Aryn Guillory, lead designer and owner of Oyster Creek Studios

Tis the season to spend some extra time with family and friends, and we asked Aryn Guillory of Oyster Creek Studios (oystercreekstudios.com), Houston’s premier interior design firm, her holiday entertaining tips and tricks.

(1) GET COZY Change out the beach towels for your favorite throw blankets and make it cozy. I love bringing out my fall cozy Lands Downunder Italian herringbone throw blanket in my living room during the fall. My family and guests love them. I layer these blankets over the back of my furniture for an extra-layered look. I love my bright orange Lands Downunder Italian herringbone throw blanket during the fall months.

(2) FULL PLATE I’m looking forward to hosting a Friendsgiving dinner party in our home this fall. My husband and I both love to host. I can’t wait to bring out all my favorite Spode Woodland dishware and serve up a hearty-cozy dinner with friends and a great bottle of cabernet sauvignon! Hosting a Friendsgiving doesn’t have to be a big fuss—it’s all about the fellowship and comfort food.

(3) ADORN THE FRONT PORCH I love decorating my front porch for the fall, but honestly, I like to keep it very simple. I love going to my local grocery store, picking out different-sized orange, white and green pumpkins and stacking them around my plants on the front porch. I also love incorporating mini pumpkins on my mantel above my fireplace and breakfast room table. Fall is often associated with abundance, but make sure your entertaining space isn’t overburdened with clutter.

(4) THE GREAT OUTDOORS This time of year is when we love to use our outdoor fire pit. My kids love roasting s’mores around the fire—I always keep my pantry stocked with graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate during this time of year. If you have an outdoor fire pit or outdoor fireplace, use it. Curl up with your fave throw blanket and invite your friends over for a little outdoor fire.

In 2022 Guillory launched a full upholstery line of beds, headboards, sofas, swivel chairs, daybeds, benches and ottomans.

(5) LIGHT IT UP I love to bring out all my musky, fall candles as well as taper candles. Nothing like a candle-lit dinner at home! I love to put a candle by my kitchen sink, my coffee table, entry table and powder bathroom.

(6) SIP, SIP, HOORAY! Have your signature cocktail ready for the fall. Last year my husband and I crafted our favorite espresso martini that we love to sip on in the evenings on the weekends. Espresso coffee, Tito’s vodka, coffee liqueur, a few coffee beans, ice and martini glasses—you are good to go!