Emily Henderson's Blog, page 186

What To Get Boomer Moms (Or Grandmas) In 2020 – It’s Very Different From Last Year…

Last year I asked my MIL over text what she and her friends want for Christmas. I thought it would be a fun post (and it was). The answers frankly shocked me – for instance, “PLEASE no more framed photos of kids”, no more scarves, and, instead….”Fly fishing lessons” (??) It actually made sense – it was less ‘stuff’ as that generation has accumulated A LOT, and more about new experiences that they don’t have to risk/use their retirement money. Because what they do have is extra TIME. That was absolutely enlightening to me (and I wasn’t alone – that post got over 100k reads). But what about this year? Theater tickets and group pottery classes are not relevant this year (at least for now). Fly Fishing actually MIGHT be ok, but in general those movie ticket gift cards aren’t going to be under the tree. So, what do we get boomers in 2020??? Well, she and her friends ponied up some answers and my goodness I LOVED THEM (and it makes shopping so much easier). Take it away, Suz.

suz and bob with birdie and charlie

The House Tour That Took All Of Our Breaths Away – Shanty’s JAPANDI Style Oasis

If you’re like me and need help picking your jaw off of the floor I already send for help. When I was pitched this home I immediately said YES. Is anyone surprised? This year has more or less been a celebration of color, pattern, and curated maximalism (it’s what we needed in this year of dread). But when a home like this pops up, we are quickly reminded why neutral minimalism has held on for so long and will always have a place in our hearts. This home both calms the brain and excites the soul. I got to ask Shanty Wijaya, the designer and founder of Allprace who might remember from this home tour and this post, a few questions about this 8 month (over 2 years) renovation. So this will be part interview, part me pointing out all of the wonderful details that she explored within the JAPANDI style. Let’s dive in!

What initially struck me in the pitch was the term “JAPANDI”. I obviously got the idea pretty quickly but was dying to know more. So what better way to do that than get the info from the designer herself…

How would you define JAPANDI style and what are the key elements for someone who loves it and wants to incorporate it into their home?

The theme of this house is JAPANDI – Japanese Scandinavian in nature. 

JAPANDI design blends Japanese artistic elements with Scandinavian comfort (Hygge). Both Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics are focused on simplicity, natural elements, comfort, and sustainability. The key elements for Japandi design are muted colors, clean lines, natural light, greenery inside and outside the home, eco-friendly materials, uncluttered spaces, and a celebration of the indoor/outdoor lifestyle. For anyone interested in incorporating JAPANDI design into their home, I suggest using lots of natural light through oversized windows, bringing in nature by using potted hanging plants, creating warmth by selecting furniture with bespoke craftsmanship in natural elements (e.g., wood, stone), and valuing imperfection (Wabi-Sabi).

I noticed that this home has a lot of straight lines and right angles (ie the exterior, paneling, doorways, windows, etc.) Would you say that’s a key feature of Japandi design or just an aesthetic you really love?

Both! Japandi design is a marriage between Scandinavian modernism with traditional Japanese elements, and the home is heavily inspired by both cultures. The home was originally built in the 1920s, and was boxy when we purchased it. We decided to keep the original shape and created a new facade around the original design that had Japanese and Scandinavian influences. We sourced Accoya wood, a high-performing, sustainably sourced and eco-friendly treated wood that evoked Scandinavian design. We milled and cut this wood one by one in a few different shapes and sizes for application around the home including the fence, gate, and roof, creating dimension, depth, and a sense of unity. The vertical wooden slats on the roof continue all the way to the ground and are inspired by traditional Japanese home architecture, while instilling a Scandinavian modern feel at the same time. 

FUN FACT: Accoya wood was Shanty’s must-have element in the home. She said that she’s been wanting to use it for a while now and I think it’s safe to say she used to exquisitely.

What drew to this design aesthetic?

I’ve always loved both the Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetic and lifestyle.

To me, these design styles both supported a healthy, meaningful lifestyle, which focuses on a connectedness to nature. The Covid lockdown also inspired me to further incorporate JAPANDI design in the home both inside and outside. I was inspired to create a home that instills a sense of balance and happiness.

Well that she did. This home is quiet but beautifully textured with tons of different materials and muted pops of color.

Rug | Wood Side Table | Coffee Table (similar)

As the queen of ADUs, was there a structure already in the backyard, or did you create one to give you more space (and a place to getaway).

The ADU is a completely new structure, there was nothing in its place beforehand. This space is perfect for a yoga studio, office space, or separate entertaining area. I felt that with everyone at home for the foreseeable future, there was no better time to add a bonus detached space that can be used for a variety of purposes. For the ADU, used the same Accoya wood that was used on the exterior of the home, adding a sense of cohesiveness to the property. The ADU also features its own alfresco dining area with hanging daybed under the mature old tree. The entire home was designed for the homeowner to work, live, and play. 

SO pretty. Well, let’s head inside for a while before we finish off with the rest of the landscaping.

Braided Door Stops (similar) | Wall Hooks | Stools | Pendant

I feel like this shot of the entry and kitchen shows the perfect juxtaposition of Scandinavian and Japanese design. The entry with its vertical paneling and bentwood hooks has Scandi written all over it. While the kitchen has flat paneled cabinets and a sleek facet which feels much more like Japanese design to me. But both areas incorporate the other aesthetic like with the footstool in the entry and the barstools and pendant in the kitchen.

Can you handle those beautiful display shelves and the light wood dowel??

Here’s what Shanty had to say about that stunning kitchen island:

For this project, we repurposed a beautiful rough-hewn reclaimed solid French oak wood that was dark-stained for the kitchen countertop. The imperfections in the countertops speak to the age of the wood and tell a story. The wood will age beautifully and will continue to change over time as it interacts with the environment. To create depth and visual interest, use different colors of stained wood.

Chairs | Sconce

As Shanty said, she used a few different types of wood like sustainably sourced Accoya, white oak, and pine. We get asked all of the time if you can mix wood tones and hopefully, this house shows you it’s a big yes. However, you want to make sure you use them intentionally and it helps if they have a similar finish (most of these are matte and natural which is why they all work so well).

Rope Wall Hanging

My favorite floor transition is the wood floor into those beautiful black and white check marble floor tiles. If I ever own a house this will be happening.

Rug | Planter Pendant Light | Stool

If you haven’t already noticed windows are a huge feature in this home and picture windows specifically. They are such a beautiful way to connect you to the outdoors. Emily used them in and could not love them more. They honestly feel like a piece of art in and of themselves.

Mirror (similar) | Floor Lamp | Coffee Table | Rug | Sofa (no longer available)

Talk to me about your living room fireplace.

