Holiday Glow Made Easy
Being the hostess, the planner, or the one who pulls it all together doesn’t have to mean overdoing it. In fact, this year, we’re embracing the art of less but better. A small table with intentional details. A meal where conversation matters more than perfection. A quiet moment to reflect on how far we’ve come.
Gratitude doesn’t need to be loud or performative. It can show up in small ways: an extra seat at the table or a favorite bottle of wine shared among friends. It’s the season of light, laughter, and letting go — and this year, we’re here to help you celebrate simply!
What to Wear
Simple, Chic, and a Little Bit Special
This isn’t the year for sequins and stress. Think easy silhouettes and soft textures — a cozy knit dress with statement earrings, or jeans and a cashmere sweater with a swipe of red lipstick. Add one “extra touch” that feels like you — maybe velvet ballet flats, a silk hair ribbon, or your grandmother’s gold bracelet. Effortless, feminine, and still holiday-ready.
What to Drink
Affordable Wines Served Beautifully
Skip the fancy bar setup and make your wine moment beautiful with simplicity. Choose one or two crowd-pleasing bottles under $20 — a light red (like Pinot Noir) and a crisp white (like Sauvignon Blanc). Pour into mismatched vintage glasses, add a sprig of rosemary or a few cranberries for color, and you’ve instantly made it special.
Our Favorite Wines Under $20
Cabernet Sauvignon: Josh Sellars & 19 Crimes
Sauvignon Blanc: Oyster Bay & Belle Reserva
Pinot Noir: Forested & Blue Canyon
Pinot Grigio: Benvolio & Essenza di Vita
Ways to Serve This Season
Simple Acts, Big Impact Serving others doesn’t have to mean organizing a fundraiser (though we love those too). Try one small, intentional act each week:
Deliver a pie to a neighbor you’ve never met.
Venmo a friend $10 for coffee “just because.”
Write a thank-you card to your child’s teacher.
Sign up for a local charity drive or drop off canned goods at your church.
You can also share online — local nonprofits love being tagged and supported on social media! It’s the easiest way to spread the love beyond your table.
A Few Local Non Profits to Follow:
@the.roocrew
@cac_spartanburg
@haltersc
@hopecenterforchildren
@habitatgvl
@let_there_be_mom
@greenvillehumane
@spartanburgcountyfoundation
Keeping Family Time Joyful (and Drama-Free)
Less Pressure, More Presence Before the big day, set your own intention. Maybe it’s “keep it light,” “laugh often,” or “don’t sweat the stuffing.” When the moment starts to feel too much, take a breath, step outside, and look at the sky — it sounds small, but it resets everything.
If old family stories or opinions resurface, try redirecting with gratitude:
“That reminds me of the time we all…” or “I’m just so thankful we’re together this year.”
You can’t control every personality, but you can control the energy you bring into the room — and sometimes, that’s all it takes to shift the mood.
This season, let simple be your superpower. You don’t need more — you just need to make what you have matter. A cozy home, a grateful heart, and the people who make every day worth celebrating!