• Christmas music is, of course, something most of us look forward to during the holidays. I tend to start the season with modern tunes then move on to carols and into religious music. One year I had a gospel group sing at a party, much to everyone’s delight! Some of my contemporary favorites include Christmas albums by Johnny Mathis, Amy Grant and Gloria Estefan.

• When it comes to room fragrances, I prefer balsam for Christmas because I quickly get tired of cinnamon and mulling spices that are so prevalent this time of year.

• I am one of those people who has to put up the tree long before Christmas Eve. The ritual of doting over it for several hours—or several days depending on my schedule—is something I relish. And then I love to spend time sitting by the tree in the days leading up to Christmas.

• I like to go beyond dinner parties this time of year, in particular, because people tend to be over-booked. Hosting afternoon tea is a wonderful European tradition I’ve adopted. I like it because it feels cozy and it is a nice break from a long lunch or evening engagement.

• While I like to change up my holiday décor from year to year, I always use garland. In addition to stringing it on the banisters and over the mantle, I also like to drape it in unexpected places like around framed paintings or around door jams (inside or out).

• Adding holiday decorations to the guest quarters are a must. For starters, I like to swap regular finger towels for holiday-themed linens and leave a plate of Christmas cookies on the night table. Seasonal flowers, topiaries and small evergreen trees are also effective.

• Each year I plan a number of food gifts. From Christmas cookies (for giving and for parties) to fudge to more elaborate fare like a wheel of Stilton accompanied by an antique scoop and a bottle of port, giving food is a wonderful tradition. This year, I am giving a pair of ice buckets, each with a split of champagne, to the special couples on my list.