Getting Ready for a Lovely Holiday with Mara Ferreria

We love people who follow their passion.  Blogger Mara Ferreria of M Loves M chose design over law school and are better for it.  Her fresh and effortless approach to entertaining, fashion and design has made her blog a go-to for inspiration.  Plus we can’t get enough of seeing her His & Hers style posts with her hunky husband, Matthew.

With the holiday crush upon us, we turned to Mara to give us her unique spin on some festive decorations.  However, we couldn’t let her go without picking her brain on how she makes the holidays special.

What are some of your top tips to when hosting friends & family during the holidays?

Make it personal! I’ll write letters to my guests a few weeks before the party and ask about any dietary restrictions or if they have any nostalgic holiday memories. It’s fun to include personal elements, like their favorite cookie or card game.

What’s your favorite holiday cocktail to serve?

My husband is known for his incredible mulled wine. It is the best thing ever. But we always need another cocktail option, and I usually make something with applejack. It has an incredible flavor and feels so seasonal!

What do you like to do to make your holiday table feel extra special?

I love adding bits of nature to our table to make it a little more rustic and charming.The morning before our party, I’ll walk my dog Ginger and pick up leaves and pretty branches in the neighborhood to dress up our table. Then I’ll add a bunch of tea light candles for a romantic and intimate setting.

What three songs must be on your holiday party soundtrack?

Nat King Cole “The Christmas Song,” The Carpenters “There’s No Place Like Home For the Holidays,” and Feist “My Moon My Man” not seasonal but it’s a good dinner party song!

What’s on your wish list this holiday season?

cozy robe and a good book!

Adorable right?