It’s that time of year when I just want to snuggle up and be cozy! And it just so happens that all of these cozy favorites would make great gifts too! Most are currently on sale too, so thought I would share.
Favorite Things-Cozy Edition
Franklin Distillery Mule Cocktail
Franklin Distillery Holiday Mule
1.5 oz Franklin Distillery Southern Gin or Southern Vodka
3 oz. ginger beer
3 oz. cranberry juice
¾ oz. rosemary simple syrup*
½ lime, juiced
*Rosemary simple syrup: Heat a small amount of simple syrup (do not boil) and steep fresh rosemary for a few minutes. Remove the rosemary and let cool completely.
In a copper mug or glass filled with ice, combine Southern Gin or Southern Vodka, cranberry juice, rosemary simple syrup and lime juice. Stir and top with ginger beer. Garnish with cranberries, a sprig of rosemary and lime wedges. Enjoy!
It’s a Shop Small Christmas
I am always amazed at how many wonderful small businesses we have in Middle Tennessee as well as lots of my creative friends with online shops around the country! Here are some of my favorites! Please consider shopping small this holiday season!
*Children’s Shops*
Magpies Girl and Magpies Baby– Magpies is more than a store, it’s a movement. Owner Maggie Tucker has created a culture for girls and their families! You can shop the Baby store with the most adorable baby items and gifts or head over to the Magpie Girls in Belle Meade or shop online for all things sparkly, rainbows and unicorn snot!
Plaid Rabbit/Properly Plaid– Plaid Rabbit is a Children’s boutique offering clothing, gifts and accessories for babies and children. Properly Plaid is an extension offering exclusive and unique items for tweens in sizes 7 to 16.
Phillip’s Toy Mart-has been an independent, family owned and operated business since 1946, in the Belle Meade neighborhood. They have a huge selection of toys for children of all ages. Arts and crafts, educational toys, electronics, puzzles, games, costumes and accessories and more! They also have an amazing train display in the store!
The Getalong-The Getalong is a retail and community event space in East Nashville. The mission of The Getalong is to bring together high quality goods and a place for families and friends to gather. The Getalong features a pop-up of vendors, kid-friendly activities and something for everyone.
Brilliant Sky Toys & Books– is grounded in the belief that the right playthings give children a gateway to physical, emotional and cognitive development. They carry over 10,000 high quality specialty products to ignite children’s imagination and play! They also offer Messy Art and events throughout the year.
Scraps of Magic-One of our favorite shops in Charleston, SC. Scraps of Magic is a tween boutique with cute clothing and gift items.
Bright Box Play Kit These adorable sensory play kits are made by a Middle TN mom and are a great gift!!
*Women’s Boutiques*
K. McCarthy– A women’s boutique that will make you feel right at home, K. McCarthy offers women’s clothing, accessories, shoes and gift items. Located in the Green Hills, this boutique is a treasure!
Kate Leigh Co.-Kate Leigh is a resortwear brand for women and girls. Kate Leigh brand was founded in honor of the owner’s mother Penny, whom she lost to breast cancer 12 years ago. In loving memory of her, a portion of the Kate Leigh proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research.
Navy Bleu– Female founded, coastal inspired brand featuring clothing, pajamas, accessories, gifts and more!
Sailor Sailor– I connected with this brand through NECC Check out their pretty dresses, tops, game day collection, holiday and more!
Milly Marie Luxe The softest pajamas, offered in children’s and women’s sizes. Black Friday Sale-40% off
Coastal Brahmin– Global goods with a coastal flair! Ethically produced Hand Block Printed Clothing and Linens and handmade Straw Bags
Avara– Everything is BIGGER in Texas!! Avara is one of my go-to online boutiques! Use code DAWN15 for 15% off your purchase
Ella Shea-Local online boutique that also delivers locally and often hosts pop ups!
Willow Park– Cutest apparel, jewelry, gifts and more!
