Current Obsessions: Last of the Year

Happy end of year! We’re reporting in live from our annual winter’s nap with a new film about the Shakers, a Mexico City wish list, what to do with the Christmas tree, and 10 more things we’re noting this weekend. Read on:

Above: Snug winter bedroom of our dreams, spotted in Pine Island Cottage: A Refined (and Appealingly Rough) Lake House on Georgian Bay. Photograph by Alex Lesage.

• The only mall we’d love to hang out at.
• We’re all eager to see The Testament of Ann Lee, a new film about the founder of the Shakers, out now—and the Shaker infatuation continues with a new exhibit at the ICA in Philly (co-organized with the Vitra Design Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Wüstenrot Foundation, and the Shaker Museum).
• Margot’s eagerly awaiting Threads of Time: A Cultural Journey, a “visual feast” of a textile book by a couple whose RI place we featured way back when; out Dec. 30.
• Just clocked: Schoolhouse’s year-end sale, with deep discounts to be found.
• 10 hotels of the year (happy this one made the list!).
• A project for the birds.
• Take a peek at one of the most popular residential gardens featured on Gardens Illustrated this year. We can see why!
• Bookmarking this list of visit-worthy houses for a Mexico City trip. (Hat tip: Fan.)
• Ooh! Toast is having their annual Winter Sale.
• What a clever idea! (Hat tip: Kier.)
• What to do with your Christmas tree post-holidays? Five sustainable ideas.
• Speaking of sustainability, Fan is attending a Leftovers Party this weekend, where the host has requested that guests bring leftovers from their holiday meals for a potluck buffet—as well as castoff gifts for a regifting-themed White Elephant exchange. How great is that?
• P.S. Tune in this week; we’ll be running the greatest hits of 2025. Happy new year, one and all!