Late fall-early winter in wine country, we begin to rest and celebrate the year past, holidays of the season, and hope for the days to come.

Here are a few favorite shops filled with thoughtfully selected basics to bring warmth and joy into your home for the holidays this season.  These well curated offerings speak to the idea of a pause, how to incorporate nature, and bringing forth the warmth that is so welcoming as we embrace home this time of the year in Sonoma and Napa Valleys.

At this time of year, we very much appreciate the cooler days and evenings; it is always a celebration when the vines are at rest.  There is a beautiful ease about the slope of the land, with the orderly march of the vines welcoming the winter rain ahead.  As we are a partially agrarian society, the combination of nature, authentic materials, and heirloom pieces are essential for a timeless feel in the home.

Vintage Home Napa Valley, Shoppe Amber Interiors and Chateau Sonoma are shown here, as they each uniquely excel at helping to create a welcoming home for the holidays.

Last weekend, an article in the Wall Street Journal relates how “The Stagecraft of Holiday Dining Matters as Much as the Food”:

“Setting, atmosphere and the little familiar objects particular to each family are what make this time of year such a distinctive comfort and joy.”   Bee Wilson, December 16th, 2023.

A very timely read, it reminds us that it is the little things that make a big difference, whether while decorating or dining.

At Shoppe Amber Interiors we see the most basic, high quality, elements for a home, to include books, furniture linens and art.

A simple, larger pattern, on a footstool can add just a touch of brightness to a room.

This relaxing bed ensemble speaks to the peaceful rest which is so desired.  The artful combination of textures, pattern, and neutral tones help to create an atmosphere of ease.

At Chateau Sonoma we see the lovely combination of organic materials, animals, plus antiques, to create this inviting table decoration.

Illuminating the darkness, music is such an important part of the holidays.

Recently, I visited the San Francisco Symphony to hear Handel’s Messiah, a holiday tradition around the world since its 1742 Dublin premiere.

Wishing you and your family a most joyous holiday season this year.  For an update on the national real estate market, please visit our Market Watch page.