Requests from Elena

It’s my first time hosting thanksgiving — what do I need to know? Hosting ~10 people & a couple dogs & hoping for tips, traditions or other ideas for how to make it special and enjoyable for all in our cozy but not large space (recipes are welcome too but we mostly have that figured out)

What are your hall of fame paint colors and wallpapers that you absolutely love living with day in and day out? Real photos if possible!! Am interested in everything but especially curious about entrance areas and hallways, dining rooms, bathrooms, and for rooms that get a lot of good sunlight! Thank you!!

How do you wind down from the day? Looking for sober recs/practices to build routine around

SEEKING: fiction and nonfiction books on ancient history Am dreaming of a book that is the gift meets valley of the girls. IMO the Turkish tv show the gift + Kelly Link’s short story valley of the girls would make an amazing read but I would love any rec for books that: A) are a fascinating read about archeology (even nonfiction) B) delve into ancient history/art/daily life through an archeological (but not white) lens C) are fiction that engage on these topics or involve time travel through ruins (but aren’t a super straight girl romance ala Outlander) Other context: I have read Noah Yuval Hariri (loved sapiens) have also read pretty much every Madeline Miller and Greek/roman mythological story I can get my hands on and the Pompeii trilogy by Elodie Harper.

Tell me your favorite comedy films! Which ones made YOU do a spit take from laughing so hard? I want my cheeks and sides to hurt with the humor. Can be childish or raunchy, or anything in between. Goes without saying but plz skip the ones with cheap “jokes” that lead with racism, fatphobia etc.

Tell me about books you love that are set in, or about Appalachia, especially by authors from the region. From newer, lauded novels like Demon Copperhead to classics like The Trail of the Lonesome Pine I am open to recs old and new, fiction especially but non fiction too.

Calling all green thumbs! What should I plant in Zone 6a? I keep bees and am most interested in native plants. For an added challenge: my garden is extremely shady and soil is disturbed by a Norwegian Maple.

🥣 Do you have everyday bowls you love that last forever? Tell me about them!! All of mine are chipped and cracking under my spoon. Bonus if dishwasher safe