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As always, this month is going by way too fast! It feels even faster this year with multiple back-and-forth trips to New York for different work events. It’s been so busy, but I feel so very happy and excited. This season really brings out the best in me. As cheesy as this is, I love it so much! And I love that my mom and Asher also share my excitement for this time of year!
Even though it’s busy, we’re still embracing everything Christmas. Watching all the holiday movies (I haven’t watched any that I’ve loved, however – any recommendations?), baking all the cookies, attempting to Christmas shop and find special gifts for everyone on my list, and sharing fun holiday recipes. I love when there is so much happening! But we need more Christmas over the next two weeks for sure!
I’m in New York today for our holiday cocktail party at Williams-Sonoma tonight. It will be such a fun event! I flew in just for tonight, and then I’ll be back in New York for a few nights later this week. It’s a crazy schedule, but honestly, it’s exciting! After my next trip, I’ll be home for good and with my family through New Year’s. So I’m really looking forward to all things Christmas with my fam!
Speaking of my family, they’ve been busy traveling a bit too. This weekend, they’re spending time in Edmonton, Alberta, CA. They’re there to watch my younger brother Red compete in Style Experience, a Big Air snowboarding competition. They’re staying at the JW Marriott there and loving it. They return home today and will be staying put in Colorado through New Year’s!
My brothers and cousins will slowly begin arriving for the holidays over the next two weeks. My younger brother, Red, arrives today with his girlfriend, Hailey. Malachi (Kai), my brother closest in age to me, arrives tomorrow. Both will be here through New Year’s (there is another Big Air at Copper next weekend). It’s going to be so nice having them around!
Let’s see, what else? Last week, we kicked off our December holiday giveaways with the first stand mixer giveaway; I had fun shooting this. I love creating a festive scene. We have another giveaway going up tonight, so watch for it; it’s a good one!
I shared our 2023 Christmas Cookie Box on Friday! This one was my favorite boxes to put together. I wish I had more time to play around with it, but I still love how it turned out! What’s your favorite Christmas cookie this year?Â
I think that’s it for this week! I have some fun links, a holiday dinner party playlist, and so many gift ideas below! Hope you enjoy them! Have a festive December Sunday!Â
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
loving…holiday nails. These are so fun and festive!
burning…the Gingerbread Smash! OF COURSE. We’re offering free shipping this weekend as well as 30% off now through December 14th using code SMASH30. Stock up on candles for your holiday gifts to all!
everything in my cart (low)…these cotton wideleg sweatpants I ordered from Mango. Perfect for a cozy holiday travel look.
listening to…2024 Glow Up Series, Part 3: Tips for Starting a Business, Creating Boundaries, Cultivating Community, Social Strategy & More. Loving Siffat’s Glow Up series. Make sure you listen to Part 1 and Part 2 as well. Each episode provides so much value, especially for anyone building a business. But it’s also great for life in general.
holiday shopping…everything White + Warren. I ordered a wonderful box of cashmere pieces for my mom and me. Everyone, these are some of the coziest cashmere knits. I especially love their beanies. They’re my all-time favorite luxury splurge. And all of their cashmere sweaters and pants are perfect. Oh, and their cozy blankets. I didn’t get these, but I need to…nothing cozier. You can use the code,  HBH20 for 20%of your holiday orders.
ordering…the Dagne Dover Landon Large Carryall Bag. So perfect for traveling and on sale this week for 25% off via Shopbop!
dreaming of going…The 11 Most Beautiful Christmas Light Decorations Around the World. I’m going to walk 5th Avenue tonight! Excited!! And then, I would love to visit. Luci d’Artista (Salerno, Italy).
reading…Taylor Swift Is TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year. Excited to read this on the plane.
shopping…festive holiday gift wrap and ribbon. My obsession this time of year.
loving…Christmas pajamas. I’m such a sucker for a cozy pair of cheesy PJs. Just found all of these festive pairs and think they’re so cute. I love J Crew’s PJs too. I might order this EberJey set for my mom, Asher, and me!
shopping…winter essentials. It’s officially COLD outside.
everything in my cart (beauty)…the Sephora sale through December 10th.
Here are the best beauty gift sets for gifting!
reading…What To Read This Holiday Season, No Matter What You’re in the Mood For. SO many holiday books! So fun!
drinking…this week’s Naughty Nice Margarita (with mocktail). So fun for holiday parties.
loving…these gingerbread house ideas. Oh my goodness, so cute. Some are a bit too fancy for my style, but I think #18 and #20 are my favorites. I actually shared this post last year, but I’m still finding inspiration here!
shopping…Target for the best gifts and gift wrap! See below for more ideas. This pottery wheel would be fun for both young kids and crafty adults! And then, I want to order this knitted throw in grey. Wow, so cozy. Oh, and I love this planner for 2024 organization!
