Exactly What to Wear for Every Holiday Gathering This Season

The holidays have been here for a minute, and if you aren’t already in the midst of festive mayhem, then I’m sure it’s about to sneak up on you. (Like, tomorrow!) Between the parties, planning, and all the presents to buy, our plates are full. And with all the activity comes a packed social calendar. Sure, it’s a lot to manage, but I’m not going to lie—after a few years of engaging solely online, I’m more than a little excited to get dressed up. Thankfully, with a solid capsule wardrobe of heavy-hitting winter basics, your cold-weather mood board is well within reach.

The Best Cozy and Elegant Winter Basics

Our winter basics are those you continue to go back to on a seasonal basis. And sure, in a world of “core” after “core” trend, the idea of finding a timeless piece can feel like a needle-in-a-haystack situation. But don’t worry, no matter the occasion you’re dressing for, these winter basics have you covered.

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Winter basics getting coffee.

Every holiday season merits a weekend day full of catching on your holiday gifting list and connecting with friends over a cuppa. For these festive occasions, the focus is on comfort while still incorporating pieces into your ensemble that guarantee compliments. A tailored blazer, cozy but flattering pant, and statement accessories complete the formula. It’s easygoing while still garnering a solid spot on your feed.

The Blazer

The trick to selecting a timeless blazer is opting for one that moves with the seasons. Your best bet is to go for structure, but with enough give that you can layer dresses, sweaters, and the like underneath. It’s the easiest, chicest addition to any closet.

The Tailored Pant

IYKYK: Quince’s ultra-stretch ponte pant is a study in blending comfort with style. And because the brand is known for offering quality pieces at an accessible price, you’re welcome to select as many colors as you’d like (the burgundy and olive are my other two faves). But as far as pants that do everything for you—nothing beats Cartolina’s Hallie Pant. I’m wearing the “saddle” colorway above, and I can say with certainty: I’ve never loved a pant more. The high rise and elongating slim leg is beyond flattering—and yes, they do feel like yoga pants. (Tip: these run big, you’ll want to size down.) Your wardrobe of winter basics isn’t complete without them.

The Understated Statement Necklace

It’s a paradox, but true—we all need a necklace that completes the outfit while subtly making its presence known. I’m wearing the Banana Republic cubic zirconia piece above and love its classic, just-sparkly-enough appeal. Or, create a little more interest in your arsenal of winter basics by opting for a layered piece that still seamlessly ties in with whatever you have on.

The Statement Bag

‘Tis the season for top-handled bags. Mini, but mighty, these statement bags don’t simply make space for the essentials, but also offer a pop of interest for any look. When I’m not pairing my favorite Melie Bianco Cici bag with this exact blazer + pant + necklace formula, I love making it the grounding piece of a monochrome white or black fit. Streamlined and chic.

Camille Styles winter basics.

What to Wear: The Casual Family Gathering

The key to dressing for family hangs is to go for an elevated comfy look. You don’t want to look like you didn’t try, but you also want to be comfortable enough to roll up your sleeves in the kitchen, play on the floor with little ones, and have something flexible enough to win at a competitive game of charades. Consider these your go-to options for an effortlessly cool look.

The Chunky Sweater 

If you have a curvy body type, my recommendation would be to go with a cropped option to define your waistline or to pair it with a high-waisted pant while doing a casual front tuck. This lets you show off your shape even while adding a little volume from the chunky knit. 

The Perfect Jeans

When it comes to finding the perfect jeans, trust that with a higher price tag comes everything you’re looking for: comfort, quality, and a beyond-flattering look. The good news is that you don’t need anything more than a few go-to pairs for endless outfit combinations. I love a high-waisted bootcut in a darker wash for a universally perfect fit. Again, I’m giving you classic pieces that will never go out of style, so you can feel good about investing in your favorite.

The Cozy Slide

These Jenni Kayne mules went viral for a reason. They’re the perfect laid-back but still elevated alternative to a classic heel. With the pointed heel and elongated shape, they’re flattering for anyone and pair perfectly with every outfit. Cozy slides are a simple way to upgrade your cozy-casual Christmas outfit. Or, if you really want to lean into the coziness this season, the UGG Tazz slipper is a no-brainer.

