Sand, Sea, and Santa

by Jennifer Creel

Palm Beach for the holidays? Why not! And when it comes to dressing for the occasion, remember, there are no rules. So wear those festive reds, greens, and golds—or even all white. Anything goes here!

When we think of the holiday season—the sights, sounds, and smells that paint a picture of this time of year—it might bring to mind a chic Ralph Lauren living room with a lit fireplace and perfect Christmas tree, or sitting at a festive table surrounded by family enjoying a shared meal. Perhaps it’s window shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue, skiing in Aspen, or listening to the never-ending holly jolly tunes that start on November 1st—too soon if you ask me—and end when we’ve had one too many mulled wines.

Sandy beaches and palm trees rarely make it into the Christmas zeitgeist, and yet that’s where we tend to navigate when temperatures get frigid in the north. I love visiting Palm Beach during the holidays. Locals might proudly declare that the tree lighting ceremony here is as good as any in the nation. The festivities on Worth Avenue, where they have an annual tree lighting, is “worth” checking out, and there’s a giant tree beautifully lit in almost every major surrounding town.

I love a good stroll and will take any opportunity to pop into some boutiques around Palm Beach—Zimmermann, Thom Browne, Julia Amory, Carolina Herrera, and Kirna Zabête to name a few.

But first, we must pack a bag! It’s Florida, so we’re bringing along sundresses and bathing suits, of course. Flowy, floral, fun. The same rules apply in the winter as they do in the summer, although in Palm Beach, there aren’t actually any “rules.” Comfort is key. I always pack sweaters and my cabretta leather jacket as nights are chilly.

For a holiday dinner with family or friends, I tend to keep it simple with a black cocktail dress. It’s so versatile, but it’s also a perfect palette for accessories! An Alaïa red patent-leather bag with my own Baroque pearls make me feel instantly “holiday chic.”

I pack lots of my own jewelry pieces to switch up my look on any given day. They’re lighter to take than another handbag or pair of shoes, and you can’t go wrong with large floral pendants that make a statement. I love florals and will bring my Daisy, Plumeria, or Camellia pendants, switching them out on my leather choker. There’s always a Wooden Heart pendant in my jewelry bag, at least one of my clovers, and whichever shell necklace I love.

As for color, I bring holiday colors—the reds, greens, and golds. No need to shy away from bold festive colors or red lipstick. Or perhaps all white—no rules! ’Tis the season!

Most important, I hope for those enjoying the sights and holiday events in Palm Beach this year, or anywhere else, that it’s a peaceful time, surrounded by loved ones. Even if it’s momentary, allow those festive seasonal tunes to bring a smile to your face and a feeling of gratitude.