Happy Friday!
This week I went full festive. I watched Eloise at Christmas, both the 2000 and 2018 versions of The Grinch, and even tuned into the Dancing With the Stars Christmas Special with enthusiasm and verve! I’ve been piping Christmas carols through every room, curling up with holiday novels, and tonight I’m off to the Atlanta Gay Men’s Choir—with a pre-show glass of bubbles at a swanky bar, naturally.
Consider this your permission slip to chase the season unabashedly. Don’t wait until the last frantic days to squeeze in the magic. Start the joy now. Let it snow, let it sparkle, let it be excessive!!!
Wearing | Barbour Lorrie Knitted Sweater
I fell head-over-heels for this sweater the second I saw it on Maisie Peters—and then fell even harder when I wore it at Barnsley, where it collected compliments like it was its job. It’s soft in spirit, classic in shape, and deeply cozy. A note for my sensitive-skin friends: it is wool, so proceed with awareness . . . but if you can tolerate it, she’s worth every snuggly stitch.
Eating | French nion Penne Pasta
Our winter staple. A one-pot, bubbling, golden bowl of comfort that Carter and I bring out the moment the days turn dark and the air sharpens. Think French onion soup—but heartier, creamier, and unapologetically carb-forward.
Reading | The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad
After hearing Suleika’s conversation with Hoda Kotb on the Joy 101 app, I immediately felt connected to her—she is a two-time leukemia survivor who is currently battling her second recurrence of the disease, which Carter was diagnosed with and beat in 2023.
In this beautifully crafted book, Suleika explores journaling as a magical portal back to creativity, gathering wisdom from one hundred writers, artists, and thinkers. Essays, prompts, rituals—the tools for building a more inspired life.
And I’m not waiting until January to begin my first resolution of 2026! I journaled through college and throughout Carter’s illness, and I’m returning to the practice with this book as my guide in anticipation of her 30-day New Year journaling challenge.
Watching | With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration
The coziest, softest, most elevated comfort viewing. I would watch a hundred more seasons—happily.
Listening | Morgan Stewart on The Cutting Room Floor
After listening to this episode, I am officially a Morgan Stewart McGraw mega fan. Raw, refreshing, and deeply honest, she provides a sharp, unfiltered take on privilege, fulfillment, and the psychology of luxury goods. And here’s the best part: you can garner the thesis in this three-minute clip, not behind the podcast paywall, and trust, you need to give this a listen. It’s such a fresh, healthy take on the idea that you can love beautiful things—truly appreciate them—without letting them define you or fill a void. Authenticity at its finest.
Trying | Darker Hair
Inspired entirely by Chloe Rose Litras, whose rich winter shade has me ready to step into a deeper, moodier version of myself. A subtle seasonal transformation thanks to Stephanie at Amaryllis Salon in Buckhead!
Champagne | As Ever Sparkling Wine by Meghan Markle
After debuting her still wines this summer, Meghan Markle’s brand As Ever has officially released its first-ever sparkling wine—just in time for bubbles season. At $90, it’s the pricier, polished choice, but one sip and you’ll feel yourself whisked away into that effortlessly elegant, California-meets-couture world she does so well. This is a great gift for the royal family fanatic in your life (wink wink Carter!).
Frites | Chandon
Chandon is technically a sparkling wine, not Champagne—though it’s made using the same méthode traditionnelle, delivers a beautifully balanced sip, and lands at a price point that makes it an effortless weeknight pour. Reliable, celebratory, and genuinely delicious.
STORIES
What Happens When We Say It Out Loud. By Tembi Locke and Jenna Bush Hager
The Gospel According to Dogs. By Suleika Jaouad
Notes On: How to Romanticise December. By Hannah Connolly
Travel Guide | Barnsley Resort. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
Books I Read | November 2025. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
Our Home for the Holidays 2025. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
The Lauren Letter Holiday Gift Guide 2025. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
YOUR APPOINTMENTS
Your December Appointments. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
CLOSET
Latest Finds | December 2025
Tuckernuck New Arrivals | December 2025
Laura Byrnes
Laura Byrnes is the embodiment of British Vogue elegance softened by a Nancy Meyers glow—a blend of elevated understatement and warm, lived-in charm. Her feed feels like stepping into a thoughtfully curated London home where the kettle is always just beginning to steam, a cashmere throw waits in the corner, and the lighting is forever set to “golden hour.” She pairs heritage coats with creamy knits, elevates everyday rituals with cinematic intention, and partners with her Mom for the cutest multi-generational try-ons!