2. Popular Easy Holiday Appetizers.
Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates
Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Mom’s Secret Christmas Eve Chex Mix (such an oldie, but we make this every year)
Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels
Prosciutto Wrapped Baked Brie in Pastry
3. Holiday Kitchen essentials.
4. Homemade Holidays.
Some of you may recall when I used to do “homemade holidays” in December. I shared these more crafty posts each Sunday in December before I started writing the Nine Favorite Things posts. I really loved creating these posts, and I want to bring some of that content back to life! Sharing some of my favorite Homemade Holiday ideas below.
Fun fact, my Christmas Potpourri post is one of my top most viewed posts of all time. So crazy! I shared this post so long ago (2014), and it’s still one of my favorites to this day!
(I LOVE wrapping a beautiful gift)
Make the House Smell Like Christmas
(one of my favorite Christmas crafts to date)
Glittered Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments
(I make these every year and gift them; they’re the cutest)
Coziest Homemade Hot Toddy Kit
(I’m going to share an updated kit soon!)
Holiday Gifting: Homemade Simple Syrups
(a gift for the friend who loves to mix a cocktail)
The Gift of a Christmas Scent (Homemade Holiday Potpourri)
(a great hostess gift)
Snowy, Sparkly Pine Cone Ornaments
(these are so fun! I need to make them with Asher and Oslo)
5. Spreading Christmas Cheer + Christmas Movies.
Send this to anyone who could use some holiday cheer today! It is sure to brighten their day!
*Our HBH team Christmas movie List*
-The Grinch
-The Santa Clause Series
-Elf
-Home Alone
-Christmas Vacation
-The Polar Express
-Eloise at Christmastime
-White Christmas
-A Christmas Carol
-Miracle on 34th Street
-It’s a Wonderful Life
-The Holiday
-Christmas with the Kranks
-Noelle
-While You Were Sleeping
-Jingle All the Way
-Klaus
-The Family Stone
-Love Actually
-Holidate
-The Princess Switch
-Holidate
-Last Christmas
-A Christmas Prince
6. A holiday playlist for your dinner parties.
Your holiday parties are not complete without the perfect holiday playlist. Here is my favorite playlist for a fun and festive night!
7. Favorite links i’m loving.
10 Things to Do in New York During the Holidays…adding a few of these to my schedule!
Home at Last With Tan France: Dream Closet…a beautiful home.
People Are Taping Their Mouth While Sleeping for Health Benefits…has anyone tested this out?
America Hates These Christmas Candies…what is your least favortie?
Trader Joe’s Holiday Items…here’s how they ranked.
30 Delightfully Cheesy Holiday Movies to Stream Tonight
How to Split Time Between Families During the Holidays…without feeling guilty.
How to Reconnect With Your Partner When Holiday Stressors Become Too Much…some cute ideas.
What To Read This Holiday Season, No Matter What You’re in the Mood For…I am so into a good holiday book.
Taylor Swift’s Person of the Year Interview Is Full of Lessons We’ll Remember for Life…agree.
Taylor Swift’s Diet and Fitness Routine on Tour
8. Holiday styles – Tis’ the season!
holiday party looks
cozy holiday travel looksÂ
Nordstrom looks
9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.
Monday: Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
Tuesday: Garlic Butter Chicken Marsala Meatballs
Wednesday: Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup
Thursday: 30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken
Friday: Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Wine Cream Sauce
Saturday:Â Naughty Nice Margarita (with mocktail)
Sunday:Â Vanilla Brown Sugar Eggnog Cookies
Please give me outfit deets on this week’s cover photo!! That red jacket is everything!!
Hi Tieghan.
I am catching up on these posts several great things as always and wonderful content!! Thanks for all the hard work you put into it each week. I’ve been watching clips of all the holiday movies you shared in your post. I’ll have to agree Holidate was the best!! Have you watched that one yet?? What is your all time favorite Christmas movie?? Although its not a movie I love love love a Peanuts Christmas. For that matter I love anything Peanuts are you a fan?? Speaking of being a fan I ordered a Gingerbread Smash candle it’s amazing! Also. thanks to your inspiration I am going to make the Vanilla Hot Chocolate Molten cookies. The Vanilla Brown Sugar Eggnog Cookies, and the Gingerbread with Brown Butter Icing. I’ll find some cookie tins and give them as gifts to a few friends. One question for you if you can answer it or guide me in a good direction. I was asked to make some farm to table meals and I’ve never done it before. Are there any good sites you might recommend for inspiration?? Thanks so much as always you’re the best 🙂
Hey Mike! Thank you so much for this awesome comment! I hope you love the vanilla hot chocolate molten cookies! As far as farm to table sites, I would maybe check out Molly Yeh! xT
Maybe just leave the comments you feel you can answer and edit out the others. I enjoy your weekly Nine Favorite Things post! Love your photography!
Thank you Pam! Have a great week! xT
Hi Tieghan:
My favorite holiday movie is, “A Dog Named Christmas.” You should check it out. I think you can get it on either Hulu or Peacock. I watch it every single year and it never gets old.
