Dec 6, 2023·edited Dec 6, 2023Liked by Joanna Goddard, Kaitlyn Teer
@Katie, my neighbor invites about a dozen or so women over every December, and not all of us know each other (some are baseball moms, some are neighbors, some are coworkers). She dubs it a "wine and wrap" party, and we have drinks and finger foods and bring some or all of our holiday presents to wrap together. The hostess puts out scissors, tape, ribbons, and lots of wrap, and sets up tables in her basement. It gives us something to do together, and the gifts we've bought for our families start conversation. It's an event I look forward to each year!
Hi! I can’t speak for everyone but if you’re seeing sheer looking tights on the ladies of my generation in NYC (late 20s/early 30s) we’re *not*! wearing sheer tights. We’re wearing the viral flesh colored fleece leggings, and yes, we all have them. Starting last winter, every girlfriend of mine independently bought them. There’s hundreds of options online like these, unfortunately mostly one-size-fits-all: https://www.amazon.com/pepdhuk-Fleece-Translucent-Pantyhose-Leggings/dp/B0CGHQM35B
Shiv and Tom's would not be *fun* per se but it would give you the most to talk about afterward and I be one of those parties that makes you and your spouse be like "Well! At least we're not like *them*."
one of my biggest party regrets was hosting a dip-centric bachelorette party and not holding back some dip for myself for later. Because by the time the party was over, I couldn't in good faith put the creamy dips back in the fridge after several hours no matter how much I wanted to. Learn from my mistakes.
Dec 6, 2023·edited Dec 6, 2023Liked by Joanna Goddard, Kaitlyn Teer
@Emilie, I'm also in Montreal and I wanted so badly for it to be otherwise, but the puffy sleeping bags are the only thing warm enough (unless you grew up somewhere cold, but your question suggests you did not - neither did I). I have a gorgeous heavy wool + thinsulate J Crew coat that lives in the closet that I can't bring myself to give it away. I'd go Kanuk if I were you; the shop on Rachel has an outlet section that usually has half-off. I feel like people move their coats into stylish with cheery bright scarves, hats, and gloves. Good luck!!
We just moved from Montreal (sob! we miss it so!) and I co-sign that heavy down coats are the best/only option. It's what everyone wears -- even to fancy places. I liked the ones that ended just below my knees. Make sure you check the temp rating, it should go down to -30 C.
If you want to splurge, Soia & Kyo are gorgeous and incredibly warm. My friend was able to find one marked down at Winners! The coats with the removable lining (i.e. https://www.soiakyo.ca/products/camelia-c?variant=42765861519585) are great for transitional weather. The Aritzia superpuff is also a more stylish puffer option, and is very popular.
If you're willing to drive a bit, LL Bean just opened up in St-Bruno and their coats are quite warm. They sometimes have sales. Otherwise agreed with Lindsay above the Kanuk outlet or whatever is on sale at Sports Experts / MEC are good options. Also Uniqlo heattech leggings are the best thing ever. Get the ones that are rated the warmest!
oh! and forgot to say! I'm 5'2" and found most regular puffers fit well. But I ordered an XXSP puffer from Lands End and the sleeves are the exact right length. They ship through borderfree, so I don't think I had to pay additional duties.
I just got the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka and I'm obsessed with it. Walking sleeping bag, yes, but I honestly feel so chic in it! And it was $100 off for Black Friday 🙌
@kaitlynteercoj - I, too, sat with tears in my eyes holding The North Woods when I finished it. I think I will reread that last chapter every year of my life. I have such a book hangover from reading that book - nothing else is good enough! I added The Vaster Wilds to my "for later times" list, thanks for the recommendations. Thanks for the suggestion!
Sharon & Rob would have the best party with the worst hangover the next day.
Issa & Molly are far too hip for me and I would spend the evening trying to follow the pop culture references and slang.
Shiv & Tom would be amazing for people-watching during the party and trash-talking with your SO on the drive home.
Harry & Sally would be amazing sweaters, party games and sauces on the side.
