Design & Style Gift Guide by Andrea Stanford

Andrea Stanford, Design and Interiors Editor of C Magazine, is one of the chicest women I know. She’s also one of the happiest. I always joke it’s because she lives in sunny Los Angeles. But just because she lives in a warm climate doesn’t mean she doesn’t go all out for the holidays. Andrea told me that Christmas is her absolute favorite time of the year so she was definitely someone I thought would be perfect to contribute a Design & Style Gift Guide for Habitually Chic. She also shares some of her holiday traditions which were so much fun to read.

Andrea with her beautiful daughters Brooke, Ryan, and Jade. I joked with Andrea that I hoped they were all modeling to pay for college but she said her husband Steve wasn’t allowing it.

When the temperature dips into the 60’s, Andrea and her family get to enjoy a fire in their Beverly Hills home.

One of the things I love to do when I travel to other countries is to visit old churches. My favorites are in San Miguel de Allende, Buenos Aires, and the most remote corners of Florence. I always light a candle for someone I know who needs the love. Candles are beautiful reminders of that tradition and my absolute favorite is the Rosewater Candle by Byredo.

A very California hostess gifts is my favorite Jose Cuervo Tequila with some colorful, luxe Gold Rimmed Tumblers and chic barware like these leather coasters from Ralph Lauren.

Hill House Home has nailed branding and design – and the Boxer Robe is such a fun gift!
These colored copper vases from Hawkins New York, paired with a holiday floral bundle make the perfect gift for anyone on your list.
I feel so lucky to do what I love – for the last 11 years I’ve been surrounded by the most beautiful interiors and vintage home décor. At EBTH, I’m always finding a new treasure. I’ve recently shifted my obsession with mid-century pottery to a serious glass addiction! All of these would make amazing gifts!
I love desk accessories – and these pieces from the Saddle Ring Desk Collection would make the perfect gift – especially paired with a monogrammed notebook from my go-to resource, Appointed.
We play a serious amount of cards in our house! This Lucky Devil Gift Set from The Line is perfect for every player on my list (or everyone in my home poker game).

A Chunky Wool Throw like this works in the warm environs of Southern California, the chilly winters of Vermont and everywhere in between.
NO ONE does a gift box like Simone LeBlanc. I love her holiday collection – you cannot go wrong with her.
It is impossible to walk into MARCH SF and not fall in love with absolutely everything. Their Oven Mitt is one of their basics that I love – and so much fun as a gift coupled with your favorite cookbook such as The Del Posto Cookbook or Mozza at Home.
Scotti Sitz, owner of Garde in Los Angeles has curated the best mix of décor – the shoppe is my go-to destination for a special and unique gift. These leather-wrapped decanters are perfect for holiday.
And while I spend most of my days immersed in home décor and vintage finds, I am always on a quest to find the best denim. I’m a forever-fan of Citizens of Humanity and these Drew Crop Flare Jeans are my latest favorite. This holiday season I’ll dress them up with a jewel-tone silk blouse and some black patent strappy heels.

My entire family, and the families of my three sister-in-laws, get together for a pre-holiday celebration early every December. My mom and I prepare all the food and we decorate every inch of the house – including tables in the main rooms for a sit down dinner for 60.
I set a formal table – down to the china, silver, crystal and linens – so I’m always using my own collection – and looking for new things to add. EBTH is a perfect source for this!
There is always a special cocktail – and full bar. After dinner as we all eat home-made pie, and then Santa comes. He has a gift for each child from their list and a totally inappropriate gift for each adult. It is my absolute favorite night of the year – better than the actual day of Christmas.
Before we all go away for the holiday (I travel to my mother in law’s home in North Carolina) we get together with the families of my three brothers and have a weekend glamping trip in El Capitan/Santa Barbara. It is always a reminder of the beautiful simplicity of the holiday. We cook all the food and spend a ton of time around the fire and playing games in the cozy cabins.

I love the whole process of sending holiday cards! I feel like it stresses some people out – but I actually enjoy it. Since our first daughter was born – I’ve sent cards. Planning the picture is fun – thinking about the outfits and capturing a shot that showcases their personalities. And I love designing the card – something different every year. When they are ready, I set up shop near the fire, with a glass of wine, and hand-write all the addresses. Some years I’ve even gone crazy and added wax seals and other hand-stamped touches. We have so many friends and extended family around the world – I love taking this opportunity every year to connect.
We have three lovely holiday traditions with friends. One is a holiday ornament exchange – so much fun every year to see the amazing treasures that everyone has found. Another is a GREED party where we come together and have a very spirited and competitive gift exchange – one year I left with a hamster (long story). We also celebrate Hanukah every year with a group of dear friends. Last year we all brought our favorite books and shared them (and the reason we loved them) after dinner.

For the Christmas holiday every year we travel to my mother in law’s home in North Carolina. No one decorates for Christmas like she does. My children love the tradition of going to Nana’s house for the holiday. Last year we took a few days and went to visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. It was so wonderful to see it when it was decorated for the holiday.

If money were no object, what would you like to see under the tree this year? 

A chair. But either an Oeuf Chair by Jean Royere or a Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin.
What is the best present you’ve ever received?

My grandmothers’ last Christmas, she gave me a beautiful gold bracelet that she had always treasured. Besides my wedding rings, it is my favorite piece of jewelry, and I feel connected to her every time I wear it.

from Habitually Chic®