TIPS AND TRADITIONS FOR THROWING A HOLIDAY SOIREE

Colleen Richmond • November 6, 2022

The ultimate tastemaker Aerin Lauder

A living room with a fireplace and a christmas tree

Photography by Simon Upton.


When we think of hosting an elegant soiree at home, the first person that comes to mind is Aerin Lauder. Aer- in Lauder, Founder and Creative Director at AERIN and Style and Image Director at Estée Lauder grew up taking notes from her legendary grand- mother, Estée Lauder. Just like her grandmother, Aerin is renowned for hosting fabulous soirées with impeccable taste. Aerin’s name has become synonymous with beautiful tablescapes where her own lifestyle serves as a focus point of inspiration for her global luxury lifestyle brand.


It goes without saying that Aerin Lauder has been a guest at some of the most glittering of celebrations throughout the years, but she enjoys entertaining just as much at home. We consulted with Aerin and asked for a few of her best tips.


AS AN ENTERTAINING ICON, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ENTERTAINING TIPS?

The most important thing to remember as a host is to be prepared and relaxed. Guests know when you are stressed or worried. Entertaining shouldfeel effortless, so as a host you can also enjoy the party. Even if everything is not perfect, it is most im- portant that guests feel welcome and comfortable.


IS THERE A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL YOU LIKE TO SERVE?

I love serving tequila in beautiful bottles that I have found during my travels.




A woman in a floral dress is standing in a living room
A gingerbread house sits on a table in a library
A red and white christmas stocking hanging on a fireplace
A christmas tree is surrounded by presents and flowers

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS YOU LIKE TO GIFT OTHERS DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

I love giving gifts that feel meaningful and special. If a friend is interested in a certain style of art or fashion, I will gift a beautiful coffee table bookabout that subject. I also love to gift beautiful picture frames with photographs of special memories, can- dles that remind me of inspiring destinations, and of course, chocolates and fragrance.


WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORY OF YOUR GRANDMOTHER?

For me, the holiday season has always been filled with family, nostalgia, and wonderful memories. I have loved the holidays since I was a young girl, but my favorite memory is getting up on Christmas morning and opening my stock- ing full of candies and surprises with my family. My sister and I would always wake up extra early and run downstairs to the tree in our pajamas. With all of the décor, the parties, the festive fashion, and the time spent with the people I love most, I have always thought of the holidays as absolute magic. Through the years, I have tried to maintain those same traditions with my own children.

The Veranda House Returns

April 18, 2025
Nantucket, with its misty harbors, salt-kissed breezes, and centuries-old charm, has always been a place where history whispers through every weathered shingle and cobblestone street. This spring, one of the island’s most beloved landmarks, the Veranda House, will once again welcome guests, rising from the ashes of a devastating 2022 fire that necessitated a complete rebuild. Set to reopen in spring 2025, the new Veranda House is a masterpiece of restoration and reinvention. Owned by Procaccianti Companies and managed by TPG Hotels & Resorts as part of the Nantucket Resort Collection, the rebuild was meticulously overseen in collaboration with the town and historic district commission to ensure that the property retained its original federal-style elegance while incorporating modern luxuries and state-of-the-art amenities. First built in 1684, the Veranda House has stood as a symbol of Nantucket’s rich maritime legacy, its wraparound porches offering a front-row seat to the island’s ever-changing seascape. The new design remains true to its original size, scale, and architectural character, seamlessly blending historic integrity with contemporary comforts. Guests will find spa-like ensuite baths in every room, featuring Carrara marble, custom fixtures, and sleek walk-in showers—a nod to modern indulgence without sacrificing classic charm. The 19 redesigned rooms, including the Grand Harborview King with its private balcony and fireplace, exude an intimate, serene luxury. Expanded outdoor gathering spaces now offer even more opportunities for guests to soak in the island’s ambiance, whether sipping coffee at sunrise or toasting the golden hour over Nantucket Harbor. “This reopening marks a significant mile- stone, not just for Veranda House, but for the entire Nantucket community. We are deeply thankful for the community’s unwavering support in bringing this iconic property back to life,” says Paul Hitselberger, EVP of Operations for TPG Hotels & Resorts. The Veranda House is not just a recon- struction—it’s a resurrection, a tribute to Nantucket’s ability to endure, evolve, and enchant. Its doors reopen as a beacon of timeless hospitality, welcoming travelers to a place where history is honored, and every detail—from the breezy verandas to the handcrafted interiors—tells a story. For those who love Nantucket, the Veranda House is a homecoming. Images courtesy of The Veranda House.

Cadbury Creme Martini

By Inspired by Francesca Zani • April 16, 2025
A Grown-Up Indulgence

GABRIELE’S OF WESTPORT

By Vivian Ashcroft • April 16, 2025
Where Italian Elegance Meets Steakhouse Sophistication
More Posts