Wilder– This boutique located in Downtown Franklin will perfect your party looks, help you find some comfy casuals or a thoughtful gift for your girlfriends.
Posh Franklin- This stylish boutique in Downtown Franklin is the perfect place to find your next date night attire or something special for your wish list!
Woo Cosmetics- Pamper yourself or friends on your Christmas list this year at Woo Cosmetics. Woo Skincare +Cosmetics was founded to give women a personal, pampering and fun shopping environment for their makeup and skincare choices. Woo Caroland founded the original store in Nashville in 1992 and now has expanded to Atlanta and Charlotte. Woo also offers skincare services for the ultimate relaxation.
Vinnie Louise– is one of my favorite spots for apparel, accessories and gifts.
Sway-One of my favorite boutiques in Fairhope! I love their accessories and unique clothing!
*Gift Stores*
Fork of the South– This general store has a little bit of everything from unique gifts, books, home and even tasty treats!
Hot Pink Gifts– This one stop shop will help you find something for everyone on your list with gift items, home decor, books, Scout bags and much more!
Moss and Embers-This adorable shop, located in Burns, TN has a beautiful selection of gifts, home items, kitchen, garden and more!
Made in TN-Made in TN, located in The Factory has a curates the best locally sourced items. They can also put together gift baskets.
White’s Merchantile– is The Nashville Dad’s favorite store! This old-fashioned mercantile store with a modern day twist offers local goods! I love gathering items from White’s for gift baskets! You can now find White’s in 12th South, Green Hills and Franklin.
You’re Invited– is your go-to shop for gifts, paper and home accessories. Let You’re Invited help you with your holiday invitations.
Tin Cottage– will make you HAPPY! You can even snap a selfie in front of the Happy wall at both their Downtown Franklin and Columbia locations. We cannot walk by Tin Cottage without my daughter wanting to go in and browse their gifts, apparel, local items and she loves their bath bombs selection!
Giddy Paperie-Artwork, stationery, paper goods, gifts, tabletop, custom crests and more from giddy paperie.
Rock Paper Scissors-Hosting a holiday party? Let Rock Paper Scissors create the ultimate balloon garland for your festivities! They can also help you with your holiday cards, wrapping and gift giving.
*Books*
Parnassus Books-one of Nashville’s favorites located in Green Hills. Parnassus Books is the independent bookstore for independent people located in Nashville, Tennessee. Our shop has been co-owned by novelist Ann Patchett and her business partner, Karen Hayes, since it opened in 2011.
Landmark Booksellers-A great bookstore in historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Over 60,000 new and hard to find rare books including over 1500 signed first editions. Maps, prints, post cards and ephemera.
Bound Booksellers-Bound Booksellers is an independent book store in the Westhaven Town Center in Franklin, TN. Bound features a selection of children’s books and gifts carefully curated by its owner, Natalie Sanford. The sweetest shop!!
*Jewelry*
Mae Wearable Art– Colorful and unique bangles handmade in Atlanta!
Canvas Style– Festive jewelry, monthly bracelet stacks, gifts and more!
Able– ABLE is an ethical fashion brand that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty. We’re deeply devoted to quality – both in the products we make and the quality of life we aim to provide. We invest in, train, and educate women so they can earn a living, break the cycle of poverty, and thrive. They have beautiful jewelry, leather goods, clothing and more.
*Christmas Cards*
Dogwood Hill –has a beautiful selection of cards, paper and holiday decor!
*Specialty Gifts*
Honey + Hank: The cutest home and gift ideas! You’ll love these unique designs! I have pillows, tea towels and plates from honey + Hank that I love!
Bauble Stockings- These special stockings needle pointed in Haiti are a fun tradition that are meant to hold the final gift or clue of Christmas! Not only are they a sweet addition to Christmas but provide jobs to women in Haiti!
Southern Belle Coffee In Southern Belle Coffee, roasters Kimberly and Michael Slack have created an iconic coffee brand with Louisiana roots. It starts with a blend of gourmet coffees, freshly roasted every day at their roasting company, which has been operating in Louisiana for more than 120 years. They have some fun blends with the cutest names!
