Jingle Belle: Fashion Designer Ulla Johnson's Guide to Holiday Glam

Martha Stewart

It's never too early for fashion designer Ulla Johnson to start thinking about Christmas. "I get excited about the next Christmas as soon as the current one passes," she says. "I love it all: The Nutcracker, the music, the decorating, the baking." This year she's also celebrating the birth of her third child and the addition of a holiday collection to her eponymous line, and she's looking forward to the debut of her first jewelry collaboration this spring. The yuletide aficionado shares her list of essentials for a festive season -- be sure to check it twice.

Related: 22 Gift-Wrapping Ideas for Turning Any Gift Into Something Spectacular


Passed Down from Mom

"Holidays are such a mix of past-like my mother's vintage ornaments -- and present," says Johnson.

Wit and Wrap

"I like to combine traditional wrapping paper with a funny gift tag, like this 'Santa Knows' one."

Cranberries on White gift wrap, $9.50 for 20 ft., gwenfrostic.com
Santa Knows gift tags, $20 for 10, seteditions.com





Holiday Sparkle

"I opt for luxe textures over typical holiday colors."

Aurelia sequin tank, by Ulla Johnson, $268, scoopnyc.com






Season's Greetings

Rifle Paper Co.'s modern, whimsical cards are a favorite.

$4.50 each or $18 for 8, riflepaperco.com

Related: 65 Quick and Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas from Martha Stewart




Cups of Cheer

The right cocktail makes a party feel special. "I like something timeless, like a Manhattan."

36th Vote Barreled Manhattan, $50 for 750 ml, highwest.com





Merry and Bright

"When I want to feel festive, I go red."

Nars sheer lipstick, in Manhunt, $26, narscosmetics.com






Supersized Sweets

"I love giving Mast Brothers' two-pound chocolate tablets. The paper is so chic, all you need is a ribbon."

Chocolate Chef's tablet, by Mast Brothers, $39, havenskitchen.com

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Ulla loves a classic cocktail, and so do we. This one's perfect for Christmas brunch.