A Fresh Start … Right Before the New Year
There’s something funny about December. Everyone talks about January being the month of resetting and refreshing, but honestly? I think December deserves that title.
It’s the month where you’re hosting, dressing up, layering your home, layering yourself, and quietly taking note of what feels good and what doesn’t.
You start noticing the things you reach for again and again, the pieces that make your home feel warmer, and the items that make getting dressed a little easier when everything else feels busy.
This edit is really about those things — the little upgrades that make winter feel intentional.
Color of the Month: Farrow & Ball De Nimes
Every season has that color. For December (and honestly, for winter as a whole), mine is Farrow & Ball De Nimes.
It’s a moody, lived-in dark blue … calm, cozy, and just elevated enough that it makes a room feel considered without being dramatic. I’ve been thinking about using it in the TV room/den at the Sixth Street Bungalow, and the more I sit with it, the more obsessed I get.
Picture this: De Nimes drenched on the ceiling and walls, partnered with warm camel tones, aged brass, layered textiles, and a really good leather moment. I actually sourced a pre-loved leather sofa from Facebook Marketplace (my favorite thrill), and can already see how incredible it’s going to look against that deep blue backdrop. It’s giving “heritage,” “library,” “curl up with a good book,” all wrapped into one.
If you’ve been craving a little richness in your space (a color that brings depth without feeling heavy), this is your sign. De Nimes is one of those hues that plays well with everything: natural wood, cream upholstery, plaid pillows, vintage art … you name it. It instantly makes a room feel grounded.
Honestly, it might be my new favorite winter neutral!!
Winter Trends Worth Paying Attention To
Not the flashy, viral trends, but the ones that actually make your everyday better.
- Warm woods + soft lighting that make the long evenings feel cozy instead of heavy
- Classic textures (tweed, and brushed wool) that turn your sofa or your outfit into instant comfort
- Quiet luxury details — simple, beautiful pieces that don’t try too hard
- Vintage-leaning accents you can mix with what you already have
- Tabletop pieces that make casual dinners feel like a moment
It’s a good mix of practical, pretty, and how did I live without this?
Whether you’re hosting a dinner, sneaking away for a weekend, finishing your guest room, or trying to look somewhat put together in 30-degree weather, the goal is for this edit to feel like a set of reliable go-tos.
Pieces you can use now, but will still love in February… and next December, too.
Suede Boots | Cream Wrap Coat | Vintage-Style Lamp | Gold Gucci Ring | Silver Trio Bowl | Cheese Knife Set |
Leather Ice Bucket | Wooden Desk | Winter Platter | Lantern Sconce | Embroidered Napkins | Cane Dining Chair |
Plaid Pillows | Chanel Flats | Sequin Pants | Polo Heritage Book | Saltyface Tanning Foam | String Lights |
Gingham Ruffle Pillow | Faux Garland | Watch | Tennis Bracelet | Cable-Knit Sweater
Fashion Finds for a Cozy–Chic December
December dressing is my favorite because it’s the one month where cozy layers and a little sparkle can live together perfectly. I’ve been reaching for pieces that make getting dressed feel effortless. Like this cream wrap coat that makes regular pants look polished, this soft brown cable-knit sweater that works with everything, and these sleek suede boots that give any outfit a more elevated shape. Pair the the sweater with your favorite jeans, add statement earrings and the suede boots and out you go! My favorite way of dressing honestly.
To balance the neutrals, I’m leaning into festive textures like these cream sequin pants I’m planning to wear on Christmas Eve with this oversized, ivory knit (also festive, but without trying too hard) for a monochromatic look.
And, because good accessories make even simple outfits feel intentional, this month’s edit includes the timeless Chanel cap-toe flats (I want these soooo bad), a classsic watch, this to-die-for Gucci monogrammed ring, and a delicate tennis bracelet. In other words, understated little luxuries that make winter basics feel special. Honestly, December skin can feel so dull, and the Saltyface self-tanner has been saving me! It gives just enough glow that clothes look better, makeup sits better, and you don’t feel washed out in holiday photos. Can’t say enough good things about this product — no funky smell and feels moisturizing. (I went with the light to medium formula for both the body and tanning water.)
Heritage Tabletop & Hosting Staples
I’ve been really into heritage tabletop details this season. You know when you walk into someone’s home and see a beautiful little setup on the counter or the bar, and you can’t put your finger on why it feels so welcoming? It’s usually because of these kinds of pieces.
