Editor in Chief

“This year will be different.” How many of us make this vow as we approach the holiday season? “Simplify!” we coach ourselves; “Less stress, more fun!” we say. This is all good self-talk to prevent getting whipped up into a holiday frenzy.

This issue of HOME will help you make good on your own feel-good mantras during what can be a busy season for all of us, regardless of your traditions, plans and expectations. Entertaining at home? Our feature on “The Art of the Party” gives great party-throwing advice, regardless of the size and occasion of your own soiree—boiling it down to help you get organized. The feature on designing a tablescape featuring the work of local floral designers will inspire you to set a dazzling table with just a few special touches, and without breaking the bank. Learn all about the best of Virginia wines, so you can shop, sip and serve local libations. We also offer make-ahead holiday meal advice, and we hope our article about holiday cards inspires you to create a special greeting card this year (notice we didn’t say “perfect,” or “completely-on-time”).

If a kitchen update is on your wish list for Santa, our feature on what to expect from this major renovation will be invaluable as you make your plans. Articles on warming up your decor by layering textures, incorporating large potted trees and jazzing up your exterior color combos are sure to help you beat any winter blues.

Take time for a little fun for a good cause, too: Be sure to check out the inaugural Lynchburg Design House, an exciting collaboration of local talent resulting in a spectacular home tour—with all proceeds to benefit the YWCA. In these pages you can read all about this exciting project of which HOME magazine is a proud sponsor.

Make your list, check it twice, and most of all, enjoy your home and everyone in it this holiday season. Thanks for reading!

—MERIDITH INGRAM, EDITOR IN CHIEF
meridith@westwillowpublishing.com