Kathy Hilton Shares Her Dream Christmas Party Guest and Gift Ideas

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Kathy Hilton knows how to make the holidays unforgettable. Recently, she hosted her annual DIRECTV holiday party, where celebrity guests were treated to a beautifully curated evening filled with personal details only Kathy could dream up. She’s spent decades perfecting her holiday decor and thoughtfully planning events that reflect her reputation as the ultimate hostess.  

In an exclusive E! interview, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star curated a list of tried-and-true favorites for the season. Her gift picks include items inspired by her daughters, Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton. The Bravo star even divulged her favorite luxury skincare product—a neck cream she swears is the only one she’s tried that actually works.

And when it comes to her Christmas parties, Kathy revealed her dream celebrity guest would be none other than Brad Pitt. Here's your exclusive glimpse into how she makes the season merry, memorable, and full of fun. 

E!: Do you have a favorite Christmas movie?
KH: Miracle on 34th Street. 

E!: What makes your DIRECTV party such a special event every year?
KH:  It's fun to build relationships, especially when everyone is in such a good mood during the holidays. I think it's important to include people and make them feel welcome. Once I see everyone talking, relaxing, and having a good time together, I’ll move on to the next group. I really want everyone to leave feeling great and in the holiday spirit.

E!: Do you have a dream guest that you’d like to attend?  
KH: I say Brad Pitt. Brad Pitt or nothing. 

"The scent from her wedding is unbelievable."

E!: What's your secret to having the perfect atmosphere for a holiday party?
KH: I started decorating in November because it doesn’t all go up in one day. I’ve been collecting for 40 years, and it really shows. I have an incredible collection of vintage decorations, and I use everything but the kitchen sink.

I even have toys from when I was little, like my baby shoes on the tree in the library. I also include my children’s toys, which add such a warm, nostalgic feeling to the room. If you’re in town, you must come see it. Every room has a different vibe.

I make sure there’s plenty of food, and I like everything to look pretty. I do this lady apple and green apple salad with pomegranates for color—I’m a pomegranate nut. I love pomegranate martinis, and I also do a candy cane martini, a gum drop martini, and anything else you want. I’ve even got a champagne vending machine, which people love. For the food, I keep it cozy with things like pigs in a blanket and little burgers.

E!: Some of us stress about holiday preparation. Does starting early make it feel like a more relaxing experience? 
KH: I just read something the other day that said people who start decorating earlier are happier—and I believe it because I am. I’m a retailer at heart. I had my own holiday store, plus gifts, antiques, and all of that, and we celebrated every holiday. The day after Halloween, my team and I would start getting the store ready. 

E!: What’s a good gift under $25 that someone would appreciate?
KH: Gift cards. They are underrated. Give a $25 Amazon gift card or a Dunkin Donuts gift card. I love donuts. That’s also a really good gift for teachers. They can get coffee too. I think that’s a nice thoughtful gift. 

E!: What do you love about celebrating the holidays with your family? 
KH: I’m a cornball for the holidays, but with a cute sweater, not an ugly Christmas sweater. I have a cute Halloween sweater with candy corn and pumpkins. I have blinking jewelry for the pumpkin patch. The kids love it. 

My feeling is that we're going through so much in this world that we have to celebrate all things wonderful, be positive, and really reach out to each other.

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