Five on Friday - Carolina Charm

Happy Friday!

December is already speeding by, and I feel like I have so much to catch up on with you!

Thanksgiving already feels like a distant memory, but it was wonderful having my family here for nearly a week. I thrive on “hosting adrenaline” when my house is full—up early making coffee and breakfast, staying up late with cocktails and games. Once everyone left, I usually take a few days to recharge, but this year, the holiday hustle was in full swing with Caroline’s Nutcracker performances keeping us busy. More on that in a sec…

In other news, last night was our 5th annual Community Group Favorite Things Party! This year’s theme was Champagne Problems, which meant an excuse to wear sequins and sip sparkling pear cocktails. It was such a blast, and I’ll be sharing all the details in a full post soon!

This weekend is shaping up to be a whirlwind of fun! Caroline has three more Nutcracker performances to wrap up the season, and we’ll be juggling that with Thomas’s busy schedule too —he’s got a birthday party and his first basketball game of the season. McKinsey’s dad is coaching the team, and it’s always a blast cheering for all the neighborhood boys with our friends in the stands. To top it all off, Matt’s firm is hosting their Christmas party this weekend, and it’s casino-themed! I’ve got another sparkly dress lined up and can’t wait.

It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend full of kid-shuffling, party-going, and plenty of Christmas cheer. I’m so grateful for our village of friends who help us make it all happen. Here’s to a festive weekend ahead!

Things I Shared This Week

In case you missed it…

Green & Blue Thanksgiving Tablescape: If you’re looking for an easy way to elevate your holiday hosting, you may love this post! I will be reusing this design throughout the rest of the holiday season—just refreshing the flowers — and it’s perfect for everything from Community Group dinners to Christmas Day celebrations. No need to reinvent the wheel during the holiday madness! I’ve linked everything so you can recreate it for your own table—festive, gorgeous, and stress-free! Check out my tablescape REEL too! for a close-up of some of these details!
Game Room Glow Up: Our playroom got a major makeover, and the kids are obsessed! From LED lights to cozy bean bags and multiple TVs, we turned it into the ultimate hangout spot for gaming, movies, and sleepovers. It’s moody, fun, and exactly what we envisioned for a space they can call their own. Check out all the details, design inspiration, and photos of the transformation! Check out my room reveal REEL to see this room in action and enter my giveaway for a chance to win a FULL HOME REPAINT!
2024 Holiday Gift Guides: All of my gift guides are officially live on the blog! From stocking stuffers to coworker gifts, and curated lists for men, tween boys, and girls, I’ve got you covered. You’ll find everything from practical favorites like olive oil sets to fun, wish-list toppers like a hoverboard or football passer. Check out my Gift Guide Page to shop all my recommendations and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list this season!
My Holiday Checklist: It is not fancy or pretty, but it’s an insanely helpful document that I update year to year to help me remember and prioritize what needs to be planned, purchased, tackled, etc. in advance so I can enjoy the holidays as much as possible.
Christmas Moscow Mule: A classic Christmas Moscow Mule with a delicious and festive twist, this cocktail is perfect for spreading holiday cheer at your next gathering or sipping fireside.
Mabel absolutely nailed it in our fun partnership with VetriScience this week! This collaboration couldn’t have been a more perfect fit, and I’d love your support on THIS REEL! If you think Mabel did a great job (and trust me, she did!), it would mean so much if you’d check it out and give it a thumbs up. Your support on partnerships like this helps me continue creating all the other content you enjoy—and I’m so grateful for it!

You can watch Mabel in action in my *REEL HERE!*

December Promo Codes

Minted: Use code CAROLINAHOLIDAY2024 for 20% off + free shipping! We’ve been using Minted for our holiday cards for over a decade. The free recipient addressing is always such a timesaver!
Avaline: Use code DECEMBER15 for 15% off sitewide!
Nuuly: Get $30 off your first month’s subscription. Great for renting holiday outfits!
ShopMy: The affiliate platform I love for linking products. If you’re a creator looking for an affiliate platform, I have a referral link that can help get you in the program!
Cozy Earth: Use code CE-CAROLINACHARM at checkout for 40% off! The pajamas, sheets, and joggers are some of my favorite luxury gift recommendations!

1. November Supper Club

Laura recently hosted the most cozy and fun Supper Club evening! It was a wonderful night filled with delicious cocktails, hearty chili, and fun rounds of mahjong — the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

2. Whipped Goat Cheese with Bacon & Dates

When it comes to holiday hosting, I love making a variety of appetizers for grazing. This year, the clear favorite on Thanksgiving was the whipped goat cheese with bacon and dates! It’s the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors, topped with crispy bacon and chewy dates for an irresistible combo. I served mine with fresh sourdough bread and it disappeared SO fast! Oh, and I used blueberry goat cheese, but you can use whatever flavor you like!

How to Make Whipped Goat Cheese with Bacon & Dates

Whip together 8 oz of goat cheese, 8 oz of cream cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream and a pinch of salt. I use my stand mixer, but you can also use a food processor or blender. Cook 1 package of bacon in the oven at 400 degrees until it is 75% done (about 10-15 minutes), then pull it out and add 1.5 cups of Medjool dates (pitted and chopped). Sprinkle the bacon and dates with brown sugar, a generous drizzle of honey, and 1 tablespoon of fresh, finely chopped rosemary. Return sheet pan to oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until all the brown sugar has dissolved. On a serving plate, add a thick layer of whipped goat cheese and then top with the bacon and dates. Drizzle extra honey and rosemary on top before serving with crackers or fresh sourdough bread!