Originally, this home did not have a fireplace. I love fireplaces because it really creates a focal point to the living room and instills a warmth, cozy, feeling known as Hygge. We designed and built the fireplace with solid concrete and used a herringbone pattern with a rustic thin brick inside. The fireplace is a Bio-Ethanol fireplace, which uses bio-ethanol instead of wood and it’s also smokeless and ventless, and an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional wood burning fireplace. Another bonus is that it’s much easier to install than a traditional fireplace. 

Lamp | Rug | Stool | Rope Wall Hanging

I really love the unexpected quirk in the decor. The lamp is both very trendy and yet vintage looking, the waved of the rattan magazine holder and Cindy Zell rope wall hanging gives a ton of movement to the space, and in the shelving unit below the monkey lamp is so random, yet perfect and so fun. It makes what could be a very intimidating home, totally inviting. I think A 1000x Better who styled the space gets the credit for this:)

Bookshelf | Monkey Lamp | Stool

This kind of exterior isn’t for everyone but regardless it’s so unbelievable striking and makes what could be a rather boring box house SO much personality. Also, I just had to show you the view of that sunroom from this angle:)

Now let’s head to the bedrooms.

Headboard (custom) | Rug | Sconce

I think everyone is about to fall in love with that arched headboard. It was custom-made by the Allprace team, but with a jigsaw, a staple gun, and the right materials you could also make this yourself. It’s so darn beautiful!

Also, notice the intentional use of shiplap on certain walls and the ceiling. I have mixed feelings about “the single accent wall” but am pretty into “half room accent walls”. I don’t think that’s a real term.

Wall Fan | Pendant | Throw (similar) | Rug

I love all of the flooring choices! But can you go into why you chose to put hardwood in the majority of the home and then what looks like concrete tiles in one of the bedrooms?

I wanted to create different looks for each room. We installed the oversized concrete tile in the junior suite because it’s the only bedroom that is on a separate level from the rest of the house. I wanted to create a different design interest for this room, which has a predominately Japanese design. The oversized concrete tile adds a natural, raw feeling, which is balanced with the quarter sawn white oak ceiling beams and the fusuma styled with hand painted closet doors.

We also used the same concrete tile in the sunroom and in the exterior entrance of the house, which keeps the design cohesive and balanced.

I think this is such a great thing to think about if you are designing from scratch or just replacing your floors. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and/or step out of the flooring box.

What is also different but still cohesive with the rest of the house is the ceiling. In this room, you have the white panels with the natural beam while in the room before it’s all white. Then in the common rooms, there are both plain ceilings and ceilings with just natural beams. Remember that is an option when designing too!

I’m just going to leave this beautiful bathtub right here. Sorry, we don’t know the source.

Ok, now let’s move on to one of my favorite rooms… the detached office.

Floor Lamp (similar) | Rug

I’ve been seeing the diamond painted wood flooring a lot more recently. Do you think it’s going to be a big 2021 trend? What made you decide to incorporate it? 

I think this trend has been around for a while, but it’s not getting a lot of attention recently because it’s easy to do and makes for the perfect DIY project and instantly elevates the look of your floors. Rather than installing black and white tiles in a diamond pattern, it’s much easier to paint the pattern right onto your existing wood flooring. You can also be creative with color options. This look adds a timeless, classic, and sophisticated feel to the room and creates visual interest when you have a simple design on the eye-level. I love this look for the office studio – it offers something different and unexpected from the rest of the house. We installed a new unfinished white oak floor and hand painted each diamond one by one. This pattern continues into the mudroom and in the adjacent room as well. 

Well, I 100% agree. The painted design looks so cool and SO elevated. I also stand by the fact that 2021 is going to see A LOT more diamond painted wood floors. Emily might have already pinned some similar floor inspo for a future project:)

Floor Lamp (similar) | Dipped Stools | Jute Round Rug (similar)

I also can’t get over how cool that orange lamp looks. Another unexpected element that adds so much personality without taking over the whole space. I think I know need an orange lamp.

Dining Chairs

Shanty also kept the diamond theme going outside. So much cohesion but in a perfectly subtle way.

For the grand finally here is the whole backyard. I know it’s A TOTAL oasis!

The landscaping is stunning! How did the Japandi style influence your plant choices?

Thank you! We put our blood, sweat and tears into the landscaping. The vibe I wanted to create was a Japanese-Californian-inspired peaceful, tranquil, and laid back outdoor retreat that has it all. We used many different types of Japanese garden plants and rocks including varied bamboo, Japanese maples, Bonsai, pine, and many more. We sourced the rocks and arranged them to look like mountains, which is typically seen in a Japanese rock garden. We also added a Koi pond, which is surrounded by Japanese-influenced rocks, plants, and shrubs. My goal for the landscaping was to create a sense of oneness with nature and emphasize the indoor-outdoor lifestyle. I designed the landscaping throughout the COVID lockdown, and being in lockdown had a tremendous impact on how I wanted the landscaping to look. 

Well, there you go. A little break from the holiday madness with a truly special piece of design artwork.

What’s your favorite part? Are any of your renovating and might want to use some of these ideas? Let’s talk!

Love you, mean it.

*Design by Shanty Wijaya of ALLPRACE Homes
**Styled by A 1000x Better
***Photos by Jenna Peffley and Alex Zarour

The post The House Tour That Took All Of Our Breaths Away – Shanty’s JAPANDI Style Oasis appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Giving Tuesday – A Crowdsourced List of Non-Profits You Gave Us And A Fun “Giving Challenge”

OK FOLKS. Let’s do something fun. I do love a surprise and this year we didn’t do a flash makeover and the one we had planned and worked on for months (still happening) I couldn’t travel to because of the Covid surge!!! But there are other ways. I don’t need to remind you that so many people have been negatively impacted from this year – physically, financially, mentally, and emotionally – some ALL of those things. So for those of you/us who haven’t and are able to help we wanted to create a fun way to do so. Right now volunteering or even doing a feel-good makeover doesn’t feel as safe and yet most of these small (and big) non-profits are still on the ground, helping others. So I thought it would be fun to do a “Giving Challenge” and see how much we can raise for small non-profits that are especially helping people, families and individuals, frontline workers, kids impacted from this special year from hell – but doesn’t have to be specific to that either.

We crowdsourced from you a list of mostly small non-profits (Thank you!) and researched even more. Of course, I don’t want to diminish the importance of in-person service and volunteering – I actually think the physical act is so much more meaningful than donating, but listen we all have different comfort levels, capacities, and situations right now and we wanted to create an easy and fun way to give.

So here is the list that you gave us that we split into different categories just to make sifting through them a little easier. We wanted to make sure that you had the full list in case another one spoke to you or was in your area (or near to your heart).

Housing Support (For Families And Individuals)



photo from our rummage sale with Pen and Napkin

Beautiful, Modern Hanukkah Decorating Ideas—and Why Celebrating This Beautiful Holiday Matters in 2020

Hi and happy week-after-Thanksgiving, EHD readers! I’m VERY excited to be here today to talk about all things Hanukkah: why celebrating it matters more than ever in 2020, why celebrating anything matters right now, and—this is EHD, after all!—how to make your celebration look as wonderful as it feels. 

