The holidays are here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re juggling a million things while trying to channel your inner Martha Stewart—minus the prison stint, of course. (Did you watch her documentary, girl was innocent!) But let’s get real: the best parts of the season aren’t about perfection. It’s about finding the little moments (and a lot of sparkle) that make your heart sing.
So grab your peppermint mocha (or your spiked eggnog—I don’t judge), and let me share a few of my favorite things this season. Spoiler alert: they’re full of color, joy, and just a hint of sass.
DECOR: IF IT DOESN’T SPARK JOY, IT’S NOT INVITED
First things first: let’s talk holiday decorating. Forget the monochrome look; this house is decked out in bold colors, patterns, and enough sparkle to make a disco ball jealous. All of my trees aren’t just trees—they are a technicolor explosion of ornaments I’ve collected over the years. From vintage glass baubles to hand-stitched needlepoint treasures (I’m in the process of finishing 30 of these babies that I have stitched as we speak so they can make it on the tree before this year is over), it’s a riot of personality.
And don’t even get me started on wreaths. Who says they have to be green? Not me. This year, I’ve got rainbow wreaths on the front doors, complete with a giant bow that practically screams, “Welcome to the party!”
GIFTS: WRAPPING AS FABULOUS AS WHAT’S INSIDE
Now, onto gifts. My rule? The wrapping paper has to be almost as exciting as the gift itself. Bright patterns, bold ribbons, and glittery tags are a must. If you can’t tell who the gift is from a mile away, you’re not doing it right.
As for the gifts, I’m all about thoughtful surprises. Think custom needlepoint ornaments (because I’m obsessed), luxe candles in cheerful scents and quirky coffee table books that double as décor.
TRADITIONS: THE REAL MAGIC OF THE SEASON
While I love all the glitz and glam, it’s the traditions that really make my holiday heart happy. Like baking our favorite holiday sweets together, where it’s less about making perfect cookies and more about who can pile on the most sprinkles or let’s be honest, eat the most raw cookie dough before they even get baked. Or movie night, where we watch The Holiday or A Christmas Story for the 100th time while quoting every line (“You’ll shoot your eye out kid!”).
Also the collecting–we buy fun ornaments each year that reflect our personalities, our travels and us. They make me smile as we hang them on the tree and remember the reason we collected each ornament. I also now collect vintage shiny bright ornaments and baubles and they are so pretty to admire on the tabletop tinsel tree I was inspired to create thanks to my instagram friend Chelsea at Two Twenty One. Y’all there isn’t much I want to replicate exactly but DANG! Chelsea’s collection of Shiny Brights had me at Hello.
Then there’s a new tradition I want to start this year: writing notes of gratitude to the people who’ve made my year brighter. It’s away of spreading a little love and JOY—and yes, I’m think it will be done with a holiday cocktail in hand because I feel confident that gratitude and a Cranberry Moscow Mule pair surprisingly well together and this year everyone needs a little more love and joy, I’m sure of it! .
WHAT I’M LOVING THIS YEAR
I couldn’t let you leave without a peek at what’s topping my holiday must-have list. Here’s what I’m swooning over right now:
- Rainbow everything: From ornaments to pillows to dresses to glassware, why choose one color when you can choose all the colors. Color is having a moment again, and I’m here for it. Besides cocktails taste better when they’re served in colorful stemware. Fact.
- Vintage Finds: Hunting down all my Shiny Bright ornaments on Etsy, Ebay and Facebook marketplace is so much fun. They are especially charming when I display them each year. I also collect antique oyster plates, colorful antique Milkglass, match strikers and am open to adding more collections at any moment. Collections make great gifts and you always know what to get collectors. Plus new isn’t as charming as vintage, right?
- Needlepoint and More Needlepoint: I prefer the pieces I’ve stitched myself but store bought needlepoint pillows, ornaments and gifts are sweet, too and add a quaint atmosphere to your holiday decor. I’m especially on board if they have a cheeky saying on them like one of my personal favorite ornaments “Santa’s Favorite Ho”, LOL.
- Cozy throws: One can never have too many blankets to wrap up in by the fire with a cup of cocoa. I prefer mine in a bold color or even better, leopard print because nothing says “holiday cheer” like wrapping yourself in fabulousness.
This season, I’m reminding myself (and you!) that the holidays aren’t about doing it all—they’re about enjoying it all. So light those candles, blast Mariah Carey, and make your season as bold and joyful as you are.
