After 27 years of marriage, my husband’s love of list-making has finally rubbed off on me. Being that there is only 10 days until Thanksgiving (yup!) I realize that a serious to-do list is in order.

Soooooo…company is coming and will continue to arrive at your door through the new year. There’s no need to panic and run for the thunder blanket #weregood. This TLV to-do list (accompanied by some of our staff’s favorite picks) will help you get your house in order in no time.

 

#1: Provide a warm welcome

Planned or unexpected, you want any guest visiting your home over the holidays to feel welcome.  I remember waiting at my bedroom window for my siblings to arrive back from college and racing down to the front door to greet them. This excitement of homecoming never ends, right? If you are welcoming children home from college or family and friends for a holiday gathering, it usually starts in the entry. We can help you make yours as beautiful as possible.

Look 1:

1. Antique Baluster Table Lamps, 3 Available, $795
2. Antique Gilded Mirror circa 1850’s from Samson Cariss Carver, Guilder, $1620
3. 10 x 13 Beige and Burgundy Stark Rug,  $2950
4. 17th Century Newly Upholstered Os de Mouton Chairs, Pair, $4640
5. Rose Tarlow Chopin Bookcase, $3780
6. Image Via Architectural Digest

Look 2:

1. Image Via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

2. Black & Gold Mirror, $520

3. Vaughan Zurich Frame Lantern, $320

4. Mecox Gardens Cantilevered “C” Custom Grasscloth Console, $2340

 

#2: Make room at the table

At every given moment, you want to have enough room for your guests.  Our collection of dining tables is broad in style and size, and most of them expand when needed (just like our yoga pants, god bless them). Also, be sure when you invite someone to pull up a chair, you have enough.  Take a peek at some of our favs.

Look 1:

1. Image Via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
2. Antique French Copper Lantern, $2400
3. Pair of George II Antique Silver Candlesticks, London 1760’s, $7200
4. Dennis & Leen Louis XIII Side Chairs, Set of 6, $3425

Look 2:

1. Image Via The Local Vault
2. Hudson Furniture Seamed Walnut Dining Table with Plexi Base, $15,120
3. Hubbardton Forge Oceanus Pendant Light, Natural Anna Finish, $900
4. Large Bold Abstract Art- Red, Yellow, Blue, $2900
5. Poltrona Frau Liz B Dining Chairs, Set of 10, $6390

 

Look 3:

1. Image Via Elle Decor
2. Large English Oak Wake Table, $2250
3. Green and Gold Tole 2 Tier Chandelier, $1100
4. French 18th Century Os De Mouton Chairs From Bungalow, $5880

#3: Put your guests to sleep.

Often the catch-all space for luggage and wrapping paper, over the holidays the guest room often takes a starring role.  We can help you get it ready for its close up in no time. Here are just a few of our staff picks for instant glamour.

1. White Bone Sunburst Mirror, $1060
2. Victoria Hagan Custom King Linen Headboard, $1120
3. Vaughan Designs Villandry Vase Table Lamps, $1100
4. Rose Tarlow Eaton Armchair, $950
5. French Provincial Style Settee, $2210
6. Dennis & Leen Single Drawer Bedside Tables, $1850
7. Skirted Barrel Back Chair with Cushion in a Geometric Print, $1299
8. Dennis & Leen Desk, $1260
9. Antique Empire Style Mirror, $1400
10. Image Via Lori Tippins Interiors in Traditional Home

#4: Spruce up the bathrooms

Having delicious smelling candles, soaps and lotions is a no-brainer, but how about you give your powder room the royal treatment with one of these beautiful mirrors and light fixtures.  Your guests will like what they see.

1. Image Via Decor Pad
2. EF Caldwell 2 Arm Gold Plated Sconces circa 1895, Pair, $4950
3. Carvers Guild Neo Classical Mirror Gold and Black, $650
4. Currey & Company Primo 4-Light Chandelier, $595
5. Antique Ebonized Frame Mirror, $2880

 

#5: Make time for conversation.

Take some time to sit down and relax with your family and friends. Be it in your family room or main living room, if you have been wanting to replace a sofa that has had one too many naps on it, or know that you really need that drinks table by the club chair, now would be the time to take action. We have a fantastic collection of pieces to fit any need and style, which are available immediately so your college bestie won’t have to put her red wine glass on the carpet!

Look 1:

1. Iron & Marble Tripod Drinks Table, $600
2. Rose Tarlow Asian Coffee Table, $3900
3. Harris Montauk Sofa in Triumph Pebble, $3420
4. Rose Tarlow Inverness Coffee Table, $4200
5. “Rawana Falls” by Rena Bass Forman, $4000
6. Image Via Victoria Hagan Interiors

Look 2:

1. Image Via The Local Vault
2. Modern White Side Table, $595
3. Cassina Storage Coffee Table by Patrick Jouin, $700
4. Holly Hunt Waterloo Sofa, 2 Available, $7200
5. Large Abstract Painting in Blue, $1350

 

 

#6: Stock the bar

We understand, and in hindsight realize that this should be #1 on our list. You can pick your friends, but family is a blessing from above 😉 Having a well-stocked bar is essential for the holiday season. Be prepared for everyone, from a martini-loving great-aunt to that previously mentioned last-minute guest. Here are some of our favorite ways to keep the peace and joy flowing in the house.

 

1.Image Via Elle Decor

2. Vintage Silver and Crystal Champagne Bucket with Stand, $650

3. Oscar De La Renta for Century Tray Table, $600

4. Diane James White Orchid Double Stem, $100

5. New York “Graffiti” Pop Art Tray, $150

6. Galerie des Lampes Ladybird Table Lamp, $1200

7. Image Via Laura Casey Interiors

 

#7: Get some fresh air (by the firepit or watching a game of touch football)

The tradition of touch football and pulled hamstrings is alive and well in our family. For those who have the better sense than to forget their aging bodies, here is a collection of classically designed outdoor seating options that can be delivered before the Turkey goes in the oven.

1. Image Via House Beautiful
2. McKinnon & Harris 5-Piece Outdoor Sectional, $3995
3. Restoration Hardware Provence Luxe Chaise, 4 Available, $600
4. Lloyd Loom Embassy Rockers and Ottomans in Wicker Bark Finish, $1100
5. Asian Ceramic Garden Stools, $280

 

#8: Bring your “A” game

Tis the season for the weather to get a little frightful,  so if you have a spot in your home for some indoor activities, we can have you outfitted in no time!

 

1. Vintage French Brass Pendant Lights, Pair, $3600
2. Blatt Billiards Pool Table with Stand, $7000
3. Rose Tarlow Chinese Barstools in Brown Suede, Set of 3, $2250
4. 11 x 17 Mahal Carpet, Early 20th Century, $4700
5. Billiards, Snooker and Life Pool Scoreboard from London, circa 1910, $2500
6. Vintage Chapman Brass Urn Table Lamps with Red Shades, Pair, $960
7. Image Via Atlanta Homes & Interiors

#9: Keep Calm

Your shopping at The Local Vault. We will do our best to get your pieces to you before company arrives!

#10 Appreciate your bounty

In all seriousness, we do realize what a gift family and friends are. I for one cannot wait to have all my boys under the same roof! I so look forward to spending time with them as well as the visits from their friends and all the joy it brings into our home.  Heading to our Thanksgiving dinner at my sisters in Fairfield after the GHS football game is always a highlight in our family schedule as is a holiday party with our great old friends and their grown children. The anticipation of love and laughter over the holidays is something to savor and, fortunately, is available no matter how many boxes you have checked. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

TLV Co-founder Betsy