This is the unofficial “holiday season,” the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the calendar is filled with festive gatherings, the house is decked out with lights and greenery and all sorts of decorations, and the kitchen is stocked and ready. There’s nothing more exciting than a day like this. Bake cookies, cakes, and casseroles. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Whether you’re entertaining a group, exchanging gifts with friends, or decorating a tree with your family, this special season is all about adding some holiday magic whenever and wherever you can. To celebrate, we asked our editors to share the gifts they’re looking forward to buying this year and what items they’ll be adding to their growing collection of holiday decorations and entertaining essentials. He may only take out these treasures once a year, but no holiday is complete without them.
Read our editor’s picks from Dillard’s Southern Living Collection and shop the entire collection here.
Dillard’s
“I can’t think of a better way to start the day than with a cup of coffee in this Santa mug. We’re looking forward to lots of hot chocolate and Hotty Toddies this holiday season! Plus, friends and family -Kaitlyn Yarborough, Associate Digital Editor.
Dillard’s
“My in-laws would love this little dachshund plate. They’ve had three little girls over the years, and they’ve had a lot of fun trying to get into the kids’ Christmas candy and getting into the tinsel. There are so many stories of people trying to tear the whole house apart, so having these plates on your holiday table will bring back some sweet memories.” – Melinman, SVP and GM
Dillard’s
“When it comes to the holidays, my family gathers around the dining room table more than ever, from weekend brunches with cousins to late-night cocktail parties with friends. I really like the idea of decorating the chairs with ornaments from the touch. ” – Chrissy Tillius, Executive Editor and General Manager
Dillard’s
“Cheerful linens are the easiest way to jazz up your table. To make your linens more personal, take them to your local embroidery shop and have them monogrammed for a thoughtful holiday hostess gift.” -Betsy Cribb, Homes and Properties Editor
Dillard’s
“Every year, my mom completes her Christmas tree with a bright red feathered bird tree topper. I think she’ll be happy with these hand-painted ornaments. She seems to like the sparkly accents. , I can see it blending in perfectly with the collection of ornaments she’s amassed over the years. ” -Alana Al-Hatlani, Assistant Food Editor
Dillard’s
“I love the timeless cabbage tableware collection. I think they add a lovely festive feel to your table without overpowering your table decor. Best of all, they’re perfect for the season and But it’s also suitable for year-round use.” – Cameron Beale, Assistant Homes Editor.
Dillard’s
“For friends and family who collect blue and white pieces, this cotton dish towel is a cute gift idea. They can display this machine-washable towel all through the holiday season as an homage to the collection. -Jenna Sims, Digital Editor.
Dillard’s
“We love glass carafes for entertaining, but to really get the party started, it’s best to pull out a punch bowl. This item is great for holidays where large but high-volume events may be required. Simple enough to dress up or down for any occasion, drinks and high spirits. -Katie Rousso, Senior Special Projects Editor
Dillard’s
“Nothing dresses up a holiday table like a festive placemat. The colorful plaid pattern of this placemat in particular feels classic yet cozy. Whether it’s a fancy item or a more everyday item It can be easily combined with and incorporated into any item for a variety of holiday tablescapes. ” -Caroline Rogers, Travel and Culture Editor
Dillard’s
“Individually portioned desserts are a great hack for holiday entertaining. It’s so much easier to portion out and know how much to make. Plus, with these cute and festive cake pans, you can make mini You can also arrange the cake into a mini Christmas village or village. Decorating the house is also a fun activity for the kids!” -Harry Milstein, Editorial Fellow
Dillard’s
“A vintage-style Santa ornament is irresistible, especially when it’s covered in colorful glass over plastic. Plus, this guy winks and drinks hot chocolate and has a vague accent. Will he go in the cart?” -Mary Shannon Hodes, Associate Digital Editor
Dillard’s
“I’m in charge of setting the Christmas table for my family, and this year I want to incorporate these beautiful brass candlesticks into the tablescape. The magnolia base makes a statement on its own. , just make two of these and keep the rest of the decorations around them simple. Maybe add some simple green runners, votive candles, and maybe some magnolia leaves and something from your backyard. You might even lean into a floral theme with some fresh camellias.” -Anna Price Olson, Assistant GM.
Dillard’s
“What I’ve learned over the long holiday season is that you can never have too many glasses. When everyone gathers to celebrate, the cups end up on the coffee table, on the porch, in a forgotten corner, or in the dishwasher. You won’t regret having an extra glass when your guests are visiting and you want to serve them a celebratory drink.It’s simple with enough design details to make it feel special. -Caroline Rogers, Travel and Culture Editor.
Dillard’s
“My husband and I love decorating for Christmas and always enjoy unboxing and setting up familiar standbys each year, but this wreath is perfect for refreshing your entryway decor. White, Alabama Christmas, the flock gives us the magic of fresh snow.” -Tara Massouleh McCay, Travel and Culture Editor.
Dillard’s
“When looking for Christmas decorations, my family always looks for the kind that our crafty great-grandmother, affectionately known as GG, would have made herself. I would have loved the frosted detail and if she still existed I would definitely have tried to recreate it and probably glued my fingers too much in the process.” – Mary Alice Russell, Editorial Fellow
