Holiday hosting

Reflecting On Traditions: Holiday Treats

As we celebrate this wonderful time of year, let’s pay tribute to our memories, treasures, and traditions - old and new. From our family to yours we offer our warmest wishes for the best holiday season ever. It’s time to celebrate!

At Help You Dwell, we feel truly blessed to have been welcomed into your homes this year. This season is a celebration of togetherness, which has prompted me to reflect more on my own family’s Christmas traditions.

Upon reflection, of all the holiday traditions my family enjoys my favorite ones seem to revolve around food. I don’t really know what that says about me, but I do know that holiday meals satisfy more than our appetite. They feed our need for tradition. The delicious smell of fresh baked cookies, the savory taste of special sauces and meats - these are the foods we remember.

Despite the years, distance and hectic schedules my family tries to maintain some of the traditions started long ago. If you asked any one of my little sisters they would say our most beloved family tradition is making Christmas sugar cookies together. Although a simple tradition, the whole process is beloved by young and old in our home. Every year, my sisters and I gather in the kitchen one night and roll out the dough and cut batches of sugar cookie dough into festive and often over decorated treats. They never turn out perfectly and that’s what makes the whole process memorable. Each cookie is made with love and any imperfections are quickly covered with sprinkles and frosting. Using the same festive cookie cutters from when I was little, everyone joins in on cutting, baking, frosting, and drowning our confections in sprinkles. The only rule that we follow is that there is always more room for more frosting and more sprinkles!

If you're feeling ambitious, pull out your favorite cookie recipe and let the baking extravaganza begin. From classic sugar cookies to indulgent chocolate chip delights, there's a recipe for every taste bud. Gather your loved ones and make it a family affair, creating cherished memories that will linger long after the last cookie crumb is devoured.

Below I’ve included the classic sugar cookie recipe that I use with my little sisters — if you try it out tag us on instagram so I can see your masterpieces!

Sugar Cookies:

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 c. granulated sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 c. unsalted butter (softened)

1 large egg (room temperature)

1. Combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl.

2. Cream together the butter and sugar in a medium bowl, add the egg and vanilla, and beat until fully combined. Slowly add in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

3. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled - at least 1 hour.

4. Preheat oven to 375° and roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out your christmas shapes.

6. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes

Icing:

1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened

3 c. powdered sugar

2-3 tbsp. milk or cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

red and green food coloring

sprinkles

1. Beat the butter until creamy, slowly add in the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and salt, beating until fully combined. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until lightened and creamy.

 
 

Written by Isabelle

Home for the Holidays: The Ultimate Local Gift Guide

This holiday season, join us in the spirit of intentional giving with our curated gift guide - a tribute to the remarkable local businesses that enrich our community. Each of these businesses offer unique and thoughtful gifts that are sure to bring joy to your loved ones, and make a positive impact on the place we call home. While our guide highlights some of the best, remember that there are countless other local gems waiting to be discovered in our town, each offering the perfect gift to make this holiday season truly memorable.

The Happy Envelope: Luxury in Every Detail

The Happy Envelope stands out for its exquisite offerings, from luxury letterpress wedding invitations to custom stationery and art prints. Delve into their collection of gifts that will not only capture your attention but also make your heart smile with every thoughtful detail.

The Plaid Apron: A Farm to Table Staple 

Delight someone's taste buds with a meal or gift card from The Plaid Apron. This eatery bridges the gap between farmer and restaurant offering a delicious culinary experience that supports local producers.

The Painted Perch & Co: A Market of Treasures

This market boasts over 30 vendors offering a diverse range of goods, from antiques and painted furniture to local artwork and handmade pieces. Find unique holiday items that support a good cause.

Union Avenue Books: A Literary Haven

Dive into the world of literature with Union Avenue Books, Downtown Knoxville's locally-owned independent bookstore. Explore their vast selection and support local authors by choosing a book that speaks to the heart of your loved ones.

Stanley’s Greenhouse: Nature's Gifts

Located south of downtown Knoxville, Stanley’s Greenhouse is a locally-owned retreat for plant lovers. Explore their Holiday Marketplace every Sunday in December for gifts and decor crafted by local artisans.

