With the fall season in full swing, Barrington’s landscape has turned into a sea of colorful trees and falling leaves. Inspired by Autumn’s hues, homeowners everywhere have been decorating for fall and we’re getting into the spirit of the season with a Fall Decor Photo Contest sponsored by our friends at Carol and Company.
As the kids prep their costumes for Saturday’s tricks and treats, family plans are already being made for November’s Thanksgiving feast. This week, I dropped by Carol and Company where I always find the perfect hostess gifts and festive accents to refresh our home and holiday table.
I love visiting with Carol & Company owner, Ruth Grigson, who filled me in on some of the seasons’ hottest sellers. And when Ruth offered a $100 gift card for us to give away at 365Barrington.com, we decided that the time is right for a photo contest featuring fall decor found anywhere, from your front porch to your fireplace to your family’s table. You can even share your favorite photos of fall on display by Mother Nature!
For a chance to win a $100 Carol & Company gift card, all you have to do is submit a photo of your favorite seasonal decorations at home or fall scenes spotted while you’re out and about. Any images inspired by Halloween, Thanksgiving or the fall season are eligible. You have through mid-November to enter the contest. Then, we’ll host a poll to let our readers choose their favorite photo submitted in our contest and we will announce the winner on Monday of Thanksgiving week!
If you’d love to breathe new life into your holiday decor this year, inspiration is as close as Carol & Company. Not only will you find great ideas, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect gifts to get a jump start on this year’s holiday shopping. Here are some of Ruth’s favorite items currently available at Carol & Company’s Barrington boutique or online at CarolandCompany.com.
Hester & Cook Kitchen Papers
When Ruth showed me Hester & Cook’s Kitchen Papers to use in place of cloth table linens, I was immediately sold. “They’re designed by a company in Vermont and we carry table runners, placemats, napkins, serving papers, placecards and more in all different styles and patterns.”
At Thanksgiving, Ruth uses the chalkboard runners so kids and adults can write things they’re thankful for, a great conversation starter as guests gather around the table. “I love that you can cut the runners to any length so they’ll fit at any size table and you’ll get a couple of uses because they come in rolls of 25 feet. The other great thing is that there’s no laundry to do after your holiday event. When your dinner party is over, the last thing you want to do is wash all of your table linens after you finish doing the dishes. You can simply recycle our kitchen papers or throw them out after your done. It’s a great way to decorate for the holidays without spending a ton of money on fabric tablecloths or placemats. ”
Nora Fleming Servingware
I am among the army of people in love with Nora Fleming servingware and Carol & Company carries a full selection Nora Fleming platters and minis. Nora Fleming helps you simplify the art of entertaining and decorating by offering interchangeable serving pieces with seasonal “minis” to pop in as accents. In this tablescape, Ruth is featuring the wood breadboard with pinecone mini. “Nora Fleming’s serving pieces are great because you can use them for all holidays and seasons. You don’t have to buy servingware for every holiday, all you have to do is switch out the mini figurines.”
Ruth says the company has recently added even more options to the line. “Nora just came out with an 8×8 baking dish so you can bake your brownies, pop in a mini, and they’re ready for your party. She has also started coming out with bathroom accessories. There’s a tissue box cover, soap dispenser, bud vase and tea light holder for even more ways to use your minis.”
KnobStoppers & Engraved Cutting Boards
And for hostess and holiday gift this year, I LOVE Carol & Company KnobStoppers and engraved JK Adams cutting boards. “Our KnobStoppers are wine corks accented with antique glass, brass or metal door knobs. We also carry KnobStoppers accented with golf and pool balls to add a little more personality to your gift.” And, Ruth says the JK Adams cutting boards or any of Carol & Company’s personalized gift options make a statement that’s thoughtful, easy and elegant.
Carol & Company sells an ever changing selection of unique and vintage-inspired gifts, jewelry, accessories, home accents and servingware via the company’s website at CarolAndCompany.com and at their flagship story in Barrington, Illinois.
About 75% of Carol & Company’s merchandise is made in the USA and owner Ruth Grigson says they work hard to source products responsibly.
“We focus on bringing in brands that are socially conscious and products with meaning. Most of what we sell is either environmentally friendly, made in America or supports charity work in some way. ”
Founded in 2005, Carol and Company opened their Barrington flagship store at 121 Barrington Commons Court in 2013. They have recently expanded their retail and shipping space to meet growing demand from both their in-store and online shoppers. To follow Carol & Company’s latest updates, click here for their Facebook page and click here to find them on Instagram. You can also shop their merchandise online now at CarolandCompany.com.
10 years of Neoteca 🤍
A decade of wood-fired pizza, wine nights, celebrations, familiar faces, and so many memories in downtown Barrington.
Join us Tomorrow, Friday, July 10th starting at 1 PM as we celebrate 10 years with an outdoor celebration featuring wood-fired pizza from our mobile oven, flat top smash burger sliders, and great company.
We’re so grateful for this community and can’t wait to celebrate with you. 🥂
#Neoteca #BarringtonIL #DowntownBarrington #BarringtonEats
✨ Athlete Spotlight: Toni & Annie Leiding ✨
This month we`re celebrating a very special mother-daughter duo—Toni & Annie Leiding! ❤️💙
You may only catch these two working out together during a Saturday class, but whether they`re together or flying solo, they each bring something special to our CFB community.
They show up, put in the work, encourage those around them, and remind us that fitness is about so much more than the workout. It`s about building confidence, creating lifelong habits, and sharing the journey with the people you love.
Having multiple generations training together is one of the coolest parts of CrossFit, and Toni & Annie are a perfect example of that. Their dedication, positive attitudes, and willingness to challenge themselves inspire everyone around them.
Be sure to check out this month`s Athlete Spotlight to learn more about what brought them to CrossFit, what keeps them coming back, and some fun facts about this awesome duo!
Help us congratulate Toni & Annie by showing them some love in the comments! 👇❤️
anniekathleen_8
tonileiding
#crossfitbarrington #cfbnutrition #barringtonil #barrington365 #athletespotlight #happyhealthystrong #besthourofyourday
🇺🇸✨ Happy Independence Day from the heart of Barrington!
Barrington Township Republicans (BTRO) proudly marched in the July 4th parade, honoring the timeless brilliance, courage, and enduring legacy of the greatest nation on Earth. From the bold vision of our Founding Fathers to the freedoms we cherish and defend today. America’s light continues to shine bright.
We celebrate the innovators, the dreamers, the families, and the patriots who keep this republic strong. Here’s to liberty, unity, and the American spirit that unites us all!
God Bless America! ❤️🤍💙
#July4th #IndependenceDay2026 #BTRO #BarringtonStrong #america250
🔥 June Committed Club — YOU DID IT! 🔥
Huge shoutout to everyone who showed up, put in the work, and crushed 16+ classes this month 👏💪 Your consistency, energy, and commitment are what make this community so special. Whether it was your first time hitting the goal or you’ve been in the club before—this is a BIG deal and we’re proud of you all.
🎉 And our Committed Club winner for June is…
👉 Joann Holman 🎉 brhjlh
Congrats Joann! You’ve earned the $75 gift card to Pepper Park Coffee Shop—well deserved for your consistency and dedication!
☕ A special thank you to our June sponsor:
Pepper Park Coffee
A cozy Lake Barrington favorite serving up high-quality coffee, fresh sandwiches, and pastries in a warm, welcoming space. Their commitment to community and quality makes them the perfect partner for celebrating consistency and hard work all month long ❤️
Keep showing up. Keep stacking wins. July, we’re coming for you next 👊
#cfbnutrition #crossfitbarrington #committedclub #barringtonil #barrington365
