Holiday Gathering Guide

We all understand that the holidays are stressful … between what to serve your friends at your holiday party to how to smoothly sail through family time without pulling your hair out. Either way, with these tips and tricks you’ll not only impress your guests, but you may just have a great time.

First, the table. I always find a thick, waterproof wrapping paper that is neutral in color, so I can use it to cover tables. Pier 1 always has an amazing selection of ones like this. I find that tablecloths can be ruined, in spite of washing. We all know that one person who manages to always spill wine on everything. This way you can simply throw your table cover away after the party.

tablecloths can be ruined, in spite of washing

Living in New York City, most people don’t have a fireplace or room for a huge tree to provide holiday fragrances. I hate tacky, artificial-smelling candles. Brooklyn Candle Studio has a mossy, musky cedar wood based candle that gives the whole room the scent of balsam with their Christmas Tree Candle. Their Champagne Toast Candle smells of a fruity champagne with hints of black currant and creamy vanilla. It’s the perfect candle for the bathroom, or a door entry to properly greet guests.

I always like to have a couple of drink options on hand, and Swish Beverages has all holiday gatherings covered. Can we just take a second to acknowledge how amazing their Pinot Grigio is? They literally call it “Family Time Is Hard.” At a very affordable price, it tastes so good your snobby aunt will be happy, and will never know it wasn’t her favorite bottle from the vault.

even your snobby aunt will be happy

My personal favorite is their new “Pink Party” sparkling Rosé. This is a fun opportunity to upgrade your champagne to a fruity base. This year try a DIY Rosé bar with lavender, fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds and juice, grenadine, and you can even add in gin! Rosé is an easy year-round drink that you can really have fun with. Bonus points because these bottles and DIY drinks are so Instagramable.

Rosé is an easy year-round drink

Decorating doesn’t always have to so intensely holiday that you do use it once a year. You can even use many of tips, and hosting strategies, for a New York Fashion Week soirée. Opt for a simple silver color palette like these candle stick holders and pedestals from Cost Plus World Market. Focus the holiday décor on fresh items like pine wreaths, mistletoe, and even by decorating food trays with rosemary.

Spend your time cooking the main dish or desserts, and keep the sides and appetizers very simple. An easy update on the caprese is by sticking a rosemary sprig through the middle; see the full details here.

Always have a variety of desserts that you can start preparing the week of your party, in all different flavors. Whether your guests like chocolate, hate cranberries, obsess over caramel, or think the smaller cookies means less calories, you should have something for everyone. I always make an Italian rainbow cake once a year that is a family tradition. Not only does my family love reminiscing over old memories, but new friends always leave asking for the recipe.

At the end of the day, the holidays are supposed to bring everyone together no matter what religion or heritage. This holiday hosting guide is a sure way to get you through any gathering, excited to do it all over again next year.

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Gift Guide for Mom

The best way to make a last-minute gift more meaningful is to give something that does good. These items come from brands that have a positive social impact, or who partner with a charity that does.

Parks Projects funds various projects from habitat restoration to wildlife conservation in the national parks. Everything from this cool crewneck to their hats help fund a project.

Love Goodly curates bimonthly subscription boxes to help you discover healthy and cruelty-free beauty products like this lip gloss, toothbrush, face mist, and keychain. With each Love Goodly purchase, you’re giving back to a cause — as if shopping already couldn’t make your heart feel more whole. The gifts literally keep on giving.

Extraordinary Desserts has partnered with fashion and lifestyle blogger Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere to create these fashionably delicious cookies for a good cause. The “All of the Above” Cookie is expertly crafted with dark Valrhona chocolate as the base, sweetened with chunks of Valrhona white chocolate, mixed with caramelized cocoa, and topped with French sea salt and a 23 3/4 ct. gold leaf — an incredibly thoughtful gift that is literally too beautiful to eat. 25% of the proceeds goes to Global Fund for Women, an organization that advocates for women’s human rights.

25% of the proceeds goes to Global Fund for Women

Share the gift of sight these year with Warby Parker. The Carraway and Hammond frames are the perfect gift for any guy or girl in your life, and with Warby Parker’s Buy A Pair, Give a Pair initiative, you are giving a pair of glasses to someone in need with each purchase.

Crafted with love and locally sourced natural or recycled materials, Ten Thousand Villages is a brand that is dedicated to improving the lives of makers around the world. The non-profit organization partners with skilled artisans from all throughout the globe to create beautifully hand-crafted accessories and decor like this wine rack and cookie mug along with so many other pieces. Every purchase improves the lives of makers by providing a stable income for them and their families while supporting their craft.

The Love Heals Holiday Candle from Thistle Farms has a warm, woodsy scent and is made with sustainable fibers for a 35 hour burn time. Be the light at the end of the tunnel by supporting women survivors of sex trafficking and prostitution. With each purchase, you are providing safe housing and an opportunity for economic independence for women all over the world.

