C O L L E C T E D by Cathryn Lindsey | vol. 03
A curated glimpse inside my world — design, style, and life.
F R O M M Y D E S K
I love this time of year, I mean, who doesn’t? The holiday season always feels so sparkly and exciting. We pause so many of life’s commitments for “after the holidays” and just… enjoy. Sure, there’s chaos and a million expectations that come along with it, but for the most part, we’re all having fun, right? The parties, the lights, the treats.
What I get most excited about this time of year is the hosting. There’s something about this season that feels made for gathering, outside of those big family holidays. Maybe it’s the early sunsets or the impending travel, but I always feel this urge to have people over, light a few candles, and make something comforting.
But lately, I’ve noticed a shift, one that I recently heard confirmed on a podcast too. People just aren’t hosting as much anymore. There’s this feeling that everything in your home has to be perfect before you can invite anyone over. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a stunning home, that’s what I do, but I’ve never gone into a friend’s house, had snacks and drinks while our kids played, laughed until it was late, and thought, “Wow, this would be so much better if there were more art on the walls, or if this hummus were homemade.” Have you? Never, right?
So let’s start opening our doors more, even if things don’t feel perfect. Break out the chips and salsa, pour the wine, turn on some music, and fill your house with laughter and connection and that feeling that can only happen when people gather.
That’s what I’m embracing this season.
xo, Cathryn
F R O M T H E S T U D I O
After writing last volume about slowing down and being okay with a quieter season, the studio has picked back up in the best way. I just signed a new project here in New Jersey, and right off the bat it’s a total dream project. We’re going to be creating some really fun design elements, and I cannot wait to bring it all together into a space that feels layered, personal, and stunning.
Right now, my studio table (dining table) is covered in fabric swatches, stone samples, and vintage references that feel both grounded and refined. This is my favorite part of the design process (although I say that about all of them). The possibilities feel endless, and when those materials finally click and that aha moment hits, it’s just the best feeling. It makes me fall in love with design over and over again.
As my schedule fills, I’ve started a waitlist for 2026 projects, which feels wild to even say. If you’ve been thinking about working together next year, now’s a good time to reach out. I’d love to plan something special together.
G A T H E R E D
I’ve been thinking a lot about hospitality lately, not just in design, but in life. A book I keep coming back to is Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. It’s technically a business book, written by the man who helped make Eleven Madison Park one of the best restaurants in the world, but it’s really about how to show up, for your team, your friends, your community, your clients. It’s about being unreasonable in the best way possible, going above and beyond because you genuinely care. And it’s such a fun, easy read too, especially if you love restaurants.
My other current obsession: the sweet potato latte from my favorite local spot, Crew Coffee in downtown Chatham. I can’t get enough of it, truly unbelievable. I’m half-tempted to serve it at Thanksgiving instead of dessert. If you’re local, definitely go try it before it’s gone, and grab one of their apple pie English muffins with sea salt butter while you’re there. We’ve only lived in Chatham for a few months, but Crew has already become part of my routine.
And last, the Brightland Holiday Hosting Set, the perfect gift for any host or friend who’s hard to shop for. It’s beautifully packaged olive oil with a small dipping dish that’s charming enough to use as a jewelry catchall or display piece. Not a totally consumable gift, something extra lovely and thoughtful.
I N M Y O R B I T
The mix I can’t get enough of right now: chocolate brown and silver. After years of everything gold, silver is quietly making a comeback, and while gold might still be the expected pairing with brown, bringing silver into the mix feels so fresh. It’s taken over so much of my planning and designing lately, every tablescape idea, every outfit, every little moment I’m styling seems to drift back to this palette. It’s warm and polished, old and new, grounded and a little sparkly all at once.
Here’s how it’s showing up in my mind:
an all-tinsel tree with oversized brown velvet bows
a linen chocolate-brown table runner with silver candlesticks and clusters of fresh greenery
a gorgeous silk brown dress with chunky silver jewelry for a holiday party
vintage silver plates and bowls styled on a rustic wood tray
I love that juxtaposition — the formal with the modern, warm tones against something crisp, bold yet understated. It instantly feels collected, even though it’s not the obvious choice.
