The Holiday Prep Guide
Panic buying prevention starts here
Hi guys :) Live from my “grandpa chair” in my living room, sitting next to the fireplace in my pajamas while it’s been raining for 24 straight hours in LA. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for all year — and I fear I may never leave this cozy spot.
I had every intention of going live with this piece earlier, but I’ve been one busy girl. This piece is all about prepping for the holidays, entertaining, and getting cozy — so you don’t panic buy when you actually need this random assortment of things during the madness of the season.
Even though I’m not hosting any big holiday dinners this year, I will give it to myself: I’m a damn good holiday host when I want to be. I am a preparer and organizer (Capricorn Sun, Virgo Rising whoa) and wanted to share my tried and true things to make the holidays a little bit easier.
Godspeed to everyone hosting and gearing up for the next six weeks. I’ll probably still be sitting here :)
LOVE, Cat xx
PS. If you’re enjoying my ramblings, a subscribe and/or heart go a long way in the Substack world :) thank you for being here!
Storage and Prep
Holiday storage boxes. This one is for ornaments ($20), this one for garland and wreaths ($34), and this one for wrapping materials ($25).
Cleaning supplies. I highly recommend heading to Grove to get eco-friendly supplies (Code: CAT25 for 25% off orders of $75+), plus pretty much everything you need for your house — for the kitchen, for your pets, beauty, you name it. It’s basically the better Amazon. I’m also a big Koala Eco fan — I’ve tried every single product and I love them all.
Do you have your kitchen towels (4 for $25) and oven mitts ($16) ready to go? These William Sonoma ones are my tried and true — and they even came out with a Christmas colored one this year?!
Completely unnecessary, but this pewter soap dispenser ($250).
If you have guests staying with you and need a refresh on towels, look no further than the plushest, best towels ever.
Lots more on my Amazon storefront!
Gift Wrap
Wrapping paper. One of my favorite Etsy sellers makes the cutest things, including these: Nutcracker, 12 days of Christmas, non-traditional red florals. She also makes this customizable Julia Child-themed recipe binder I bought as a gift last year and thought it was such a hit.
More from different sellers include: Christmas carolers, Santa’s sleigh, classic plaid, vintage santa, vintage skiers, holly jolly Nutcracker, cardinals.
Ribbon. It’s necessary to have multiple yards of multiple shades of satin 1-inch reds, like this, or this one that’s lightly wired. This burgandy burlap and this red and white striped are adorable. Candy cane embroidered ribbon and Celestial embroidered ribbon are pretttty damn cute.
Entertaining
Wine Glasses. These are my daily sippers, but are fancy enough for the holidays. A set of 8 glasses for $55. Get this wine glass storage box ($20) to stow away. You also need wine foil cutters ($6) to open your wine bottles. I cringe when I watch people try to rip the foil off a bottle!
Martini Glasses. A set of 6 on sale for $33! I own 24 of these and have these adorable cocktail picks ($6). I also love these crystal martini glasses (set of 6 for $86) And make sure you have a stainless steel barware set ($24)!!
This swan ice bucket is soooo cute!! (30% off with code ANTHRO30)
Votive Candles. The set of 48 candles is $40 and they’ll burn for at least two long dinner parties. I repurchase these over and over again for dinner parties, or just light them around my house on a regular night for a little extra mood.
Candlestick Holders. This set of 12 ($22) with this set of 30 ivory candlesticks ($35) — simple and elegant. Also these burgandy ones ($70), and these simple brass ones ($70)
This adorable platter for cookies (30% off with code ANTHRO30)
This festive tablecloth ($195), or something a bit more subtle but lacy and gorgeous ($215). And embroidered napkins!
Flatware. The Alton Flatware Set is superior. They are a forever kind of purchase. The weight on them is luxurious! Here’s the serving set. I have and absolutely love the Jean Dubost Laguiole Steak Knives, which are $80 for a set of 6.
This vintage looking serve ware ($25) and are actually affordable.
Napkin Rings. A traditional, silver set of 4 for $27, classic stainless steel ($8), and simple tarnished gold ($6).
