I’ve mentioned before that I’m a big fan of ShoeMint (the members-only site with super on-trend designs by Rachel Bilson & Nicole Chavez), so when they asked me to design a collection of holiday soirées inspired by ShoeMint styles, I couldn’t resist. C’mon, pretty shoes plus Christmas parties… what’s not to love? I’ve been craving several styles in the newest collection, and just scooped up a pair of Leilas in buttery wine leather – they feel so luxurious. Anyway, I had a blast shopping the site and getting inspired by the shoes to design a few of my favorite types of holiday get-togethers. If you see the perfect pair to get or give this season, now’s the time: today only, new members get $40 off their first pair of shoes and current members get $20 off each pair! (sale items excluded, max 5 pairs in cart.)
This first party is inspired by the Adrienne Pump – a preppy-meets-rustic Town & Country Brunch, full of tartan plaid, evergreen garlands and a few nods to taxidermy. Here are the pieces I’d bring to the party:
1. Set of four Tartan Plaid Salad Plates from William Sonoma, 2. Horned Beauty Bottle Opener from Anthropologie, 3. Surroyal Pitcher from Anthropologie, 4. Bronze Stirrup Ornament from Ralph Lauren, 5. Croc-embossed Leather Flask from J. Crew, 6. Scottish Terrier Card from Rifle Paper Co., 7. Tartan Plaid Dinner Plate from William Sonoma, 8. Equestrian Braid Flatware from Lauren by Ralph Lauren, 9. Preserved Cypress Garland from Jamali Garden
If your style is closer to the retro-girly end of the spectrum, you’d be on my guest list for a Mod Fireside Gathering inspired by The Candy Boot. Steaming mugs of (spiked) hot cocoa, friendly games of Twister and Scrabble, s’mores in front of a blazing fire, all set against the backdrop of a bubblegum pink Christmas tree. What would you guys pair with The Candy Boot for the perfect festive ensemble? To make this party happen, you need:
1. Scavo Mugs from Crate & Barrel, 2. Artisan Hot Chocolates from Mindy’s Hot Chocolate, 3. Pink Tinsel Tree by Kurt Adler, 4. Faux Python Trays from Jayson Home, 5. Wilder Dinnerware from Crate & Barrel, 6. Forged Flatware from West Elm, 7. Caviar Fox Ornament from Anthropologie, 8. Burch Bundle from Jayson Home, 9. Alyson Fox Triangles Pillow Cover from West Elm
And finally, the glitziest of the bunch: a New Year’s fête inspired by the The Koko Flat . (Who says you have to don heels to be glam?) This is a party where anything could happen: a group of young sophisticates gathered in a downtown high rise to ring in 2013 with metallic tinsel, confetti, champagne on ice and sparklers at midnight. To throw a party like this, you need:
1. Gold Paper Mache Bowls from Gretel Home, 2. Countdown Glasses by Indigo, 3. Hello Telephone Card by Rifle Paper Co., 4. Hotel Silver-Plated Oversized Bucket from Pottery Barn, 5. Glitter Cone Horns from Shindigz, 6. Disco Ball Ornaments from CB2, 7. Larabee Road Polka Dot Tidbit Plates from Kate Spade, 8. Linea Ice Oro Flatware from Gretel Home, 9. Meurice Butler Tray by Jonathan Adler