(Side note: I know not everyone out there celebrates Hanukkah. But I hope you’ll stick around either way! No matter your background, I think that what I’m going to say will likely resonate with you, too.)

Alright, let’s get to it. So…first of all, who am I, and what qualifications do I have to speak on this topic? Well, by day, I’m an editor; by night, I run a Jewish lifestyle blog, aptly titled RebekahLowin.com (find it on Instagram here!). On the site, I share crafty, creative ideas for beautifying Jewish holidays—inspired home décor, pretty table settings, sophisticated DIYs, and new takes on old-school recipes. My personal thesis is simply that adding a layer of tangible beauty to any respectful, heartfelt celebration of these holidays is just one more way of elevating and honoring them.

As for the question about my qualifications, well…I just love the holiday. Always have. And the further we venture into 2020, the more I can’t imagine not giving it its full and proper due this month.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. It’s 2020. You’re just plain tired. The last thing on your mind right now is schlepping out a menorah, frying up a batch of potato pancakes, and singing songs about questionably-constructed clay dreidels. You’re more interested in simply making it through the next week without toppling over yourself. 

Trust me: I get it. I truly do. But hear me out: In 2020, finding the oomph to light a menorah matters more than ever. Well, let me rephrase that: This year, celebrating anything matters more than ever—be it Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Christmas, or National Maple Syrup Day (that’s December 17, by the way, for the woefully uninitiated). As the days get shorter and our hours at home get longer, continuing to mark time with our favorite rituals, festivals, and holy days has become even more important. Especially when the ritual in question is a metaphor for the one thing we so desperately need more of right now: light. 

Admittedly, I never thought too hard about the metaphor of Hanukkah as a child. I mean, don’t get me wrong: I knew the Hanukkah story by heart. I knew we were celebrating a miracle, and like most kids, I think I even recognized on some deep, instinctive level that there was something very beautiful and even profound about the whole thing. But I didn’t yet understand that Hanukkah—and all aspects of my Judaism, for that matter—was part of this intricate web of interconnectedness called life. That traditions and dusty stories are often about much more than days long ago. 

Hanukkah, back then, was more like…a feeling. Just a snug, cozy feeling accompanied by a series of images. In my mind’s eye, I can still see it that way: crumpled-up foil wrappers from chocolate gelt, glorious messes of sticky-sweet sufganiyot, and the shock of cold apple sauce on top of my grandmother’s warm latkes (unlike the crispy recipes everyone seems to gravitate toward today, these ones were deliciously flat and pillowy, like actual pancakes). “Hanukkah” meant hearing my dad recite the sing-song blessings over the candles in Hebrew, then watching him turn to chat with my grandparents in his familiar but foreign Yiddish. Most of all, Hanukkah meant packing close together with my many siblings in our family kitchen, waiting patiently for our turn to wield the shamesh and light eight nights’ worth of candles—then watch them flicker and silently burn in front of our dark kitchen windows.

Only years later did it start to click for me—the deeper meaning embedded in those colorful, melty candles. I began to understand something that I’m still in the process of understanding: that those candles were placed there to teach my siblings and I about far more than just a one-time miracle from thousands of years ago. That they also represented the daily, if not hourly, if not perpetual miracle that is a glimpse of beauty in a sometimes dark world. I’ve since thought about how brightly each flame shone against the backdrop of that deep, black, suburban night; how it was, in fact, their reflection in that window that made them doubly mesmerizing, doubly wonderful to stare at. Beauty, the candles continue to teach us from their annual perch on our windowsills, is easier to see in relief. 

2020 hurt. There’s just no way around that. For so many, this was a year of total devastation and destruction. But there’s something familiar here: another deep, dark backdrop. A new night sky. And embedded within it is the same invitation: to light our proverbial candles. To place our menorahs back on the windowsill of this dark time. To light our lights, knowing that they might only be a pinprick in all that darkness, but as the stars teach us, one pinprick of light is sometimes enough to guide a person all the way home.

Okay. That’s quite enough philosophizing for one day. Now you know why we should continue celebrating; next, let’s talk about how. After all, lighting candles is only one of the many tangible ways we can bring the glow of Hanukkah into our homes at this time of year. Below, you’ll find a few more ideas to help you out—from shiny menorahs to stunning blue vases and beyond.

TABLETOP TREASURES

1. Gold Centerpiece Bowl | 2. Veru Platter | 3. Tapered Candles (set of 10) | 4. Oval Ceramic Dish | 5. Golden Geo Table Linen Napkin | 6. London Blue Hurricane Candle Holders | 7. Mercury Tealight Holder (set of 6) | 8. Gold Flatware | 9. Constellation Salad Plate | 10. Metallic Scalloped Reine Chargers (set of 4) | 11. Tempeste Platter | 12. Tealight Candles (set of 24) | 13. Sweater Weather Mug | 14. Aria Gold Napkin Ring | 15. Hanukkah Rectangular Platter | 16. Small Blue Studio Salad Bowl | 17. Constellation Coasters (set of 4) | 18. Mesh Bag Of Hanukkah Gelt (set of 5) | 19. Indigo Blue Cotton Slub Napkins With Fringe (set of 4) | 20. Gold Rimmed Glass Tealight Candleholders (set of 3) | 21. Marble & Brass Napkin Rings (set of 4) | 22. Ombre Blue Ceramic Plate Dinner Plate | 23. Lyngby Blue Glass Vases | 24. Gold Cake Knife

As is the case with most Jewish holidays, Hanukkah is very much a food holiday. And since this particular festival’s origins revolve around oil, there’s a big emphasis on fried food: latkes, of course, but also jelly doughnuts (“sufganiyot”). In the past few years, there have even been a few out-of-the-box additions to the menu (churros, anyone?). This is all to say that you’re likely to spend a lot of time at your dinner table during the eight-day celebration…and that’s really the only excuse we needed to hunt for some lovely new tabletop treasures. Even if you’re not planning on hosting anyone other than your immediate family members, there’s no reason why you can’t indulge in a few new napkin rings (#14 and #21), a beautiful platter (#4), or some inspired navy taper candles (#3). 

