What's On Erin Pollard's Holiday Wish List?

by Guest of A Guest · December 3, 2023

Erin Pollard is one chic basket case...

By day, she's the Executive Director of Fashion Partnerships at Vogue. By night - and early morning, and every hard-to-find, spare moment in between - she's whipping up dreamy wicker pieces for her basket studio, Underwater Weaving.

Fruit baskets, flower vessels, baguette totes... Don't think crafty, think couture.

Curious what's on her list to give and to get this year?

How do you celebrate the holidays?
We typically travel and plan something festive and memorable for the kids.

Where will you be this season?
With Mickey Mouse at the happiest place on earth. Though I was bummed to hear they discontinued the Country Bear Jamboree.

Are you a last-minute or way-in-advance shopper?
For me, gifts should give back or be eco, vintage, super useful or handmade because the world is filled with too much stuff. Of course, I gift baskets and basket kits because there is an heirloom differentia to them. And the presentation with handwritten note is, crucial as well.

I guess it takes a bit of planning. I love dressing up gifts in simple matte craft paper or newsprint, with a dramatic velvet or satin bow. I keep a little list (sometimes a PowerPoint with mood board). But I start focusing on it after Thanksgiving, when I'm in the spirit!

What's the best gift you've ever received?
My parents recently gave me my great-grandmother's old quilts. Her name was Jennie!

My grandmother gave me a stack of photos from my childhood for Christmas last year.

Good gifts are not over-thought or fussy. Heirlooms.

Who's the toughest to shop for on your list?
My husband. His design taste is very particular.

What's your go-to hostess gift?
A handmade basket filled with seasonal berries, flowers and vegetables from our garden.

Favorite spots around town to pick up something in person?
The grocery store! If nothing is growing in the back yard, I like to pick a seasonal color scheme or theme and fill a gift basket. I keep vintage ribbons on hand. The best are found at East Coast Trimming on 38th Street.

Any particularly festive plans or traditions you're most looking forward to this year?
I'm styling a few tables and spaces this season. Nothing puts me in the spirit more than cranking Mariah Carey and tying bows.