Best of 2025 {Most Viewed Posts}

 Though I didn’t blog as regularly in 2025, I always love taking a moment to look back at the posts that resonated most with you. Revisiting these favorites feels like flipping through a well-loved scrapbook—full of moments you were especially drawn to and stories that sparked connection.

As you might guess, the most-viewed posts of the year centered around the unforgettable snowfall in New Orleans last January. It was truly an extraordinary and exciting time for New Orleanians, and sharing that rare winter magic clearly struck a chord. From there, posts highlighting my love of seasonal decorating and glimpses of my travels rounded out the list—topics that continue to bring me joy and, thankfully, seem to interest you as well.

Below is a look at the most-viewed posts of 2025. As always, thank you for following along, for reading, and for being part of this little corner of my world. I look forward to sharing more with you in 2026 and hope to see even more of you in the year ahead. Cheers!

#10: December at Acorn Cottage: Living Room

#9: December at Acorn Cottage: Facade {Nighttime}

#8: December at Acorn Cottage: A Love Letter to Shiny Brites

#7: November at Acorn Cottage: Fall Doorhanger

#6: October at Acorn Cottage: Spooky Mummies

#5: Dinner at Little Bird {Fairhope, AL}

#4: Acorn Cottage {J's Bath Redo}

#3: Classroom Theme {Think Like a Scientist}

#2: SNOLA {at Night}

#1: SNOLA 01.21.25

Check out my "Best ofs"...

 Best of 2024 | Best of 2023 |  Best of 2022 | Best of 2021 | Best of 2020| Best of 2019 |Best of 2018 | Best of 2017 |  Best of 2016 | Best of 2015 | Best of 2014 | Best of 2013 | Best of 2012 

Happy New Year, y'all!

December at Acorn Cottage: The Courtyard

 As 2026 begins to wind down, I thought it fitting to share the holiday decorations in the courtyard just beyond the rear of Acorn Cottage. This outdoor space becomes especially magical in December, dressed for the season in a classic palette of greens, reds, and crisp whites.

Each year, J and I continue our favorite tradition of purchasing a Fraser fir tree for the courtyard. Wrapped simply in white lights, it glows softly against the winter evenings, casting a warm and inviting sparkle that feels almost storybook. There is something about twinkling lights outdoors in December that feels timeless and comforting—quietly magical in the best possible way.

Touches of red velvet add richness throughout the space. Oversized bows and fresh green garlands adorn the vintage clock face that hangs proudly on the fence, giving it a festive new personality for the season. Even the deer get in on the holiday spirit, each one donning a red velvet bow as they stand watch over the courtyard with understated charm.

From the surrounding trees, red mercury glass orbs and gold jingle bells hang and sway, catching the light and spreading holiday cheer with every glimmer. These small details bring movement, texture, and just the right amount of sparkle to the space.

The courtyard has become one of my favorite spots to pause during the busy holiday season—a place to step outside, take in the glow, and savor the simple joys that December brings. As the year comes to a close, this little corner of Acorn Cottage feels like a perfect reflection of the season: festive, warm, and filled with quiet moments of joy. Cheers to holiday traditions and the magic of December.

The Courtyard, y'all!

December at Acorn Cottage: Jingle & Mingle

 Ever since J and I moved to Acorn Cottage, we’ve made it a tradition to host an annual Jingle & Mingle soiree for our favorite neighbors and closest friends. What began as a simple gathering has become one of our most cherished ways to celebrate—and share—the true spirits of the holiday season.

The afternoon unfolded just as it should: cocktails clinking, conversations flowing, and laughter filling every corner of the cottage and the courtyard. It’s always a joy to gather the people who make our little neighborhood feel like home, if only for a few festive hours.

Cheers to good neighbors, dear friends, and holiday traditions worth keeping. And if you’re a neighbor who didn’t secure an invite this year… well, do better in 2026!

Jingle & Mingle, y'all!

December at Acorn Cottage: Scenes from the House

 As we celebrate Christmas Eve, I thought I’d share a few Christmasy moments from around the house. It’s no secret that I love to decorate for the holiday season, and this time of year my home truly reflects that love. Little vignettes here and there capture the spirit of Christmas and bring the season to life in the most charming ways.

Bedrooms vestibule.

There are touches of Christmas everywhere you turn — in the hallways, tucked into the baths, and styled thoughtfully on shelves throughout the house. I adore the glitter and sparkle of the holidays, and I never shy away from letting things shimmer just a bit more this time of year. Each space holds something special, whether it’s a small ornament, a festive ribbon, or a bit of greenery that makes the everyday feel magical.

