Nine Favorite Things.
Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
Happy December first! The countdown to Christmas has officially begun. And with only twenty-four days until Christmas Eve it’s already full-on holiday craziness. I was looking back at last year’s favorites post and wishing that Thanksgiving wouldn’t have fallen so late this year. Suddenly it feels as though there is zero time to finish up loose ends and also celebrate this wonderful season. Anyone else feeling the same?
Even though time feels tight, I am still happier than ever that Christmas is here. As you all know, this is my favorite time of the year. It’s been snowing since Friday night. And there is nothing I love more than a snowy night filled with hot cocoa and decorating the tree. It’s the perfect scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. Hoping you all have been doing the same and enjoying a long slow weekend at home…snow or no snow. And if you don’t celebrate Christmas I hope you’re staying cozy inside this weekend. Hopefully, you’re baking up cookies or slow cooking dinners…because really, is there anything better this time of year?
Coming up…
I’m very much looking forward to the month ahead. Next week I’m off to NYC in a week for one last round of press and events to promote HBH Super Simple. Then it’s home for the rest of December. Hoping to cross a lot of my list this week before heading to the city (if anyone has hotel recommendations, I’m scrambling to find one…everything is sold out).
Coming up this week on the blog, I’ll be sharing a new salmon recipe that will be great for upcoming dinner parties. Then it’s on to our first Christmas cookie…a family favorite recipe…but done up! Next up we’ll be sharing the coziest slow-braised dinner for a delicious family meal. On Friday we’ll have a sweet holiday cake. And for Cocktail Saturday, of course, a festive holiday drink. Plus so much more on Instagram!
Question: What are you all hoping to see most this coming month? Would you love to see plenty of easy entertaining recipes? Dinners? Appetizers? Are you looking for holiday desserts? Lots of cookies? Or would you love to see more lifestyle posts like decorating ideas, tablescapes, and homemade Christmas gifts? Please let me know!!
Lastly, if you’re catching up on blog posts from the week, be sure to sign up for our daily newsletters. They’ll help you to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here, as well as fun content you’ll only get via email. And of course, if you’re meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s #9 on the favorite’s list).
1. inspiring me this week…decking the halls.
I love scrolling through Pinterest for holiday decor and tablescape inspiration. Here is what I’m loving this year.
2. the most popular recipes of November.
Most popular: creamy wild rice chicken soup with roasted mushrooms
Full disclosure, our 2019 Thanksgiving menu and guide was the most popular post of the month, BUT this soup was second in line and really deserves the top honors…it’s GOOD. One of my favorites I’ve shared in a while, and it’s the easiest dinner. Just throw everything into the slow cooker (OR instant pot OR make on the stove) and done. The soup is creamy, herby, a little cheesy, and the wild rice adds the perfect hearty bite…but then the mushrooms!?! Buttery, crispy and just a little garlicky too. All the good things.
Runner-up: bourbon sweet potato casserole with sweet ‘n’ savory bacon pecans
This was everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish and it’s one of mine too…love this recipe so much! If you didn’t get a chance to make it, I’d highly recommend this as a side for any upcoming holiday dinners. It’s a touch sweet, savory, and a little spicy too. Nothing boring, just delicious.
Also have to mention: cranberry bourbon sour
Super festive, incredibly easy, so delicious, and a combination of my family’s favorites…homemade cranberry-orange syrup, warming bourbon, fresh citrus, and sweet candied rosemary.
3. my favorite cyber week kitchen/home finds…
items for in the kitchen…
for the table…
all the best candles…
4. favorite questions of the week.
q: What did you think of the Gilmore Girls revival and who do you think Rory’s baby daddy is?
a: I am the BIGGEST Gilmore Girls fan in the world…but I didn’t think the revival was that amazing. Please don’t get me wrong. I loved it, BUT I loved the previous seasons so much more. Anyone else? And I want the dad to be Logan!
q: Favorite holiday tradition??
a: Christmas movies with my mom and little sister, decorating the tree, baking Christmas cookies, cooking for my brothers, mixing up cocktails. And of course, Christmas Eve with the family…truly all of it.
q: Hosting a big Christmas brunch and looking for decadent, make-ahead recipes to feed many?
a: I have many…ham and cheese croissant bake, easiest overnight eggnog brioche cinnamon rolls, everything cheesy potato and egg breakfast casserole, extra sticky maple pecan sticky buns, baked cinnamon crème brûlée french toast, and snowflake pull-apart monkey bread. There are some great ones in the HBH Super Simple Cookbook too!
