Holidays the West Coast Way
My grandparent’s old Russian River property, where I’ll be hosting Christmas this year.
I’m hosting Christmas for the very first time this year, and it has me thinking about the kind of traditions I want to create and pass on. Coming from a family of diverse backgrounds all strongly rooted in the west coast (fifth-generation Californian here!) I want to celebrate in ways that express my gratitude and love for this place and its rich culture. Here’s a few festive ideas that are already a part of our holiday rituals or that I want to try this year—each a pleasure that feels like home to me.
1.
Golden State Garlands
Taking inspiration from your local green space or even your backyard, these garlands include dried citrus and persimmon, along with bay leaves. I can only imagine the fragrance!
I’m going to follow Emily DaFoe’s recipe for dehydrating the fruit, then let the whole family help string them together while we listen to music.
2.
Wreaths of Coastal Greens
Instead of evergreens this year, I want to make wreaths with the kind of silvery greenery that reminds me of the coast—olive, eucalyptus, and sage. Marcy Mussari has a nice tutorial if you are DIYing for the first time.
3.
California Nuts
This one is sentimental for me—my family always put out bowls of in-shell nuts from the central valley at Christmas. While the tradition of nuts at Christmas originated as a Victorian luxury, for us they were simply a reminder of the bounty produced by the hardworking farmers my grandfather and dad worked with in their small produce distribution business. As a treat, they’re a nice break from all the sweets, and as kids, we had so much fun using the nutcracker to crack our own.
4.
Magnolia on the Mantel
Magnolias may not be California natives, but they’re still an iconic presence in many California neighborhoods. I love them for the rich velvety brown of the leaves’ undersides. You can usually pick them up from Trader Joes, and they dry beautifully, lasting a whole season.
design: Amber Interiors
5.
California’s Midcentury Craft Movement
As a lover of midcentury ceramics, these incredible candle-holders, from Sausalito-based ceramic icon Heath, caught my eye. If mid-century is your style, you don’t need to deviate from it just because it’s the holidays. Instead, invest in pieces that feel true to you as you pull them out year after year.
6.
Spanish-inspired Iron
The drama of ironwork is perfect for Christmas, and recalls all the Spanish splendor that influenced so much of design here in California. I love the bold statement of this Menorah by Josh Owen and am eyeing this wrought iron candelabra for my own table.
7.
Christmas Tamales
In my family, Christmas Eve is for Mexican food. Traditional for Christmas, tamales are such a crowd-pleaser and we have made them (turn it into a party!) as well as ordered them, depending on how much bandwidth we have that year. Another favorite is an old California classic, Tamale Pie (this recipe looks good!) which we serve with a side Fritos just to take it over the top.
8.
Tequila Spiked Cider
And to go with the tamales? What could be better than tequila? This recipe from Half-Baked Harvest is spiced cider baja-style. I’ve been making a version of these since I hosted my first holiday party, cooking a batch up on the stovetop and letting the smell fill the house as it simmers. Float some orange slices and anise stars on top, and let guests ladle it up and garnish it as they please. So festive.
9.
Seafood Soul Food
Our new favorite special occasion dish is a San Francisco original—cioppino. It’s easy, beautiful, and celebrates the coastal bounty here in the Bay Area. We follow this recipe and serve with the miche bread from Fournée Bakery in Berkeley. Perfection.
For Christmas brunch, this year, I’m thinking of Ina Garten’s Crab Quiche if crab season opens early enough.
10.
A Mediterranean Dessert
Fruit deserts are a favorite in my family. My grandmother made persimmon pudding and pear pie from the persimmons and pears she grew, and my mom makes an incredible cranberry almond tart.
I’ve been trying to develop my own signature fruit bake—something light and fresh that’s just as good for breakfast on Christmas day as it is after Christmas Eve dinner. I love the bright color and the snowfall of powdered sugar on this orange olive oil cake—something like this feels beautiful, special, and just right for a west coast Christmas.
I hope this post has you looking forward to your own traditions or dreaming up new ones. I am wishing you all the comforts and joys of home and family this holiday season. Thanks for reading! I look forward to sharing more in the new year.