Oh, hi, November. You snuck up on me this year. I guess I was too busy last month transforming my backyard playhouse turned “she shed” turned satellite work office into holiday pop-up bar and bonfire HQ. You read it correctly. Inspired by a now-closed local spot, we decided to create our own cheeky, over-the-top backyard destination for family, friends and neighbors, who have already stopped by to see what we’re up to in “the little house.”
Last December 26 and in the days that followed, holiday sales found me filling shopping carts with décor that likely wouldn’t make it into my regular rotation. For this, I wanted camp—and camp I went. Think Dr. Suess meets Dr. Suess. Turquoise. Lime green. Cornflower blue. Yellow on yellow. And light strands that look straight out of a Lite-Brite set.
The decorating is now complete; we’re ready to open the door for sips and marshmallowy treats. The stockings are hung all over with care; and the ceiling is covered with bobbles, not bare. The holiday lights are strung and lit; there’s even a few comfy places to sit. Let’s swing open the Dutch door for cocktails and s’mores; we’re ready for this holiday season once more!
As we prepare for more backyard shenanigans, I’m especially interested in our feature that offers up recipes for warm libations, which are ideal for serving our guests, especially around a roaring fire. Toasty meets toasty. I love a theme.
Changing up how (and where) we entertain can inject a new way of handling all that prepping for guests entails. Sometimes, that can mean no longer performing backflips and removing all signs of normal family life to get a home ready for guests. I especially appreciate the perspective Sue Gartner shares in regard to her philosophy for entertaining.
As we enter the entertaining high season and many of you gather for Thanksgiving, our entire staff extends its thankfulness to you, Readers, here, there and everywhere.
Until next month,
—Renée Stewart-Hester
