We asked Dallas tastemakers for their seasonal staples—those items that, for them, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without. Dwell with Dignity’s Ashley Sharp shares her favorites.
Favorite gift shop: Favor the Kind always has the cutest holiday gifts—I love that they have something for every age range, and their playful items are always unique and memorable!
Favorite host or hostess gift: I love a creative holiday hostess gift—for something totally out of the box, pick up a board game at Common Ground Games. Exploding Kittens is always a hit. Games are a great present that can be enjoyed that night, and many more after.
Go-to place for gift wrap: The Merchant on Greenville Avenue is a hidden gem. Their card and gift-wrap selection is amazing, plus you can get a great cup of coffee and cute gifts for friends (or yourself!) in one stop.
Best place to buy a holiday party outfit: Whenever I’m looking for a unique holiday outfit, whether it is for an elegant soiree or tacky holiday sweater party, I head straight to Buffalo Exchange. Every time you go it’s a treasure hunt. I have found items from Chanel and Gucci all the way to playful Zara pieces. Plus, you are contributing to sustainability in design, and they give each shopper a token to donate to a charity of their choice—win-win!
Go-to source for holiday tabletop and serving pieces: I love this spot so much, I almost don’t want to share it. The Crate & Barrel Outlet has the best plates, cups, and serving pieces for the holidays at crazy prices. Shop early in the season though—they start putting out holiday items in September!
Go- to holiday cocktail or spirit: I’m obsessed with Weekend Coffee at the Joule—the drinks and snacks are great, and the people watching is second to none. For the holidays, their spiked hot cocoa is my new go-to—can’t wait until I can get it again this year!
Favorite non-alcoholic drink: It always feels like Christmas to me when I grab a hot chocolate from La Duni for my NorthPark holiday shopping. It makes me feel cozy, and they have the best flavors, including a dash of cinnamon for a little kick.
Favorite holiday sweet treat: I’m a huge fan of Val’s Cheesecakes—not only is he from Haiti, where my father is from, but his cakes are amazing. I highly suggest getting a few jars to try out all the flavors—they also make great hostess gifts, too!
Favorite holiday tunes: Truly, it isn’t Christmas until I hear Bill Nighy sing “Christmas is All Around” from Love Actually. It is so silly and cheesy but catchy as all get-out.
Favorite holiday flick: This is such a contentious choice, but Die Hard is my ultimate go to holiday movie. It has action, humor, and romance, plus tons of quippy one-liners—what else do you need in a movie?
Favorite holiday scent: Homesick makes this intoxicating scent called The Nutcracker. I don’t like overly floral or sweet smells, so this one was a winner for me. Lots of musk and sandalwood notes with just a hint of holiday spice-perfection.
Go-to source for holiday decor: Genesis Benefit Thrift Store. They always have great seasonal décor, but you can find some especially great items at Christmas!
Must-have decorative item: Our stuffed Christmas llama complete with Santa hat and jingle bells.
Favorite holiday event in Dallas: Our family loves the Dallas Zoo (so much that my kid goes to school there). So every holiday, Zoo Lights is a must for us.
Best Santa in Dallas: The Santa at Half Price Books has always been out favorite—it’s part of our annual tradition to go see him!
Best local holiday cards source: I’m a sucker for cute holiday cards. Favor the Kind and The Merchant have super unique ones. For a more traditional take, Paper Affair is my go-to.
Best place to see holiday lights: Every year I count down the days ’til Highland Park Village is all lit up for the holidays. We always head over when the weather turns brisk, grab a hot chocolate, and stroll around window shopping. This year, I’m planning to take my kids on their first carriage ride there!
