It’s the most wonderful time of the year… 🎶

Ah, September. What once was apples and back to school is now the new gateway to Christmas.

Last year, I had planned a series of posts leading up to the holidays but ran out of time and ended up combining everything into one post, "Hosting Christmas Eve." I know I’m not the only one overwhelmed by life, and adding the chaos of the holiday season usually means that “practically perfect” turns into “good enough.”

This year, I’m revisiting that idea and giving it another shot. I dream of someday organizing all my thoughts into a more structured anthology for my daughter—a memory book for her to flip through or reference for guidance long after I’m gone (Happy National Daughter’s Day). So here’s my take-two: I’m laying out a blog series this season.

I’ll guide you through early prep (including when and what to clean to keep your home looking great), menu ideas, recipes you can make ahead of time, grocery lists, and the best times to shop (think—get staples early, perishables the days before), easy DIY centerpieces, and even ways to keep the kids entertained. And yes, you’ll have time to enjoy a glass (or two) of wine.

I love hosting parties, and my lists are what keep it simple (sort of). Make sure you take a day to acknowledge the exhaustion afterward—put your feet up and binge-watch your favorite show. (Leftovers for all!)

To start the series and get you into a slower, more autumnal mood (enjoy it before the mad rush begins), and for those who still appreciate a playlist, here are 25 pieces that blend jazz and classical music, creating a relaxed atmosphere for your Thanksgiving (or any) dinner.

Setting the Mood:
A Thanksgiving Dinner Playlist

1. "What a Wonderful World" – Louis Armstrong

2. “Cheek to Cheek” - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

3. "Autumn Leaves" – Nat King Cole

4. “Satin Doll” - Duke Ellington

5. "Clair de Lune" – Claude Debussy

6. "The Four Seasons: Autumn" – Antonio Vivaldi

7. "Blue in Green" – Miles Davis

8. "Moon River" – Frank Sinatra

9. "My Favorite Things" – John Coltrane

10. "Summertime" – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

11. "Gymnopédie No. 1" – Erik Satie

12. "Take Five" – Dave Brubeck

13. "Beethoven's Symphony No. 6" – Ludwig van Beethoven

14. "Someone to Watch Over Me" – Ella Fitzgerald

15. "Kind of Blue" – Miles Davis

16. "Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2" – Frédéric Chopin

17. "Body and Soul" – Coleman Hawkins

18. "Some Other Time” - Blossom Dearie

19. “Heat Wave” - Ella Fitzgerald

20. “All of Me” - Billie Holiday

21. “Beyond the Sea” - Bobby Darin

22. "Lullaby of Birdland" – Sarah Vaughan

23. "In a Sentimental Mood" – Duke Ellington & John Coltrane

24. “Autumn in New York” - Billie Holiday

25. "Adagio for Strings" – Samuel Barber

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