Cozy nostalgia -- make the most of what you have at home

Cozy nostalgia: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Holiday trends that make the most of what we have at home

written by SHAWN MUMMA

AND SARAH REED LA ROUGE DESIGN TEAM

Photos by JLM Photoshoots

The last six months have presented a unique set of global and national challenges, changing the way we live day-today. We miss gathering our family and friends for special meals or grabbing a drink at the local pub with a neighbor. Toss in a hybrid of online and home-school classes, with a dash of shorter days at the end of Daylight Saving Time on Nov. 1, and we have a recipe for crankiness.

I think we can all agree we are ready for some holiday cheer. I’m guessing we’ll all be spending more time at home this holiday season, so why not take the opportunity to make it as cozy as possible?

With a great nod to bygone traditions of Christmases past, cozy nostalgia is by far the most popular trend for the 2020 holiday season, which happens to be our favorite. Trending colors

Red and green have always dominated traditional Christmas designs, and this year is no different. You’ll see a bit more of a vintage/modern vibe with deep, rich, velvety reds and greens. Also be on the lookout for a forest vibe with piney greens and browns, and a softer, more updated look with reds and pale pinks.

Consider using a wreath as a table centerpiece with live greens and fresh citrus fruit.

Trees and greens

We are seeing more artificial trees on the market, and flocking – a process to add artificial snow to branches – is popular again this year, evoking a winter wonderland scene. Think outside the box and bypass a traditional tree. Use a large branch, triangular/pyramid-shaped boxes or mirrored globes. Have fun and use your imagination.

We’re also seeing live greens utilized in unique ways as accents on festive and crafty gift wrap (for example, a miniature pine branch with a few ribbons), and on dining tables as striking and fresh centerpieces. A personal favorite combo is glossy magnolia leaves with bright, fresh lemons. Wreaths

What says happy holidays and Merry Christmas more than a wreath on your front door? There are other ways to incorporate one in your home. Hang a wreath on a mirror or use one as a table centerpiece with live greens and fresh citrus fruit.

Mulled cider is a favorite holiday tradition in many homes.

Traditions

There is a huge draw to reinvigorate holiday traditions – old and new. Stockings hung on the fireplace mantel and Advent calendars are making huge comebacks. A favorite tradition is the mulled cider Sarah’s mom makes. She simmers on the stove 1 quart of local apple cider with a cinnamon stick, a clove and one allspice berry (multiply for a crowd). It tastes like Christmas and makes the house smell divine.

If you want to have a crisp, refreshing adult beverage, consider the Stone Fence: Mix 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon with apple cider over ice. Garnish with a thin slice of apple. Accessories

To fluff up the cozy feeling, remember the small things, such as big, cozy blankets in fur or soft, thick yarn, candles and warm, twinkling Christmas lights. Don’t forget the scents. Think of the nostalgic scents of the past, such as pine, cinnamon, freshly baked pies. All these small things make a big difference.

As the tennis pro Arthur Ashe once wrote: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

View your holiday decorating that way and you can’t go wrong. We wish all of you a happy holiday and blessed new year. — Places

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Full Tilt: An Evening of Lifestyle by Design planned for Nov. 19

What happens when three seemingly different women meet and just click? Sometimes magic. Shawn Mumma, Sarah Reed and Michelle Donahue decided to bring a little bit of light into this crazy year by creating a celebration of community and sisterhood at Full Tilt: An Evening Shawn Mumma is owner of of Lifestyle by Design.

La Rouge Home & Design. “We know firsthand how powerful connection is and how immediate it can be,” Donahue said. “It’s so important to have people around you who just get it. And sometimes they are new friends. “We wanted to provide a space for that to happen for other women, in a beautiful place with amazing food and laughter. God knows we could all use some joy. It has been a year.”

Sarah Reed is a health and life coach with Full Tilt: An Evening of Lifestyle by

Excelevate Academy. Design will be Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. at La Rouge Home & Design, 19761 Leitersburg Pike in Hagerstown. In addition to eating, drinking and making merry, the evening will include presentations by Mumma, Reed and Donahue as well as Karen Coyne of Raymond James. “As women, we are often brought up to believe that we should be putting Michelle Donahue is owner ourselves last, and we want to start of Massage Envy and the InsideOut brand. flipping that script,” Donahue said. “We are invested in inspiring women to create their own personal magic through whatever avenue speaks to them. So for this first event, we are focused on the impact of interior spaces, a healthy mind and body, fashion and finance. And we’re excited to share a little bit of what we know. “We won’t be talking all night,” Donahue laughed. “We want people to connect to each other, not feel like we’re holding them hostage at a three-hour TED Talk.” In-person seating is limited. Attendees will be asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. All proceeds will benefit local nonprofits who are changing our world for the better. For information, call La Rouge at Karen Coyne, Raymond James financial adviser, will 240-818-7969 or Massage Envy be a guest speaker at the Hagerstown at 240-513-6981. Full Tilt event.