Candy:
Ribbon candy that passes as plaid will double as place card holders for the kids’ table; and their vintage candy canes will make perfect swizzle sticks for an adult Christmas cocktail.

3. MyDrap “Paper” Goods:
Disposable yet cloth-like placemats and napkins. Found a tartan set for the kids and another set for the bar.

4. Hair Bows as Ornaments:
Clearance hair bows (attached to barrettes) clip easily onto the tree—simple, charming, and budget-friendly.

5. Peel & Stick Wallpaper:
Endless plaid options. So far, great as tray liners and for dressing up a makeshift bar.

Stay tuned for more…

Monday Mood: Kicking off a new little ritual — a peek at the mood boards that inspire the tables.

I almost always create a simple mood board when planning a tablescape (even if it’s last-minute); and I thought it might be fun to show some former tables (and mood boards), from idea —-> to realty.

Tonight, probably not what you’d expect…

Fun fact: I am a big football fan and an even bigger Green Bay Packers fan! 🧀💚 So naturally, I stayed up late to watch the Packers-Eagles game on Monday Night Football. I couldn’t help but notice that the mossy greens and golden tones of a former fall table seemed to coordinate perfectly with the green and gold of the Green Bay Packers. (Proof that even a football palette can turn into something elegant!)

Football aside, I love this patterned tablecloth from - great for Thanksgiving with some green and gold squashes, and of course a pop of an orange pumpkin or two.

If you’re feeling creative, ask your florist to turn these fall gourdes into simple vases, which I used on both my buffet and dining tables.

Linens:
Floral:

(PS The lost!) 😕

Can confirm there’s no such thing as too many candles (I lost count after 1000)! This entire setup? Just glass, wax, matches, and magic!

Moody, minimal, effortless & elegant, candlelight is the ultimate party trick — perfect for the holidays, birthdays, or just because.

Swipe to see this (60-person!) table come together *very simply* with dark chocolate tablecloths, antique mirrored chargers, and lots of flickering light.

A “Roman Holiday” style dinner with colorful floral, patterned dishes, and plenty of Italian food (and guests)! I am always asked what inspires me… In this case, the “Roman Holiday” dessert plates from @ladoublej inspired the entire vibe and palette. For fun, we bought colorful, patterned dresses from the same designer in a range of styles and sizes, and every woman got in the Roman Holiday spirit!! ♥️ #italiannight #tablescapes #entertainingathome #hlhsetsthetable #highlowhostess

- Memorial Day Edition ♥️

Do you know the significance of the red poppy…??

If you're looking to host a *patriotic* Memorial Day this year, but with an added twist, bring on the poppies!

The red poppy is the official national emblem of memorial & remembrance for the United States (and in fact, for various parts of the world including Australia, Canada, and throughout Europe).

The roots of this emblematic flower run deep — all the way back to the battlefields of WWI, where they grew, liked weeds (as they are technically classified), in the battlefields of France & Belgium.

For a Little History... 🧐
According to the History Channel, the symbolism of the poppy started when WWI brigade surgeon John McCrae was struck by the sight of the red flowers growing on a ravaged battlefield after losing fellow soldiers and comrades. He wrote the poem "In Flanders Fields," from the perspective of the fallen soldiers, as a result.

Additionally, according to the American Legion, poppies flourished in Europe after WWI, which scientists attributed to the soils in France and Belgium having become enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war.

From the dirt and mud grew the beautiful red poppy.

The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle, but now also symbolizes hope and peace. 🕊

On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion; and to this day, Americans wear poppies on Memorial Day (and leading up to it) to honor the many men and women who have lost their lives in service.

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On a lighter note... 🥰
Poppies are poppin' up everywhere in both fashion and tabletop decor … and I couldn’t resist a few Inspo boards.

I’m not quite finished with my own (this idea just struck over the weekend), but swipe to see a few ideas (from traditional to modern) to get you in a poppy mood this weekend.

Let me know if you have a favorite! ✌🏼✌🏼