Sunshine Bath Co. Specialty soaps and candles handmade in Fairhope, Al.
Dots and Gingham Shop-Personalized stationary including Christmas gift tags, notepads, invitations, kid’s placemats and more
Country Music Hall of Fame Gift Shop– The Hall of Fame Gift Shop and Hatch Show Print have a wide variety of gift items for the music fans in your life!
Be Good Golf Co- Shop apparel for the golfer in your life! This happens to be my hubby’s and a friend’s venture!
For Pete’s Sake Pottery- My friend Susan has the most beautiful hand-painted pottery! She’s even partnering with Draper James this year to sell the cutest custom ornaments! If you’re looking for a unique gift, check out her work!
Nashville Bloom- Flowers always make a beautiful gift! !
*For the Home*
Smith & York Co.- is a modern home boutique on the charming square in Downtown Columbia, TN offering modern home goods, accessories, gifts and items for entertaining. Only 36 miles from Music City Center, a great day trip destination!
Spruce Spurce has a little bit of everything from home furnishing to fashion. I am inspired by the beauty every time I go! They also offer design services.
The Linen Duck– is a retail boutique and design studio located in Downtown Columbia, TN. They have everything from furniture, home decor to women’s apparel, jewelry and shoes.
Store House No. 9- From home furnishings to beautiful gift items, Store House No. 9 is one of my favorite shops!
Riverside Franklin-Unique home decor and boutique items in the heart of Downtown Franklin.
The Tidy Home Nashville-Give the gift of organization! If your home needs decluttered or reorganization, the ladies at The Tidy Home do an amazing job! They’re the cutest sister duo!!
Onyx + Alabaster-Onyx + Alabaster is a full service interior design studio and home interiors market that loves making life beautiful! 25% off entire purchase using code
Vignette- This beautiful store is so unique and offers an eclectic variety of home goods, textiles, art, gifts, fashion, jewelry, gift items and more!
The Preppy Stitch– The Preppy Stitch is a boutique monogram and embroidery shop focused on elevating the everyday and honoring the tradition of the monogram.
*Art*
Erika Roberts Studio Erika Roberts Studio has fine art, prints, apparel, tea towels, gifts and more!
JMOliverArt Jan is one of the sweetest people I know! She painted a portait of Gus that I adore!! She is so talented!
*Wellness/Self-Care*
Sek Sauna Once you try their sauna pods, you will want to keep going back! They also have celluma and pressotherapy services.
The Spa at Leiper’s Fork A day retreat in the heart of Leiper’s Fork Village with facials, massages, nails.
Wellness Bliss Box Specialty curated wellness boxes including for brides and corporate gifts! Wellness Bliss Boxes are founded by a Nashvillian.
*Sweet and Savory Treats*
Grab a gift card to one of these sweet spots for a fun gift or send a tasty treat!
*Spirits*
*Travel*
Consider booking a travel experience to one of my favorite locations
*Memberships*
The Supper Club Such a supportive online community with entertaining ideas, recipes, in person soirees and so much fun! Love this creative group
Goldfish Swim Center : Give the gift of swim! Goldfish is offering a Holiday Package including: 2 months of lessons (Jan/Feb), Limited edition Goldfish tote & towel, Goggles, Punch Card for our Snack Shack (10 free snacks), Family Swim Punch Card (5 free weekend Family Swims) and waived $25 membership fee
#shopsmall
2022 Holiday Experience Guide
*For the Kids
- Membership to The Nashville Zoo provides year round enjoyment of animals and special events at Grassmere
- Keep the kids active during these winter days! Let them jump the day away with a membership to Urban Air!
