This is Wayfair’s biggest (and best) Black Friday sale to date. | Photos provided by Wayfair
We asked, and you answered: The key to impressing guests is “setting the perfect vibe.” Before welcoming family and friends into your home this holiday season, consider these five tips to enhance the vibe in your spaces — at up to 80% off.
Now until Sunday, Dec. 1, you can snag the lowest prices of the year during Wayfair’s extended Black Friday sale. Psst... Check back on Dec. 2 for Cyber Monday deals, too.
Pro tip: Warm lighting makes for an extra-cozy atmosphere. These dimmable Edison light bulbs will do the trick.
3. Minimize clutter
Storage doesn’t have to be an eyesore. You can tuck away miscellaneous items (think: books and games) in this extendable coffee table and store shoes in this natural rattan shoe storage cabinet that always seems to be trending online.
Saturday, Nov. 30 Ohio State Football vs. University of Michigan | 12 p.m. | Ohio Stadium | $285+ | The biggest rivalry game of the year is back — the Buckeyes look to reclaim victory over TTUN and punch a spot to the Big Ten Championship.
Holiday Carriage Rides | 5-9 p.m. | Easton Town Center | $10 | Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Easton’s holiday lights through Sunday, Dec. 22.
Sunday, Dec. 1 Candle Pouring Class | 1-2:30 p.m. | Vella & Co. Candle Studio, Short North | $39+ | Choose your own scents and custom pour a candle for the holiday season.
Thursday, Dec. 5 Cocktails at the Conservatory: Jingle Brews | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Franklin Park Conservatory | $30+ | Stroll through beautiful lights during Conservatory Aglow with a festive drink in hand as you enjoy this adults-only winter wonderland.*
Parker House Ohio is located at 4207 Clotts Rd. | Photo by Airbnb
We packed our bags and headed up the road to Parker House Ohio for a staycation to get us in the holiday spirit.
As you pull into the secluded 6.5-acre home nestled in Gahanna, you can see the Christmas tree lit near the window, and holiday lights glimmering on the outdoor trees.
The luxury, mid-century property features outdoor natural playgrounds, two outdoor fire pits, a hot tub, a ping pong table and game room, and a fireplace. Plus, the interior design and decor are immaculate. Our personal favorite was the all-pink bathtub.
You can invite the entire crew, too — the spacious house sleeps 13 with five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms + dogs are welcome.
Pro tip: If you sign up with your email on their website or book your stay on Airbnb, you can save $100 on your stay.
Can’t make it out this holiday season? Plan ahead for summertime — the property features a variety of water activities.
News Notes
News Notes
Cause
Have you been eyeing our guide to 30 volunteer opportunities in Columbus? You’re not alone. According to a new study by AmeriCorps, formal volunteering and informal helping (think: helping your neighbor rake the leaves) are on the rise again after dipping in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Civic
There will be at least 45 women serving in the Ohio Legislature next year — up by seven people compared to 2024. They will be part of the 2,450 women in state legislatures nationwide (or ~33%), setting a new record. (AP News)
Number
$1,224. Per WalletHub, that’s the average 2024 holiday budget of a Columbus resident. The research calculated the max holiday budget for 550+ US cities using metrics like population, income, age, and ratio of savings to monthly expenses. Pro tip: Start with our gift guide.
Drink
$8.20. According to an airport beer price study, that’s the average cost of a domestic beer at John Glenn International Airport — the No. 18 most affordable beer across the 50 busiest US airports. Check out our airport guide before you board.
Shop
Celebrate the holidays by visiting one-of-a-kind shops, galleries + festive activities in the Short North Arts District. From dazzling decor to gifts with local flair, every stop supports our creative community. Bonus: Visit three participating shops now through Dec. 31, and complete your Short North Holiday Trail card for a holiday treat.*
Transit
As you’re checking your list and holiday shopping in the Short North Arts District, the last thing you want to think about is parking. With 8,900+ parking spaces in the area, parking has never been easier. Don’t believe us?Try this parking hack next time you’re in the area.*
Community
Supporting the Short North Alliance means you’re supporting public art, local boutiques + galleries, and nurturing unique opportunities for artists to learn + create. This holiday season, donations of $50 or more will make even more of an impact as they’ll be matched by Huntington Bank (up to $5,000) — make a difference.*
Finance
This leading card is one of the best-kept secrets for managing debt. The key: Transfer your existing balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period (this one offers 0% interest until 2026).*
Home
How much could you borrow from your home? Get HELOC quotes now — calculate your payment.*
Try This
You know how awesome your business is, but do our 46,000+ readers? Visit our self-service ad portal to learn how CBUStoday can help connect your business with our local audience — no long-term contract required.
Health
Remember all the scammy weight loss ads from the ‘90s that promised “magical results” (but never delivered)? Well, thanks to Hers and GLP-1s — the ingredient behind Ozempic® and Wegovy® — we’re not that far off. Start your weight loss journey. Read website disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Featured Deal
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Category (Paid)
Shop
Exclusive access: Shop 40% off Harlestons site-wide
Presented by Harlestons
Harlestons has opened their 40% site-wide sale exclusively for our readers. | Video by Harlestons
Cyber Monday came early: Harlestons is giving our readers exclusive access to shop their products at 40% off, site-wide, with code HOLIDAY40.
Treat your husband, kid, or favorite golfing buddy to the quality and craftsmanship Harlestons is known for, from the lightweight performance polos to the stylish layering pieces, wearable throughout every season. (Plus, free shipping and free exchanges on every order.)
Bonus: Spend $150+ to get a free mystery polo, or spend $300+ to get a free mystery pullover.
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally-owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year, here are some suggestions from our Instagram followers:
Bumble’s Backyard | The dog park and bar features 10,000 sqft of turf, plus local beer + espresso drinks.
Rose Dough Donuts | All donuts are made from scratch with options like brioche and French crullers.
the plant gays | The East Market plant shop has a variety of live plants and home accessories.
Want to share some more small business love? Make sure to tag your favorite local businesses in the comments of our post.
Reminder: Shopping + supporting small isn’t limited to just this day — we love letting our local businesses shine all year long in our collection of City Guides.
Yourfavorite thing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing goodies like fluffy mittens and paint-by-numbers portraits. Psst — Oprah’s also picked finds from small businesses, like a hot chocolate collection made by Asheville, NC’s French Broad Chocolate.
I had the chance to interview Ohio State’s former quarterback and current Steelers quarterback Justin Fields. Did you know Ohio State hasn’t beat TTUN since he was a Buckeye? Here’s what he had to say about getting the job done.
