Okay, no one panic with these holiday visuals! I am here to tell you that it is in fact still Fall as I write this post. I have at least one tree in our yard that has barely lost a leaf! That said, my personal goal every year is to be prepared for the holidays before they officially arrive, so they don’t pass in a blink.

So, here’s a quick summary of key holiday prep must haves that I am determined to get before it’s all of a sudden Christmas Eve and we are knee-deep into two days of entertaining at our house!

November’s MMDH Holiday Prep Must Haves

1. FAUX CEDAR WREATH

Mixed greens are ALWAYS the right call in my book, whether they are real or faux. This 24″ faux wreath is perfect to give any entry door a festive touch. I’m grabbing it for the door from our garage into our mudroom this year, as it inevitably becomes our main entry, especially through winter!

2. MULTIPURPOSE RED VELVET WIRED RIBBON

I grab wide wire ribbon each year for exterior wreath bows. It’s super easy to mold wire ribbon into a lush bow to spice things up. This solid texture red velvet is really classic although any plaid or striped patterned wide wire ribbon can be fun too. A holiday prep must have for sure!

3. EXTRA SOFT THROW BLANKET

Speaking of classic holidays, I’ll never tire of black-watch tartan plaid. This blanket can be folded onto the backs of host dining chairs or the arm of a sofa, draped at the foot of your bed, or layered in a blanket basket to get the cozy holiday (really, all of winter) spirit flowing.

4. COLORFUL BRUSH TREES

Wire brush trees remind me of my childhood. These wood stump cuties are larger than I typically see, and will hold their own on a shelf or side table display. I also love using wire brush trees to spice up any holiday tablescape real quick!

5. BLACK TAPER CANDLESTICK HOLDERS

These cut glass candlestick holders can be dressed up or down on your tablescape or mantle. I love them mixed in with brass candlesticks or holding their ground solo with colorful tapered candles.

6. HOUSE OF HACKNEY FLORAL DESSERT PLATE

Add these colorful dessert plates to any set of china (or in my case porcelain!). They are the ultimate layer of subtle but saturated color to a neutral or bold tablescape. Talk about looking like you have it all together! Pull nearly any color from these for your linens, candles, glassware, serving dishes, etc…

7. GREEN TAPER CANDLES

I’ve literally had “green taper candles” on my Alexa Grocery List since March. Including them here to remind me they are a must-have for the season… even better with our #5 cut glass candlestick holder holiday prep must haves!

8. RAINBOW LONG STEM MATCHES

You might as well have it together with your matches these days. I mean, it’s the little things in life. Gift them to yourself or a friend who could incorporate a bit of color in their life! Always ready for entertaining… and they serve as a great styling item as a bonus.

9. SCENT OF THE SEASON

Oh my gosh, Friends 🙌 I can’t tell you how excited I am about finding this specific scent for the holiday season. We are perpetually in need of a fresh range-top candle in our kitchen, as we burn one nearly daily over here. Last year I was gifted this scent, and my entire holiday season was enhanced because of it! I could not find it anywhere after it was fully burned. I happened upon it as I was prepping this list, and I hope you love it as much as I do!! I’m ordering a few to get us by through winter!

10. POLKA DOT GIFT WRAP

I’m also ordering a few fun coordinating print wrapping papers ahead of the season. The goal is to take the guesswork out of my time in wrapping central this year. If you are the person throwing gifts into bags on Christmas Eve, this might be a great step in the right direction. Make wrapping a fun process by prepping streamlined options.

11. BLACK AND WHITE STRIPED RIBBON

Add in a fun thick grosgrain ribbon to kick your gift presentation up a notch. Have fun with color and pattern this season. Gift wrap is a great place to practice your pattern play skills 😉

12. MINI VINTAGE GLASS ORNAMENTS

Another reminder of decorating at my Gram’s house every year growing up. Vintage ornaments are incredible, and these lookalikes are the perfect addition to any tree. Buy a box of them, and you have thoughtful festive tie-ons for every host/hostess/neighbor/friend throughout the season!

13. MONOGRAM COCKTAIL NAPKINS

I love collecting festive holiday cocktail napkins. They are always appreciated on our days of entertaining. I also love that I now have a miscellaneous variety stack of leftovers from each year. Add it to the eclectic mix of layers over here!

14. SCALLOPED EDGE FRAME

These are my all-time favorite gallery/tabletop frames. They are versatile and who doesn’t love a scallop these days?! The perfect gift for grandparents with a pic of the kiddos, or a display for the holiday you worked too hard for to just sent it out on a card 🤩

15. SCALLOPED EDGE TRAY

Again with the scallops 🥰 I love the shape of this tray and its monogram possibilities. You can ground a display of decor on your kitchen island or living room coffee table. Serve up refreshments in style with this sturdy and year-round functional decor add.

We’re looking forward to seeing you for next month’s MMDH Monthly Must Haves round-up! If you have any questions or recommendations, please leave them below and we’ll get back to you soon! If you missed last month’s Monthly Must Haves, you can find it HERE. To check out the entire storefront, click the link below..