Happy Sunday and happy first night of Hanukkah, everyone! We are in the process of wrapping up the year before we head out for the last bit of the month and soaking in as much holiday spirit as we can. Hope you are too:) With that said, let’s just jump right into this week’s links.

This week’s house tour is one that we might have linked before, but we didn’t realize that Emily actually got to see this home before it was shot! She just sent through the link this past week and said this, “Every room was just so weird and exciting.” Reath is just one of our favorite design firms, and we highly suggest you check it out even if it’s for the second time.

From Emily: I’m putting together a hot chocolate bar for our three holiday parties (a huge request from the kids and a new tradition). I already had some mugs from Anthro and Target, but then I thrifted more to make sure that we had enough (14 kids). If this is interesting to you, I snagged these peppermint spoons for stirring, this is supposed to be the best hot chocolate, this huge hot dispenser (it’s $100 but figured for three parties and a tradition it woudl be worth it, plus I can control the temperature so it’s not too hot AND the kids can do it themselves unlike a pitcher thermos). If you can support a local baker, grab all the toppings there. Obviously, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, caramel sauce, crushed peppermint puffs, and even these sweet little gingerbread men toppings could be cute. I’m VERY excited (and hoping this means I don’t need dessert?).

From Arlyn: If you’re anything like me, you’ve bought fewer gifts this year so far than fingers on your hand. I’m definitely lagging, BUT I’ve got an under $20 gift that’s the kind of thing no one knows they need until they have it and don’t know what they did before they had it. If you have someone practical in your life, or a friend who already has everything, or have some white elephants or office parties to attend, you’re going to want to pick up an Open It. I wrote about this a year ago when I bought it for my husband-slash-our household, and we LOVE this thing. We use it for everything. Breaking down boxes, opening packages, cutting heavy-duty things, replacing batteries on kids’ toys with that tiny screw…it’s like a Swiss army knife for your kitchen drawer.

From Jess: I have found my perfect sweater! It’s this slightly slouchy rollneck that I put on and knew it had to be mine. I got the Tea color, but they come in so many other options. I wore it on my friend’s and my annual Christmas tree day, and she immediately said “OH I LOVE your sweater!!” Very validating:) I bought my normal size, but if you want to layer anything under that’s not super thin, I might size up.

From Mallory: I practically live in black ankle boots during the colder months – but I’ve never owned a pair that’s built to really last (mainly because boots are EXPENSIVE!) So this year, my booties were looking a bit worn down & the faux leather was peeling off – so I just got these incredibly high-quality ones from Sezane. They’re simple, classic, and go with literally everything. Plus, they’re super comfortable – I haven’t gotten any blisters breaking them in, which is not always the case.

Also From Mallory: The incredible upholstery company that did my dining nook cushions in my last apartment, Stitchroom, opened up a pillow shop so their fancy designer fabric remnants wouldn’t go to waste (genius). They’re doing a pop up in NYC that ends soon but if you’re in the area check it out!

From Gretchen: Em recently shared about her family’s Christmas traditions, and it made me think about my own. Truth be told, my family doesn’t have many, especially now that I’m no longer a kid. But every year we do love to do a puzzle! It’s an easy, cozy activity that brings us all together around a table and off of our phones for a few hours. My mom is pretty good about thrifting puzzles each year, but I also just love to keep a few fun puzzles at my own house. The only problem is, I’m a little more particular about how they look stacked on my shelf. That’s why I love these puzzles from Cloudberries. They have a ton of fun variety when it comes to puzzle design, but their box designs are very modern and streamlined, and look nice and simple stacked on a shelf. Seems silly, but I really appreciate how visually quiet these are on the outside, yet so fun and colorful once you dig in. I recently did the Fauna design with a friend, and we loved it! I think I’ll bring it with me to Christmas this year.

From Marlee: Sharing a couple of makeup items I’ve been loving: this Merit highlighter in champagne gives off such a nice glow without being too glittery. I love using it on my cheekbones and inner corners, and it layers really well with my fave Saie blush. I’ve been really into color analysis, and after determining that I’m a soft summer, I decided to try the blush in the “chilly” color, which is more cool-toned, rather than the warmer-toned “rosy” I was using. Both are pretty, but the cool-tone ones look way more harmonious! Also, one of the products I empty the most is the Saie Glowy Super Gel – I’ve shared it before, I usually use “starglow” in the winter and “sunglow” in the summer… but I just tried out the “warmglow” color, and it’s a really nice in-between.

Thank you for spending a little bit of your day with us, and see you tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Styled by Emily Bowser and Erik Kenneth Staalberg | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: How Sara Created Her First Traditional But Youthful Christmas