The Radiance Wild Rose Collection from Neal’s Yard Remedies are the perfect gifts for anyone in your life who loves natural and organic beauty. This company campaigns for various causes and charities such as Breast Cancer Haven, World Land Trust, and DEC East Africa Appeal to support and protect the many lives and beings of our planet.

Spread the flavor of love this year with glittery bottles California Brut Sparkling Wine and Edna Valley Pinot Noir from One Hope Wine. This company partners with many non-profit organizations; when you donate, you are saving the lives of animals, humans, and the environment by supporting various causes. Each non-profit organization is paired with a wine to directly fund and support each company’s initiatives.

Give the gift of glam with this matching VIVA GLAM lipstick and gloss from MAC. Since 1994, the infamous VIVA GLAM red lipstick has helped to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS and it still does to this day. With a purchase of any VIVA GLAM product 100% of the proceeds goes towards the MAC AIDS fund.

Last but certainly not least, help a friend stay moisturized this brisk holiday season with the Nourishing Shea Butter Body Collection from L’Occitane. Made with sustainbly-sourced shea butter from Burkina Faso, this set helps to support the women entrepreneurs of Burkina Faso through the L’Occitane Foundation by providing them with literacy programs, financial and technical resources, and by helping them create and develop their small businesses.

There is no better feeling than the gift of giving, and with these last-minute ideas for gifts that give back, you’re spreading love and holiday cheer to people all around the world.

See you at New York Fashion Week!

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Gift Guide for Your Sister (And For Yourself)

The first thing I learned about having a younger sister is that you have to buy two of everything. So in the spirit of the season, here are some gifts your sister is sure to love. And to stop any temptation of stealing hers, just go ahead and get yourself one, too.

Juice Beauty has the best mascara and primer, which I know will be gentle on my sister’s skin, yet will work wonders. Sisters need to make sure that their sisters are using the best brushes out there, and Brushcraft has you covered.

These fluffy Ugg slippers are so cute, I can barely get enough of these pink slides. What else could a sister ask for?

First of all, Benefit always the coolest packaging. When they launched this Beauty & the Bay set complete with their Hoola bronzer, my favorite mascara in the world, and so many other fun goodies, I instantly knew my sister would love it.

Even though my younger sister has the most gorgeous hair in the world, which makes me so jealous, I always like to give her quality products like this set from Moroccan Oil.

Mantra Bands has these bracelets with fun sayings like “soul sister” that are the easiest gifts for your own sister (or even your boyfriend’s sisters … even if he has 4).

For the perfect sister-bonding night, you have to have a seriously powerful face mask like this set from Too Cool for School. Maggie Louie Confections has delicious hand-painted pink chocolate truffles that will get you through any binge-movie marathon.

Cozy winter accessories are always a great sister gift, especially a shimmery star covered scarf from Kate Spade and a bumble bee-adorned pair of tech-friendly gloves from Anthropologie. Keep their coffee warm with this mug made for non-morning people from ban.do.

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Gift Guide for Mom

What all moms need most is to be pampered and taken care of … just the way they did for us for all those years. Here are some of our favorites for our well-deserved mothers.

Function of Beauty is a company where you can literally customize your shampoo and conditioner based on your hair type and needs … the perfect thing to gift for every holiday.

Gift this striped pj set from Cosabella before Christmas morning for the perfect photo-op opening gifts by the tree.

The ultimate necessities of a relaxing bath are Indie Lee’s bath soak and Aromatherapy Associate’s bath oil. For all stages of a relaxing bath and pampering look no further than L’OCCITANE’s Delicious Almond Body Collection. p.s. you’ll want to get one of these for yourself too, because the shower oil is seriously addicting.

REN skincare delivers a trio of their night-time favorites in the Silent Night, Wake Wonderful gift set that gives you an insane glow overnight.

This ultra fun book, Classic Style by Kate Schelter is perfect for whenever moms need a little light reading, or simply a perfect coffee table book.

Dermalogica’s Daily Defenders set is perfect for anti-aging skin as it resurfaces, restores and protects the skin’s barrier.

The cult-favorite Anthropologie Capri Blue Iridescent Jar Candle is a fail-safe gift and the perfect addition to everyone’s Christmas shopping list.

Swell launched a limited edition bottle with Swarovski that elevates their normal water bottle, and what mom doesn’t love a good water bottle?

Aroma’s vanilla and orange flavored olive oils will be perfect for a girl’s night or for when her kids come home with their new significant other and she needs a quick and elegant dipping sauce.

The holy grail of anti-aging, Alto Defense Serum is something moms of all ages will enjoy. It’s a perfectly formulated cream that your mom will thank you for, time and time again.

A lot of these gifts are also perfect for you, as you head to this season’s New York Fashion Week. The official NYFW schedule is up, so feel free to start planning for yourself, and maybe even for your mom. After all, there are open-to-the-public events for the family to enjoy, as well.

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Holidays with Social Media Icon Simonetta Lein

You may remember our friend and social media influencer Simonetta Lein from last New York Fashion Week. Recently, we caught up with her to get her thoughts about the upcoming holiday season.

