Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1512213
Thanksgiving. My goal was to get the tallest tree possible; our family room had vaulted ceilings. The largest tree we ever got was over 18 feet. The most complicated part of this whole tradition was that we didn't own a truck. We were always borrowing a truck. This was the point I realized that everyone needs a truck! And if you own one, you always need to loan it to friends in need. Holiday cocktail. The Scarlet O'Hara. My good friend Susan introduced it to me in 2005. Full glass of ice, cranberry juice, Southern Comfort, one Key lime. Served only between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day. Holiday play list. "Last Christmas" by Wham. Home project to accomplish. Cleaning up the courtyard so I can host a holiday dinner for 24 people on December 1. Host gift. Bottle of tequila. Flowers and greenery. Magnolia, pine, red berries. Extra gift under the tree for drop-bys. Books. CHAD DORSEY Tree or no? Trees! Holiday tradition. Growing up in East Tennessee, my mom and I would go to North Carolina to cut down our Christmas tree the day after DAN HOUCHARD Holiday tradition. Decorating the tree with my family while we play classic holiday music with eggnog and hot chocolate. Holiday cocktail. Eggnog with rum, not whiskey Holiday playlist. Always vintage (Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra) playing on the record player. Best place to pick up hors d'oeuvres. The kitchen, because my wife is an amazing cook. Gifts you hope to receive. Vintage Cartier watch. Massage from The Riviera Spa. One of my children's famous "coupons for dad" booklets. Gifts you are giving. Manolos for my wife. Signed book from a favorite author for my business partner. Flowers and greenery. Red amaryllis and greenery. On your front door. A wreath we purchased when we were engaged. Holiday room scent. Nest Holiday Classic candle. CATHY KINCAID Tree or no. Yes. Three! Holiday tradition. M o t h e r, D a u g h t e r, a n d Granddaughter Tea at the Woman's Club. I love spending time with my girls, especially during the holidays. Holiday cocktail. Anything and everything! Holiday playlist. Everything from James Taylor to Yo-Yo Ma and Michael Bublé. Pick-up hors d'oeuvres. From Brook Hollow Golf Club, The Festive Kitchen, and Becerra's Tamales. The tamales are always a hit. Holiday wearables. My children gave me a pair of Miron Crosby cowboy boots for Christmas two years ago with a wonderful message inside. I wear them with everything during the holidays. Gifts you hope to receive. I'm hoping all gifts could be from Hermès. Host gift. I make roasted pecans and place them in a pretty bowl. I've been doing this for the last 40 years. My friends and family love it and have been collecting the bowls over the years. Flowers and greenery. Margaret Kane Ryder does a great job with real greenery and fruit. On your front door. A wreath with greenery, flowers, and fruit. Holiday room scent. Rigaud Cyprès green candle. Holiday room scent. A wood-burning fire. Diptyque Feu de Bois gets the job done without the real thing. A London dining room designed by Alidad, photo James McDonald, Alidad: The Timeless Home. Rita Aarons in Hollywood, California, Christmas, 1954, Poolside with Slim Aarons. A snowy statue at C.Z. Guest's Templeton, Elvin McDonald, C.Z. Guest: American Style Icon. Carolyn Roehm's Paris apartment, 1966, François Halard,Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People. 86