The Laughing Willow Story
When The Laughing Willow began, we hoped to create a place...an environment that was not only a business but a place that felt cozy, comfortable and welcoming. We love people! On top of meeting new people, hearing from where you have traveled, hearing your stories and more, we love to help you find just the right outfit or gift.
Enjoy hearing more of our stories, get the low down on all the how to's and tips and gain some of the best recipes from our owner, Melody! She's a whiz in the kitchen.
Melody is Retiring!
Posted by Melody Ginn on
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Melody is Retiring!
Posted by Melody Ginn on
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Our Top Outfits For Thanksgiving
Posted by Melody Ginn on
Some families dress up and go all out and some keep it low key. Whatever your friends and family decide to do this year, don't worry! We've got you covered. Our top outfits for Thanksgiving are in. We even have a few ideas for a hostess gift too. We got you!
Dress To Impress
Dress to impress with this amazing dress, the Beth Dress! With a knit partial button down top, ruche sleeves and flowy, tiered skirt you will look and feel great even after your second helping. Dress it up with a belt and the perfect shoes and accessories or make it fun and eclectic with some little white tennis shoes or converse with a unique jacket. Never be afraid to step outside the box and always, always be comfortable.
We had fun with this one using our own little fashion hack. Since the waist is elastic, we pulled it up and under the knit top so that it looks more like two separate pieces. Then, we added a beaded belt, a quilted jacket and layered on the bracelets along with some laced up boots. It works for any age.
"Never buy what someone says is "in" or a "must have"...buy what makes you happy." -Iris Apfel
Another dress we love for a dressy Thanksgiving, the Donna Dress. This Diane Von Furstenberg-like wrap dress is a classic. With its fall tones and paisley pattern, this wrap dress will definitely impress. Plus, you can always loosen the belt for a more comfortable fit after all that turkey, right?
If you want something totally different from the above styles, we suggest the Woodley Dress. This is a staff fave! This dress is stylish and modest.
Above: Donna Dress (left) and the Woodley Dress (right)
Non-Top Fun...
Grab an outfit that will easily help you get picture perfect ready this year. Feel confident in a top that is stylish and comfortable: The Imka Top, is a creamy knit top with black and white floral ruffle long sleeves. It's classy and easy to throw on after cooking all day. We paired it with our Serina Jean. A strong flare jean is in right now...makes you feel taller and slimmer and who doesn't want that? Top it off with a fun hat too. We like this western style, the Ezra Hat. If you like a smaller height and brim, try our wool black hat with a brown leather band. 
Imka Top, Serina Jean, Ezra Hat
Deni Jean, Black Flat Brim Wool Hat
Take Pride in Peplum
Tap in to a little bit of your wild side with a little animal print top. We have two flattering peplum tops you'll love! Try our Leronda Top, a slimming zebra print top. You will surely receive a ton of compliments wearing this beautiful top.
Our Hattie Top is another peplum top you'll receive compliments while wearing. This cheetah print smocked peplum top has ruche short sleeves for an elegant look. You'll appreciate slipping this on for a quick chic look. We love this top with a flare jean like our Serina Jean.
With any of these outfits, you'll feel confident and ready to enjoy the day. Take advantage of our Early Black Friday Sale and shop your fave outfit today!
Gifting: For The Hostest With The Mostest
Finding a unique and thoughtful hostess gift can be tough. The old candle always works, but everyone tends to have a million. We have a couple ides for a unique gift for your host.
Try something like this round oversized wooden charcuterie board with leather handles. Cover it with some parchment paper, fill it will goodies so you can contribute to the day and then add a little note for the hostess that its theirs to keep when the day is over. When writing a note, if you like a little something punny, try something like, "pears well with...." or "I'm so grapeful for you"? Not sure, but who doesn't love a good pun?
If that doesn't sound appealing, try something simple and sweet. We suggest these oven mitt gift sets. There are two styles, one that says "Enjoy" and another that says "Yum", each one containing two towels. This is a gift anyone will enjoy and find useful.
Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!
Read more
Our Top Outfits For Thanksgiving
Posted by Melody Ginn on
Some families dress up and go all out and some keep it low key. Whatever your friends and family decide to do this year, don't worry! We've got you covered. Our top outfits for Thanksgiving are in. We even have a few ideas for a hostess gift too. We got you!
Dress To Impress
Dress to impress with this amazing dress, the Beth Dress! With a knit partial button down top, ruche sleeves and flowy, tiered skirt you will look and feel great even after your second helping. Dress it up with a belt and the perfect shoes and accessories or make it fun and eclectic with some little white tennis shoes or converse with a unique jacket. Never be afraid to step outside the box and always, always be comfortable.
We had fun with this one using our own little fashion hack. Since the waist is elastic, we pulled it up and under the knit top so that it looks more like two separate pieces. Then, we added a beaded belt, a quilted jacket and layered on the bracelets along with some laced up boots. It works for any age.
"Never buy what someone says is "in" or a "must have"...buy what makes you happy." -Iris Apfel
Another dress we love for a dressy Thanksgiving, the Donna Dress. This Diane Von Furstenberg-like wrap dress is a classic. With its fall tones and paisley pattern, this wrap dress will definitely impress. Plus, you can always loosen the belt for a more comfortable fit after all that turkey, right?
If you want something totally different from the above styles, we suggest the Woodley Dress. This is a staff fave! This dress is stylish and modest.
Above: Donna Dress (left) and the Woodley Dress (right)
Non-Top Fun...
Grab an outfit that will easily help you get picture perfect ready this year. Feel confident in a top that is stylish and comfortable: The Imka Top, is a creamy knit top with black and white floral ruffle long sleeves. It's classy and easy to throw on after cooking all day. We paired it with our Serina Jean. A strong flare jean is in right now...makes you feel taller and slimmer and who doesn't want that? Top it off with a fun hat too. We like this western style, the Ezra Hat. If you like a smaller height and brim, try our wool black hat with a brown leather band.