Placecard Holders. These are gorgeous and come in silver and gold. Set of 12 for $158.
To Go Containers for leftovers! In the spirit of giving… have a few to-go containers for your guests to bring home some leftovers — don’t be a scrooge!
Gravy Boat. A perfect gravy boat ($40), Antique Boote 1851 Ironstone Gravy Boat ($45), Vintage silver gravy boat ($55), vintage Liberty Blue gravy boat ($24)
Turkey things. A turkey platter ($149), a turkey cloche ($199), a roasting pan and rack ($129), a baster ($7)
A classic french ceramic pie dish ($50) and this one is a little more ruffly ($59)
Decor
Christmas Tree. Unpopular opinion, but I love my faux tree. I was hellbent on getting a real tree for years — which I happily did, and understand the appeal. I only stopped a few years ago when my boyfriend at the time had an “allergy” (lol), so I invested in a faux tree for our home. I hated the idea at first, but now, I love it. I’ve owned this tree with LED Clear Lights ($750) for the last three years, and I chose it because it was on the narrower side, which suited my old home.
Wreath. I have an old Balsam Hill wreath and garland they don’t make anymore, which is a shame because it’s so damn good. I absolutely love poinsettia wreaths ($150). One day, I’m going to have one in every single window sill.
I love this $18 monogram stocking! I have it and have regrettably bought several different letters for several different boyfriends over the years.
Tree Topper. A tree topper ($54) that I’m going to get this year!
Tree Skirts. This crimson velvet ($70) one is my absolute favorite. I love this one for $37 or this woven chestnut one for $48
Ornaments. This deserves a much deeper dive, but I’m going to steer you towards Chan Luu for the cutest handmade ornaments, as well as Shoppe Amber Interiors with the best selection. If you’re looking for an entire set of neutral, delicate, classic glass blown ornaments, here you go!
Paper Whites! I’m finally planting them this year and these are the perfect pots ($24). As a Shoppe Amber Interiors alumni, I have a bunch of these that I use around the house and love them.
Get Cozy
If I’m not fully dressed up for a party, I will be in pajamas by the fireplace covered in blankets. Just a few cozies that I can’t live without:
Eberjey PJS. I’m currently wearing this set right now. IYKYK and you’ll never go back. I get a new pair of these every year. They are softest, comfiest pjs, ever. This new print is perfect and I love this Bordeaux color for the winter. Code: CYBERVIP25
Robes. These are my winter robe picks, not to be confused with my lightweight Spring/Summer/Fall robes (lol). The Soho Home robe is a perfect robe to me ($175) and so is the Eberjey Boucle Robe ($200)
Blankets. The Ralph Lauren Cable Cashmere Throw Blanket is such an amazing gift, I especially love the Kelly Green color.
Slippers. I love Uggs. Always have, always will. I get a new pair of tasman slippers ($110) every few years. These Classic Ultra Biarritz Minis ($190) are so cute and I’ve already started wearing my Classic Ultra Minis ($150).
Sweaters. This deserves an entire separate post, but I’ll list a couple that I have on rotation for the next few months. This Jenni Kayne turtleneck is out of this world perfect. This Guest in Residence cable knit turtleneck is chunky and festive but neutral at the same time. A cashmere hoodie changes the travel game.
Candles. The Jenni Kayne Cedar Candle is my absolute, die-on-a-hill favorite fall/winter candle of all time.
Puzzles
I cannot express my love and nostalgia for puzzles, especially during the holidays. My mama and I use to do Thomas Kinkade puzzles year round and it’s a memory I’ll never, ever forget. Here a few old school ones and a few cute new ones. ‘tis the season to zone out, drink wine and puzzle!!
Holidays on ice ($34), Winter lights ($25), Tree shopping ($28), Ice skating ($48) Christmas in the city ($48), A christmas wish ($14), Lamplight village ($14)
I was just looking for cute wrapping paper and Christmas storage!
Puzzzzzlessssss! This whole thang is great xo