What to Wear: Christmas Eve at Home

The Cardigan

If you run hot and can’t commit to a sweater indoors, cardigans are a solid solution. Layer it with a silk tank top or over a—yep, you guessed it!—slip dress. You can also roll with it and commit with only a bra underneath. Either way, a cardigan is a win-win. Go with a longer cardigan if you want to keep it comfy, or try a cropped style to show off or create the look of curves.

The Silk Skirt

If you’re not yet sold on the silk dress, give the silk skirt a try. It’s an easy yet comfortable way to elevate your look at home without sacrificing comfort. It comes in a plethora of lengths, but my go-to is the mini. I like to pull out the mini for a night out and keep it classy with a slightly longer hemline for dinner with the family. It looks good with a chunky boot or delicate heel, too. You can keep a slip skirt in your rotation all year, but it’ll be a standout during the holidays.

The Hair Bow

Even Pinterest predicted it—bows are everywhere. They’re the perfect holiday accessory, and the good news is that you’ll be able to keep yours pinned tight throughout the next year. I have The Kate Bow in both black and cream. It’s the perfect Gossip Girl moment to literally tie together any outfit. (The collection of hair accessories was made in collaboration with NYC-based entrepreneur Kira Jones—seriously, her winter basics styling is iconic.)

What to Wear: Festive Holiday Parties

When it comes to holiday parties, there are a few materials and textures that will instantly put you in the mood to celebrate. I love the impact of velvet-everything. It goes beyond monochromatic and creates an instant, luxurious appeal. Make a statement in a pants-and-blazer combo or go classic in a midi dress. No matter how you incorporate it into your holiday dressing, you’re sure to look put together in velvet. 

Velvet Everything

Nothing says the holidays quite like velvet—it can instantly dress up any outfit. One of my favorite velvet pairings is with satin or silk. The juxtaposition of the two fabrics creates such a luxurious vibe. Accessories are always an easy way to add some velvet to your wardrobe, too.

A Fur Topper

Go luxe on luxe with velvet and faux fur—or keep things *relatively* simple by making it your outfit’s go-to statement piece. However you choose to style your faux fur coat, there’s no denying: the material is everywhere this season. And thankfully, there are now plenty of options for beautiful styles at accessible prices.

Metallic Accessories

All that glitters isn’t just gold—it’s also silver, rose gold, and champagne. In a world of metallics, you will always shine. With metallics, I like to follow the rule that less is more. They can be intense in a good way, so use them sparingly.

What to Wear: A Cozy Holiday Morning

For me, holiday mornings are all about keeping it comfortable. I’m talking soft pajamas, warm robes, and elevated loungewear. Whether you’re the matching pajama kind of family or you like to lean more luxe, you can always come back to these pieces. One thing is for sure: you’re bound to create special memories to look back on all while being extra cozy. This lets you focus on what matters most: the magic and joy of your family. 

The Winter-White Set

Don’t get me wrong, I love matching sets in all colors and prints (particularly if you’re coordinating with the fam on Christmas Day). But nothing says classic quite like a winter-white set. Whoever called white after Labor Day a fashion faux-pas certainly never encountered the captivating impact of a luminous sweater-and-pants (or skirt!) pairing. Bonus: The look is elevated enough to take out of the house—but you’ll still feel like you’re wearing pajamas.

Of course, nothing completes a Christmas-at-home ensemble quite like the coziest socks or slippers. Thankfully, brands that do basics to a tee like SKIMS understand that just because we’re prioritizing comfort doesn’t mean we don’t also want to look cute. With the options below, both are 100% possible.

This article was last updated on December 2, 2022.

3 Holiday Appetizers for Hosting a Simple (and Festive!) Gathering

The holiday season always flies by, and squeezing in all the memory-making moments I envision for the holidays takes an intentional approach. One thing I always prioritize? Hosting a cozy night at home with our closest friends around the table. Sharing good food and great conversation during this season forges deep connections, and I promise—it doesn’t need to be stressful or blow your holiday budget.

Here’s my solution when you want to get friends together but are short on time: make a few of my favorite “lazy-fancy” appetizers, set up a self-serve bubbly station, and you’ve got the most festive night ever—no stress required. To show you how it’s done, I partnered up with my friends at Target to share my three favorite appetizers for simplified hosting. Every dish was made with Good & Gather ingredients I stocked up on from a single Target run. (Along with a few other “essentials” I had to have—IYKYK.) Plus, scroll on for a festive table that I set with a few of my favorite Target holiday season finds.

holiday appetizers recipes-citrus and olive wreath
slicing citrus

Citrus & Olive Snacking Wreath

First up is one of the prettiest appetizer spreads your friends have ever seen—and it happens to double as the simplest, most delicious grazing board for greeting them when they walk in the door.