 
 
Q: What do the holidays mean to you?

 
They are all about having that special smile and a sense of cheer – just like when I was a child. The holidays signify lights and over-eating without regret. Most importantly they mean being with family members who I usually don’t see during the year. 

Q: What are the most fashionable holiday destinations in your opinion? What are your favorite places to go?

Well as far as being fashionable goes, nothing beats Italy. Milan and “La Galleria” with all the lights is something to see, as well with the lit-up trolley cars; The handmade nativity scenes in spaccanapoli Naples are world famous for a reason; Salerno (near Naples) and its myriad of “flying” decorations can’t be missed; Rome’s old city lit up with magical Christmas lights brings you to another time; oh, and who can forget Venice at Christmas…. I think I’ve said it all.

I moved to Philadelphia two years ago therefore the holidays for me are at HOME as I enjoy getting settled in. I also just became an aunt and my baby niece needs her routine – and I love to spoil her so very much.

 
Holidays with Simonetta Lein

[portfolio_slideshow id=45921 align=center width=699 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]

(Pictures by Raphael Amabile, Backpack by Zac Posen for Simonetta Lein / style by @ninortamalke #ootd provided by @dreamsonairnyc #gown by @jacquelinethen #pictureoftheday by @bcproductions215 #hairstyle by @alelucchetta #makeup by @catinwonderlandd)

Q: What is the greatest thing about the holidays?

 
The spirit, that magical feeling that surrounds us all – where you can even sense that people’s hearts are more open than usual. Everyone seems to becomes a child again (albeit for a few wonderful days). I am obsessed with Christmas movies and holiday songs in the car. Yes, I have become that person and I love it.

Q: What is the most difficult thing?

 
A few years back I would have had to say getting along. Since I myself had to start my life over from scratch and risk everything, I have started to understand other people better and I have learned to be much more patient. I am determined to give my extra smile during the holidays so that I can make sure everyone around me will feel the Christmas spirit. Saying no to all the delicious food is difficult, and if you are into Christmas lights beating your neighbors can become somewhat of a challenge :).

Q: How do you shop for friends and family? What are your holiday shopping or gifting tips?

Gifts can be tricky. How many times have we all received an unwanted present? Gifts also have a lot to do with patience and creativity. I use social media a lot to see the latest trends and to pull some inspiration about something new. Going shopping for antiques can be something different and unusual, and when you find something cute and useful for the house you generally can’t go wrong. In any case, try to have fun thinking about the people you are selecting the gift for. This is a cheerful moment of the year when we show appreciation to those we love – that is the most important tip. 

In particular for this holiday season, I’m so excited to announce that I have partnered with iMaxAlarm to help empower women and raise awareness for the growing Street Harassment movement. Throughout the month of December, with the sale of each iMaxAlarm SOS device, iMaxAlarm SOS Kids device or iMaxAlarm SOS Alert band, iMaxAlarm will donate $1 to www.thewishwallfoundation.org in order help make a meaningful and inspiring wish come true for a woman or family in need this holiday season. Please learn more about iMaxAlarm by going to www.imaxalarm.com and make a SMART AND MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS PRESENT. Together, we CAN make a difference!

Q: How do you dress for the holidays? What are your holiday style tips?

Life is a party, dress like it. That should be your general mood. For the Holidays I always add some sparkles to my makeup, and some gold to my clothes and accessories. Red is always appropriate as is silver. Glitter and more glitter, metallic and velvet (if not now, when?). This is the holidays season and traditions reign. If you are a woman, please never forget red lipstick at Christmas. If you are a man, demand that your woman kiss you in red. It is the Holiday season!

Q: Who is your favorite designer for the holidays?

I just buy everything that fits me well and I make it classy and especially holiday spirit oriented. I must say that last year Gucci won me over with their stunning print for the gown that First Lady Michelle Obama wore. It was done in Christmas colors like emerald green with golden pink on an elegant black elegant – an off the shoulder beauty. I go weak in the knees for prints and when elegance meets the holidays you have won me over forever. As always, good job Gucci.

Q: Do you like to cook? What are your favorite holiday tips for hosting a meal or party?

Yes, I do. My husband however is so talented that I leave him center stage perform incredible homemade traditional Italian meals. I set the table. I love colored crystal glasses at Christmas: they are my favorite tip to immediately create a holiday vibe, fine porcelain and vintage decorations are a must. I like old school ornaments put together on a pretty plate or bowl, with some fake ice and some green (from the flower shop or your garden) and you have Christmas magic. This composition can be put as a center piece on your table, maybe with a candle in the middle.

Q: Any other advice for the holidays?

 
Have fun. This is the season. We are allowed to be cheerful and have those same feelings we had when we were children. Do not forget the real holiday spirit. Try to do at least one good thing for someone less fortunate than you: even if for some reason you don’t like the Holiday season, doing this good deed might make you feel the true spirit of Christmas. Be well, may this holiday season bring you and your dear ones’ happiness. We need more happy people in this world.

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@simonettalein

With love,

FWO