We can’t say enough good things about Paloma Contreras. Not only is she one of the sweetest guests we’ve had, but she authors a stellar blog (La Dolce Vita) and just founded the exciting new lifestyle magazine, High Gloss. In the spirit of the “10 Things I Can’t Live Without” series she features on her own blog, we decided to turn the tables on her and ask what 10 things she likes most about the holidays. Her answers will inspire your most stylish holiday ever!

It’s hard to believe that another year has passed

and the holidays are upon us yet again! I love this time of year. Not only is it a season filled with love, hope, and fellowship with friends and family, it is also a fabulous reason to add a little tinsel to one’s home, a touch of sparkle to one’s wardrobe, and a personal touch to every gift. These are just a few of the things I can’t live without during the holiday season.

1. Classic Christmas Music

Nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit quite like some classic Christmas tunes! Whether it’s Nat King Cole belting out “Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire” or Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” these songs bring back the warmest memories of my childhood.

2. Personalized Holiday Cards

I am a huge advocate for handwritten correspondence as it truly is a dying art form. I have noticed in the past couple of years that not only are people not sending handwritten thank yous very often, they also seem to have forgone the wonderful tradition of sending Christmas cards. This is such an easy and personal way to spread good cheer and it is one of my favorite holiday traditions. Make a commitment to send out at least a few cards this year!

3. A Little Sparkle

The holidays often mean lots of parties and dinners. A quick way to take an outfit from the office to cocktail hour is by simply adding a little sparkle.

{From Left: Stella and Dot Necklace, Madewell Necklace, J.Crew Cuff}

4. A Beautifully Set Table with an Unexpected Color Theme

A wonderful way to make your guests feel special is by going all out with your table setting. I love setting a festive table with some unexpected elements. This table is not only beautiful and festive, but the color palette and black stripes are completely unexpected for the holidays.

5. Handwritten Thank You Cards

One should strive to not only be a good host, but a great guest as well. Always send your hostess a handwritten thank you note or follow up the next day with a personal phone call thanking them for a wonderful time. The same goes for Christmas gifts. Make sure to say thank you! Nothing is more special than receiving a beautiful, handwritten note in the mail.

6. Fabulous Hostess Gifts

My mother taught me that one should never show up to a party or dinner empty-handed. A couple of my favorite hostess gifts are Swanson Vineyards witty and delicious Modern House Wines, each of which is inscribed with a fun sentiment. Their Clarke’s Bark chocolate-merlot toffee is out of this world and highly-addictive! Another favorite hostess gift that usually gets a lot of mileage is a lovely candle. My current favorite is Lagniappe by LeSueur Interiors. My friend, Meg, had them custom blended to smell like the South. They have hints of oak, fig, hay and jasmine and smell divine!

7. Delicious Food

You can never go wrong with easy, delicious recipes from The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten! She has a new book out, Barefoot Contessa: How Easy is That? along with a collection of all of her cookbooks just in time for the holidays!

8. Chic Travel Accessories

The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year. Travel in style with stylish and easy to identify travel accessories, like these from Abas.

9. Festive Party Outfits

The holidays give us a fun reason to dress up each year and there are so many options out there whether we are looking for a fabulous cocktail dress or something a little more casual to pair with skinny jeans and some boots.

{This beautiful jade frock from J.Crew is the perfect color for Christmas!}

10. Cookies!

One of my favorite traditions from my childhood was baking Christmas cookies with my mom and sister. We would make so many varieties and would give them to friends, family, the mail man and our neighbors. We always made sure to keep some for ourselves, too!