This visually stunning appetizer is surprisingly easy to assemble:

  • Start with a variety of fresh citrus fruits from Target – think oranges, mandarins, and grapefruits, cut into slices or quarters.
  • Arrange these in a circular wreath pattern on a large round serving platter. Nestle in Good & Gather Olives, salted almonds, and slices of Manchego cheese.
  • The final flourish? A few sprigs of evergreen and rosemary for a festive touch. This wreath isn’t just an appetizer, it’s a centerpiece.
holiday appetizers recipes-citrus and olive wreath

Stock up on these:

holiday appetizers recipes-smoked salmon everything bagel board
holiday appetizers recipes-smoked salmon everything bagel board

Everything Bagel & Smoked Salmon Board

One thing I learned from my years working in catering? Everyone loves a smoked salmon and bagel situation, especially around the holidays. Transform this classic pairing into a stunning appetizer with the simplest Everything Bagel & Smoked Salmon Board—here’s how it comes together:

  • Start with a high-quality smoked salmon, thinly-sliced.
  • Arrange the salmon on a pretty platter with all the accoutrements: capers, fresh herbs, thinly-sliced radishes, and most-importantly: the most delicious Good & Gather Everything Seasoning Dip, and Everything Flatbread Crackers.
  • You can either let guests build their own, or you can fancy it up and create “hors d’oevres” by layering a small amount of each ingredient on a cracker and serving on a tiered platter. Either way, this board is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
holiday appetizers recipes-smoked salmon everything bagel board

Stock up on these:

holiday appetizers recipes-spinach artichoke flatbread
holiday appetizers recipes-spinach artichoke flatbread

Wood-Fired Spinach and Olive Flatbread

Repeat after me: you do not have to reinvent the wheel with every appetizer! For a snacks spread, I almost always choose one store-bought item that I can “dress up” with a little food styling. This Wood-Fired Spinach & Olive Flatbread from Good & Gather is found in the freezer section and is already so delicious, it only takes a couple finishing touches to make it feel party-worthy.

  • Simply heat the flatbread as directed so it gets really crispy on the bottom.
  • Slice into cute little triangles that guests can easily grab while theyr’e mingling.
  • Add freshness with a handful of arugula and a drizzle of reduced balsamic.

Set it out on this beautiful wood serving board and let guests help themselves. (Pro tip: you might want to get a few of these flatbreads—they always go fast!)

holiday appetizers recipes-spinach artichoke flatbread

Stock up on these:

holiday champagne pomegranate cocktail
best holiday appetizer recipes

Toast the season

For holiday hosting, I’m a big fan of simple and festive punch recipes that you can mix up before guests arrive and then let them help themselves. This is one of my go-to’s since it’s ridiculously simple and guests always ask me for the recipe. You can double and triple it for a crowd, and even make a mocktail version by swapping the champagne for sparkling water.

  • In a pitcher or punch bowl, add 1 part cranberry juice to 2 parts prosecco. Add ice and stir well.
  • Garnish with lemon slices and pomegranate seeds.
  • Serve with sparkling water or more prosecco so guests can top their drinks off with more bubbles.
best holiday appetizer recipes

A simple but festive table

Throughout most of the year, I embrace the natural look of our wood dining table, but for a party, I always dress it up with a simple white linen tablecloth. Don’t stress about getting every last wrinkle out—the beauty of linen is that it’s casually rumpled. I love the organic, woodsy look of this faux evergreen garland from Hearth & Hand—and one of my favorite ways to use a garland is as a “runner” down the center of the table! It’s a simple way to add festivity without blocking the flow of conversation.

Then, I was ready to pop in the twinkling candlelight that makes every dinner party setup feel special. I think that candlelight is the quickest, most affordable way to give any gathering a magical glow, and I’m obsessed with these matte gold taper holders this year. When adding tall, sculptural elements like candlesticks to the table, I like to keep things a bit asymmetrical—and for added twinkle, feel free to tuck a few votives in among the greenery.

best holiday appetizer recipes
holiday appetizers recipes-spinach artichoke flatbread

You can shop the entire look on my Target storefront, where you’ll find all of my favorite Target buys for every space.