Mabel & Charles & Oliver would be all about dips and so much fun, but come with the highest chance of being murdered if it took place in their building.
To @Katie re: holiday gathering awkwardness, I cannot overstate the sheer value of *introducing* people to each other. Not a broad, sweeping, "everyone, meet everyone" but as an individual/pair arrive, go around and introduce them one. by. one. to whoever's already there, and/or pull them into a conversation. Share a little commonality nugget if there is one, and if not, that's fine! Literally the hardest part of breaking the ice is the mutual eye contact + attention + and introduction. In my experience as an introvert and party-anxious person, my favorite parties are the ones with these types of proactive hosts, especially at the beginning of the event! And as a host, I would think this is the fun part! "Person 1 who I love, meet person 2 who I also love!"
@Katie, the most genius tip I just learned/remembered: a neighborhood family I grew up with hosted social events regularly and they always had an introverts' puzzle corner. Then the folks who needed to ease into being social/needed a break had a quiet place to go with an activity. Usually they'd eventually be joined by an extrovert who would adopt them and be their party buddy. Once the puzzle corner even resulted in a marriage. :)
I am really good at managing awkward people interactions. I love to host acquaintances (that I want to have deeper bonds with) and new neighbors for gatherings at my house, either for monthly coffee chats or for food and drinks... i also love to have Walks and Talks with people that I would like to meet and know more about. So really the full gamut.
My advise: make sure you have good opening questions as I make a lil moment when everyone has arrived and give the people the chance to talk about them. For example: what is your fave breakfast food or what topics do you want to talk about today? I also introduce my “solo guests” to another one of my friends, with a piece of what they have in common (that I personally know about them).
Also... having in the RSVP list the topics people want to talk about (submitted by them) or brief-intros (created by me) really helps people know who is who and how they can connect.
Things I need help with? Well... personally need help with cooking easy apps or NA cute drinks. The food flow is a lil clunky for me so I welcome any advise on that front 👩🏻🍳🙈
I'm seeing bows everywhere, too! I don't have the right hair for one, but I'm thinking about getting these bows to pin on candlesticks - I've never seen this before and it seems like such an easy way to decorate! https://matildagoad.com/products/mini-brass-bow-candle-pin
Can someone give me permission to buy this gift for myself?!
She talks about being intentional in the purpose of the gathering. Yes, it’s a holiday party, but what’s the real purpose? What does this group of people need?
@Emilie, I love my JCrew Daphne topcoat in Italian wool (I have it in black). It is unlined, but I stay pretty warm in it throughout most of winter when layered over sweaters (I live in Michigan). It is classic, fits well (I’m 5’3”), and imo basically looks new despite having had it for a few years now after buying it second hand. While I do wear my puffy sleeping bag coat when I’m outside for longer periods of time or on below zero days, I wear this one most days for work and play.
@Katie, my neighbor invites about a dozen or so women over every December, and not all of us know each other (some are baseball moms, some are neighbors, some are coworkers). She dubs it a "wine and wrap" party, and we have drinks and finger foods and bring some or all of our holiday presents to wrap together. The hostess puts out scissors, tape, ribbons, and lots of wrap, and sets up tables in her basement. It gives us something to do together, and the gifts we've bought for our families start conversation. It's an event I look forward to each year!
omg I LOVE this!!!!! what a great idea.
Hi! I can’t speak for everyone but if you’re seeing sheer looking tights on the ladies of my generation in NYC (late 20s/early 30s) we’re *not*! wearing sheer tights. We’re wearing the viral flesh colored fleece leggings, and yes, we all have them. Starting last winter, every girlfriend of mine independently bought them. There’s hundreds of options online like these, unfortunately mostly one-size-fits-all: https://www.amazon.com/pepdhuk-Fleece-Translucent-Pantyhose-Leggings/dp/B0CGHQM35B
omg Megan you're hired as our 20-something correspondent lol
Shiv and Tom's would not be *fun* per se but it would give you the most to talk about afterward and I be one of those parties that makes you and your spouse be like "Well! At least we're not like *them*."
hahahahah so true. just don't drink their "wet dog" wine.
