by Alexis on December 12, 2012
The holiday rush is here with the 25th just under two weeks away! I spent the day with gingerbread in the oven, pulling out decorations, and doing some last-minute online shopping. But even with a long holiday to-do list, it didn’t quite feel like Christmas until I turned up my speakers and started playing some holiday tunes. I’ve already heard the classics on the radio and in almost every store I’ve been to in the last few weeks, so I opted instead to listen to the playlist we put together for the Holiday Gift Guide.
It’s full of unexpected wintery songs, including a couple that I’m sure will be on my holiday playlists for years to come. (You can listen to it on Spotify or through your browser, here.) Music is an instant way to set the mood, and I guarantee it will put you in the holiday spirit. So if you’re trying to check things off your own to-do list, throwing a holiday party, or just working, put this on and you might find some new favorites, too.
by Alexis on December 10, 2012
The holidays are the perfect excuse to go all out for dinner parties and family meals. But I often end up focusing more on the food and the table ends up an afterthought. This year I’m finding inspiration in our “Table Talk” piece in the Holiday Gift Guide, and planning to be a bit more deliberate. Meg put together three beautiful concepts—Rich Revelry, Pretty in Pink, and Winter Wonderland—and built table settings for each. You can see the finished settings below, but we also animated them in a short stop-motion so you can see how each came together. Whatever type of meal and table you’re planning for your holiday celebrations, I’m sure you’ll find something inspiring in at least one of these!
We’re still having trouble believing that it’s less than a week until Thanksgiving! Before you know it, it’ll be time to brave the crowds at the stores, set up the gift-wrap assembly line in the living room, and prepare the house for dinner guests and out-of-town visitors.
And that’s where our special, digital Holiday Gift Guide can come in handy! In addition to pages and pages of gift picks from some of our favorite bloggers and shopkeepers—for everyone on your list (hopefully!)—we’ve assembled plenty of original content, including:
- Delicious recipes that will make hosting friends and family a little easier this year
- Exclusive downloads as well as DIYs that will add that special, personal touch to the holidays
- Decorating and entertaining ideas for a festive home and tabletop
- Special discounts with over a dozen fantastic shops
- And more great features, along the lines of what you’d expect to find in our print magazine
The Holiday Gift Guide is only available online, and designed to be viewed on your screen or printed out (if you’re so inclined). It’s a project that we’ve had a lot of fun putting together, and we hope you enjoy it!
{Cover illustration by Lab Partners}
For our 2nd Anniversary giveaway, we asked you to share your favorite spots in your homes with us through Instagram. Thanks to everyone who participated—we loved getting a glimpse into your spaces. We selected two winners at random from those of you who submitted pictures and we’re excited to announce that Olivia Harsham (oliviaharsham) and Sarah Rhodes (arrowandapples) will each be receiving a complete set of back issues, including elusive Issue No. 1 and 2. Below you can see their winning entries.
We also noticed that a lot of our readers have really amazing spaces. If you are interested in submitting your home for consideration for a future feature, send us your photos!
In celebration of our two-year anniversary, we’re giving away two sets of back issues that include Issues No. 1 through 8 (Fall 2010 through Summer 2012). Our first and second issues are completely sold out, so this is a rare opportunity to get your hands on them. We’re digging into our own personal stash for this giveaway!
To enter for a chance to win, follow ”anthologymag” on Instagram by next Friday, October 26, AND post a photo of a favorite spot in your home on Instagram with the caption: “Favorite spot in my home for @anthologymag #Anthologyturns2”. (See complete rules here.)
Please note: Anthology can only see submissions from Instagram account holders whose profiles and photos are public. To set your profile to public, log on to your Instagram account, tap the profile icon, and scroll to the “Privacy” section, under “Photos are private” toggle to “Off”.
And don’t forget! If you’re in the Bay Area, come out and celebrate with us tonight at Zinc Details! Along with Radio Silence Magazine and Chronicle Books, we’ll be there from 6-8pm. The evening will include a panel discussion about print publishing, as well as snacks, drinks, and goodie bags to the first 25 people to arrive.