The District Gallery and Framery: Where Art Comes to Life

The District Gallery is a haven for art enthusiasts, offering custom framing and a stunning array of one-of-a-kind jewelry and artwork from local and regional artists. Uncover the perfect piece to adorn your loved one's space.

Doing Dishes: Unearth Vintage Charm  

Step into the charming world of Doing Dishes, a quirky little shop that specializes in buying and selling vintage, antique, and collectible china by the piece. Discover unique treasures and add a touch of nostalgia to your holiday gifting with their one-of-a-kind selection.

71 South: Dining in the Heart of Baker Creek Preserve 

Nestled within Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, 71 South offers a unique dining experience in a century-old converted church. A casual atmosphere with local brews and handcrafted cocktails - a perfect destination for any occasion.

Minimal Optimist: Sustainable and Stylish

Explore the sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle boutique, Minimal Optimist, for naturally inspired goods and unique gifts. Each item reflects a commitment to sustainability, making it the perfect choice for those who appreciate style with a conscience.

Roost: Thoughtfully Curated Home Goods

Nestled in downtown Maryville, Roost is a boutique furniture and home goods store. Beyond offering stylish items, they provide professional interior design services to help you style your space, ensuring your home is as unique as you are.

Bradley’s Gift & Home: Handcrafted Delights

Bradley’s offers a delightful array of handmade sweets, unique home goods, and special gifts for any occasion. Discover ornaments, candles, and decor that add a personal touch to your holiday gifting.

Fig & Co.: Unique Finds for the Home

Fig & Co. is your destination for one-of-a-kind goods, including accent decor, art, furniture, and gifts. Browse their selection of holiday decor and gifts that will make a statement in any home.

Gather: Modern Farmhouse Charm

Experience the charm of modern farmhouse aesthetics at Gather, where you'll find specialty finds for baby, home, and gorgeous accessories for your loved ones. Their seasonal merchandise is a beautiful blend of style and southern hospitality.

Help You Dwell: The Gift of Tranquility

Give the gift of Help You Dwell's organizing services to a friend, loved one, or neighbor. Perfect for new moms, transitioning homeowners, or anyone who could use a little extra love in the form of an organized space.

Photography Session: Capturing Moments

For the gift of memories, give the gift of a timeless photo session that will be cherished for years to come. 

Heather Anne Thomas: the visionary behind Beall + Thomas Photography, who transforms moments into timeless works of art. Heather's elegant style and commitment to perfection results in photographs that are not just snapshots but pieces of art that you'll proudly display in your home. 

Suzy Collins Photography: A keen eye for capturing genuine emotions make her family photo sessions a truly enjoyable experience. Suzy captures images that celebrate the essence of family bonds, she has a remarkable talent for immortalizing the genuine moments in any session. 

As the season of giving unfolds, let's unite in celebrating the joy of intentional giving by supporting our local businesses. By choosing to shop locally, you not only find unique gifts but also play a crucial role in maintaining the vibrancy and resilience of our community. Happy Holidays!

Savoring the Season: Simplify Your Celebration

Hosting can be stressful. The familiar worries always seem to creep in: "Do I have enough food? Is the table set perfectly? Have I accommodated everyone? Is everyone having fun? Am I even having fun??" 

The list of worries seems never-ending, and if you've ever played the role of the host, you've likely felt the nagging sense of worry that threatens to overshadow the joy of being surrounded by our loved ones. Well I am here to remind you, a shared meal or any gathering for that matter doesn't need to be fancy or stressful – It's about connecting, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories.

The key to an enjoyable gathering lies in simplifying the process. You don't need to strive for perfection or overwhelm yourself with the details. Instead, focus on the privilege of being able to gather with loved ones, an experience that should never be taken for granted.

 

Space Planning: 

Before you start setting the table and sending out invitations, begin with a practical task that will ease the overall process. Take the time to declutter and organize your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Clear out expired snacks and consider using those bags of frozen veggies to create a hearty stew or use the frozen fruit in your holiday pie. By freeing up this space, you'll not only make the day of your gathering less stressful but also ensure there's plenty of room to store leftovers!

Help You Dwell - Organize

At a recent project, our team had the pleasure of working with a client who frequently hosts and caters to large groups. Our goal was to set up this space to streamline her collection of baking & cooking supplies within her pantry. We were able to optimize this space ensuring that everything is accessible and thoughtfully arranged, just in time for the holiday season!