- Sign them up for an art class or workshop with Art Smart Kids
- Membership to Adventure Science Center
- Let them play in a sensory inclusive play area at We Rock the Spectrum
*For the Music Lover
- Treat your friends or family to a Backstage Tour of The Ryman or Grand Ole Opry
- Country Music Hall of Fame membership offers guests a variety of changing exhibits, special events, and workshops throughout the year! Between Nov. 25 and Dec. 31, the museum is offering discounts when purchasing annual gifts of membership — $5 off individual level memberships and $10 off family level memberships. Museum members enjoy free admission to the museum galleries, family and youth programs in the Taylor Swift Education Center and hundreds of additional educational programs, including Songwriter Sessions.
- Tickets to a classical performance or one of many concerts at The Nashville Symphony
*For the Explorer
- Cheekwood is one of my favorite spots in Nashville! You can wander through the gardens, view the art gallery or attend one of the many special events throughout the year. Give the gift of a membership or tickets for the day.
- Stay in a Treehouse and explore the Great Smokies
- Have a staycation at Gaylord Opryland and SoundWaves! This is one of our favorite places in town- you can have an amazing getaway without even leaving Nashville! Check out their website for special offers!
*For the Athlete
- The Nashville Sounds have several season packages to choose from for the baseball fan
- Put some layers on and head to Smashville for a Predators game with the fang finger fanatic
- Top Golf Nashville offers play time in the Bays, golf lessons, concerts, full service bar and restaurant. Read about my day at Top Golf here
- Dinner and bowling at Pinewood Social’s nostalgic alley
*For the Foodie
- Gift a Platterful Charcuterie subscription! A variety of charcuterie items will arrive on monthly with educational content and inspiration
- There are so many amazing restaurants in Nashville, a gift card would make a nice stocking stuffer!
- Warm up with a scone and tea service at Triple Crown Bakery
- Take a decorating class or host a party at Sugar Drop
- Make spirits bright with local cocktail ingredients from Franklin Distillery Co.
- Take a cooking class and a little daytrip to Lynville, TN with Wildflowers and Fresh Food
*For the Artist
- Get tickets to the upcoming Antiques and Garden Show
- Paint your pet with Painted Pawd
*For the Moms
- Give the gift of organization with The Tidy Home Nashville I can speak first hand to how these ladies are miracle workers!! They can organize any space and make it more functional for you!
- A spa day is always a good idea! The Spa at Leipers Fork is in a dreamy setting and while melt your stress away!
- Gift a membership to The Supper Club for an online community, entertaining ideas and networking opportunities
Holiday Destinations
Over the last few years, we’ve tried to focus on holiday experiences rather than gifts. Our kids can’t tell you many of the gifts they’ve received but do remember the places we’ve visited! Here are a few of our favorite holiday destinations.
The Greenbrier
Ohhh…The Greenbrier is just one of my most favorite places on Earth! I could just cry thinking about how special this place is! There’s even a movie now, Christmas at The Greenbier! The Greenbrier goes all out during the holiday with the tree lighting, breakfast with Santa in the Main Dining Hall, the most delicious handmade chocolates and so many activities! My kids love the Greenbrier! Read about our time at The Greenbrier here.
Staycation at Opryland
You don’t have to leave Nashville to enjoy a magical destination! Gaylord Opryland is a Christmas wonderful with beautiful decorations, festive Christmas activities and offerings for the whole family! Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can enjoy SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS and many of the activities! Check out the packages and tickets here. {Use code SOCIAL30 by Nov. 21st for 30% off ICE! tickets, valid Sunday-Thursday, through December 15th!}
Asheville, NC
Asheville is a short drive from Nashville and is a wintery, mountain destination! The Grove Park Inn is a Christmas movie type of setting with scenic views, splendid decorations and their 12 days of Gingerbread House competition! Just a short drive away is the Biltmore House, which is one of the prettiest places to visit at Christmas! Downtown Asheville also has many charming shops and restaurants.
