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.
🍽️ What does 100g of protein in a day actually look like?
Hitting your protein goal doesn’t mean living on chicken and protein shakes.
When you spread protein throughout your meals and snacks, it becomes much more realistic—and your body will thank you.
💪 Supports muscle maintenance & recovery
⚡ Helps keep your energy steady
🍽️ Keeps you fuller for longer
🧠 Supports healthy aging and overall wellness
Start simple: aim to include a quality protein source with every meal, and build from there.
Small choices. Consistent habits. Big results. 🙌
#cfbnutrition #crossfitbarrington #barringtonil #barrington365 #hsnnutrition
Are you a student or the parent of a student looking for volunteer/service hours? Come join us next Tuesday, August 4th at the library for a fun community event for a great cause!
Thanks to a grant from the Barrington Area Community Foundation, BStrong Together will be putting together 3000 mental health coping kits for Barrington area high school students at the start of the school year.
We are hosting two sessions:
- 1:00-4:00 pm
- 6:00-8:30 pm
Students can sign-up today using the student QR code or visit https://bstrongtogether.org/
Other community members of all ages who would like support this important effort can just stop by or register for a reminder at https://balibrary.librarycalendar.com
#bstrongtogetherbarrington #barrington220 #365barrington
Good morning Barrington!!
What a beautiful morning at Ron Beese Park
Have a great Friday and start to the weekend!
#365barrington
#barringtonil
It’s another gorgeous day, Barrington!! Enjoying the serenity of the Cuba Marsh trail.
#365barrington
#summer
#lakecountyforestpreserves
We are not taking these perfect summer days for granted.
Love summer in Barrington!
#365barrington
#summer
#barringtonil
Good morning Barrington!!
Wishing you a happy Monday and a great week from the Flint Creek Dreamway Trail. Love all the gorgeous murals painted under the bridge!
#365barrington
#beautifulbarrington
#barringtonil