This blog post is sponsored by Target and contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue providing helpful content.

A Harvest Gathering to Celebrate Fall’s Abundance

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the cyclical nature of everything. Our daily rhythms and routines, our bodies and hormones, and of course, the shifts of the season that are particularly meaningful right now. And I’m feeling drawn to respond to these rhythms—to lean into these natural cycles and let them inform the way I cook, eat, and even how I invite others to gather. The shorter days and longer nights of Autumn call us to reconnect with our true selves, and deepen our connections with nature and each other.

To celebrate this time of changing colors and cozier vibes, I hosted a fall dinner party with a few brands that share my love for all things natural: Woven, Casa Zuma, SriMu, Martha Stoumen Wines, and Sweet Laurel. Read on for all the details (including the most delish sweet potato gnocchi recipe) and stay tuned for an exciting giveaway we’ll be launching together soon – details to come via email!

Intentional gatherings

One of my goals for the season is to bring intention to the way I bring people together, the products I surround myself with, and the brands I choose to bring into my home. Not only am I looking for a sense of alignment in style and values—I also simply want to buy fewer, better things.

One way we can be more intentional with our gatherings is by taking time to consider our purpose. When our goal is to cultivate community and connection, there’s less pressure to make everything perfect, and we can focus on creating an environment that puts people at ease and encourages meaningful conversation among guests (I’m all for skipping the small talk!) So, as we head into the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to focus on hosting in a way that makes guests feel connected and uplifted.

An Autumn Apéro

We kicked things off with a golden hour apéro in my backyard. I created the ultimate plant-based cheeseboard featuring SriMu Artisanal Not Cheese (if you haven’t tried it, prepare to swoon—it satisfies every cheese craving without any dairy in site.)

I paired our cheeseboard with the most beautiful bottle of Venturi Carignan from Martha Stoumen, a Northern Cali natural winemaker that I adore both for their delicious wines and their unique approach to winemaking. I especially love the brand’s recommendation for when to drink this wine:

The clock stands still, your phone is off for the evening, and you’re lavishing in time outside of time.

A Plant-Based Cheeseboard

In tune with our celebration of autumn’s abundance, it felt fitting to create a plant-based cheeseboard featuring SriMu’s beautiful NOT cheeses. The brand’s vision is to nourish your body, honor animals, and transform Mother Earth, and each of the varieties are sooo delicious. Here’s how my board came together:

1. Start With A Standout Cheese That Makes The Board Feel Special

For this board, I chose a combination of cheeses for a variety of flavor and texture: SriMu Gold Alchemy (which is inspired by smoked gouda), and SriMu Dolce Vita (inspired by gorgonzola.)

2. Use A Board That’s Big Enough To Make It Abundant

Our Casa Zuma Large Vintage Wood Board is a personal favorite when constructing a large cheese board. It creates a stunning scene on your table and can hold an abundance of ingredients.

3. Include Something Sweet And Something Savory

The addition of fruit like pears, figs, and grapes is one way I love to make a board feel seasonal. To complement the cheeses, a jam or honey is also a sweet addition to any board. As for the savory element, salted nuts, olives, and marinated artichokes can help fill in the gaps and make your cheese board feel abundant.

4. Elevate the Aesthetic With Herbs

Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs is a unique touch to any cheese board. Not only do these toppings add woodsy flavor and scent, they also elevate the visual composition of the board.

6. Offer Options for Bread and Crackers

I usually do sliced, toasted baguettes and a gluten-free seeded cracker to give people options. However, feel free to lay out whatever bread variety or crackers you desire to pull your board together and give people a vessel for their cheeses.

The Harvest Table

As most of you know, we launched our Casa Zuma x Woven collection of furniture last week, and our harvest gathering was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the collaboration between our brands—quite literally, since we gathered around the Kelmscott Farmhouse Dining Table and sat in the Hacienda Dining Chairs, both favorite pieces from the collection.

Our partnership with Woven has been a dream collaboration for me—it’s a brand whose products I love and have in my home, and we couldn’t be more aligned in our vision for what home should be. As they say so beautifully on their site, “Home is somewhere between a place and a feeling. Woven exists for our journeys towards home—crafting spaces that feel warm, natural, and uniquely you.”