It may go back to the holidays of my childhood. There was always some charming little dish out with nuts, or a beautiful knife set waiting beside a cheese board, and it made the whole night feel intentional, even if the dinner wasn’t fancy. It feels nostalgic in the best way.
That’s why I love pieces like the silver three-bowl snack dish. It has a gel liner that is meant for freezing to keep things colder longer! It’s one of those items that’s pretty enough to leave out every day — just fill with olives or your favorite festive dips.
Same with the copper cheese knives. Even if the “spread” is store-bought cheese and crackers (which, let’s be honest, it often is when December gets chaotic), using a real knife instead of a plastic spreader makes everything look so much more intentional. It’s the tiniest detail, but people notice.
And, this leather ice bucket feels like the ultimate grown-up hosting moment. It gives a bar setup that classic, equestrian charm that feels very RL holiday. Sometimes you can tuck a rolled up linen napkins inside for a buffet, or use them to hold a bouquet of greenery if you’re not chilling wine that night. Not kidding — they can be surprisingly multifunctional.
I’m also loving the elegant antique nickel lamp for low, flattering dinner lighting (Martha would approve). For the actual table or bar, try these green toile platters for displaying apps and white linen needlework napkins that bring that understated, wintry charm without screaming “holiday.” Even small touches like this mini ornament light strand make everything feel magical. I’d tuck them into garlands, down the table, or even into outdoor potted trees for a warm twinkle.
Decor Accents for a Warmer Winter Home
Let’s talk about plaid, because she is absolutely having a moment — and honestly, she always deserved one. Between the Ralph Lauren resurgence, the whole “quiet luxury meets Americana” thing, and the cozy-winter-cottage energy we’re all craving, plaid is everywhere … but in the best, most classic way.
These plaid pillows in this month’s edit really kicked off my obsession again. Plaid works with anything: wood tones, leather, stripes, florals, solids. It’s one of those patterns that effortlessly mixes without feeling loud. Whether it’s on a pillow, a throw, a wool ottoman, or even an accent wall (yes, tartan wallpaper in the right space is magic), it just makes a room feel lived-in and layered.
We’re adding a few inspiration images into the post — think upholstered chairs in a heritage check, a plaid banquette cushion, a moody study with tartan drapery — not because you need to go full Scottish manor (unless you want to!), but because it shows just how versatile the pattern is. A little truly goes a long way.
Alongside the plaid, add a gingham check like this check ruffle pillow which adds a sweet, tailored moment that still feels fresh.
And this faux cedar garland? One of my non-negotiables this time of year. I drape it up the staircase, weave it down a dining table, or tuck it over a mirror or doorway. It instantly softens a space and adds that fresh, evergreen feel without needles falling everywhere. I’m telling you, this is the best I have found, and it always sells out so get it while you can.
Pieces That Make the Season Feel Thoughtful
Some of my favorite pieces are the ones that support the rhythms of the season — the hosting, the gathering, the slower moments in between. A mahogany writing desk is one of them. This time of year, it becomes the perfect landing spot to open Christmas cards, write thank-you notes, prep small gifts, and just keep the seasonal chaos looking somewhat put-together. Style it with the Polo heritage book (another great gift idea). It adds that rich, nostalgic warmth that makes a room feel instantly more layered.
The green rattan dining chair might be my favorite “unexpected” pick for the roundup. There’s been this shift toward character-rich furniture lately that still feels practical … nothing too precious, nothing too try-hard. Bistro styles, rattan details, natural materials — they’re all having a resurgence because they make everyday dining feel inviting. I love that these chairs look collected, not coordinated. They’re hardworking, comfortable, and have that lived-in charm that makes a dining room feel like people actually gather there (which… they do, especially this time of year).
And finally, the lighting moment I’m most excited about: the patina’d brass lantern sconce. Swapping out lighting (even in just one spot) is one of the easiest ways to refresh your space for winter. These bring a soft, vintage glow and a sense of intentionality that instantly makes a home feel more finished. I’m planning to install them in our kitchen, and already know they’re going to add so much warmth to our evenings this season!
***
Looking Ahead Without Rushing
While everyone else is rushing into January, I’m just soaking up the season we’re in. These pieces help me do that. I hope they help you do the same. Cheers! ❤️
