Happy Halloween today and it’s already the last Curated Weekly post for the month of October and as we say goodbye to the month that truly starts us off into autumn, we also get to say hello to a cozy November where we can enjoy even more colorful trees, the Thanksgiving holiday, and even a soft start to the Christmas season. While October is one of my favorite months of the year as it opens the door to the autumn season, November may truly be my favorite month of the year. Here in Raleigh the leaves peak in color in November, the weather outside stays a consistent cooler temperature, and there’s a good mix of savoring autumn as well as starting to feel the wonder of Christmas that is not too far off. I will continue sharing even more ideas for the Thanksgiving holiday here on the curated weekly posts as well as subtly working in some Christmas ideas as well. Let us enjoy this last Friday of October with gratitude as well as look forward to the coziness of November and all it has to offer.
MODERN CLASSIS FINDS
I think sweater dresses are so elegant for fall and winter and this Wrap Knee Length Sweater Dress from Banana Republic Factory is so pretty and comes in four different colors to choose from.
Between holiday parties, symphonies, operas, or just an elegant night out for dinner, a small evening bag is always best for a formal or elegant event and this Beaded Mini Drawstring Clutch from Ann Taylor would complete any dressed up outfit.
If you love the look of copper cookware but don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend on it, then Hearth & Hand from Target has a few pieces that not only look timeless, but is also at a more budget friendly price point too. They currently have a 2.1 Quart Sauce Pan, a 4 Quart Frying Pan, and a Roasting Pan. All three items also come with lids.
I think ginger jars look so elegant and currently Belk has this Set of 5 Biltmore Porcelain Chinoiserie Vase Ornaments for only $25.00 with their online coupon. A true elegant touch for any Christmas Tree.
For the ballet fans, Anthropologie has teamed up with the New York City Ballet for a new collection of The Nutcracker items to be enjoyed this holiday season. You can visit the entire collection here, but I personally loved their stoneware plates and mugs.
Beautiful napkins on an elegantly set table is one of life’s simple pleasures. That’s why I am always on the lookout for beautiful napkins to invest in and these 4-pack Bethany Organic Cotton Napkins or these Amaya Block Print Organic Cotton Napkins are currently on sale at Pottery Barn for only $22.97.
And still on the lookout for more elegant cups to enjoy my coffee from, this Portmeirion Spode Blue Italian Teacup and Saucer is also in my saved Amazon list. This cup holds 20 ounces and while it is a little more expensive than your ordinary coffee cup at $37, I think the investment will be worth it to savor this everyday elegance.
BOOKS
Starting off this week’s books is a stunning collection of simple and elegant seasonal recipes from the beloved New York restaurant The King. The King Cookbook is being released on November 4th. At King, each day begins with a large sheet of parchment paper that will bear the markings of a new menu. The framework never changes but the offerings, cocktails and dishes inspired by Southern France and Italy, refresh and rekindle. Now, mirroring a meal at its intimate New York restaurant, The King Cookbook shares over 120 of its best-loved recipes, culled from years of daily-changing menus.
A book that is currently on my list to peruse is Home Again: A Return to Gracious Interiors which was released this past September. In this book, James Farmer takes you on a tour of homes that he and his team have designed across the country. Places that evoke the seasons of clients’ families and set the stage for seasons to come. From the farmlands of Georgia to the Carolina Lowcountry, the Blue Ridge Mountains to the citrus groves of Florida, to college towns, Martha’s Vineyard, and a cottage in Mississippi, the homes on display are inspirations in traditional Southern style and reminders that traditional décor can set the tone to celebrate our homes wherever they are.
Yet another beautiful recipe book being released on November 11th is Something from Nothing: A Cookbook by Alison Roman. Whether you’re feeding yourself on a busy weeknight or hosting a last-minute dinner party, this book has just what you need. For easy, straightforward recipes that still impress, Something from Nothing has you covered, showing you how to turn every bag of beans, tin of anchovies and jar of olives into a meal worth celebrating.
For my fellow Anglophiles and Francophiles (or Christmas lovers in general), Splendor of Christmas: English, French, and American Holiday Style by Melissa Lester is a book that will certainly interest you. Just released this past September, Splendor of Christmas bids readers to experience the unique character of festivities in countries that perennially enchant readers of Victoria Magazine. Come alongside the magazine’s editors as they travel to notable destinations strolling cobbled streets where old-world beauty lends timeless allure to today’s sojourns. From cozy cottage to grand estates, well-appointed interiors dressed for Yuletide welcome guests with exuberant attention to detail. Step inside historic homes and private havens, all trimmed to perfection, for an insider’s look at the treasured traditions enjoyed this time of year.
And if you’re looking to just cozy up to a novel then Port Anna by Libby Buck may just be what you’re looking for. An enchanting debut novel exploring second chances and blossoming romance in a charming port town in Maine, perfect for fans of J. Courtney Sullivan’s The Cliffs. It’s sure to be a good novel to curl up with on a cold night.
While not being released until May 12, 2026, I simply can’t leave off Prue Leith’s new upcoming book, Being Old…and learning to love it! which is now available for preorder. So much more than a memoir, this a spirited canter through Prue’s musings on the triumphs, trials and tribulations of ageing well. Including health, beauty, fashion, business, work, widowhood and finding love again, decorating, downsizing, and assisted dying. A book that has already made my TBR list and I will be sure to mention again in a May post for Curated Weekly.
MOVIES/TELEVISION/MEDIA
The social season has begun again. What scandalous secrets await us this time? If you have not seen it yet, The new Bridgerton teaser is here. Bridgerton Season 4 will arrive in two parts with Part 1 premiering January 29th and Part 2 on February 26th on Netflix and I have already marked my calendar.
So many of us know of or have read The New Yorker and for the first time, The New Yorker opens up its offices to Academy Award-winning director Marshall Curry, allowing unprecedented access to its newsroom at a pivotal moment for all media, offering a rare look at what it took to publish a century of intrepid journalism, generation-defining fiction, and unforgettable cartoons.
And of course we can’t forget Emily in Paris which will make its season 5 premier on December 18th.
And simply because Thanksgiving is right around the corner, Here is a quick video from Ina Garten to help you host the perfect Thanksgiving with everything from brilliant make-ahead tips to expert entertaining strategies.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
A Royal Copy of Pride and Prejudice Is Going on Display at Windsor Castle for the first time. The book is believed to be the same copy from which Prince Albert read aloud to Queen Victoria. A wonderful exhibit if you happen to have a chance to visit this season.
The beautiful blooms of a Thanksgiving cactus are a stunning addition to any holiday décor and here is How to Make Your Thanksgiving Cactus Bloom Right on Schedule.
If advent calendars are something that you like to do during the holidays, then here is a great list of 2025 Advent Calendars Under $100 Which Include Makeup, Candles, And More.
When visiting Paris it is inevitable that one will want to purchase a gift or two to bring home and here is a list of Where To Buy Unique Gifts in Paris for your next trip.
Many of us here in the U.S. have either a small bathroom or even a half bathroom and if you need some design inspiration then here are 14 small bathroom ideas to make the most of your space.
Intermittent fasting has been in the wellness culture for awhile and here is a great article on Intermittent Fasting for Women—How Your Hormones Really Respond.
For some people Shorter Days Are the Worst Part of Fall—Here’s Some Ideas on How To Make the Most of Them.
And to end on a festive note, if you are an avid fan of The Great British Bakeoff (like myself), then the Roku Channel is premiering the The Great American Baking Show – Celebrity Holiday this upcoming Monday, November 3rd. Christmas, Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, and cozy baking? I will for sure be savoring this one for the holiday season.