Enjoy,
Jen
Oh that sounds like such a sweet movie! I’ll have to check it out 🙂 xT
Hi Tieghan,
When you have a chance, please check out the comment section on joyfoodsunshine.com. Maybe try leaving a comment on any of the recipes. You’ll see that whenever a comment is submitted, a notification pops up that says “Your comment is awaiting moderation. This is a preview; your comment will be visible after it has been approved.” Typically comments are approved and visible within a couple of hours at most. It’s a one click procedure.
This very important and useful step hasn’t prevented there being hundreds, even thousands of comments and active discussion and engagement on the recipes on that site – whether it be to review the recipe, ask questions, state if something didn’t work, ask for clarification, and so forth. Anything actually relevant to the recipe or topic.
What is missing is any spam, t|r|o|l|l|ing, off-topic bickering, snark, personal attacks, etc, because rightly so, the site owner is taking pride in the quality control of her website. I cannot recommend this comment format strongly enough for HBH. You have worked so hard to build and nurture your business. Save yourself and your team the time and effort of having to retroactively mop up the daily sh1t-show that ensues when you provide an unrestricted platform to malicious people with ill-intent who mean you and your life’s work harm. Your legitimate supporters have been begging you to do this for years now. Please take action.
It’s not Christmas until my sister and I get together and bake mounds of Christmas sweets to share with family and friends. It’s a precious memory for me
I love that so much! Such a special memory 🙂 xT
Your holiday looks are soooooo expensive!
As an anesthesia provider, and who’s career revolves around a person’s airway.. DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT tape your mouth shut when you sleep. This is extremely dangerous. For a variety of reasons.. but especially if you’re prone to heart burn or acid reflux. I hate that there is so much misinformation on the internet from supposed “experts” If you are having trouble sleeping or snore at night, make an appointment with a doctor and have a sleep study done so they can properly diagnose and treat you. Thanks for reading my friendly PSA 🙂
Hey Ramey! Thanks for this super important PSA – I’m prone to mouth breathing and I started taping my mouth closed earlier this year. I noticed a dramatic improvement to my quality of sleep and I wake up with less dry mouth, plus my ability to breath through my nose throughout the day has been noticeably better. That said – I’d love to know more about why you recommend against this so I can take this information onboard. For reference, I’m 36 female, a healthy weight with no medical conditions. Thank you again for your feedback and I’m so happy to have found your advice. Happy holidays! – Sarah
Hey Ramey! Thanks for this super important PSA – I’m prone to mouth breathing and I started taping my mouth closed earlier this year. I noticed a dramatic improvement to my quality of sleep and I wake up with less dry mouth, plus my ability to breath through my nose throughout the day has been noticeably better. That said – I’d love to know more about why you recommend against this so I can take this information onboard. For reference, I’m 36 female, a healthy weight with no medical conditions. Thank you again for your feedback and I’m so happy to have found your advice. Happy holidays! – Sarah
Are you passionate about food? Why do you keep going back to Polo Bar? There’s like 10,000 restaurants in NYC. You’re not curious about other foods or restaurants?
agree! as a new yorker who loves going out to dinner, i rarely repeat restaurants just because there are so many amazing options and such limited time to try them all. it does seem like you go to the polo bar every time you’re here. as a food blogger i feel like it could be super inspiring to try other things, no?
Weren’t you talking about moving? You haven’t mentioned it in a while. Is that not happening?
I love all your content and have been a reader for many years.
I am concerned when I read about you flying in and out of the same city within a week.
To me it seems financially irresponsible and dangerous for the climate. It may be better to stay the couple of days in between events. I know hotel rooms are expensive but so are flights across the country. Other than the cooking which you must do dead anyway, it would be easy to work from your computer at the hotel. We all need to be much more Ecco conscious going forward.
These flights are happening whether she is on them or not. It’s not like she is taking a private jet. Quit buying into all the hype, and let people live their lives. If you really want to help the environment go to all the countries that are actually the major polluters of the world and shame/fix them. The United States is actually one of the most eco friendly countries in the entire world, despite what is being sold to you.
Sure, Ramey, whatever you say… LOL
The plane is flying there whether Tieghan is on it or not….so what’s your point?
There are so many Christmas shows to choose from, my favorites though will always be White Christmas and Holiday Inn. I absolutely love the homemade gift section this week! Such fun, festive ideas! I will be making make your spinach, artichoke sliders for a gathering I’m having, along with a hearty soup, but haven’t decided on that yet. Do you have a suggestion? Enjoy the season and thanks for all of the great content!
Thank you so so much Paula! So glad you’re enjoying these gift ideas! Hmm maybe the zuppa toscana soup on my blog would be yummy? 🙂 xT
I recommend adding Christmas Chronicles to your movie list (starring Kurt Russel). It’s so cute! Thank you for the work you put into Nine Fav Things and last but not least enjoy your holiday time with your family! Life is too short-
Thank you Paula! Have a very Merry Christmas! xT
Just made the espresso chocolate dipped pretzels
Yummmmm!
Thank you soooo much! xT