What's On Pamela Munson's Holiday Wish List?

Wish you were somewhere far more fabulous? Somewhere warm and stylish and fun? Pamela Munson's collection of straw accessories brings an endless summer spirit to any season. Chic, playful and practical, her pieces travel seamlessly from cocktails in Palm Beach to errands on the Upper East Side to wandering around a farmer's market upstate. 

With more than 15 years in the fashion industry working at brands like CHANEL, Oscar de la Renta and Bergdorf Goodman, and three years running her own cult favorite company, there's no question that Pamela's one of the city's biggest tastemakers. 

Curious what's on the designer mother of three's holiday wish list this year? 

Us too!

How do you celebrate the holidays?
We traditionally spent the holidays with my grandparents and extended family on Christmas Eve and then our immediate family on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve was always a formal affair where we would wear our holiday best! Cocktail hour, hors d'oeuvres, and then a traditional dinner of filet mignon followed by delicious treats and Christmas cookies – many of the cookie recipes have been past-down through generations. It’s special now baking with my own daughters.

This year, like most of 2020, will be a bit different and all about making new traditions focused on ease and comfort. 

Where will you be this season?
It’s our first year as a family of five (Teddy was born in October!) and very first Christmas in our new home. We will be staying at home on Long Island. I have three children – Beatrix (6), Agatha (3), and Teddy – so it will revolve around creating special memories for them.  I feel more and more the magic of Christmas is all about children: festive pajamas, letters to Santa, Christmas cookies for breakfast, exchanging gifts and playing with new toys. If it’s mild outside, we’ll likely go for a walk to Flax Pond Preserve and end up at the beach. 

Are you a last minute or way in advance shopper?
I’m a little bit of both! I’d like to say that I shop throughout the year to find the perfect presents. I think you find more meaningful gifts when there isn't pressure to shop on command. When I see something I love for someone, I do try to buy in advance and save for the holidays. However, 2020 has been such an incredible year of growth for my business and family(!) so I haven’t had the time to shop as much as I’d like. There is a lot of last minute, internet shopping taking place right now! I think I have a week left…

What's the best gift you've ever given?
I love shopping for my family and find joy in selecting special gifts for special moments.  There are a few gifts that come to mind. To me, gifting experiences, anything personalized, or straw handbags that can accompany you on an adventure are most special. I’ve gifted my husband engraved belt buckles and cufflinks over the years that have represented special life events.

For my father, I gave him courtside seats to the US Open – he was an avid tennis player and fan. 

As for me, besides my children and husband, my most favorite gift is my engagement ring.  I’m an accessories girl through and through. We got engaged right before Christmas and used my grandmother’s diamond to recreate an Art Deco two stone diamond and emerald ring I had seen at Kentshire. 

What's on your list to get?
Our new The Bow bag is on the top of my list! We always create a few cotton bags each season and this style is really special and feminine with an oversized bow handle. Especially now that I’m not going into an office, this is the perfect wear-around-town / errands / kids bag. 

Always artwork from my children. There is nothing like a handmade, heartfelt gift!

From my husband - if he’s reading this - jewelry. I’d love to commemorate my children with a personalized piece with their names or initials and have been eyeing Jennifer Creel’s Lucky Charm Clover Necklace.   

What's on your list to give?
Pamela Munson handbags, of course! Straw accessories make the best gifts, as they’re all handwoven and unique and conjure up feelings of wanderlust. I’m obsessed with our new Put a Bow on It Clutch. Whether you’re in New York or Dallas or Charleston, it’s the most festive clutch to enjoy this holiday season. All of my girlfriends are getting one! Our original tote, the Isla Bahia, always makes a great gift and we updated it for Resort with an exclusive striped grosgrain ribbon – I like this especially for new moms as a fun twist to a traditional baby bag. 

Also, as we’re spending so much time at home now, this year I have been looking for special items for the home to gift. I love Land of Belle’s assortment, as well as William Wayne and Co. for traditional meets whimsical housewares.

[Photos via @pamelamunsonofficial]