The herds are coming! Thanksgiving is two weeks from today, and many of us are going to fall into the “hosting” group; getting ready for the stampede of feet, kisses, wine, preparation, catching up, hugs, wine, cooking, more wine…. you get the point.  We are hosting dinner that evening, and then houseguests the following day… and my high school reunion is that Friday night! Oh my!  Well, okay… I went to private school, so there were only 40-ish people in my class, and the majority of us keep up with one another in some way, shape, or form.  So, the usual high school reunion anxiety isn’t really showing up for this gathering. Thank God.

But, before we get into all of that, the basic fact of the matter is that we are having people in our house for an extended amount of time for the first time since we started planning our kitchen facelift… which, of course, isn’t finished.  This year, I am participating in the holiday home facelift rush.

One of the items needed for my kitchen facelift, from Restoration Hardware

You’ve seen it every year.  Those one or two homes in your neighborhood each year whose owners are furiously sanding, painting, and installing during those couple of weeks before their loved ones arrive.  You’ve probably participated in that rush before or are looking at the last few items on your update to-do list now.  Not to mention the holiday decorations and adornments that need replacing, or the beautiful things that you don’t have yet that will help make your holiday theme more perfect.

If you are looking for any of the above items, some early Christmas gifts (including a really gorgeous cashmere throw… hint, hint), check out Restoration Hardware this week.

Starting today and going through Monday, November 16, shoppers can receive a 20% off discount for Restoration Hardware and Restoration Hardware Baby & Child merchandise during the store’s Friends and Family event.  The offer applies to purchases made via catalog, web, retail and outlet stores. If you order via web or catalog, be sure to include the following discount code: FFS2009.

Happy shopping, friends!