Belsnikle Santa with fur.

Cocktails Lounge.

Coffee tawk.

Food Ornament Tree.

Hallway cabinet.

J's bath.

Paperwhites @tylerandtatenola

Ron's bath.

Some of my very favorite ornaments, collected through our travels over the years, take pride of place on the sunroom tree. Each one tells a story and brings back memories, making the tree feel especially personal and meaningful. It’s one of my favorite spots to pause, take it all in, and soak up the beauty of the season.

And that's a wrap! Presents wrapped in papers from Scriptura and Ballard Designs look festive under the tree.

I hope that you and yours are enjoying a warm, joyful, and very special Christmas Eve, surrounded by love, light, and a little extra sparkle. 

Scenes from the house, y'all!

December at Acorn Cottage: A Love Letter to Shiny Brites

 There are few Christmas decorations more iconic than Shiny Brite ornaments. Long before themed trees and curated color palettes, these sparkling glass treasures filled homes with magic, nostalgia, and unmistakable holiday cheer. For generations, Shiny Brites were the ornaments—carefully unwrapped each December and hung with intention, telling stories of Christmases past.

I’ve always had a soft spot for traditional holiday décor, so when I stumbled upon a custom wreath made with vintage Shiny Brites on Instagram, I knew it was something special. Even better, it was created by a local artist whose work immediately spoke to me.

Claire Heap of @vintageshinybrite is the talent behind these stunning creations, and she offers her work through Southern Antiques—one of my absolute favorite shops—in Laurel, Mississippi. When I saw the wreath, I didn’t hesitate. Some things are simply meant to come home with you.

The wreath I purchased is filled with vintage Shiny Brite ornaments in classic hues of red, green, and gold. It feels timeless, joyful, and wonderfully nostalgic—everything I love about Christmas. I hung it prominently in the window of our dining area, where it can be admired both inside and out. It truly anchors the space and sets the tone for the season.

My admiration for Claire’s work didn’t stop there. I reached out to her to create a custom wreath for our front door. My requests were simple: the ornaments needed to be non-breakable, and the color palette all red. Claire absolutely hit it out of the park. The finished wreath is bold, festive, and looks perfect alongside the other balls, ball garlands, and bows used throughout this season’s décor.

And because one masterpiece deserves another, I also commissioned Claire to create a custom ball ornament tree for the sunroom. Once again, she delivered beautifully. The tree adds just the right amount of sparkle and charm to a room where we spend so much time during the holidays.

There’s something incredibly special about acquiring new Christmas décor that feels meaningful—pieces that are thoughtfully made, deeply nostalgic, and destined to be used year after year. Supporting a local artist while adding timeless beauty to our home makes it even sweeter.

Shiny Brites may be ornaments of the past, but in my home, they continue to shine brightly—carrying tradition, craftsmanship, and Christmas magic into many seasons to come. 

Shiny Brites make my season BRIGHT, y'all!

December at Acorn Cottage: A Moody Christmas in the Den & Dining Rooms

 I don’t believe I’ve shared the den and dining rooms since they were painted back in September, so Christmas felt like the perfect time for their debut. Both spaces were color-drenched in Rain by Sherwin-Williams, a rich, moody hue that completely transformed these rooms. The depth of color adds such an intimate, cozy feeling—especially in the den—making it the ideal spot for movie watching on chilly December evenings.

For Christmas, the décor in these rooms leans very traditional, which feels especially beautiful against the dramatic paint color. At the window, a custom shiny brite ornament wreath welcomes you. I enlisted a local artist, the talented @vintageshinybrites, to create this piece. She also crafted the custom ornament tree in the sunroom, and I love how her work ties the holiday story of the house together with sparkle and nostalgia.

The dining area is dressed for the season in one of my longtime favorites—plaid. The table is covered in classic plaid linens, setting the tone for festive gatherings and holiday meals. Overhead, the chandelier is strung with red shiny ornament garlands, casting the most beautiful glow in the evenings. There’s just something magical about the way the ornaments catch the light after the sun goes down.

Throughout both spaces, magnolia garlands and red velvet ribbons add layers of texture and timeless Southern charm. And of course, no holiday setting is complete without scent—Nest Holiday candles fill the air with that unmistakable Christmas fragrance, wrapping the rooms in warmth and cheer.

These rooms may be moody in color, but at Christmastime they are filled with light, tradition, and the simple joy of the season.

Christmas in the Den and Dining Rooms, y'all!