Fashion designer Alexandra O'Neill, founder of Markarian, offers her unique perspective on holiday entertaining, merging her design expertise with festive decor. Currently in South Africa, where she often draws inspiration, O'Neill highlights the significance of personalized touches in creating memorable holiday experiences. Her design philosophy, which often incorporates floral patterns and elaborate embroidery, extends seamlessly from her fashion creations to her home entertaining style.
O'Neill's approach to holiday decorating is characterized by a love for layering and mixing different prints, much like she does with her Markarian collection, all produced in New York City. She believes that personalizing holiday decor is an excellent way to embrace the festive mood, suggesting elements like garlands, ribbons, and flowers. She also details her design process for a special Woodford Reserve bourbon bottle, explaining how she translated the bourbon's tasting notes and the brand's artisanal spirit into a floral, vintage-inspired aesthetic. This bottle, meant to be a display-worthy hostess gift, reflects her commitment to thoughtful and beautiful presentations.
Beyond decor, O'Neill shares her preferred holiday beverages. She enjoys a well-made old fashioned and is particularly fond of preparing hot toddies for friends, often bringing batches of her concoction to gatherings. She enthusiastically describes her hot toddy recipe, which includes a quality bourbon, lemon slices infused with cloves, honey, hot water, and a cinnamon stick. Her dedication to thoughtful presentation and engaging hospitality encourages others to infuse their holiday celebrations with creativity and personal flair, fostering warm and memorable moments with loved ones.
Embracing one's unique style in hosting and decorating enriches shared experiences, transforming simple gatherings into cherished memories. The spirit of generosity and personal expression elevates holiday traditions, making each celebration a reflection of care and creativity. By putting a personal stamp on every detail, from table settings to gifts, we not only celebrate the season but also the bonds that connect us, creating an atmosphere of joy and genuine connection.
