It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and for many, the most hectic and stressful. We’re here to help, with a library of inspiration and advice to make this holiday season your most memorable and magical yet.
Setting the Table
A beautifully set table makes any meal even more special. (It can also distract attention should, say, the turkey be a bit dry.)
Cooking the Feast
We consider mixing cocktails cooking, by the way, as these recipes for everything from punch to panna cotta prove.
Five Festive Punches Perfect for the Holidays
Three Holiday Cocktails Made Easy
These Sips Are the Best-Kept Southern Secrets
Your Guests Will Love These Crowd-Pleasing Cheese Boards
Mary McCartney’s Warming Chili Pumpkin Soup
Three Seriously Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Two Wintry Recipes from Mimi Thorisson
The Most Elegant Holiday Dessert Ever
This Just Might Be the Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe Ever
Decking the Halls
And the front door, the mantel, the stairwell…
How to Take Your Home from Everyday to Holiday
Expert Tips for Holiday Decorating—with a Vintage Twist
Decorator Suzanne Rheinstein Shares Tips for an Elegant Christmas
5 Ways to Create a Very Merry Mantel
Inside Designer Lilly Bunn’s Kid-Centric Holiday Chic
Holiday Decorations for Every Room of Your Home
6 Creative (and Easy!) Ways to Decorate with Ornaments
3 Easy and Stunning Holiday Greenery DIY Ideas
7 Simple and Beautiful Holiday Greenery Ideas
Your Seasonal Greenery Just Got Even More Inspired
Hosting
These tips and suggestions will make pre-party jitters a thing of the past.
How to Prep for a Stylish (and Stress-Free!) Holiday Season
How Photographer Matt Albiani Hosts Thanksgiving by the Beach
Our Editor Preps to Host Thanksgiving, with Help from the Pros
Inside Designer Timothy Whealon’s Chic Holiday Cocktail Party
How to Host a Magical Christmas Dinner Party
Fabulous Holiday Ideas from Designer Jeffrey Bilhuber
Holiday Hosting with Designer Alessandra Branca
Designer Monique Lhuillier’s Fashionable Holiday Fete
The Designers’ Checklist for Last-Minute Holiday Prep
10 Fast Tips for a Chic New Year’s Eve Party
7 Ways to Make Overnight Guests Feel Welcome
Steal Ideas from These 7 Designer Guest Rooms
How Mark D. Sikes Celebrates the Holidays in Style
Video: A New Year’s Toast with New York City’s Hottest Florists
Gifting
Giving really can be better than receiving—and wrapping can be a chance to show off your creative side.
28 Hostess Gift Ideas from Chic Tastemakers
Easy Ideas to Make a Last-Minute Gift Feel Special
Join the Discussion