Jacin Fitzgerald of Lovely Little Details has made a stellar career out of planning beautiful events, and we know why. With her astonishing discernment and sophisticated yet lighthearted aesthetic, Jacin’s events have everyone hoping to snag an invitation. Her holiday must-haves are just as covetable as we’d expect from such an authority on fabulous taste. No surprise we want to steal her holiday hostessing tips. And between her blend of upscale and casual gift choices we’re sure you’ll find yourself digging further into the lovely events Jacin showcases on her blog.
SONG: I could listen to the Charlie Brown Christmas album on repeat, but I think my favorite song would be, “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays” by Perry Como. My husband and I live across the country from our friends and family so it’s extra special in that sense.
COOKIE: I think my mother’s thumbprint cookies might be my favorite holiday treat of all. They’re simple, buttery sugar cookies rolled in to a ball with a little thumbprint in the middle that’s filled with homemade jam.
DRINK: Can one ever go wrong with champagne? Nothing says the holidays to me like a a glass of bubbly to toast the season with.
PARTY DRESS: This year’s fave isn’t a dress — it’s the Karinska Tulle Skirt from Anthropologie that I’m pairing with my black patent Louboutins and a red plaid shirt. Throw on a layered pearl necklace and add a pretty ban.do bow tie to your top knot and you’ve got yourself a fun holiday outfit. (skirt, plaid shirt, Christian Louboutin heels, bow)
PARTY SHOES: My above-mentioned black patent Louboutins. They’re so versatile and can be worn with anything from skinny jeans and a cute sweater, to a pretty dress for a black tie affair.
FAVORITE GIFT TO GIVE: This year my husband’s family is making donations to families in need from the Hurricane Sandy aftermath instead of exchanging gifts. I still send a little something, though, and will be making homemade nutella this year for friends and family.
LIPSTICK COLOR: I love peachy pink hues this season and Chanel’s Rouge Coco in Sari Dore is a new fave. Throw on a pretty lip color and mascara and you’re good to go.
HOSTESS TRICK: I like to send my guests home with a little berry basket filled with 1-2 homemade muffins to enjoy for breakfast the next day. It’s a sweet, unexpected surprise. This year’s favorite recipe? Cranberry-coconut muffins. Yum.
DECOR: You can never go wrong with simple pine sprigs and bright berries. Add a few pine cones (spray them gold for extra credit) and assemble along your mantle or throw in a clear cylinder vase. If you don’t have a tree, try this fun trick from Real Simple to make your house smell like the holidays.
MOVIE: Love Actually or White Christmas. They both get me every single time.
WAY TO SPARKLE: Be authentically you and remember what the season is all about. Go volunteer your time at a soup kitchen or animal shelter and share your sparkle to brighten someone else’s holiday.