The Insider’s Guide to Holiday Style

When it comes to holiday gifting, take a cue from the experts. As an iconic luxury brand known for some of the most legendary watches ever made, Cartier has something for every fashion killer on your list, from sleek timepieces and festive outfit ideas to rare, unexpected objects. Shop them all below.

EVENINGWEAR

Rhapsody in Blue

Yes, denim for evening is officially a thing. Sparkles and embellishments aplenty take the Americana staple into holiday-party territory.

Color Block

Toast your way through the end-of-year party scene with maximalist extras and bold pieces that pop.

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ENTERTAINING

Some Enchanted Evening

From stunning tabletop inspiration to expert hosting advice, here’s everything you need to celebrate in style.

Instant Parties

Renowned event planner Chris Hessney shares his easy tricks for enhancing any setting.

“I love setting the tone through scent,” says Hessney, who designs high-profile soirées for companies like Carolina Herrera and Goop. “Try roasting orange slices right before guests arrive, or keep a pot of mulled wine on the stove top.” He also recommends lowering the lights for an extra-cozy vibe. “I’ve actually left parties where the lights were too bright. Everyone feels more relaxed when the room’s dark and moody,” he says.

Fete Accompli

Event designer extraordinaire Rebecca Gardner has a few shortcuts to ensuring a memorable gathering at home.

A little effort goes a long way when it comes to unforgettable events. “The tiniest surprises can make a tremendous difference,” says Gardner. “Try masks, party hats, or parlor games. Give them something to talk about.” Another easy way to impress? A signature cocktail. “Greet guests with something classic and strong. It loosens everyone up, and your party is likely to end with dancing on the table.”

Host With the Most

In his new book, Occasions to Celebrate: Cooking and Entertaining with Style, celebrity chef Alex Hitz serves up crowd-pleasing recipes (think: Southern comfort food with French flair), table-setting tips, and secrets for tackling tricky seating. Below, social fixture Deeda Blair’s ultimate high-low dish, included in the book.

OVEN-BAKED POTATO CHIPS WITH CRÈME FRAÎCHE AND CAVIAR

• 1 pound russet potatoes
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, melted
• ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 cup crème fraîche
• ½ cup heavy cream whipped to soft peaks
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 pound caviar

Preheat the oven to 500°F. Peel the potatoes, and slice them crosswise 1/16-inch thick on a mandoline. Rinse the slices in several changes of cold water until the water runs clear. Pat them dry with paper towels. Dip the potatoes in the melted butter, and arrange them in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets. Place the pans on separate racks in the oven and bake them for 10 minutes. Reverse the position of the pans front-to-back and between the racks and bake them for 10 minutes more. Remove the chips from the oven, and salt them with ½ teaspoon salt. Remove the chips from the parchment with a spatula, and place them on a clean, dry metal sheet pan. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crème fraîche, whipped cream, green onions, and remaining salt. On four salad plates, place a generous group of overlapping chips. For each serving, dollop 4 to 6 tablespoons of the crème fraîche mixture on top of the chips. Place generous spoonfuls of the caviar on top of the cream mixture on each plate and serve. Makes 4 servings.

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GIFTS FOR HER

Out of the Box

Rare finds that everyone on your list will adore.

La Vie en Rose

Garden-inspired delights guaranteed to get a (green) thumbs-up.

Shop Here: Casa Gusto

This family-owned shop stocks a variety of tableware from Mexico and France, as well as tole flowers and papier-mâché botanical prints handmade at Casa Gusto’s warehouse in Mexico.

Slam Dunks

From a luxe tennis bag to chic kicks, these sporty pieces will wow even your most athletic friend.

Shop Here: Copper Beech

World-famous interior designers Thomas O’Brien and Dan Fink’s store, which specializes in home furnishings and prepared food, also honors its coastal Long Island locale with beachy caps and sweatshirts and cozy hand-loomed blankets.

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GIFTS FOR HIM

Playing It Cool

Unexpected finds for the adventurer who has everything.

Shop Here: Flamingo Estate

A passion for growing and harvesting vegetables in his seven-acre Los Angeles garden inspired Richard Christiansen to start selling produce and pantry items, along with hand-poured candles and bath and body products. Flamingo Estate is full of atypical finds for outdoorsy types.

Beyond the Ordinary

Whether he’s dapper, athletic, or a little bit wild, these updated classics will freshen up any style.

Shop Here: Drake’s

Savile Row menswear line Drake’s—which opened its first permanent U.S. outpost in New York City this past September—is known for its crisp tailored shirts, elegant ties, and sharp pocket squares. Take cues from the British tastemaker if you’re looking for a gift that feels both timeless and of-the-moment.

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GIFTS FOR KIDS

Play On

Put a smile on your little one’s face with luxe-but-cute toys, accessories, and games.