The coziest fall dinner recipe

For dinner, I made this Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms, Brown Butter, and Sage.  It really doesn’t get cozier than this for a simple weeknight at home or a special occasion with friends. In the post, I share how to make this recipe using store-bought sweet potato gnocchi—and I’m also sharing how to make gnocchi from scratch so you can choose your own adventure based on how much time you have.

Our time around the table was the perfect way to usher in this seasonal shift. Fall is a season of gratitude and abundance, and these small gathering rituals feel especially nourishing right now.

Simple, nourishing sweets

‘Tis the season for pies, and no one does wholesome desserts with feel-good ingredients quite like my friends at Sweet Laurel Bakery (don’t miss our interview with Laurel here.) For our gathering, we served Apple Crumb Pie and Pecan Pie, and none of us could choose a favorite. One thing I’ve noticed when I eat Sweet Laurel’s treats is I never feel that sugar hangover afterwards. I actually feel good, thanks to their clean ingredients that are completely gluten-free, vegan, and paleo. Lucky for me, they ship nationwide.

“Cooking Incredible Food Can Be Simple and Fun”—Heidi Baker on the Art of Gathering

How I Gather

Bringing people together around a table is our greatest passion in life and we believe food is one of the most powerful tools for connection. In our series, How I Gather we go behind the scenes with our favorite foodies to see how they do it. See All

There’s a certain art that exists in collaboration. It’s a careful, but free-falling dance between extending your own perspective while also embracing the creative acumen of others. Collaboration is proof that anything beautiful and note-worthy can’t exist in a vacuum. Instead, it’s a testament to our most basic understanding of creativity: the use of imagination, in conjunction with external inspiration, to create something that didn’t exist before. And while we use concrete representations of art—books, music, objects, and the like—to understand this, it’s in thoughtful, cohesively curated gatherings that this partnership of talent and expertise most clearly comes to life.

That sort of humble and curious collaboration was on display last month, when Heidi Baker, founder of sustainable womenswear brand, OZMA, gathered friends and family for an al fresco backyard celebration at her Los Angeles home. The entire evening was grounded in Baker’s organic, wabi sabi ethos, with the surrounding oasis serving as a haven for the like-minded community of creatives from near and far.

And while many of us host and gather simply for the joy of sharing good company, conversation, and food, there was also a through-line of intention woven into the evening Heidi crafted. Just as her designs balance refinement with an understated sort of elegance, all components of the gathering drew upon a new understanding of luxury that’s steeped in simplicity and imperfection.

Heidi Baker on the Art of Gathering

As we spoke with Heidi Baker about where the creative stimulus for her brand and lifestyle comes from, it’s evident that she lives every day open to the learnings and guidance all around her. From her favorite cookbooks to “recipes” she’s garnered from friends over the years, every day, Heidi puts herself in the path of inspiration—ready and willing to learn from what comes.

Ahead, our conversation dives into the happenstance details that connected Heidi and her partner with their gorgeous home, her go-to dishes to serve for any gathering, and how she’s living each day with an effortless sort of ease that nonetheless feels special, treasured, and entirely her own.

I was lucky enough that my friend [LA-based chef, recipe developer, and food stylist] Chloe did the cooking at this gathering for us.

Her gorgeous menu was:

  • boquerones in vinegar over romesco 
  • anchovies with citrus
  • blistered snap peas & black salt 
  • gildas
  • potatoes with aoili + chives 
  • chickpeas with tomatoes, basil aioli + sherry vinegar
  • fried olives stuffed with herbed ricotta
  • greek salad
  • tomato galette 
  • smoked trout dip with trout roe + chips 
  • assortment of tinned fish 
  • mojo dip with crudités
  • ajo blanco dip with crudités

How did you learn to cook?

By doing a lot of eating and a lot of experimenting in my own kitchen. When I lived in San Francisco, I saw for the first time that cooking incredible food can be simple and fun. I had friends who were in the industry there, who I watched whip up the most incredible, but uncomplicated meals by heart. We used to have epic potluck parties, so I found recipes that weren’t too daunting and pushed myself slowly outside of my comfort zone.

The more I cooked, the more I trusted myself to only use recipes as a general guideline for a dish and let myself play around with my own ideas or substitutions. I got confident in intuitively knowing how to make great-tasting food. I’m still learning and playing and I love it. 

