Happy Friday!
This week finds our home in full early-Christmas swing — the Frontgate boxes have arrived, the garlands are being fluffed, and the little quiet corners of our house are slowly turning festive. I know it’s early, but there’s something about easing into the season instead of rushing into it — letting the magic take shape slowly, room by room.
Daylight savings has helped, in its own gentle way. These long evenings arrive sooner now, encouraging us to soften our pace, close the blinds, cook a real dinner, and actually be home. The candles are lit a bit earlier, the tea kettle works overtime, and the house feels like a cashmere sweater.
And while October gets all the poetic love, I’ll say it plainly: in Atlanta — where summer lingers far longer than it should — November might just be my favorite month. The leaves have been miraculous this year, like they’re showing off. Every time I look out the window or drive down a tree-lined street, I feel a flicker of gratitude and wonder. It is golden here — truly.
Your Holiday Gift Guides are coming on Sunday (you know I love to shop early), and I have some beautiful, thoughtful finds lined up for you. But for now — here’s this week’s letter. Let’s settle into this next chapter together.
Wearing | Tuckernuck Ashford Pant
A polished, go-anywhere trouser in every fabrication you could possibly want — knit, velvet, corduroy, and even leather. They have that magically flattering, holds-you-just-right fit that works for office days, holiday parties, chasing little ones, or slipping into something elevated for dinner. I love that you can build a whole winter wardrobe just by rotating the textures and colors — same silhouette, entirely different mood.
Eating | Half-Baked Harvest Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Cozy, fragrant, and exactly what November tastes like. I’d tweak the method next time by cooking the rice separately for a creamier texture, then folding everything together before it bakes — but still such a good, comforting weeknight dish.
Reading | Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
This Hunger Games prequel has me just as captivated as the original trilogy — that same sweeping politics-meets-emotion worldbuilding, but even richer. I cannot put it down.
Watching | The Newsroom
After our fourth (yes . . . fourth) rewatch of The West Wing, Carter and I finally dove into Aaron Sorkin’s other HBO cult classic: The Newsroom. I didn’t expect it to follow real events so closely — and the Gabby Giffords (who I ADORE) scene set to “Fix You”? I was undone.
Listening | Maisie Peters New Singles
I’ve been a fan since I saw her open for Taylor at Wembley in London, and her two new releases are pure, lyrical ache. “Audrey Hepburn” is breathtaking, and, dare I say it, perhaps the most softly stunning love song ever written (there, I said it!). I actually cried the first time I listened. If these two songs don’t satiate you, The Good Witch (the album and the song) is pure, lyrical ache.
Also, because I immediately hunted it down, here is the sweater Maisie is wearing in the image below! *Adds to Christmas List*
Trying | ilovemahj.com
As a social introvert at heart, I’ve slowed down weeknight plans — but still love staying connected with my mahjong group by playing together online. Perfect for group or solo play, welcoming to beginners and longtime players alike. The “suggested hands” feature is my favorite way to keep learning!
Champagne | NEST New York Holiday Grand Candle
This is the scent of our home all season long — pomegranate, cloves, a little pine. It fills the room beautifully, but also the scope of this candle stands alone as a decorative moment (the glass is stunning). An honorable mention goes out to the current collaboration with Donald Robertson— one of my forever favorite artists.
Frites | Nordic Tea Light Carousel
A tiny piece of made-in-Sweden magic. You light the candle, and as the warm air rises, the little carousel begins to spin — suddenly the whole room feels hushed and twinkly. It’s simple, nostalgic, and enchanting.
STORIES
Our Home for the Holidays 2025. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
Books I Read | October 2025. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
We Exclusively Reveal the New-Look Paddington. By Kate Wyver for The Guardian
You Need a Hobby Menu. By Jenna Piotrowicz for The Everygirl
Notes On: How to Romanticise November. By Hannah Connolly
The Luxury Industry Is at an Inflection Point. By Amy Odell
YOUR APPOINTMENTS
Your November Appointments. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
Your Sunday Appointments. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
CLOSET
Latest Finds | November 2025
Tuckernuck New Arrivals | November 2025
Mycah Hunter
Mycah Hunter’s world feels straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie — all warm light, soft textures, and immediately welcoming. I’m obsessed with her home: perfectly curated yet comfortable, the kind of space that makes you want to curl up with a book and take notes for your next redecorating project.
I especially adore her content from last holiday season — it was nostalgia and elegance — and she’s fully convinced me that I need to invest in an entire Bordallo collection for my kitchen. (I’ve never wanted ceramic cabbageware more).
