November is truly the golden hour of the year where luxury and coziness intertwine. The air turns crisp inviting the comforts of home that beckons us to slow down and savor. It is a time where candlelit corners, a hot drink, and and a plush throw blanket become our preferred indulgences. It’s a month made for slowing down and enjoying quiet moments at home, for finding beauty in the balance of elegance and warmth. In November, comfort becomes an artform. As the days grow shorter, November’s allure lies in the invitation to retreat and rest and reminds us that true luxury can be found in the small moments at home.
Simple Joys from October
As October arrived here in Raleigh it really started to shift us more into the autumn season as the leaves started to change colors and many pumpkins made their arrivals. The mornings started getting crisp and the coats and scarves made their first appearance. Fall bakes have been enjoyed, The Great British Bake Off has been savored every Friday night, and a even a few pumpkin spiced lattes have accompanied me on autumn outings to my favorite shops. October was a month where I got to savor many autumnal delights as well as enjoying the shifts in the season and all the pleasantries that have come along with them.
Top Three Moments of October That I Enjoyed & Savored
- Visiting the Museum of Modern Art in New York and seeing Starry Night and Water Lilies.
- Seeing the leaves changing to beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow colors.
- The many cozy, rainy days we’ve had here in Raleigh.
Top Three Things That I Am Looking Forward To in November
- Rick Steves’ Europe, A Symphonic Journey on November 7th. I am very much looking forward to dressing up, going out to a nice dinner, and then visiting the symphony for a night of elegance and beautiful music.
- Thanksgiving, and everything that accompanies the cozy holiday. The food, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, time with loved ones, cozy at home, a beautifully set table, and a soft start to the Christmas holiday season.
- Putting up the Christmas Tree. When to put up a Christmas tree for the season is a personal choice, but I like to put mine up the weekend before Thanksgiving as it provides a nice coziness to Thanksgiving day for me.
Monthly Musings & Simple Pleasures
The Monthly Edit
This month will have so many books and movies to enjoy, but here are the top picks on my list for the month of November….so far.
- I do love a good Christmas movie and Lost & Found in Cleveland looks to be a good one. The movie is about a 24-hour slice-of-life following five people whose paths cross when an antiques appraisal TV show visits their Midwestern city, exploring their personal journeys amidst the post-industrial American dream.
- The Memory Gardener: A Novel being released November 25th and looks to be a most cozy read.
- Murder at Donwell Abbey also being released on November 25th. A Regency-era mystery about an amateur sleuth, navigating shocking changes in her family—while meeting her match in a deadly adversary.
- The Daily Connoisseur’s Guide to Living Well at Home: Making Everyday Life Extraordinary being released on November 18th. Though I have mentioned this one in a Curated Weekly post already, I am very excited for this upcoming book as I am sure many of you are too.
The Modern Classic Life Monthly Luxurious Recommendation
Embrace the season this year with elegant holiday decor that can be used for not only Christmas, but all through autumn and winter too. Subtle lighting has always added a depth of luxury to this time of year and always sets a cozy, inviting tone. With thoughtful details holiday decor can capture the festive spirit while maintaining an effortless sense of elegance too.
In this spirit, this month’s luxurious recommendation is the Calloway Plaid Hurricane from Williams-Sonoma. Inspired by art deco design, the Calloway hurricanes are wedge-cut with intersecting lines that enhance the sparkle of the glass and the glow of candlelight. Combine the two sizes to create a luminous centerpiece for the dining table, coffee table or buffet. It’s a timeless piece sure to make an appearance every season.
If November Were A Mood Board
Join The Conversation
There’s something quietly soothing about embracing and sharing life’s simple pleasures. Anything from a cozy seasonal bake, a new favorite television show or movie, a soft oversized sweater, or the quiet ritual of an autumn morning routine. These moments may seem small, but they’re rich in meaning, grounding us in the present and connecting us to others through shared experiences. I warmly invite you join the conversation below around your own simple joys for the month of November. In a world that often moves too fast, your thoughts can be a gentle reminder to slow down and remind us of what truly matters.