5. newest videos.
Shredded Brussels Sprout and Bacon Salad…the most popular salad of the year.
French Onion Gnocchi Soup…kind of hard to not love this soup.
6. All the Christmas Movies I’m Dying To Watch…
Hallmark Picks
1. Switched for Christmas
2. A Bride for Christmas
3. Christmas at the Palace
4. 12 Gifts of Christmas
5. Finding Santa
6. Christmas at Dollywood
7. The Christmas Club
8. Check Inn to Christmas
9. Christmas at the Plaza – must find time to watch this…because it’s The Plaza!
Read: I Watched a Week’s Worth of Hallmark Movies—Here’s What I Recommend
Netflix Picks
1. Let It Snow
2. The Knight Before Christmas
3. The Princess Switch – watched this last year…it’s cheesy, but you know I loved it.
4. The Holiday Calendar
5. A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding
Read: Netflix’s 2019 Holiday Movies, Reviewed and Ranked (via the NYT)
The Classics (which will forever be my favorites)
1. The Grinch
2. Miracle on 34th street
3. The Santa Clause (all of them)
4. Elf
5. Home Alone (all of them)
6. Eloise at Christmastime
7. The Polar Express
8. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Question: what are your favorite Christmas movies?
7. a few links i am loving…
15 charities to give back to this holiday season…’tis the season to give back.
7 instant pot soups that are the definition of comfort food…because it’s COLD out.
editors share their most effective productivity tips..to end the year strong.
10 ways to practice gratitude every day…especially good to keep in mind.
Kim Kardashian West on life as a brand and her political awakening…Sunday reading.
holiday pajamas you’ll want to live in…all month long.
10 beauty experts share their favorite clean beauty hacks…loved these tips.
an airy Madison Square Park abode…always love these NYC home tours.
the brow whisperer’s 5 steps to shape your brows at home…certainly good to know.
everything at Glossier is on sale right now…picking up my boy brow and also brow flick.
this designer goes all out for the holidays…peek inside his home.
the best deals from Nordstrom’s Black Friday sale…what are you buying?
Netflix saves New York’s iconic Paris Theater…pretty cool what Netflix is doing here.
13 enchanting holiday markets…ideally would love to visit them all.
how to make your apartment festive…when you can’t squeeze in a tree.
what Christmas song should you Listen to..what did you get? I got “baby, it’s cold outside”.
this Christmas movie quotes quiz is surprisingly hard…but it’s actually not.
8. my favorite cyber week style finds…
clothes…
jewelry…
9. this week’s dinners…
Monday: simple coconut quinoa and lentil curry
Tuesday: ham and cheese croissant bake (use up any of those remaining leftovers)
Wednesday: easy coq au riesling
Thursday: hot and spicy potstickers (recipe in HBH Super Simple)
Friday: slow cooker vodka bolognese pasta
Warming Sunday Cocoa: creamy coconut hot chocolate
Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
Hi Tieghan! Happy December! I love the fact that the Nine favorite Things posts pop up in my feed (usually) at exactly 10 AM Central European Time. That means I’m typically on my second cup of coffee, stretching out my lazy Sunday morning, so this is PERFECT reading, and perfect timing. Such a beautiful post, and I agree, this is my favorite time of year as well. I’m envious of all your snow! So far, not much here other than a dusting last week. Speaking of Christmas movies, one of my faves is The Polar Express. I watched it on Friday to kick off the season.
You have inspired me to get creative and haul out the Christmas decorations today…and probably make something delicious in the kitchen but I’m still pondering what. 🙂 Good luck in NYC!
Such a good movie! I hope decorating today goes well for you, Aline! Happy December! xTieghan
More entertaining recipes would be great!! Finger food and small delicious bites. Something that goes well with a cheese board!
Thank you Grace! So glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I really am enjoying your emails!!! I wanted to share two of my favorite Christmas movies that I didn’t see on your list. They are both classics…..Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life. Have a blessed Christmas season!!!
I will have to watch them! Thank you Carol! xTieghan
Try the Dream Hotel in Midtown – looks to have rooms. I’ve never stayed there but been to the rooftop bar and it’s extremely cool! Or the Park Central looks to have rooms.