Of course, you don’t need to relegate all that prettiness to the table alone…

AROUND THE HOUSE DECOR

1. Gold Happy Hanukkah Garland | 2. Marmol Radziner Dreidel | 3. Faux Eucalyptus | 4. Blue Apothecary Matches Jar | 5. Silver LED Fairy Lights | 6. Melchior Holiday Pillow | 7. Brass Vase | 8. Tassel Garland | 9. Hanukkah Watercolor Dreidels Wall Art | 10. Unlit Shimmering Dreidel Hanukkah Garland | 11. Burst Decorative Object | 12. Mini Led String Lights | 13. Blue Abstract Series, 1 | 14. Chunky Knit Throw Blanket | 15. Gold Cocktail Shaker

Traditionally, Hanukkah is associated with deep blues and sparkling golds (the same color as those shiny gelt wrappers). Of course, you don’t have to stick with these colors—as always, it’s really up to you which direction you’d like to take things in. If you want to have a pink Hanukkah, go for it. But here, we’ve stuck to the basics to bring you a selection of off-the-table décor that’s equal parts fresh and classic. Add a few gold faux flowers here and there (#3), liven things up with a shimmering banner (#10), or just toss a cozy cable knit throw onto your couch to up the blue factor without totally up-ending your space (#14). The simplest details can have a big, big impact. 

Finally, it’s time to add the pièce de resistance—a beautiful menorah.

GORGEOUS MENORAHS 

1. Trace Chanukiah | 2. Ascalon Menorah | 3. Modern Brass Candleholders (set of 9) | 4. Mid Century Modern Menorah | 5. SIN Stacked Menorah | 6. Blacksmith Handmade 9 Branch Iron Hanukkah Menorah | 7. Floral Menorah | 8. Handmade Ceramic “Shana” Menorah | 9. Typography Menorah | 10. Modern Hanukkah Menorah | 11. Blue & White Ceramic Hand Painted Petite Menorah | 12. Modern Silver Menorah | 13. Minimalist Hanukkah Menorah | 14. Marmol Radziner Menorah | 15. Olive Branch Collection Menorah

As mentioned earlier, the menorah really is the focal point of any Hanukkah celebration—and not just because it’s fun to light and stare at. It’s also the literal centerpiece of the Hanukkah story from way back when. After all, it was the menorah that housed the very small amount of oil that miraculously burned for eight whole days…and resulted in the celebration of Hanukkah as we know it today. Here, you’ll find a selection of menorahs that are every bit as beautiful as their origin story. They’re also surprisingly affordable: That floral menorah (#10) is just $30.

These also aren’t your great-aunt’s menorahs, mind you (not that there’s anything wrong with your menorah collection, Sasha; I LOVE YOU!!!). They’re sleek, updated, and thoroughly modern. Take the Studio Armadillo Ceramic Menorah (#13)—it’s stunning and offers a new take on the classic menorah shape and style. The Michael Aram Olive Branch Menorah (#15) is also a fabulous, decidedly different pick (and my personal favorite of the bunch). Whatever you choose, you really can’t go wrong here.  

Phew! Well, I think that’s it for today. I sincerely hope these ideas got you in the mood to transform your home into a veritable Hanukkah wonderland, or at least to add one or two fun details to your entryway, tabletop, kitchen, or windowsill. The holiday, after all, is in just TK days…so now’s the time. 

If you’re in the mood for more inspiration, you can always check out my blog or follow along on Instagram—it’s basically Hanukkah central on both of those platforms right now. I’ve got you covered with star-shaped cheese boards, latke platters, adorable Maccabee Cookie Boxes, tons of gift guides, Hanukkah quotes and poems, flower arrangement ideas, and my favorite post of the moment—this DIY tie-dye runner. Whether you’re celebrating the Festival of Lights this month or simply celebrating hot chocolate season (the BEST), I’m wishing you a beautiful, joyful month filled with all good things. 

Design and Photos by Rebekah Lowin

The post Beautiful, Modern Hanukkah Decorating Ideas—and Why Celebrating This Beautiful Holiday Matters in 2020 appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Emily’s “Messy” But FULL Of Memories Christmas Family Room

As Birdie succinctly told Charlie while I was in the other room, ‘this tree is more fun and REALLY messy, the other tree is more pretty.’ Indeed. Since we happen to have two hang out spaces (living and family) we broke them up and put the more pretty/curated tree in the more formal space and put all the personal ornaments in here. And in here, the family room, there is a ‘no rules’ approach to decorating the tree and I just let them go for it. This is where they take out each ornament and squeal with a ‘mama I remember this!’ reaction when it is one that they picked out or got for a gift, and then they throw it on the tree, haphazardly for sure. More color, more fun, more personal. Here we go.

Faux Garland | Wood Cut Out Garland (similar) | Dotted Striped Pillow | Color Blocked Pillow | Sheepskins

I still wanted to keep it fairly manageable and easy to keep together, so I didn’t go all out but wanted to bring in more red. I swear that living up here and not having access to stores (sure, online but I have to order at least 10 days in advance) is making me use what we have and helping me hold back, in a good way. For instance, I could have put two wreaths in those windows (which would have looked cute in the shot) but the room as a whole had enough (and I didn’t have the wreaths). Instead, we did tree, garland, and those cute little plush toys that I’ve had forever and work so well up here and the kids love (sorry no longer available). I got a couple of new pillows because I had given all of my bolder red ones away to an EHD Insider Member when I thought I wouldn’t want red up here (I was wrong).

The mantel just has a garland and a tree figurine garland that might need to be taken down because when we keep the fire on for hours it melts the hot glue holding the wood pieces onto the garland… whoops.

Tree | Tree Collar | Popcorn Bowl | Tray | Santa Mugs | Bottle Brush Trees (similar) | Candle

There she is, dripping with ornaments and 2-3 different garlands? Brian picked up the tree from Target last week, and I added that cute tray, a couple of pillows (dotted and color blocked) and popcorn bowl to the order but everything else we had. Don’t worry, the kids drink from those Santa mugs year-round, every. single. day. which I objected to because I wanted to keep them special but then I was like ‘why am I making this a battle?’ and just let them drink water with Santa. The bottle brush trees are from a few years ago (similar ones here).

Beaded Garland (similar) | Pom Garland | Rocker

We don’t have a star on this tree, which I’m ok with because the one that we had rotates neon lights on the ceiling which the kids obviously LOVE so I “let them”/insisted on them having it in their room. The rocker is from Monroe Workshop that I’ve had since Birdie was a baby and it’s going to be a permanent family heirloom. I’m pretty sure that plaid cloth is a tablecloth, FYI

The Link Up: Emily’s New Perfume (That Everyone Loves), Ryann’s Matching PJs, And The COOLEST Chocolate Box This Holiday Season

Hey everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful (and safe) Thanksgiving that hopefully left you very full. Now we’re full-blown into the holiday season and no one can stop us *que It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.* We’ve got a full out link up for you guys today, and also remember there are LOTS of great sales this weekend so check out our Black Friday post if you missed it. Now onto the link up!

If you haven’t seen Ginny’s newest project, your design heart is about to explode (in the happy way:)). Y’all it’s so GOOD!! But let’s be honest, is that a surprise? So do yourself a Sunday favor and go check out the whole house that also was shot by Sara (which makes our EHD hearts explode). Then go read all about it on Clever.