Embrace what you have: 

You don't need excessive decor or an elaborate tablescape to impress your guests. When it comes to holiday decor, less is often more. Start by choosing a simple and cohesive 'scheme' for your decorations. This can be as simple as selecting a color palette or a specific theme that resonates with the holiday spirit you wish to convey.

Skip the clutter! Avoid the temptation to clutter your space with unnecessary decorations. Overloading your home with seasonal decor can not only be overwhelming to the eye but can also make hosting more complicated. My favorite simple way to decorate your holiday tablescape is to take a step outside and scavenge for wildflowers, branches or dried leaves!

Whether you collect a few branches of evergreen, arrange acorns in a glass jar, or create a centerpiece with dried leaves, the simplicity of nature can be beautiful. These elements can be easily collected, and when the festivities are over, they can be returned to the great outdoors - now that’s an easy clean up! Remember: the key to a memorable holiday gathering lies in the warmth of your hospitality and the joy of your company. Simplify your decor, relax, and enjoy the festivities.

Let your friends help you:

Don't bear the full weight of hosting on your shoulders. Instead, invite your guests to participate and share in the responsibilities. After all, everyone has a favorite dish, and every good guest wants to contribute in some way. As the host, it's perfectly acceptable to delegate tasks!

By involving your guests in this way, you not only reduce your personal burden but also enhance the sense of togetherness and shared accomplishment. Hosting a memorable gathering becomes a collective effort, making the experience more enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved.

Hosting should be a joyous and heartwarming experience, not a daunting or overwhelming one. By focusing on what truly matters – the connections we forge and the love we share – you can create a gathering that everyone will treasure. So, release the burden of perfection and enjoy the journey of hosting, a privilege that brings people closer and creates beautiful memories to cherish for years to come.


The holiday hustle and bustle can sometimes get the best of us, but having a plan and keeping things simple can bring calm to the chaos of holiday party planning. If you need someone to help bring it all together, Help You Dwell would love to assist you in preparing your home for your next event.

We’ve still got availability on our calendar to schedule your holiday prep + takedown services this year. 

Let us Help You Dwell this holiday season.

Ideas for an Organized + Meaningful Thanksgiving

Before you get overwhelmed or let another list of ideas make you feel like you aren't doing "enough"... we're sharing these tips to bring just a little additional function or fun to your Thanksgiving, but it doesn't have to be complicated. There is something very sacred and special about welcoming guests, family and friends into your home with as minimal fuss as possible. The hospitable act of opening your door, your table, your kitchen, your heart and your family is not to be taken lightly. Give yourself some grace. And if you are the one visiting someone else's home, go with gratitude. What if you chose not to get caught up in the expensive decor, fancy fixings, or newest trends this year? We challenge you to make a little commitment to yourself and whoever you are gathering with - that you will simply be grateful to gather, and the rest is all secondary. 


Our ideas to bring functionality + fun to your Thanksgiving:

Image from The Pretty Blog.

Image from The Pretty Blog.

  • Turn up the tunes. Make a family mix playlist on Spotify, so that everyone gets to hear a few of their current favorite songs. Or you can pick a genre or artist that everyone will love and have it playing in the background all day.

  • No Phone Zone. What if you and your guests all put your phones away (silenced and in another room) during your meal? Consider how this could eliminate distractions and foster togetherness at your table.

  • Take your feast outside. If the weather allows, shift your Thanksgiving meal outside - embrace the crisp fall air and a change of scenery. Ask your guests to bring camping chairs and set up a fire to enjoy after the feast. This will allow time to linger and savor the day a little longer. This blog post is an incredible inspiration for your outdoor Thanksgiving.

  • If you have help, take it. Don't try to be a superhero - let your people pitch in and give you a hand.

  • Walk it out. If you can find just 20 minutes, grab a neighbor or loved one in town and step away from the kitchen and enjoy fresh air and company for a brief break. If you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal for lunch, this is a great idea for the whole gang after the meal. Get your body moving for just a bit, you might even enjoy that pumpkin pie a little more if you do.


Links we're loving: 

Image from The Pretty Blog.

