The Occasion: Christmas 2024
What to wear, things to eat, how to host and last minute gifts to give for the holiday season.
This time of year is all about celebration. The nights are filled with festive get-togethers in anticipation of long, lazy days spent at home with loved ones. I receive so many DMs when people have a specific event coming up that they need advice on, so I’ve decided to start regular posts dedicated to particular events, starting with Christmas 2024. Whether you have lots of events to attend or are hosting at home, here’s a few last minute ideas and inspiration to get you in the mood.
WHAT TO WEAR
CHRISTMAS EVE / CHRISTMAS DAY
Reformation Chocolate Silk Slip, Reformation Cream Silk Halter, Reformation Navy Drop Waist Midi, Reformation Lace Detail Dress, Reformation Nude Sequin Mini, Reformation Chocolate Silk Midi, Meshki Faux Fur Long Sleeved Dress, Meshki White Silk Halter, Meshki Gold Beaded Mini, Meshki Plum Velvet Maxi.
Meshki Black Strapless Velvet Blend Dress, Meshki Strapless Embroidered A-line Dress, Lovers & Friends Black Drop Waist Maxi, L’idee Gold Pleated Maxi, Likely Bow Detail Black Maxi, Amanda Uprichard Black Full Length Halter Dress, LPA Champagne Bubble Dress, LPA Black Silk Long-Sleeved Dress, Reformation Amber Silk Halter Dress, House of CB Berry Strapless Midi.
CHRISTMAS DAY / BOXING DAY
Asceno Dust Blue Silk Pyjamas, Asceno Cream Silk Pyjamas, Asceno Chocolate Brown Silk Slip, Asceno Striped Trousers, Asceno Striped Shorts, Asceno Chocolate Brown Silk Shirt, Asceno Coffee Crepe Dress, Asceno Powder Blue Shorts Set, Tekla Blue Striped Bathrobe, Tekla Classic Striped Bathrobe, Helsa Knitted Skirt.
Bonsoirs Caramel Bath Robe, Oas Unisex Robe, Fourth & Reckless Cable Knit Pants, Fourth & Reckless Resort Sweater, Fourth & Reckless Ski Sweater, Fourth & Reckless Cable Knit Bandeau, Almada Label Chocolate Cardigan, Almada Label Chocolate Silk Pants, Almada Label Taupe Turtleneck, Almada Label Chocolate Turtleneck, Almada Label Knitted Tee.
Almada Label Pearl Silk Pants, Frame x Ritz Sweater, Frame x Ritz Cashmere Sweater, Frame x Ritz White Tee, Frame x Ritz Unisex Cashmere Sweater, Frame x Ritz Unisex Teddy Robe, Frame x Ritz Slippers, Sleeper Jacquard Pyjamas, Sleeper Cream Shearling Slippers, Reiss Faux Fur Chocolate Slippers.
Parachute Shearling Slippers, Jenni Kayne Shearling Slippers, Zara Leather Slippers, Yves Salomon Black Merino Slippers, Yves Salomon Brown Merino Slippers, Andiata Merino Cashmere Knit Trousers, Andiata Merino Cashmere Knit Turtleneck, Andiata Black Short Sleeve Turtleneck, Andiata White Short Sleeve Turtleneck, Because of Alice Knit Pants, Because of Alice Knit Top, Because of Alice Knit Dress.
THINGS TO EAT
TO BUY
This pistachio chocolate is my new obsession.
Anything and everything by Booja Booja.
A healthier (and in my opinion tastier) take on Terry’s chocolate orange.
Dark chocolate coated Orangettes.
Truffles Chips are always a good idea.
After I walked for Dolce & Gabbana in 2018, they hosted a Christmas party after the show and gifted everyone a pistachio Pannetone. It has now become a non-negotiable tradition.
Their whole range of Pannetone could be something of a collectors item.
Always have something good for sober guests.
TO COOK
Homemade Sweet Potato and Kale Gnocchi
Romesco Roasted Whole Cauliflower with Tahini Cream
Vegan Butternut Galette
Mushroom Bourguignon Pie
Mushroom Brown Rice Bake
Creamy Butternut Risotto
Vegan Gravy
Mushroom Velouté
Roasted Sweet Potato and Radicchio Salad
Winter Citrus Salad
Roasted Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Ginger and Orange Cranberry Sauce
Apple and Walnut Salad
Roasted Carrot and Kale Salad
Roasted Onion Butter Fettuccine
Caramelised Fennel, Sausage and Pistachio Pasta
Banana Cookie Dough Bites
No-Bake Chocolate Mint Cups
Chocolate Orange Mocha Drink
Almond Butter Hot Chocolate
Lemon Meringue Pie
3-Ingredient Chocolate Orange Truffles
TO STAY WELL
Nuoro Vitamin Sachets
The Core AM & PM Vitamin sprays
My in-laws swear by Ravintsara the moment anyone starts to feel a little ill or off. We take a couple of drops with a teaspoon of organic honey or in hot water.
I always have cacao powder or cacao paste on hand for the mornings; I’m currently taking a break from coffee but this still gives me a soft caffeine hit and has so many added benefits.
Other adaptogens like Cordyceps, Ashwaganda and Chaga.
HOW TO HOST
If we’re entertaining at our place, top priorities for me are always soft lighting, a good soundtrack and an abundance of food and drink. I love to have an excuse to set the table differently when we have guests, especially this time of year. We usually make a table centrepiece with things from the garden and handmade place cards, and spend the whole day cooking. Here’s a few of my go-to aperitifs (with a seasonal twist), tableware I’m loving, festive decor and more.
ARRIVAL DRINKS
French 72
A festive cranberry Margarita
Hot Toddy
Mulled Wine
TABLEWARE
Reusable and customisable ceramic place cards
Woven serving tray
Drinks tray
Spiral silver cutlery
Place mats
Place mats with ruffle
Tinted wine glasses
Handblown tumblers
Reusable fabric Christmas crackers
Wavy serving plate
Candlesticks
Star candlestick holders
Vintage knife rests: One, Two, Three
Vintage Turkey Napkin Rings
Glass Napkin Rings
DECOR
Glass Icicles
Glass Icicles Set of 3
Polar Bear Ornament and Set of 2
White and Gold Nutcracker
Vintage Straw Decorations
Vintage Straw Snowflakes
Vintage Gold Apples
Peas in a Pod
Organic / vegan / non-toxic candles: Octo Morning Light, Ocoee Wild Forest, Beeswax Candle Sticks, Skandinavisk Forest, The Muses Tonic
LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS
I love Wish Cards by Orfeo Tagiuri to gift any time of year. A greetings card with a difference, receivers can make a wish on the one-wish candle wick installed in the card. Also love the idea of these as table favours.
Art prints via Glassette
A Glassette gift card
Books! I’ve gifted so many copies of Go Gently by my good friend Bonnie Wright; My husband is currently devouring The Self-Sufficiency Garden by Huw Richards which we’ve gifted my parents this year; La Dolce Vita on Slim Aarons by Christopher Sweet and other coffee table books.
One of my favourite gifts last year was from Aspinal of London and I’ve ordered a new one for 2025. This diary has it all and is so elegant. I also love their card holders which I’ve both received and gifted and they always go down well.
Lastly, don’t forget to check your local thrift stores / vintage shops (especially good for Secret Santa, children’s toys, books, decor or stocking fillers). One year my family and I gifted exclusively thrifted items and the gifts were some of the most tailored, personalised and thoughtful gifts ever.