Florals by: Offerings

What informs your approach to food?

Simplicity and ease. I stick to things that require a short list of simple, whole ingredients.

How did OZMA come to be?

I started OZMA with my good friend, Mariah, in 2015. I’d worked for a few companies as a designer and I struggled to find much purpose in creating endless seasons of product for large brands. I wanted a feeling of excitement and creativity again, so I asked Mariah if she wanted to start a project with me. The idea was to create well-made clothing that traveled well and grew more beautiful with age.

She and I were both avid travelers and, aside from our vintage, we were missing the quality-driven, unique but non-precious or overly-designed pieces that we could truly live in. OZMA has evolved in style quite a bit since 2015, and soon after, Mariah went to pursue other projects and adventures. But that original inspiration still stands. OZMA is a name that we felt perfectly personified our woman: confident and free.

Tablecloths and napkins by: Madre Linen

Tell us about your home. What’s your favorite part of the space?

I live in a 1920s cottage in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. We bought our house in late 2019, after unexpectedly needing to move out of the place we were renting. After a few months of a semi-desperate and disheartening search for a home, on a whim my partner, Dustin and I stopped by the open house on the way to the airport. We walked through the house together and in the backyard looked at each other and excitedly confessed that we thought it had potential. We put in our bid that day, me sending off our ‘please let us make a home here’ letter, just as the airplane was about to take off.

Outdoor space is really important to us, and this house is on a pretty big lot for Los Angeles. The backyard was a mess, with brick pathways that didn’t make sense, a creepy structure made of sheet metal, a tear-down garage with no door, and even a homemade concrete water feature.

Getting the backyard to be the inviting space we imagined has been our only major house project so far, and has definitely become my favorite part of our home. We were lucky to have had our friend Nicole at NKLA do the landscaping for us, and family help fix up the garage to a home studio and working storage. There’s a lot of love in the space as well.

What does a great gathering look like for you?

People I love smiling and having fun. A great gathering is about just relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. A good spread, great music, fun friends, and lots of laughs.

Wine by: Nomadica 

Walk us through a typical day for you.

I have a tiny human alarm clock, my 8-month-old son River, who wakes me up every day at 6 or 6:30 a.m. Each morning after feeding him, I take River, my coffee, and my dog Blue for a walk to our neighborhood park. For breakfast, I have a green smoothie or some yogurt with berries and granola/almonds/coconut… or some mixture of crunchy things.

I work at home often, so my getting properly dressed for the day sometimes happens at 9 a.m., sometimes at noon. I always go for comfort—99% of the time it’s OZMA and/or vintage. Right now, I’m rotating between our Juno Pant and Field Pant, plus a bodysuit or one of our raw silk t-shirts. 

Depending on whether I’m at my home studio or our studio in Frogtown and what time in the season we’re at, each work day can be super different. Last week, I worked on coordinating our winter shoot in Tofino, organizing a photoshoot happening this week in Biarritz for this coming summer, and choosing yarn for next fall’s sweaters. We’re planning our journals and events for fall at the moment now too, so I checked in on how those are moving along.

I keep my work day as short as possible so that I can spend time with River. Life is very simple and sweet at the moment with him. We play at home in the afternoons and walk Blue again at night, then make dinner as a family and go to bed very early. 

What products do you love for the table?

Ribete Mug by Perla Valtierra

Beautifully made with a unique and playful squiggle handle. Looks cute on my kitchen shelf and makes my morning coffee feel extra special.

Duralex Picardie Glass

Classic short tumblers that are great for everything. I use mine for water, wine, and ice cream. They are super durable and stacking, which I love in particular for hosting. I can bring 10 glasses out to guests in one hand and at the end of the night they are so simple to clean up. 

Mismatched Vintage China

The majority of my tableware is a lifelong collection of random things gifted and thrifted. My all-time favorite dishes are the one-off pieces of china that I thrifted years ago when I lived in San Francisco. They’re now half-cracked and chipped, but I still love them the most. 

What’s your must-have cooking tool?

My Wüsthof chef’s knife. Because it’s simply too frustrating to cook without a really good sharp knife.

What are your favorite cookbooks?

Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi. You can almost taste the images on each page. Everything in this book has such big, beautiful flavors. 

Tender by Nigel Slater. Great for finding comfort food for colder months and organized by vegetables, which is fun if I have something specific in mind from the market or in my garden.

