Welcome to December and to the month of all things festive and cozy. This month I plan to enjoy the comforts of home with an extensive list of week-by-week holiday things that I would like to do. The holiday season seems to come and go so quickly and so to be intentional is a way of ensuring that I get to experience all that I would like to this season. The official start of winter is nearly upon us too here in the northern hemisphere, so taking the time to purposefully infuse some coziness into the season will create a soft space to enjoy this time gracefully. There are so many simple pleasures of winter to experience, everything from the frosty windows in the mornings to the homemade soups and the low sunlight filling the house with a warm glow. I hope you are easing into December and enjoying the holiday season as well as enjoying this edition of Curated Weekly to get you started.
Modern Classic Finds
I saw this lovely cable-knit crewneck cardigan from J. Crew and immediately thought of Kathleen Kelly from You’ve Got Mail. It has that timeless cardigan look that she would’ve worn as well as in a color that she often wore too.
I was recently in Anthropologie and picked up this Nathalie Lete Stoneware Holiday Monogram Mug which has been such a lovely addition to my holiday cup collection and/or would make a nice gift too.
Trays of any kind are just a timeless touch for any home, and this Rattan Tray from H&M Home is not only a beautiful tray that can be used for many different things, but it is also at a great price point of only $35.99 too.
I recently came across this Parisian Picnic Basket at Williams-Sonoma and instantly loved it. While it may be winter now, spring will eventually be around the corner, so why not have a beautiful picnic basket ready to go for when it does.
Only one month until the new year and if you haven’t picked out a planner yet then here is a lovely La Pera Undated planner from Papier. They always have such beautiful planners and when it comes to flexible planning, their new undated daily planner (you add the dates as you go) is here to simplify your schedule and spotlight those essential to-dos.
If you like the French Provincial style for the kitchen then these Sur La Table Set of 2 French Stripe Mini Mitts is worth looking into, especially at a price of only $16.95.
‘Tis the season of all things cozy and these cozy Cloud Knit Modal Short Sleeve Notch Collar Top and Shorts Pajama Set from Target is sure to be enjoyed all throughout the year.
BOOKS
There’s so many good book releases from the past week starting off with Winter Stories. The internationally acclaimed and nationally bestselling author of Brightly Shining returns with a trio of tender, powerful stories of courage and overcoming adversity. Winter Stories is a masterful triptych from a major international writer renowned for her ability to say a great deal in few words. It is a poignant reminder of the power of hope, loyalty, and unexpected kindness during dark times.
For my fellow book lovers, Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books was also released this past week and looks to be a cozy book to curl up to. From the author of the international bestseller Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, comes a heartfelt invitation to reflect on your relationship with reading and celebrate the joys of books. Every Day I Read provides many quiet moments for introspection and reflection, encouraging book-lovers to explore what reading means to each of us. While this is a book about books, at its heart is an attitude to life, one outside capitalism and climbing the corporate ladder. Lifelong and new readers will take inspiration from it, including a treasure trove of book recommendations blended seamlessly within.
Food essays are some of my favorite books to read and Feast on Your Life: Kitchen Meditations for Every Day will be another great one to add to the collection. From the award-winning author of An Everlasting Meal comes a record of daily delights from inside the kitchen and just outside it; designed to help you find joy every day. Adler’s reflections help you see the magic in everyday meals and embrace the art of cooking with a renewed sense of peace, helping you find greater happiness and mindfulness the kitchen.
Romance the Every Day: Inspired Ideas for a Year of Little Luxuries came out last year, but it’s just too lovely to not add to the list. Romantic living is not dependent on financial wealth or social status. It is focused on senses, aesthetics, maximizing your resources, and observing the poetry of the present. The perfect gift for someone you love or self-purchase to honor the love in your heart, Romance the Every Day is for anyone seeking to add a bit of optimistic (and delightfully romantic) texture to their life.
MOVIES/TELEVISION/MEDIA
With a dazzling ensemble cast Oh. What. Fun. is a spirited holiday comedy from director Michael Showalter and writers Chandler Baker and Showalter. A wink to every overworked holiday host, the film celebrates family, freedom, and the unexpected magic of a Christmas gone off-script. Sure to be a great movie for the holiday season.
Based on the global best selling book by Emily Henry, People We Meet On Vacation comes to Netflix January 9, starring Emily Bader & Tom Blyth. Every summer for nearly a decade, free-spirited Poppy and buttoned-up Alex embark on a travel adventure, but after years of not speaking, one fateful trip brings them back together to confront their unspoken feelings for one another.
For my mystery fans, Murder at the Embassy looks to be a good watch this season. When a private detective is called to investigate a suspicious murder inside Cairo’s seemingly impenetrable British Embassy, she discovers a second crime has been committed that could spark war across the globe. Everyone within the walls of the embassy is a suspect, but the ultimate evil force is lurking right around the corner. Mischa Barton returns as Miranda Green in the follow up to the highly successful film Invitation to Murder. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing who pulled the trigger until the film’s final frame!
Step inside this beautifully reimagined North London home with interior designer Sacha Berger, founder of Honeybee Interiors. Located in Highgate, this elegant residence blends timeless architecture with warm, modern design. From bespoke joinery and soft earthy tones to stunning natural light and restored original features, every detail reflects harmony, character, and sophistication.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
I am truly such a seasonal reader and if you are too then here is a list of The 27 Best Holiday Books for a Festive Read.
I simply adore any Nancy Meyer film and if you love her interiors as much as I do, then here is an interesting article on 8 Things You’ll Always Find in a Nancy Meyers Home.
This was a lovely article to peruse through, especially as a Francophile for Paris Holiday Windows of Wonder – Department Stores Then and Now.
As a Trader Joes girl myself, I can vouch that these 10 Trader Joe’s December Finds to Shop Before They’re Gone are well worth the purchase.
If you are looking to add a little more cozy to your home for free, then here are 9 Tiny Tweaks That Make Your Home Feel Warmer—Without Buying Anything New.
For my fellow Anglophile and Christmas lovers alike, Here’s the History of the Royal Christmas Tree at Windsor Castle. The tradition dates back to the reign of King George III.
And simply because I love to be cozy this time of year, here are 31 Things to Do in December: One Cozy Ritual for Every Day This Month.
