We asked Dallas tastemakers for their seasonal staples—those items that, for them, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without. Sweet Tooth Hotel founder Jencey Keeton shares her favorites.
Favorite place to buy gifts: Half Price Books flagship on Northwest Highway
Favorite hostess gift: A curated art or design book based on their personal style
Go-to place for gift wrap: Read Between the Lines has the cutest gifts bags and cards
Best place to buy a holiday party outfit: Dolly Python or Vintage Martini for something unique that has some history
Go-to holiday catering company: Mesero. Feliz Navidad!
Go-to source for holiday tabletop and serving pieces: Lula B’s Design District for vintage holiday finds
Go-to holiday cocktail or spirit: A tried-and-true hot toddy or mulled wine made on the stove
Favorite non-alcoholic holiday drink: Gruene Coffee Haus’ “Texas Pecan” coffee
Favorite holiday sweet treat: Gingerbread or pies from Empire Baking Company
Dish your holiday spread would be incomplete without: Sweet potato casserole with vegan marshmallows
Favorite holiday tunes: “Christmas is All Around” from Love Actually
Favorite holiday flick: Love Actually is the only movie to watch during the holidays
Favorite holiday scent: Glade’s “Ginger Spice Oh So Nice”
Go-to source for holiday décor: Etsy
Must-have decorative item: Porcelain Christmas tree and gingerbread house made by my grandmother
Favorite holiday tradition: We always make a Christmas Eve meal with my family that is Thai or Chinese inspired, since my dad is from Bangkok.
Favorite holiday event in Dallas: Sweet Tooth Hotel Holiday Pop-up! We fill our space with Christmas trees and have a 20-foot shipping container filled with a magical forest.
Best Santa in Dallas: I haven’t been to see Santa since I was a kid, and they scare me.
Anything we missed?: The best dive bars to take visiting relatives to are Cosmo’s, Lakewood Landing, and Ships Lounge.