I almost chose Harry + Sally because I'm sure it would be warm + cozy, but ultimately decided on Mabel, Charles + Oliver for the dips alone.
omg I didn't even think of the dips!!!!! genius. I chose harry and sally because I want to hang with marie and jess, too!
one of my biggest party regrets was hosting a dip-centric bachelorette party and not holding back some dip for myself for later. Because by the time the party was over, I couldn't in good faith put the creamy dips back in the fridge after several hours no matter how much I wanted to. Learn from my mistakes.
Sign me up for a “dip-centric” gathering of any kind!
@Emilie, I'm also in Montreal and I wanted so badly for it to be otherwise, but the puffy sleeping bags are the only thing warm enough (unless you grew up somewhere cold, but your question suggests you did not - neither did I). I have a gorgeous heavy wool + thinsulate J Crew coat that lives in the closet that I can't bring myself to give it away. I'd go Kanuk if I were you; the shop on Rachel has an outlet section that usually has half-off. I feel like people move their coats into stylish with cheery bright scarves, hats, and gloves. Good luck!!
We just moved from Montreal (sob! we miss it so!) and I co-sign that heavy down coats are the best/only option. It's what everyone wears -- even to fancy places. I liked the ones that ended just below my knees. Make sure you check the temp rating, it should go down to -30 C.
If you want to splurge, Soia & Kyo are gorgeous and incredibly warm. My friend was able to find one marked down at Winners! The coats with the removable lining (i.e. https://www.soiakyo.ca/products/camelia-c?variant=42765861519585) are great for transitional weather. The Aritzia superpuff is also a more stylish puffer option, and is very popular.
If you're willing to drive a bit, LL Bean just opened up in St-Bruno and their coats are quite warm. They sometimes have sales. Otherwise agreed with Lindsay above the Kanuk outlet or whatever is on sale at Sports Experts / MEC are good options. Also Uniqlo heattech leggings are the best thing ever. Get the ones that are rated the warmest!
Winter in Montreal is the best! Enjoy!
heattech for life <3
oh! and forgot to say! I'm 5'2" and found most regular puffers fit well. But I ordered an XXSP puffer from Lands End and the sleeves are the exact right length. They ship through borderfree, so I don't think I had to pay additional duties.
I agree that sleeping bag coats are the coziest! I’m also 5 feet tall and I have The North Face Nuptse Parka in XS
https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/womens/womens-jackets-and-vests/womens-parkas-c327273/womens-nuptse-parka-pNF0A832K?color=JK3&size=XS
for a huge sleeping bag coat and for a nice one I love my Mango wrap coat in XXS
https://shop.mango.com/us/women/coats-coats/belt-handmade-coat_57055137.html
It’s like a chic robe coat and goes over dresses and jeans. Easy to fold the sleeves up to make it petite friendly.
Also I have an old Pendleton Sherpa lined coat in XXS that fits well. Good luck in your quest!
thank you!!!
Agreed! LL Bean has one that is fantastic. A fun scarf is a good way to dress up the sleeping bag.
I just got the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka and I'm obsessed with it. Walking sleeping bag, yes, but I honestly feel so chic in it! And it was $100 off for Black Friday 🙌
Link:
https://www.outdoorresearch.com/products/womens-coze-down-parka-277589
@kaitlynteercoj - I, too, sat with tears in my eyes holding The North Woods when I finished it. I think I will reread that last chapter every year of my life. I have such a book hangover from reading that book - nothing else is good enough! I added The Vaster Wilds to my "for later times" list, thanks for the recommendations. Thanks for the suggestion!
wow these are such strong recs. can't wait to read it, it's next on my TBR pile.
Sharon & Rob would have the best party with the worst hangover the next day.
Issa & Molly are far too hip for me and I would spend the evening trying to follow the pop culture references and slang.
Shiv & Tom would be amazing for people-watching during the party and trash-talking with your SO on the drive home.
