We turn to Kimberly Schlegel Whitman (particularly on Instagram) for party planning inspiration throughout the year, but now seems like an especially good time to catch up with the entertaining expert and author of “Parties Around a Punch Bowl.” The lifestyle guru was kind enough to share a few holiday traditions, which include Whitman’s chocolates (no relation), monograms (of course), and family dinners at PF Chang’s.
Hear the Bells
One of my favorite holiday traditions is when my father signs us up to ring the bell for the Salvation Army at NorthPark. Our family will go in shifts and take turns ringing the bell, seeing the trains that benefit the Ronald McDonald House and getting the kids in line for photos with Santa. After, the whole family will enjoy a meal together. PF Chang’s has been a family favorite!
Santa, Baby
Annual photos with Santa are always a tradition. I keep an album with all of the photos lined up together, and we love looking through them every year. We especially love and adore NorthPark Santa! My son, JR, says that he is the real Santa.
Jam Sessions
At Christmas Eve dinner after church, my mother gives everyone a monogrammed boat and tote bag with matching Christmas pajamas – even the gents get a set! On Christmas morning, everyone shows up in his or her new jammies and bags, which we use when we are exchanging gifts. They are the perfect size to put all of the new gifts in and help keep the family organized.
Stocking Stuffer
In our family, I am always in charge of the stockings, and I love it! One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is hunt down stocking stuffers and fill the stockings to the brim. I have also taken over the needle pointing duties since my grandmother passed away. I have now made stockings for my son and daughter, JR and Millie, and my nephew, Tobin, but I haven’t finished my nephew, Teddy’s, yet! We also just welcomed a new addition to the family, my niece Tabitha, who I need to add to the list!
Here for the Samples
We love wrapping up boxes of Whitman’s chocolate (no relation) for our friends, teachers, and family!