Image from The Pretty Blog.

styling your guest bedroom

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday drawing near, some of the most important and special moments are spending that time with friends and family. HYD is here to help you pull together your guest bedroom so your guests are sure to feel right at home.

GUESTBEDROOMCARE

Some great simple items to add include:

1. Throw: It doesn't matter if it's folded up nicely or draped over the bed, an extra throw is sure to keep them cozy & warm.
2. Good Book: Something that showcases your personality and makes your guest feel extra welcomed.
3. Table Lamp: Table lamps not only make a statement in a guest bedroom, but also provide your guest with enough or as little light as they may need.
4. Coasters: Not only can coasters double as a pretty accent for your bedside tables, they will also protect them.
5. Candle: Keep the room smelling great with you favorite scent!
6. Tooth Brush: Just in case they forget theirs!
7. Hand Cream: It is winter after all.
8. Wifi Sign: For ease of access & right at their fingertips for any device they may have with them.
9. Notepad: It's always handy to have a notepad to jot down notes. Don't forget the pen!
10. Fresh Flowers: Succulents are great options, as they require minimal care, but you can never go wrong with fresh flowers. You may also be able to walk into your backyard and pull together an arrangement. 

Whether your guest bedroom is fully decked out, or as minimal as they come, welcoming your guest with open arms never goes out of style. 

hosting for the holidays

Image from Remain Simple blog.

Image from Remain Simple blog.

21 days til Thanksgiving! That reality might cause you excitement, panic or any feeling in between. We want to encourage a spirit of "intentionality" instead of "perfection" this holiday season. Think about being a guest in your own home this year: what do you notice, how did you feel, what was the focus? We're sharing a few practical and thoughtful ideas to create an intentional holiday gathering this week. 

Intention: your guests will see it, taste it, feel it and enjoy it. 


While there are so many moving pieces to coordinate for the Thanksgiving meal to be ready, one thing you can have prepared ahead of time for guests to enjoy upon arrival is a festive cocktail. Make it in a large batch so you aren't spending time making individual mixed drinks. Don't forget to mix up a batch without alcohol. Take a look at this recipe

Image from The Kitchn blog.

Image from The Kitchn blog.

In order to plan well, the host needs to know the amount of people they'll be serving. Send a text or email out 2 weeks in advance to get an accurate number of guests. Take a look at this helpful chart about servings and quantities for the size of your group. 

Don't go crazy with seasonal decor. Less is more! Instead of shopping for hours for the "perfect" centerpiece or tablecloth, look outside. Bring some natural elements in to create a rustic and welcoming table. Include your kids as you gather leaves, branches, or greenery from your yard. Lighting and natural elements will create a warm and inviting ambiance for your table

If you prefer a later Thanksgiving meal, someone is sure to be hungry before meal time. Whether it be your children, new acquaintances or yourself- these cranberry brie mini tarts are a beautiful appetizer that won't require additional dishes or silverware to serve and enjoy. If cooking one more thing feels like an unbearable burden, grab some cheese & crackers and have these out to snack on. 

Image from Fox and Briar blog.

Shift the focus outward. Your Thanksgiving table can be the launching point for a group investment in a local cause. There are so many ways to give back in our community. Take a look at this list of specific avenues to give of yourself this holiday season in Knoxville.

With just a pencil and paper, your feast can get a lot richer. Challenge your family or friends to take a moment to write out the things you are thankful for. If you want to go a little deeper, try sharing one or two of your items on your list. Gratitude begets gratitude and the thoughts shared around the table will create memories and meaningful moments.


Share your favorite Thanksgiving decor ideas, organizational tools, and traditions with us. How does your family or community celebrate?  

These 5 Things : November 2015

Image by Sarah Musgrave

 1. Check out this excellent guide to styling your shelves. If you don't follow Emily Henderson's blog, it's a good one!

2. 6 Ways to Speed Clean to a Clean Enough House. A few time- saving storage pieces and ideas for getting the whole family involved in cleaning habits.

3. This list of 15 Holiday Hosting Shortcuts is chock full of good ideas to keep stress low and let the good times roll.

4. Instead of decorating for the seasons, try layering to build warmth in your home.

5. It can be a major challenge to incorporate a TV into your decor. Check out this blog entry for a few ideas.