Harry & Sally would be amazing sweaters, party games and sauces on the side.
Mabel & Charles & Oliver would be all about dips and so much fun, but come with the highest chance of being murdered if it took place in their building.
hahahahahahha "but come with the highest chance of being murdered"
I seriously thought that when trying to choose. 😂
Yes to all of this! I was deciding between Sharon and Rob and Harry and Sally.
Oh a podcast with Gemma coming...cannot wait!!
To @Katie re: holiday gathering awkwardness, I cannot overstate the sheer value of *introducing* people to each other. Not a broad, sweeping, "everyone, meet everyone" but as an individual/pair arrive, go around and introduce them one. by. one. to whoever's already there, and/or pull them into a conversation. Share a little commonality nugget if there is one, and if not, that's fine! Literally the hardest part of breaking the ice is the mutual eye contact + attention + and introduction. In my experience as an introvert and party-anxious person, my favorite parties are the ones with these types of proactive hosts, especially at the beginning of the event! And as a host, I would think this is the fun part! "Person 1 who I love, meet person 2 who I also love!"
I didn’t know Chanel Miller had a podcast! So excited to listen to all the episodes of Makes Sense that are out!!
I ADORE her and her incredible book and overall bravery. She's a force!!
What a treasure trove of cozy, beautiful, and fun holiday/winter suggestions! Thank you!
@Katie, the most genius tip I just learned/remembered: a neighborhood family I grew up with hosted social events regularly and they always had an introverts' puzzle corner. Then the folks who needed to ease into being social/needed a break had a quiet place to go with an activity. Usually they'd eventually be joined by an extrovert who would adopt them and be their party buddy. Once the puzzle corner even resulted in a marriage. :)
brilliant!!
I am really good at managing awkward people interactions. I love to host acquaintances (that I want to have deeper bonds with) and new neighbors for gatherings at my house, either for monthly coffee chats or for food and drinks... i also love to have Walks and Talks with people that I would like to meet and know more about. So really the full gamut.
My advise: make sure you have good opening questions as I make a lil moment when everyone has arrived and give the people the chance to talk about them. For example: what is your fave breakfast food or what topics do you want to talk about today? I also introduce my “solo guests” to another one of my friends, with a piece of what they have in common (that I personally know about them).
Also... having in the RSVP list the topics people want to talk about (submitted by them) or brief-intros (created by me) really helps people know who is who and how they can connect.
Things I need help with? Well... personally need help with cooking easy apps or NA cute drinks. The food flow is a lil clunky for me so I welcome any advise on that front 👩🏻🍳🙈
If you don't want to unwrap the Hershey's kisses, do what my mom does and just buy 'chocolate stars'! https://www.kroger.com/p/brach-s-milk-chocolate-stars/0004142003694
smart!!
I'm seeing bows everywhere, too! I don't have the right hair for one, but I'm thinking about getting these bows to pin on candlesticks - I've never seen this before and it seems like such an easy way to decorate! https://matildagoad.com/products/mini-brass-bow-candle-pin
Can someone give me permission to buy this gift for myself?!
my friend also tied pale green ribbon to her gold candlesticks!
so simple, and yet I never think of these things - some people are so beautifully creative!
Permission granted! 🎀
woohoo, thank you! ordered!
For gatherings - I’ve been so inspired by Priya Parker lately! https://www.priyaparker.com/art-of-gathering-newsletter/first-five-minutes
She talks about being intentional in the purpose of the gathering. Yes, it’s a holiday party, but what’s the real purpose? What does this group of people need?
Second this!
@Emilie, I love my JCrew Daphne topcoat in Italian wool (I have it in black). It is unlined, but I stay pretty warm in it throughout most of winter when layered over sweaters (I live in Michigan). It is classic, fits well (I’m 5’3”), and imo basically looks new despite having had it for a few years now after buying it second hand. While I do wear my puffy sleeping bag coat when I’m outside for longer periods of time or on below zero days, I wear this one most days for work and play.