From Emily: I decided that this is the year I’m going to try to smell good. It’s not that I smelled bad before, but I’ve NEVER worn perfume and I don’t have a ‘scent’. After begging my more beauty/smell expert friends they both agreed that Kai smells good on literally everyone and nobody doesn’t not like it. I put it on last night after a bath and snuggled up to watch a movie with the kids and Brian and everyone, EVERYONE, was like ‘mama you smell goooooood’. It’s not overpowering, just a nice floral/gardenia scent that I LOVE. I bought the lotion and the roller ball. Brian is a BIG fan 

Another MOTO Reveal For 2021! But First Help Erik Pick Out His New Bedding With 3 GREAT Options

Em here – You may remember Erik from his bold, luxe, and altogether fabulous living room reveal earlier this year. Many of you clamored for his bedroom reveal (I did, too), but… it wasn’t technically finished yet. So to kick off almost-2021 with a bang and a fun project – and to take a break from the hundreds of roundups I’m sure you’re inundated with today – we wanted to start his Makeover Takeover process with an Ask The Audience.

Every room needs a jumping-off point, and we decided to start this one by picking out the bedding. As I’ve written in many posts, Brooklinen makes my all-time favorite duvet insert (I also have their sheets on my own bed :)), and they graciously sent us a couple of pieces to play with. As an unexpected bonus, since it is a holiday weekend, everything here is 20% off. Great timing for a fun post. Win/win.

So today, we’re presenting three bedding options. We brought in Sara to shoot everything, Erik styled out the space a bit to fit each vibe, and we also had him outline a little future design plan for each iteration. In time you’ll see this room fully revealed, but today… let’s just have some fun and vote on some bedding for our dear friend. It’s time to get out 2021 MOTOs started. Take it away, Erik…

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the pink dining room erik designed before he found his apartment

Hi gang! Remember me? I am back on the blog with another serving of my piping hot apartment. This time however, I am looking for a little guidance. I have lived in my 1931 apartment for 4 years and my bedroom hasn’t changed hardly at all. As a stylist who thrives on mixing things up, this room has felt the most stagnant.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love the design of the space but I think it could be redefined and tightened up. The best (and also affordable) way of dipping my toes into this redesign process was with bedding! I wanted to use Brooklinen for two big reasons. Their quality is undeniable, and as someone who walks on the wild side, they have wonderful options with color and print! (A bonus third reason would be that they are Emily’s favorite.)

I am letting the bedding that I, nay WE, decide on be the jumping-off point for a FULL BEDROOM MAKEOVER. So needless to say this is a life and death decision I am asking for your help with. Think of me as a design goldilocks. I’ve got to find one that is juuust right!

As you have seen in my living room and dining room posts, I LOVE color. Yet my bedroom has always been the exception. I like the idea of a place of slumber that isn’t too visually stimulating but compared to the rest of my home, my bedroom was leaning on drab.

Option 1: Thinking Pink

Terracotta Sheet Set | Rose Duvet Cover | Patchwork Quilt | White Diamond Quilted Shams | Extra Pillowcases in Rose

Enter look #1! I wanted to introduce some warmth to the space, so I brought in some pink and red tones. Starting with an organic pattern sheet set gave a more eclectic feel from the jump. This one is a limited edition print called ‘Topographic’ and it really does look like map lines. (For what it’s worth, I used the bundle set to order all of these because it knocks down the price, but things are also available a la carte.)

Terracotta Sheet Set | Rose Duvet Cover | Patchwork Quilt | White Diamond Quilted Shams | Extra Pillowcases in Rose

I layered with a truly chic geometric quilt, which brought in the black of the rug (a gift from Emily), and topped it all with some quilted linen shams. The white shams, contrasted with all the pattern and color, definitely took the whole look to a slightly calmer place.

Terracotta Sheet Set | Rose Duvet Cover | Patchwork Quilt | White Diamond Quilted Shams | Extra Pillowcases in Rose

I moved in some antique mismatched nightstands to give my signature granny look. Added a pair of 1920s deco art and BOOM! we were in a whole new lane. This is much more in line with the rest of my place but my concern is that I am straying away from a more minimal room, which is something I am looking for where I rest my head.

But since I love the pattern mixing and color palette here, I’ll probably paint the room the lightest shade of blush to warm it up, swap the rug for something sleeker and more contemporary, and get a pair of modern lamps to bridge the geometric quilt and my apartment’s natural Deco detailing. It’d be quiet, lightly colorful minimalism with hits of black and vintage accents, which would be pretty soothing.

Option 2: Sophisticated & Moody

Solid White Sheet Set | Graphite & Steel Oxford Stripe Duvet Cover | Charcoal Diamond Linen Quilt | Extra Pillowcases in Graphite

Next up in the group is my sophisticated moody option. Now I have always loved anything fancy and most definitely have a flair for the dramatic, making look #2 a real serious contender. High contrast is the name of the game and keeping things neat will always be easy on the eyes.

Solid White Sheet Set | Graphite & Steel Oxford Stripe Duvet Cover | Charcoal Diamond Linen Quilt | Extra Pillowcases in Graphite

I fell in love with this thin stripe duvet cover that feels super dapper. I then alternated from dark to light, adding crisp white sheets, then charcoal pillowcases, then white pillowcases. I really liked using these pillowcases in particular because they all come with an envelope closure, which keeps them looking really neat and full and tidy.

Honestly though, the best part of this ensemble is the black linen lightweight quilt folded at the foot. The quality is pure heaven. As I am writing this post I’m literally wrapped in it.

Solid White Sheet Set | Graphite & Steel Oxford Stripe Duvet Cover | Charcoal Diamond Linen Quilt | Extra Pillowcases in Graphite

Rounding out the rest of the room, I had a woodworking friend whip up some basic nightstands stained black. I dug through my vast collection of black and white sketches and voila! I had double-downed on the classy. This option really feels the most elevated, but I am wondering if the moodiness is too much with my current styling. I want to feel light as a feather when I wake up. 

If we go this route, I would most definitely change the curtains to a vivid white gauzy linen to lighten the space, and switch the art to something more white and minimal, like a set of line drawings. It would make the bed the star. (Emily note: or should we go super dark??? Should we make Erik paint his room black??? Vote in the comments!!)

Option 3: Pattern Play

Graphite Grid Sheet Set | Window Pane Duvet Cover | Black Graham Lightweight Shams | Extra Pillowcases in Smoke Stripe

Last but certainly not least is our pattern play moment. I have always been an advocate for all white beds. It feels like a hotel, will never go out of style, and they are very easy to keep clean and bright (with a little help from bleach). A great way to keep neutral beds visually interesting is to mix in a little texture and a lot of pattern. Look #3 works so well because of how the patterns are layered in.