Yeah That Greenville, SC
My adorable hometown pulls out all the stops during the holidays with an ice skating rink downtown, Festival of Trees, concerts at The Peace Center and twinkling lights all throughout downtown! You can read more about Greenville and our visit there this summer. The Westin Poinsett is a dreamy place to stay, right in the heart of Main Street! And fun fact: George Clooney took up residence there while filming a movie in Greenville!
Charleston, SC
Charleston tops all the lists of places to travel to, year round but it is especially picturesque during the holidays! Steeped in history, you’ll want to take a horse-carriage ride through the Battery to see the homes all dressed for Christmas. James Island Holiday Lights are fun for the whole family and of course, enjoy some of Charleston’s delicious fare. A few favorites are Frannie and The Fox, Poogan’s Porch, and Kaminsky’s is a must for the best dessert! Read more Charleston posts here.
Highlands, NC
A few years ago after visiting family in Greenville, we decided to make a pit stop in Highlands, NC on the way home! This town really knows how to celebrate the holidays! It’s truly such a quaint town to stroll through! There’s an ice rink in town, adorable shops and a ski resort is not too far away! Old Edwards Inn is a top-rated place to stay!
Barnsley
You guys know we are big fans of Barnsley! Only a little over 3 hours from Nashville, it’s a quick trip! This family-friendly spot is laid back and has a variety of activities including outdoor games, farm animals, bikes that you can borrow and onsite dining opportunities! We also love taking one of our pups with us when we visit!
Fairhope
Fairhope is the sweetest town and spending time there during the holidays there are treat! From Movie in the Street to the darling Christmas parade and ”snow”, it’s just like putting yourself right onto set of Hallmark! The Grand is beautiful all decked out in decor and you may want to ask Santa for a trip to the spa! The downtown shops host an open house to encourage shopping small! You can also find Santa at the Fairhope Museum of History on Saturdays! If you need a Fairhope gift, check out my coloring guide!
Where are some of your favorite places to visit during the holidays?
5 Things Not to Miss at Opryland
Opryland is magical year round but especially during the holidays with the millions of twinkling lights and so many festive activities! You could literally spend a few weeks at Opryland and still not run out of things to do! I’m rounding up 5 of our favorite things not to miss during the holiday season.
1. ICE!
This year, ICE! is back!! This is a beloved tradition at Opryland! This winter wonderland is such a unique experience! Guests are greeted with blue parkas to put on to stroll through the enchanted area with tons of carved ice! This year features Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and brings such nostalgia! This interactive display allows guests to even slide down an ice slide!! Grab your tickets here. {Use code SOCIAL30 by Nov. 21st for 30% off ICE! tickets, valid Sunday-Thursday, through December 15th!}
2. Delta River Boats
The Delta Boats are one of my all-time favorites! Stepping onto the boat makes you forget that you’re in the middle of Music City! Floating through the middle of Opryland Resort is so special during the holidays because you get such a different view of the decorations.
3. Paisanos + The Light Show
Our family loves grabbing a slice of Paisano’s pizza and making our way down to the Lights Show! This hourly event is a synchronized show of music and the fountains! I always think that it would be such a fun date night to see the show and walk around taking in all the holiday splendor!
4. Gingerbread Corner
Lily Caroline said, “I feel like I’m on set of a movie!” It really did feel that way, especially when we were in the Gingerbread Corner! Guests can spend time crafting their own gingerbread creations! This year, there’s even a Gingerbread family of cookies (including the cutest dog and cat cookie!). It’s so convenient being able to decorate there, the staff are so helpful and help you clean up too!
5. SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS
Once you arrive at Opryland, you won’t need to leave the property! Santa is there for photos, Scavenger Hunts, Ice Skating, Oak Ridge Boys Dinner Show, Tubing, Bumper Cars, Breakfast with Rudolph and literally so much more!
I look back over the years of photos celebrating the holidays at Opryland and am filled with a joyful heart! As we all know, these years fly by! My kids don’t remember any of the gifts they’ve been given but they do remember the experiences! So thankful for Opryland and the opportunity to partner with them!
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