Thank you Linda! xTieghan
I love your creativity! Your daily newsletters are inspiring, and your recipes are fun to make. And I so look forward every Sunday to your very thoughtful and refined Nine Favorite Things. You’ve given me a great kick in my cooking. I’ve loved sharing your site with my friends! Best of luck with your New York PR journey. Happy holidays to you and your family! I’m pulling for you and your continued success. You have fans here in Texas. Hope to see you here in Houston. You go, gal!
Awh you are too kind! I am so glad you love these posts! I hope you have an amazing week! xTieghan
LOVE your blog and recipes! My daughter turned me on to you 5 years ago – been an ardent follower ever since. (Bought your cookbook – best ever!)
My baked goods do not come out as well as yours. Does altitude have anything to do with it? Should we adjust times (beer bread, cinnamon rolls etc) and temperatures to sea level?
Hey Michelle! Sorry you are having trouble with the baking recipes. I would not recommend adjusting the time as my recipes are meant for sea level. Is the anything you are changing about the recipes? Also, where do you live?
Hoping I can help! xTieghan
My neighbors always stay at a place called The West House…a boutique hotel within a larger hotel. They get some amazing deals but at tis time of years. that might not be ossible but it is worth a inquiry, I guess. Good Luck and travel safe.
Thank you Nancy! xTieghan
At one time you posted what your favorite Staub pan is that you use everyday. Would you mind posting this again please.
Hey Jennifer! My skillet is linked below. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
https://rstyle.me/+R89qB4rwkKAFgDVcmYOawg
Your movie list is wonderful!!! You Nine favorites always inspires me. Very cool.
Thank you so much Christina! xTieghan
Just checked out of the Lotte New York Palace. It’s at Madison and 50th St, across from St Patrick’s. It was lovely
Amazing! I will check it out! Thank you! xTieghan
Happy December!! Thank you for putting out such wonderful content all year long. I love following along. Always so inspired by you.
That is so kind! Thank you for supporting me! I am so glad you have been enjoying my recipes and posts! xTieghan
Hello! Where is the wrapping paper you posted from?
Thanks!
Hi Paige! It’s sold out, but linked to some similar options below! Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
https://www.anthropologie.com/holiday-gift-wrap-cards
I just started following everyday a few weeks ago, can’t wait to see all your Christmassy posts! Happy to read whatever you fancy posting.
I’m not a big film watcher, but reading before about your Christmas film tradition, I’ve decided to do the same for my family. Put a question on my FB page and asked friends for recommendations. The Holiday, Love Actually and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation are the one’s I’m ordering. ??? New tradition!
Something that I’ve never managed to set a tradition for is a regular Christmas Eve dinner, ideas for that would be great please. Xx
Awh that is so amazing! I am so glad that is a new tradition! Thank you Kelly! xTieghan
Hey Tieghan!
I hope you’re having an incredible time decorating for the Holidays! How’s the tree coming along? My family will be traveling in a few weeks so they’re waiting until December 16th to get the tree! It’s driving me bananas.?
As for holiday recipes, I’d LOVE to see more little cakes (like Madeline’s, tea cakes, or Bundt cake!), muffins, pancakes, anything breakfast, something with pear (maybe a pear cake?), hazelnuts, and some vegan recipes!! Haha I’m trying to show my family that they CAN be vegan and indulge in baked goods. 😉
I’m definitely looking forward to watching the Grinch, frosty the snowman, and Klaus (have you seen this one yet? Thoughts?).
Also, I love the mugs from the hot chocolate post on Friday! Holiday mugs make me smile.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s post and hope you’re staying warm!
Hi Kristin! I hope you all have a great time setting up the tree and getting ready for Christmas! All of those recipes sound great and I do have some vegan desserts on the site as well! I have not seen Klaus, but I most likely will when Asher gets home!! Cannot wait! I hope you have a great week! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan! I have stayed at Citizen M in Times Square and loved it. It has availability next week for all but one night. Rooms are small but so comfy and high-tech, and the rooftop bar is exclusively for hotel guests and has a great view.
Thank you Jules! xTieghan
If you are looking for a hotel you might want to stay in Brooklyn. I used to live in Brooklyn Heights (the one brooklyn bridge hotel is beautiful) and is right by the Brooklyn bridge and a short walk to the 2/3 or the A/C. Also, The Hoxton in Williamsburg or the Williamsburg Hotel. You are limited to the L train but again it might be easier than a hotel in manhattan.
Thank you so much Danielle!! xTieghan