Graphite Grid Sheet Set | Window Pane Duvet Cover | Black Graham Lightweight Shams | Extra Pillowcases in Smoke Stripe

I started with the smallest pattern as my foundation, knowing that would be the busiest. This is a good rule of thumb for mixing patterns on bedding (it’s also what I did with look #1). I really liked how deep the fitted sheet is – it’s 15″ which means that it stays firmly in place (no snapping up in the middle of the night) and you can easily pull it taut which is great for patterns like this.

Then, I went for a medium scale on the pillows – simple horizontal lines for my pillowcases, and adding some texture with the ticking stitch shams. Finishing it off with the largest scale print on top is this fabulous grid stripe. They all play well together because they are all in the same color story, but are all different sizes. (Emily note: This is actually the sheet/duvet setup I have for my bed! Now eyeballing those shams, though…)

Graphite Grid Sheet Set | Window Pane Duvet Cover | Black Graham Lightweight Shams | Extra Pillowcases in Smoke Stripe

I painted some vintage nightstands a creme color to mix up the white and hung a vintage black and white poster to connect back to the black rug. Just like that, I had a room that was both tranquil and detailed. This look really has longevity and can easily grow with my evolving makeover…nevertheless I don’t want to play anything too safe. Design should be frisky! 

Which is why if I went for this one, I would eliminate the majority of the black and warm tones – the rug, the curtains, the nightstands, the pedestal. I’d probably get a white shag rug, white curtains, white nightstands. And then I’d be bringing in pops of color in the accessories to keep it saucy. Multi-colored art, a pink throw, blue lamps, etc.

Henley | Half-Zip Sweatshirt | Tailored Sweatpant

So as I was pulling all these fabulous bedding options, I also decided to add some loungewear to my cart just for fun. This post is not supposed to be about my sweatsuit, buuuuuuut… insanely soft and cleanly tailored, I struck couch potato gold with these babies. I obviously had to wear them for my pics for the post because why NOT go all the way in Brooklinen head to toe (to bed)??

Henley | Half-Zip Sweatshirt | Tailored Sweatpant

I have worn them for the last 4 days to everything from my afternoon walks, to my marathon of Gilmore Girls, to my two martini happy hour before dinner. Nothing feels as wonderful as cocktails and an elastic waist. Run, don’t walk, to grab these staples for the upcoming colder months. They are THAT good that they deserved a section of the post. (Maybe a great gift? They also come in ladies’ sizes.)

ANYWAY. Back to business. My bedding dilemma. So with all that on the table I need your help! This decision will affect the rest of my new and improved bedroom. Are you obsessed with the color and collected feel of look #1? Are you freaking out over the dark and refined moment of look #2? Or is the luminous mixed prints of look #3 sending you over the edge?

Weigh in now so I can get to steppin’ on the rest of my boudoir! I have nothing but time on my hands these days and a stiff drink can only sustain me for so long. Cheers! 

Emily here to close this out – I am very excited to see where this MOTO takes us. An all-blush tonal deco/modern mashup? A high-contrast black and white and graphic space? Or a light, bright, white space with pops of saturated and playful color? So many options. What say you???

As always, thank you to Brooklinen for sending us some bedding to play with and for indulging our crazy post ideas – remember, everything is 20% off this weekend (including my favorite duvet insert! I can’t talk this thing up enough!) – and thanks to YOU for joining us here today and for supporting the brands who support this blog. Have a happy and safe weekend. See you on Monday for a new holiday reveal! xx

*Design by Erik Kenneth Staalberg
**Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

The post Another MOTO Reveal For 2021! But First Help Erik Pick Out His New Bedding With 3 GREAT Options appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Happy Thanksgiving (And How Birdie and I Decorated For Our Last-Minute Thanksgiving Dinner)

Like many people, our usual thanksgiving was canceled. We’ve done the last 20 years at Brian’s parent’s house in Sacramento with all the cousins, aunts, uncles and it’s the ONLY time of year that we all get together and it’s an EXTREMELY fun day. Like epically fun. But 30 people, from 8 different households (and a few college students) wasn’t a great/safe idea this year. So a couple of months ago we all decided to cancel but planned on still going up and having it be super small – just us, Brian’s brother, and his parents. But two weeks ago, heeding all the warnings, especially with the crazy spike we decided even that was risky. So instead we are having a very small family thanksgiving here, which is totally fine and worth the non-risk. I want it to feel at least a little bit special, so Birdie and I planned out how we would set the table, and she really wanted to help and even make things for it. I was in heaven. It was the first real time that she and I collaborated on how something should be styled, and I let her really take the lead (while guiding her towards certain things obviously). Here’s how it turned out:

Sherpa | Vintage Fabric Table Cloth (similar) | Candle Holder| Candles | Vase (similar) | Wine Glass | Water Glass | Flatware | Placemats | Plates | Oversized Stripe Pillow | Sherpa Pillows | Faux Fur Lumbar Pillow | Wood Garland | Napkins

She took it so seriously, it took 3 hours of our undivided attention and it was so fun I can’t even tell you. This girl loves to ‘help’ more than I thought possible for a kid. And not for like just 10 minutes, she FINISHES the job (even with cooking she is so invested). I taught her where everything goes, how to fold napkins, and even how to stand back and look at it all together and edit. At one point she said ‘mama, I think there is too much going on’ and she was RIGHT. We used what we had on hand and it turned out pretty darn cute. I think when you collect a certain style of stuff for a certain style of house it can just look good together when thrown on the same table.

I’ve been hoarding vintage plaid (this Japanese fabric is from Etsy) for a long time so I threw that down as the tablecloth which feels super cozy (even though it’s very ripped) and “fall” in a fun way. The leather chargers I’ve had for a couple of years (from Target) and the plates and flatware are our Made by Design everyday dinner plates. Of course, I wanted to buy some more handmade stoneware plates (and salad plates) but we don’t need or want them post-thanksgiving, so these white ones will do just fine (plus they are so lightweight and easy to wash in the dishwasher).

And then we foraged for fall leaves and branches for each place setting and the centerpiece which was VERY “fall.”

My Dress | Birdie’s Dress (unavailable)

I had these cute little tags that Birdie wanted to use as place cards (not that we needed them) and she wrote all our names and even a little drawing of ‘thanksgiving’ (turkey, leaf, heart, etc). They were SO CUTE. We threw on some candles (Birdie made the pillar that is wrapped in leaves and twine) and I already had those colorful tapers, in these candle holders I bought last year.

