There’s a particular magic that settles in when the temperatures dip: a season wrapped in cozy textures, twinkling lights, special rituals, and full hearts. Winter invites us to slow down and gather close as we stay present and savor the good things — from the traditions we keep and the recipes we crave to the gifts we give and the outfits we wear.
So we’re opening our (virtual) door, pouring something warm (or sparkling, depending on your preference), and sharing the winter obsessions our team can’t stop talking about. Think: tiny traditions that make cold days feel a little brighter, dishes worth repeating, gifts we love giving and getting, and holiday style that transitions from fireside to festive.
Get comfortable — we’re so excited to share our What We: Winter Favorites Edition with you!
What We Look Forward To
As we get ready to celebrate the third anniversary (!) of our rebranding, Carlisle & Co. is proud to have some traditions of our own. This weekend, look for us in the Winter Park Christmas Parade — perhaps it’ll become a new tradition for our team! Next week, we’ll be celebrating our second annual (virtual) gift exchange as we all wear our favorite picks from LAKE.
Of course, we each have personal traditions that we look forward to too, including:
Greer: Growing up, I had a little wooden advent calendar (not the chocolate kind — love those too!). My parents would hide tiny treats or rolled-up clues that sent me on mini scavenger hunts. Lane now has the same one, and this is the first year he’s really into it!
We also get to open one gift on Christmas Eve. It was usually pajamas, unless my dad let me pick any present under the tree — equally exciting and stressful!
Lastly, as an adult, my mom and I always watched Trading Places with a glass of champagne. Casey has kept the tradition going with me.
Cassie: Every year on Christmas Eve Eve, we make cookies for Santa (a special family recipe), go for a walk around the neighborhood to look at all the Christmas lights, and then watch a Christmas movie.
Whitney: We love holiday traditions in our house. My kids have an advent calendar that they open each morning in December (and I got myself one this year too!).
We’re often traveling to visit family over the holidays, but when we’re home, we go to church on Christmas Eve and stay in our (matching) jammies, eat homemade cinnamon rolls, and open presents on Christmas Day. If Nashville weather allows, we’ll go for a family walk and then snuggle up to watch a Christmas movie — usually The Star, Miracle on 34th Street, or Christmas Chronicles!
Heather: For my kids now, we always make cookies and spend an afternoon decorating them for Santa and to give out to neighbors. We also have a family eggnog recipe that I make every year.
Juliet: In my family, I always put the angel on our Christmas tree. We also open a present up on Christmas Eve!
Emma: My mom and her friends do an apple strudel baking day each December and make hundreds of them to give out. Every Christmas, we eat one for breakfast.
What We Cook
We thought it’d be fun to share some of our favorite recipes too. With appetizers, side dishes, and sweet treats, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to refresh your table and wow your guests.
- Holiday Pomegranate Guacamole
- Homemade Mac & Cheese — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- Ultimate Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Roasted Balsamic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
- Dutch Apple Pie
- Chex Christmas Mix — perfect for gifting too!
- Peppermint Oreo Truffles
What We Gift
Because giving is one of our favorite parts of the season, we poured extra love into our gift guides this year. Every pick was chosen with intention — these are pieces we use, love, and genuinely recommend. We’ve got something for everyone, including:
- Little luxuries — A curated list of 30 everyday indulgences that spark joy, perfect for gifting or treating yourself.
- Self-care sanctuary — Soothing essentials for the self-care obsessed, designed to remind you to breathe deeply and create your own little sanctuary at home.
- Homebody haven — The perfect picks for curling up, slowing down, and savoring the season.
- Team treats — Celebrate your work crew with small luxuries and everyday essentials that say “thank you” in the sweetest way.
- Gifts for her — Elegant, effortless, and extra special, just like her! From monogrammed sweaters and bezel heart drop earrings to cocktail hair claw clips and a cashmere wrap, we know you’ll find something to place under your tree.
- Gifts for him — Why are men so hard to shop for?! Here’s a list for the guy who has everything (and still deserves more).
- Gifts for littles — Our favorite cozy, creative, and kid-approved gifts that lead to big smiles all season long. Whitney’s kids can both vouch for The Ultimate Custom Bead Kit from Baublebar!
Plus: A Special Gift For You!
This year, we have a gift for you too! If you sign on for three months of Google Ads management by December 31st, you’ll receive a custom ads build on us—a $500+ value to launch your strategy with confidence and kick off 2026 with real momentum! Click here to learn more about Google Ads, or contact us today to get started.
What We Wear
When we’re not wearing something cozy from LAKE, we love adding holiday touches to our everyday wardrobe. Here’s what we’re reaching for:
- A truly seasonless dress that instantly screams “festive” when you play up the red and green florals (it’s so good that Whit bought it in two color ways!)
- A fuzzy red cardigan for days when you don’t know what to wear
- These wreath earrings are too cute
- Or opt for these gold and pearl bow earrings (on sale!) for a more classic look
- The Stewart plaid top and midi skirt from Buru — in the softest Japanese wool blend that feels like cashmere — is a must-wear every year
- A Christmas-themed headband from Lele Sadoughi is a no-brainer
- It’s not the holidays without a little sparkle! This Dorsey tennis necklace is a showstopper
As we wrap up our list of winter favorites, we hope it brings you inspiration, comfort, and joy.
However you celebrate this month, may it be filled with sweet moments, good food, thoughtful gifts, and outfits that make you feel like you. Wishing you warmth, happiness, and a holiday season that lingers in all the best ways.
If you’re looking to develop a digital marketing strategy and expand your online reach, please reach out to our team today.
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