Imka Top, Serina Jean, Ezra Hat
Deni Jean, Black Flat Brim Wool Hat
Take Pride in Peplum
Tap in to a little bit of your wild side with a little animal print top. We have two flattering peplum tops you'll love! Try our Leronda Top, a slimming zebra print top. You will surely receive a ton of compliments wearing this beautiful top.
Our Hattie Top is another peplum top you'll receive compliments while wearing. This cheetah print smocked peplum top has ruche short sleeves for an elegant look. You'll appreciate slipping this on for a quick chic look. We love this top with a flare jean like our Serina Jean.
With any of these outfits, you'll feel confident and ready to enjoy the day. Take advantage of our Early Black Friday Sale and shop your fave outfit today!
Gifting: For The Hostest With The Mostest
Finding a unique and thoughtful hostess gift can be tough. The old candle always works, but everyone tends to have a million. We have a couple ides for a unique gift for your host.
Try something like this round oversized wooden charcuterie board with leather handles. Cover it with some parchment paper, fill it will goodies so you can contribute to the day and then add a little note for the hostess that its theirs to keep when the day is over. When writing a note, if you like a little something punny, try something like, "pears well with...." or "I'm so grapeful for you"? Not sure, but who doesn't love a good pun?
If that doesn't sound appealing, try something simple and sweet. We suggest these oven mitt gift sets. There are two styles, one that says "Enjoy" and another that says "Yum", each one containing two towels. This is a gift anyone will enjoy and find useful.
Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!
Read more
Thanks & Gathering
Posted by Melody Ginn on
Whether you are gathering together this Thanksgiving with friends or family, we can help you create a masterful centerpiece or table scape to make it extra special! Plus we've got an easy way to whip up some purple hull peas you'll love...a southern classic. We just harvested ours and are enjoying some now and freezing the rest for later. There's nothing like freshly picked purple hull peas! They're my favorite!
THANKFULNESS
First, before you begin getting ready for the crew, don't forget to remember what Thanksgiving is all about. I suggest a jar of gratefulness. In the shop, we grabbed a wide mouth jar to fill with thanks hoping to encourage our staff as well as customers to write down what they are thankful for. It's a great way to get us in a better mindset for Thanksgiving so we can enjoy the time we will have with our family and friends. At home, you can all take a turn pulling out a note of gratefulness and reading them to one another too.
APRONS
Second, get ready to cook with the best aprons! We have aprons you can wear any time you cook...from canvas to cotton. Our canvas aprons are perfect for more than just cooking too. Wear it out in the garden or in your creative space. Whatever works for you! But we are sure you will enjoy them and enjoy giving them as gifts too. Click here to snap up an apron today!
TABLE SCAPE
Next, Let's get your table scape ready! What will make your friends and family feel welcome? We have a few items here you'll love to add to your centerpiece or table scape for sure! We like a little "home-cooking feel with a little whimsy look." Clean and simple, but with the serving ware and plates and such, it makes for a homey and welcoming ambience for all.
PURPLE HULL PEAS
And lastly, Purple Hull Peas! Not much fuss...just use salt, pork or bacon and sugar to taste and go! That's it!
Keep it easy and simple with at least one of your sides this year!
Read more
Thanks & Gathering
Posted by Melody Ginn on
Whether you are gathering together this Thanksgiving with friends or family, we can help you create a masterful centerpiece or table scape to make it extra special! Plus we've got an easy way to whip up some purple hull peas you'll love...a southern classic. We just harvested ours and are enjoying some now and freezing the rest for later. There's nothing like freshly picked purple hull peas! They're my favorite!
THANKFULNESS
First, before you begin getting ready for the crew, don't forget to remember what Thanksgiving is all about. I suggest a jar of gratefulness. In the shop, we grabbed a wide mouth jar to fill with thanks hoping to encourage our staff as well as customers to write down what they are thankful for. It's a great way to get us in a better mindset for Thanksgiving so we can enjoy the time we will have with our family and friends. At home, you can all take a turn pulling out a note of gratefulness and reading them to one another too.
APRONS
Second, get ready to cook with the best aprons! We have aprons you can wear any time you cook...from canvas to cotton. Our canvas aprons are perfect for more than just cooking too. Wear it out in the garden or in your creative space. Whatever works for you! But we are sure you will enjoy them and enjoy giving them as gifts too. Click here to snap up an apron today!
TABLE SCAPE
Next, Let's get your table scape ready! What will make your friends and family feel welcome? We have a few items here you'll love to add to your centerpiece or table scape for sure! We like a little "home-cooking feel with a little whimsy look." Clean and simple, but with the serving ware and plates and such, it makes for a homey and welcoming ambience for all.
PURPLE HULL PEAS
And lastly, Purple Hull Peas! Not much fuss...just use salt, pork or bacon and sugar to taste and go! That's it!
Keep it easy and simple with at least one of your sides this year!
Read more
2022 LW Fall Bucket List
Posted by Melody Ginn on
It's finally feeling like fall! The leaves are turning vibrant colors, the air is crisp and cool and the warmth of the sun has us giddy for autumn. Here's a fun full list of things to shoot for this fall!
Read more
2022 LW Fall Bucket List
Posted by Melody Ginn on
It's finally feeling like fall! The leaves are turning vibrant colors, the air is crisp and cool and the warmth of the sun has us giddy for autumn. Here's a fun full list of things to shoot for this fall!
Read more
Marie Hazel's Holiday Bread
Posted by Melody Ginn on
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Marie Hazel's Holiday Bread
Posted by Melody Ginn on