Now here’s a photo a little farther back so you can really get the whole picture of what it looks like:

It was VERY thrown together and no, Sara did not come to professionally shoot this (and I tried hard not to care too much about the styling being perfect), hence the slightly crooked candles. Or maybe it’s the new way to achieve the “organic, effortless, thrown-together” kind of look we had no choice but to go for since it was so last minute. Here’s another angle with (slightly) straighter candles:

All in all, Birdie was so proud of it that she wanted to get photos “for my portfolio” (I DIED WHEN SHE SAID THAT) so we went ahead and set the whole table so we could take better photos. I want to permanently bottle up and save forever the pride that she exuded, and I’ll start by framing one of these photos…

It’s a different thanksgiving this year and I know there are a lot of mixed feelings out there. Our household hopes that you are all staying safe, cozy, and filling your day however you want. Cooking or not, family or not, hopefully next year we can have an EPIC family thanksgiving in a safer world. xx

For more info & resources on our dining nook (or if you want to see it styled out for everyday) click on this post

What We Have And Love Or REALLY Want To Get For Our Kids This Year

If you are like me right now you are chanting “I will not bring more garbage into my house, I will not bring more garbage into my house” followed quickly by, “I will not spoil my kids this year. I will not spoil my kids this year. I will not spoil my kids this year”. While I can’t control grandparents (can’t I?) I can control what we buy and bring into our home. I will be intentional. I will not buy them stuff they don’t need, won’t play with, or will just turn into a landfill. I PROMISE (I’m lecturing myself in hopes of prevention). Also, we won’t buy A LOT. We made that mistake two years ago and it was the most disgusting ‘present exhaustion’ where they would yell ‘NEXT PRESENT!’ Rip it open, react, then impatiently wait for their turn again and we realized that we are officially terrible parents. No, that will not happen this year. NO WAY.

So this list is a bunch of stuff that I’ve either given them in the past and they’ve loved or I’m considering giving them this year (and hopefully they’ll love and use for years). More discussion about parenting during Christmas at the end for those of you interested

Caitlin’s Gift Guide: “Unoffensive Gifts For Friends With Confusing Taste”

Last week, one of my good friends got a sneak peek of my selections for this post and texted me this: “Your gift guide is just stuff you already have!” And y’all, he wasn’t wrong!!!

Today, I am linking up a ton of my tried-and-true favorites – the things that I love and the things that folks comment on when they come over (or, ya know, when they see it in the background of my IG stories). If you have a design-minded friend with hard-to-pin-down taste, I promise that something on this list will appeal to them.

(PS. There are a few extra items here that I’m actually hoping for this Christmas…cause you know, when else will I get to publish a gift guide that my mom can read when she’s on the hunt for ideas??? HI, MOM!)

1. Always Pan | 2. Small Pet Set | 3. Carafe | 4. Stoneware Mug | 5. Champagne Coupes | 6. Glass Straws

1. Always Pan: Maybe it’s because I’m a true millennial, but I’m not great at cooking and still not really sure why folks need a whole bunch of pots and pans. This guy is on super sale right now ($95, down from $135 – this never happens, so snatch it up by Cyber Monday!) and it’s so so so good. You can steam and boil water for spaghetti and fry eggs and do other things, too. Plus the colors are SO CUTE – I love it in lavender but I know the rest of the team loves it in sage and spice.
2. Small Pet Set: I’m originally from Delaware, right outside of Philly, so y’all know I gotta recommend a small local business. I love Felt & Fat – I’m saving up to one day buy a couple sets of their plates – but this small porcelain pet bowl set and holder is so sweet. Get your pet a present!!!
3. Carafe: Oh WOW, these are just beautiful and the top lid can do double duty as a cup. The air quality in my apartment in LA is kinda gross – if you’re also from the city, near a major road, and enjoy an occasional open window, I’m sure you can relate to the black buildup on everything – so I really like this as a bedside water container. It makes me feel safe and clean!
4. Stoneware Mug: OH MAN I LOVE A BIG-HANDLED MUG. These remind me a bit of the Lolly Lolly mugs that I haven’t been able to scoop in time and I love the cheery yellow color. If you have a pal who drinks coffee…why not elevate it a little bit? (PS. I don’t actually drink coffee, so really…a gift for everyone who drinks liquid, period.)
5. Champagne Coupes: If I could buy out all of ECG’s goods, I WOULD. I’m currently coveting this champagne coupe because it’s so elevated (can y’all imagine drinking like…kombucha out of this cup? How fancy would you feel???) but I also love the stemless glasses for more ~everyday~ cups.
6. Glass Straws: I saw these on a friend’s IG story and have been lusting after them ever since (apparently I was not the only person to frantically slide into her DMs and ask for sourcing info, too). While I can’t justify spending this much on glass straws – especially when there are other affordable, beautiful high quality options like these out there! – but sigh. MAYBE FOR CHRISTMAS?

1. Durkow Candles | 2. Shape Party Runner | 3. Volute Candles | 4. Twist Candle

1. Durkow Candles: I know what these look like and I don’t care!!! These are also made and manufactured in Philly. They’re fun, irreverent, and I have a dream to one day have a whole bunch of them in different color variants on my 1930s deco mantle.
2. Shape Party Runner: I have been eyeing this runner FOR. EV. ER. I’m obsessed with all things Studio Proba and honestly, there isn’t anything from here that I wouldn’t be thrilled to receive. I already own two face masks which I adore, but Alex recently released a new blanket and a new series of pillows that are also SO SO GOOD. Studio Proba is pretty prolific in this ~cool, modern, print~ world so their store is a total win if you’re looking to impress a new design-minded pal with your style knowledge.
3. Volute Candles: These look like caterpillars (amongst other things…apparently I’m just into suggestive candles?) and they are so cute in the corresponding glass candle holders from the same brand.
4. Twist Candle: This is the best design gift I can think of! Everyone in my life loves the twist candle – it’s updated and modern but it’s not too out there. Urban is also now stocking a red and white version which looks like a candy cane and AHHH!! Someone please style out a holiday tablescape with it and send it to me!!!

1. Personalized Necklace | 2. Circle Ring | 3. Fortune Necklace | 4. Luna Ring

1. Personalized Necklace: I got this after we partnered with ABLE last year for this post. It was customized with a favorite mantra (“suck it up,” hah!), I haven’t taken it off since, and it still looks like new. It’s so hard to find affordable gold-plated jewelry that can stand up to sweat and showers and this fits the bill. SO GOOD.
2. Circle Ring: I love a circle (I have two of them tattooed on me!) and this is so simple and timeless. It comes in sizes from 5-9 so you can get it for any finger or as a nice “wear every day” piece.
3. Fortune Necklace: I bought this for myself for my birthday. It layers great with the aforementioned necklace and it’s so sweet and special. LOVE IT.
4. Luna Ring: Another unique shape that goes with anything. Who wouldn’t like this?