3. Caroline’s Nutcracker Performance

Caroline’s Nutcracker performances have been the highlight of our holiday season so far!

Last weekend, she danced in three shows as a “party girl,” and she’ll take the stage three more times this weekend. I’ve loved working backstage, helping all the dancers get into costume—it’s such a fun energy to be a part of! Watching Caroline perform is so emotional for me; seeing her light up the stage has me in proud mom tears every time. It’s been a big commitment for her, but she’s had so much fun, and it’s been such a special experience!

4. Nutcracker Dress

I have to share the most fun and festive dress I picked up to wear to all of Caroline’s Nutcracker performances! It’s a long-sleeve, tiered mini dress with a glittery Nutcracker print, and the quality is amazing—lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for the holidays. McKinsey and I worked backstage last weekend, helping all the ballerinas get into their costumes, and I swear at least 50 of them complimented my dress. No one could believe it’s from Amazon for under $40 (some colors are even cheaper)! It comes in several colors too, so if you’re looking for a little holiday sparkle, this dress is a must-have!

5. A Few of My Favorite Things…And My Wish List

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite items and a few things on my wish list this year in case you’re stumped on what to ask Santa for and are looking for some inspo! From chic entertaining essentials to fitness gear and even a coffee upgrade, these are the things I can’t wait to unwrap this holiday season—and hopefully, they’ll spark some ideas for your own wish list!

What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking: A beautifully crafted cookbook filled with simple, inspiring recipes and stunning photography. I’ve made so many dishes from it, and it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something easy but still delicious!
Orthotic Fur Slippers: These orthotic slippers are one of my best purchases of the year. They offer the ultimate blend of support and comfort, featuring a cushioned insole with arch support. Perfect for lounging around the house, they’re designed to relieve foot fatigue and provide cozy warmth all day long.
Hair Thickening Spray: A product I love and have been using for years. I gifted at my Favorite Things Party last night! Every time I blow dry my hair, I use this spray and the difference in the volume and thickness of my hair is noticeably different — like big time. If you already have thick hair, you probably won’t need this, but if you don’t, I promise you this will be one of your favorite products too.
Mahjong Floating Table: My exact table is out of stock, but I found this one! I received this for Christmas last year and used this floating mat SO MANY TIMES over summer for pool mahjong! See it in action HERE!
Bamboo Sheets: The only sheets we use on our bed–they’re incredibly soft, breathable, and made from sustainable bamboo fabric! Use code CE-CAROLINACHARM for 40% off.
Walking Pad: My walking pad has been a game-changer for productivity and fitness! I now consistently hit 10K–16K steps daily while working at my desk. It’s simple, affordable, and perfect for my needs, with a remote to adjust the speed up to 3.8 mph. Paired with a 26” desk riser, it holds everything I need for work.
Bio-Collagen Hydrating Face Mask: This viral overnight hydrogel mask is popular for a reason — it WORKS! I wear this sheet mask overnight and it helps hydrate, tighten pores, firm and brighten skin. This was the second part of my gift for my Favorite Things Party this year!
Acrylic Bird Feeder: One of my personal favorite home items! This acrylic bird feeder sticks securely to the window with strong suction cups, and I love watching cardinals, finches, and chickadees visit while I’m washing dishes.
Red Light Therapy Mask: I got this mask for my birthday a few months ago and have noticed such an improvement in my fine lines and redness! After doing some research, I actually purchased the men’s version because it includes an additional wavelength (1072nm) that penetrates deeper into the skin. This FDA-cleared LED mask uses red and near-infrared light to reduce fine lines, improve skin tone, and give me that extra glow. Not all red light masks are created equal, so make sure to research before investing—this one has been a game-changer for me!
Flat Iron: At the beginning of the year, I polled my followers for the best hair straightener, and the ghd Flat Iron was the #1 recommendation! It heats up quickly, glides effortlessly through my hair, and leaves it sleek, shiny, and frizz-free. I totally get why so many people swear by it—it’s a game-changer for styling!
Square Tube Gold Hoop Earrings: I received these earrings at our Supper Club gift exchange last year, and they’ve become my most-worn earrings ever since! The brushed gold finish is timeless, and they’re so easy to dress up or down, making them incredibly versatile and wearable for any occasion.
Mahjong Tiles: You can find several tile options HERE, but for a more elevated experience, I highly recommend these beautifully designed South Carolina-inspired mahjong sets (Charleston Tiles and Palmetto Tiles) and a Florida-inspired mahjong set (Sunshine Tiles). Use code CAROLINACHARM10 for 10% off your order.
Coupe Glasses: At the top of my wish list! As someone who loves to entertain, I know I’ll use these sleek, modern glasses all the time.
No Bull Impact Shoes: These training shoes are my favorite workout shoes for the gym! I have them in white and love them so much that I’m asking for a second pair in black. They’re durable, supportive, and perfect for everything from lifting to cardio.
Weighted Vest: I’m asking for the 8 lb vest and I can’t wait to use it for outdoor walks and indoor walks on my walking pad! Weighted vests have so many amazing benefits, from boosting calorie burn to improving endurance and building strength. It’s the perfect way to take my workouts to the next level! Highly recommend reading this article on the benefits!
French Press Coffee Maker: After researching tons of options, this is the French press I’m asking Santa for! I am ready to ditch my plastic coffee maker and love that this option has a stainless steel 4-level filtration system for smooth coffee, and holds 34oz—perfect for my morning coffee routine. Plus, the sleek stainless steel design is beautiful!