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Discover simple home decor ideas, style tips, and seasonal inspiration through The Curated Life…your guide to living beautifully every day.
Welcome back to The Curated Life…a cozy midweek pause filled with holiday inspiration, comforting ideas, and simple ways to make the season feel meaningful. As the days grow shorter and the weeks fill with activity, I hope this space offers a little calm, a bit of beauty, and reminders to slow down and savor the moments that matter most. I’m so happy you’re here.
1.) The Thoughtful Holiday Guide
This year, my Christmas decorating plan is simple, but a little different. I’m stepping outside the box and using soft browns, muted greens, and cozy neutrals. I’m layering, mixing, and reimagining. This is a big departure from my usual look of “touches of red everywhere.” There will still be one or two pops of red, but overall, I’m craving a calmer look.
Like many of you, I’m trying to make my old decorations feel new again. I’ve pulled out pieces I’ve used for years, and mixed them in fresh ways. The only thing I splurged on was some pretty ribbon for our tree. I skipped the tree last year, but since my grandchildren are coming, it’s definitely going up this season.
These photos are just a little peek at what’s ahead. There’s much more to share soon. Most of the decor items I’m using this year can be found in a special section I added to my Amazon shop. Everything is in one place to make browsing easy. (The only thing not on Amazon is the wrapping paper.) It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…slowly but surely.
2.) WORDS WORTH SHARING
“To know one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
3.) Magazine-Worthy Made Simple
The moment I saw the first image of this home, I immediately fell in love. It’s decorated for Christmas in the most charming way…festive, but never overdone. The whole space feels layered and thoughtful. Proof that holiday decorating can be beautiful without being overwhelming. Take a look, and then come back to see how to add some of this charm to your own home.
How to Get the Look
- Mix and match pillow patterns. The combination of plaid, gingham, stripes, and velvet adds interest and warmth while keeping everything cohesive. It’s an easy way to give any sofa or chair a quick refresh.
- Add simple but striking details. Dried orange slices in the garland, candles tied with ribbon, and velvet stockings create an old-fashioned, handcrafted feel.
- Think beyond the walls. A small wreath hanging on the back of the dining chair adds a beautiful touch of greenery right where guests will notice it.
- Dress up your shelves. I love the wreath hanging on the open shelving, finished with a satin bow and gold bells. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact.
4.) Gather + Savor
If there’s one dish that always deserves an encore, it’s this recipe for Jiffy Corn Casserole. This simple dish has been part of our holiday table for years, and every time I share it, it becomes a new favorite for someone else. It’s warm, comforting, and comes together with pantry staples. Perfect for Thanksgiving, and the rest of the holiday season.
If you haven’t made it yet, consider this your little nudge. It’s one of those recipes that never disappoints, and it’s a lovely reminder that sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones that bring everyone back for seconds.
5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING
- What’s ahead: Coming up this weekend, I’ll be sharing my recipe for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup…a comforting dish that’s perfect for this time of year. I’m also giving you a look back at our Christmas front porch from 2024, filled with simple ideas to inspire your own outdoor decor this season.
- What you might have missed: Last weekend kicked off with the 2025 Christmas Printables Collection, along with a roundup of easy DIY garlands and ornaments to make this season extra special. On Sunday, I shared The Calm Before Christmas…a gentle reminder to slow down and find peace amid the busy weeks ahead.
- In the spirit of practicing what I preach, I’ve been trying to work ahead so December feels calm and peaceful. I’m doing better than I expected! I haven’t started on the living room yet, but the front porch is decorated and ready, just in time for our first snowfall. Once Thanksgiving is behind us, I’ll begin sharing new Christmas content, so stay tuned for more ideas and inspiration.
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I’m excited to see your tree decorated with all those beautiful, cozy colors! Thank you for sharing!
Oh My…Snow! ‘Tis the season! In Texas we’re touching the 80’s but looking forward to crispy evenings soon. Love your reminders and tips on bringing “calm” into the holidays. One can sense the calm just reading your posts.
I’m a neutral girl,so I love the pallet for your tree.Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Always a calm and cozy place to visit. Thank you for sharing!
The winter drawing of you and your dog at the top of the page is so cute. I noticed it immediately. I really enjoy your Wednesday posts.
Ann, I greatly enjoy every email you send to me. The content always speaks to my own desire to live a more “curated life.” And I’m curious about the darling illustrations I see of you. Do you create those yourself?
Hi Tracy…technically, no I don’t. The concept is mine, but I have an artist who helps me. I wrote about the process in this post: https://www.onsuttonplace.com/the-curated-life-7/ The artist put me in a red coat using my specifications. She made me a few different poses for Millie. Then I put it all together with the sled. I truly love the way this one evolved. Thank you!
Always lovely here; thank you.