The Slow Scroll, No. 05

A closet update, tips for being a great host, recent outfits, and more noteworthy finds.

Mar 02, 2025

Hi there! This week’s Slow Scroll includes an exciting home reno update, easy tips for becoming the perfect dinner party host, recent outfits, and other noteworthy finds from the last two weeks. Let’s dive in!

This post is too long for email, so I recommend reading it in Substack for the best experience! If you enjoy this post, please leave a heart or share with friends who might also enjoy following along :)

My new personalized stationery from Larsen McDowell (a Nan Philip’s recommendation!) was delivered Friday night — just in time for me to spend Saturday morning writing thank you notes.

I still have bananas left from my recent grocery delivery blunder (when 5 bunches were delivered instead of 5 individual bananas) so I tried another banana bread recipe — it was super easy and no mixer required. I used dark chocolate chips and made sure to add extra.

This was a big week for my closet reno — paint was finalized and all the hardware and light fixtures were installed. I’m so happy with the paint color (Benjamin Moore Dusty Cornflower). Fingers crossed I’ll move into the space in 2 weeks and can share more details then!

We had friends over for dinner recently and it left me thinking about what makes a “good host”. The menu is obviously key to plan, but the small details that create a calming space can’t be overlooked — the ambiance is just as important for leaving a positive impression.

Art | Lamp | Green Pillow (under $100) | Coasters (old Aerin for Williams Sonoma)

There are 3 elements that I always incorporate into a dinner party to create a soothing and welcoming atmosphere. First, natural elements, like flowers or greenery, will instantly transform a space. Trader Joe’s is a reliable source for florals, especially if you get there earlier in the morning for the best selection. Unsure where to start with arranging flowers? Here are 8 simple steps to help you arrange florals like a pro.

Table lamp | Rattan Charger | Tablecloth (old Tuckernuck, other print options) | Plates (old Crate & Barrel) | Glasses

Next, before your guests arrive pick out a playlist. Spotify has countless playlists available if you search “dinner party” in the app — just make sure to quickly listen through the songs to confirm it fits the vibe. We don’t have a hardwired sound system, but this portable bluetooth speaker delivers great sound quality.

Sconce | Faux Orchid (old from Alice Lane Home)

Lastly, and possibly the most important, is the lighting. Turn off or dim overhead lights and use softly lit table or floor lamps when you can. I also rely heavily on candles and love to layer in votive, taper, and column candles for variety. Since dinner parties can go on for hours, opt for dripless or long burn candles when possible. These mini lamp candle votives are a recent favorite addition to my candle collection.

**Left**: Top, Pants, Shoes (similar), Bag (old Aesther Ekme), Necklace | **Middle**: Top, Pants, Jacket, Shoes, Bag | **Right**: Pants, Boots, Top and Jacket (old Sezane)

Recent outfits:

Outfit 1 (left): Another week night event that called for conservative attire — the silhouette of the top and the metallic shoe kept the outfit modern and chic. The navy top and pant are different fabrics and not a set, but coordinate perfectly. I considered pairing with a silver metallic bag, but the deep burgundy felt more appropriate for this occasion and complimented the navy and metallic silver. I also recently bought this wrap jacket and plan to pair with the navy pant!
Outfit 2 (middle): I wore this for a casual dinner with girlfriends — kept it effortless with an all black base, but added contrast with the taupe/beige(ish) fringe jacket. I’ve leaned into elastic waistbands the last few weeks, so the Toteme zip hem leggings have been in heavy rotation. I loved that the fringe on the jacket added a fun detail to the otherwise simple outfit.
Outfit 3 (right): I’ve shared this countless times before, but Sezane is one of my favorite places to shop for office appropriate pants. An ankle boot would have been the ideal choice for this outfit, but I preferred how the rich chocolate brown shade of my knee high boots complimented the other brown shades in the outfit. Thankfully, the wide leg silhouette of the check pants easily accommodates the taller boot shaft.

The Slow Scroll, No. 05

A closet update, tips for being a great host, recent outfits, and more noteworthy finds.

Recent outfits:

Other noteworthy things and links:

Discussion about this post