The Chez Panisse Menu Cookbook by Alice Waters. Her recipes feel like short lessons in cooking which I really love. But most of all, I appreciate Alice Waters’s approach to food in its emphasis on simplicity and local, quality, ingredients. 

Tell us a few things we’ll always find in your refrigerator.

Yogurt, flat-leaf parsley, lots of berries, aged Gouda, a half-empty bottle of Gamay.

What scares you about entertaining?

I’m cautious about being too busy cooking that I won’t get to actually enjoy my own party. It’s happened to me in the past where I didn’t prep ahead of time or made a complicated meal and then I ran around the whole time stressed and didn’t really enjoy my guests. So now I’m hyper aware of the possibility and make sure I avoid making that mistake again!

Your signature dishes for gatherings?

I’m not sure that I have a signature per se, as I go through phases of what I’m liking to cook, but a few of my current go-tos are:

Dandelion green salad with radicchio, parsley, shaved parm, and a dressing of EVOO + either anchovy or preserved lemon. Finished with a dash of chili flakes, pepper, and Maldon [salt[. My friend Helen made it for me once and I don’t know if I make it the same, but in my head, it’s her salad. It makes a great simple meal with just rice and grilled meat. It’s become my go-to salad for sure.

Kofta kebabs with a Mediterranean spread of tzatziki, babaganoush or hummus, muhammara, homemade flatbread with za’atar, tomato, cucumber, and herb salad—or some variation of dippable and fresh things. This takes a little bit of prep, but it’s fun to do and most of the dishes are really easy to serve at room temp or pulled out of the fridge at the last minute.

Salmon and Mushroom Donabe with rice. This I reserve for a smaller group of girlfriends usually because only so much can fit into one donabe, but it’s really tasty and feels special.

Your go-to weeknight meal to eat at home?

Broiled salmon with yuzu kosho, brown rice, and sauteed kale with mirin and soy. Other than the rice, it’s incredibly fast, and fool-proof.

What advice would you share with someone who wants to host a gathering on a budget?

Host a potluck or delegate dishes for your friends to bring! Potlucks are super fun and everyone feels involved.

The perfect dinner party playlist includes:

Something jazzy, something folky, something Brazilian.

Go-to centerpiece solution:

Cut stems and branches from my yard.

What is your no-stress party rule to live by? 

Never make a complicated meal or a first-time recipe for a dinner party.

Dream dinner guests?

All of my closest girlfriends who live far away.

Fill in the blank:

A perfect meal should: be enjoyed and never rushed.

It’s not a dinner party without: cheese.

Every cook should know how to: improvise.

The Best String Lights to Illuminate Any Gathering

My favorite restaurants all have a few things in common. Excellent, innovative dishes (duh), kind and knowledgeable servers, and gorgeous, intimate lighting. I call it the trifecta of dining out, and while each holds its own importance in making an experience memorable, if a restaurant boasts twinkling string lights on the patio, I’m immediately sold. The soft glow aligns perfectly with my romanticize-your-life approach to everyday moments. With the mood lighting set, the evening suddenly feels like a party filled with all of your closest friends, even if the surrounding diners are simply strangers eating alongside you. That’s the power of the best string lights.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

Image by Michelle Nash

The Best String Lights

Maybe you think it’s silly or perhaps you agree, but I know I’m not alone in being charmed by the influence of string lights. The vibe is festive and relaxed, inviting and elegant. But of course, the best string lights offer more than appearance alone. Because they’re most often displayed outdoors, they have to stand up to the elements. Rain, wind, and a far enough fall onto a concrete patio will all do serious damage. What’s more, we want the best string lights to illuminate our backyard dinners for the months to come. (Summer’s not over yet, y’all!)

If you’re shopping for the best string lights too, keep reading for our picks. Ahead, discover the best options for every occasion, come rain or shine.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

We love that these globe lights bridge the gap between a modern appeal and a vintage aesthetic. Not only are they easy to install (as opposed to some of the IKEA options we researched—no surprise there), but they also withstand nearly any weather condition, with reviewers noting that the string, with the bulbs removed, even stood up to hurricane winds. (“60 mph wind gusts!”) If you’re looking for string lights that are as durable as they are stylish—and affordable—make these your pick.

