A Curated Holiday Season: Our Principals' Picks

Rapid Fire with Heather: Holiday Favorites

Signature Read- East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Favorite Holiday Indulgence- Danish Kringle- Almond from O&H Danish Bakery is my favorite! Here's where you can order- https://www.ohdanishbakery.com/everyday-kringle-favorites/almond-kringle. Bacon Wrapped Dates- They’re so simple to make and yet they taste dreamy and feel very gourmet. Here's the recipe- https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022790-bacon-wrapped-dates.

Holiday Ritual- Tamales on Christmas Eve & Feeding the Homeless

Screen Favorite- Love Actually

Soundtrack of the Season- Christmas classics; Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole

Holiday Listen- A Very New York Christmas Podcast

A New York Holiday Escape

New York has long been the quintessential holiday escape—timeless, nostalgic, and buzzing with tradition. The season unfolds across the city in layers of magic, from the Thanksgiving Day Parade and Fifth Avenue window displays to the Rockefeller tree, ice skating, and iconic Broadway performances. It’s a place where cozy restaurants, festive energy, and long winter walks make the city feel alive in a way only New York can.

Be sure to slip into The Delicious Corner Store, a neighborhood staple that captures the city's quiet charm amid the holiday bustle. It’s the perfect warm-up stop between festive strolls, and a simple treat here makes the season feel even sweeter.

And as you take in the season, you may also come across a nationwide Giving Machine—like this one located in New York City—an interactive way to purchase meaningful items, from meals to clean water, that directly support individuals and communities in need. This season is such a wonderful time to give back and spread the holiday cheer. 

Click here to find a location near you.

Experience-Driven Getaway

Experience-driven hotels are transforming travel into something immersive, personal, and beautifully intentional. Properties like The Lodge at Blue Sky in Park City craft moments that go far beyond a traditional stay—mountaintop concerts, yurt dinners, dog sledding, and intimate farm-to-table gatherings that invite you into the landscape itself. Even the stillness feels elevated, with a restorative spa and a design ethos centered on connection and presence. I love how hospitality is evolving into curated experiences that feel both adventurous and deeply rejuvenating.

The Art of Gifting: Heather's Holiday Edit

I’ve always loved cozy things that elevate the everyday—small comforts that make life feel softer, warmer, and a little more intentional. This year, I’m leaning into gifts that feel meaningful and personal, choosing pieces crafted specifically for the person receiving them. Think a customized pair of sneakers, a beautifully bound photo book from Artifact Uprising or StoryWorth, the perfect pair of slippers for home or errands, or a scent that subtly transforms a space. I also love the idea of gifting a piece of art—something lasting and expressive—and I’m especially drawn to the work of Lindsey Meyer Art and completely obsessed with every Ben Steele piece.

Wishing you a beautifully curated holiday season filled with inspiration, comfort, and meaningful moments. Here’s to a season of thoughtful design, inspired travel, and unforgettable experiences.