1. Roller Skates | 2. Animal Medicine Cards | 3. Gradient Puzzle

1. Roller Skates: I’m a competitive figure skater (still, somehow) who hasn’t been on the ice since February – it’s been my longest non-injury break away from a rink in more than 20 years. I saw videos of so many talented folks learning to roller skate this summer and wanted to try but was like “ah, wish I could do that, can’t risk being injured for the season though” but JOKE’S ON ME because there is no competition season for me this year!!! TIME TO PURSUE MY DREAMS.
2. Animal Medicine Cards: If I could recommend one gift on this list, THIS WOULD BE IT. I bought them in Joshua Tree a few years ago and they’ve been so much fun ever since – I used to bring them on group trips or I’d break them out when friends came over. The premise is so simple: pick a card and read some wisdom about the animal you’ve chosen. Everyone loves them. BEST STOCKING STUFFER.
3. Gradient Puzzle: At the beginning of quarantine, I went through a BIG puzzle phase. I own this 500 piece puzzle in five color variants and they’re the perfect ratio of challenging:satisfying. (I did not have the attention span to handle the 1000 piece version. 500 all day!)

1. Striped Robe | 2. Bath Sheets | 3. Moccasin Slippers | 4. Weighted Comforter

1. Striped Robe: I’m a lifelong lover of a bold orange/pink/green color scheme (as seen in my childhood bedroom here). Dusen Dusen makes some of my all-time favorite products – I wish my cat would use normal pet beds because I would buy this SO FAST – and I’d love to add an adult, fancy robe to my collection.
2. Bath Sheets: These were my first foray into adult towels – previously, I had been using my Target ‘Room Essentials’ towels from 2009 – and WOW, what a difference!!! These are such a luxury that I never would have thought to splurge on but they make me feel so much happier every day. I am a diehard for the ‘sheet’ size – they’re HUGE, which I love!!! – but I’m sure the regular-sized ones are just as lovely.
3. Moccasin Slippers: These were a Christmas gift from my mom last year and I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. I wasn’t historically a slipper person, but I’ve worn them every day since – they were even comfortable in my 95+ degree apartment this summer. I flew back to the east coast a couple weeks ago to quarantine before the holidays and I desperately regret not bringing these. (I also tried on my mom’s and was shocked by how much they mold to your feet.) I’m planning to scoop a pair to keep here and wear for the next couple months!
4. Weighted Comforter: I LOVE THIS THING. I was suffering from a lot of nightmares earlier this year (wonder why??) and this comforter singlehandedly cleared them up. Plus, I was having trouble finding a ~beautiful~ weighted blanket (a true Libra problem!) and this was a dream since I could fit it in my regular duvet cover. I literally considered packing this in my cross-country checked bag because it makes such a dramatic difference in my sleep quality. I LOVE.

1. A Promised Land | 2. Billion Dollar Loser | 3. Evil Geniuses | 4. Subprime Attention Crisis

1. A Promised Land: I LOVE A BOOK FOR CHRISTMAS. And I think my grandpa rubbed off on me because I especially love some nonfiction books for Christmas! (And nonfiction all the time, TBH.) ANYWAY. It’s Obama. Of course I want to read it.
2. Billion Dollar Loser: This just came out and it’s about Adam Neumann, the founder of WeWork. ICYMI, this guy lost billions of dollars, figured out a scam to enrich himself, botched his company’s IPO, and walked away SO. FREAKING. RICH. (If someone in your life is interested in these tech dramas that read like novels, I also loved Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber.)
3. Evil Geniuses: Ah yes, nothing says “holidays” like a book exploring America’s financial systems and sociopolitical history!!!
4. Subprime Attention Crisis: I am the gal behind all the programmatic ads you see on the site here (i.e. banners) and to my surprise, I LOVE IT. I didn’t know anything about ads when I started here and didn’t expect it to be so interesting to me! This book is RIGHT up my alley.

1. Time Traveler | 2. Debt: The First 5,000 Years | 3. How To Do Nothing | 4. Red Comet

1. Time Traveler: The full title of this book is “Time Traveler: A Scientist’s Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality” and THAT SAYS IT ALL. It’s a true story!!! He really tried!!! How have I not read this yet???
2. Debt: The First 5,000 Years: AH YES CHRISTMAS SPIRIT LET’S READ ABOUT THE HISTORY OF DEBT. I have the same taste in books as a curmudgeonly dad.
3. How To Do Nothing: If your initial reaction at the beginning of quarantine was also to make a list of things to learn…you may also need this book. Apparently, we don’t always need to be working or something??? WEIRD.
4. Red Comet: At the end of the day, I’m still a girl who went to a super weird liberal arts college where everyone majored in something creative…of course I want to read a book about Sylvia Plath.

1. Multicolor Marled Socks | 2. Tie-Dye Ankle Socks | 3. Pink Textured Sock | 4. 3-Pack of Socks | 5. Striped Ankle Sock | 6. Grid Ankle Socks

1. Multicolor Marled Socks: As an adult, socks don’t get a fair shake!!! These are all a bit more than I’d usually spend on myself, but that makes them a real treat of a gift. I bought these in blue last year and LOVE THEM.
2. Tie-Dye Ankle Socks: Fun and a little bit of a shibori vibe!!!
3. Pink Textured Sock: Ah yes, another pair I own in a different color variant! They’re so comfortable and this version is even cuter in close up – they’re a bright pink paired with timeless neutrals.
4. 3-Pack of Socks: A sock in here for all occasions. My obsession with socks actually started after seeing my coworkers rocking SUPER cute leopard/tiger socks with boots and it has not ceased!
5. Striped Ankle Sock: These are my favorite of the bunch – an elevated basic. GREAT.
6. Grid Ankle Socks: Grids are a favorite not-pattern pattern at EHD and these are no exception.

1. Backpack | 2. Weekender | 3. Inflatable Pillow

1. Backpack: I’ve written before about my love of this backpack. I’ve had it for 2 years, have brought it on over 100 planes, and I’ve used it as a gym bag and it still looks like new. There’s a separate compartment for shoes and so many good (and actually usable) organizational pockets inside. 1000/10, would recommend.
2. Weekender: The IG ads have gotten to me. I used to travel a lot – this year I did Quebec, NYC, Tuscon, Wichita, Dallas, Boston, Providence, Temecula, and Joshua Tree before we shut down in March – and packing liquids is always THE WORST. These are magnetic and labeled and cute and I like them a lot.
3. Inflatable Pillow: I swear by inflatable neck pillows – they’re obviously great for air travel, but they’re also SO GOOD to stash in a car. Pop one of these in your center console or glove box or in the side of a door, inflate as necessary, and your car naps will improve by a million percent.

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT. The things that people ask about, the things I already love, and a few things I’m hoping to grab this holiday season. What about y’all? What are your go-to gifts for confusing friends? Snacks? Wine? Vases? TELL ME. Maybe we can all help each other!!!

For the rest of our 2020 gift guides head HERE!

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Elliot’s Metallic Holiday Bedroom

The post Caitlin’s Gift Guide: “Unoffensive Gifts For Friends With Confusing Taste” appeared first on Emily Henderson.