What We Love:

  • Stylish string lights stand up to inclement weather.
  • Sustainable packaging features little plastic.

What We Don’t:

  • Bulbs appear brighter than expected given the “soft white” description.
  • Bulb type: LED
  • Number of sockets: 12
  • String length: 26′
  • Connectable: Yes

It’s a given: Target will always and forever be our go-to resource for affordable, chic home décor. And when it comes to the best string lights, it only makes sense that the popular retailer would supply a budget-friendly option. These indoor/outdoor lights offer a soft, warm glow for any space and come in four colorways to help you create a customized experience. I purchased the Discovery Green light strands for my back patio and love their rustic, yet artful appeal. Because they’re less expensive than other options, be sure to handle these carefully. They can be fragile and easy to break.

What We Love:

  • Comes in four colorways (though the Mint Green is currently out of stock).

What We Don’t:

  • Because the lights are inexpensive, don’t expect the same level of durability as other more expensive options.
  • Cords tangle easily.
  • Bulb type: Incandescent
  • Number of sockets: 20
  • String length: 16.8′
  • Connectable: Yes

Anthropologie’s décor subsidiary, Terrain is known for being the aesthetic darling of the home design world. As such, the pieces are often whimsical, with their own idiosyncrasies to add a touch of character to any space. It comes as no surprise that they’d offer a bright, nature-inspired set of lights to color the outside of your home. These bulbs are for those who want something a little unexpected and to explore a departure from string lights’ typical white or yellow-tinted glow. Bonus: When the temps drop in the early winter, you can take these inside to add a festive touch to your holiday décor.

What We Love:

  • Indoor/outdoor lights allow for flexibility of use, helping you customize every space of your home.
  • A stylized option for incorporating color into your décor.

What We Don’t:

  • Socket strand sold separately.
  • Bulb type: LED
  • Number of sockets: 21
  • String length: 20′ (sold separately)
  • Connectable: Yes

Durability and style collide in these weather-resistant, LED string lights. If you’re looking for dependable quality, look no further than Brightech. When you’re shopping for the best string lights, you want something that not only provides ambiance, but that makes daytime activities possible in the evening. These provide the perfect light for entertaining as well as enjoying a patio night solo—reading or enjoying a quiet post-dinner evening. As other reviewers noted, the three-foot spacing between lights is enough to keep these from feeling cluttered. Instead, they offer an airy, relaxed feel fit for any outdoor party.

What We Love:

  • High-quality, durable lights can stand up to harsh weather conditions.
  • Bright lights provide function and aesthetic appeal.

What We Don’t:

  • You can’t go wrong with these lights. We couldn’t find anything we didn’t love.
  • Bulb type: LED
  • Number of sockets: 15
  • String length: 48′
  • Connectable: Yes

When you’re after a soft, delicate glow, only fairy lights will do. To clarify, fairy lights are strands made up of small lights close to one another, contrasted against other strings that may feature globe or Edison bulbs spaced farther apart. Because of their nuanced design, fairy lights are an excellent way to add a glimmery, delicate ambiance to an outdoor patio or backyard. While other options are flimsy and fragile, these waterproof, LED strands can stand up to a range of weather conditions. What’s more, they’re also battery-operated, giving you freedom and flexibility with their placement and design. I love bunching a strand into a larger Mason jar and placing it on a windowsill indoors. It gives any room a magical glow.

What We Love:

  • Battery-operated lights give you freedom of placement and design.

What We Don’t:

  • Given the delicate nature of the lights, they’re easy to tangle and can be difficult to set up.
  • Bulb type: LED
  • Number of sockets: 27
  • String length: 6.5′
  • Connectable: No

We love solar-powered string lights as a solid, energy-saving option. The Edison-style bulbs pair a vintage, nostalgic design with a sustainability mindset. To make your life easier (and your gatherings all the more streamlined), these strands are controlled by an automatic sensor, turning your lights on and off at optimal times. Hostess with the mostess? Most definitely.

What We Love:

  • Features an automatic sensor, allowing the lights to turn on automatically.
  • Lights last 5-6 hours from a full charge.
  • No outlet needed, giving you free rein of placement and design.
  • Solar-powered battery pack included.

What We Don’t:

  • Less suitable for illuminating larger areas (requires purchasing several sets).
  • Bulb type: LED
  • Number of sockets: 12
  • String length: 27′
  • Connectable: Yes