A merry maximalist holiday with Martina Mondadori
Sometimes, more is more. This adage is true of holiday Champagne bottles and the life and style of the impossibly chic Martina Mondadori. The founder of Cabana magazine and Paperless Post design partner is a living example of the question, “Why choose when you can do both?” Her collection of invitations, like her magazine and line of tabletop and home décor accessories, combines vintage textiles, European antiques, and that distinctly Italian confidence, resulting in an entertaining tone that is thoughtful, colorful, and decidedly grown-up. Who better to share her expertise for hosting a holiday party that is a bit more formal than casual carols around a punchbowl? Here’s what Martina had to say on mixing flea market finds with big-ticket items, and how to do holidays Italian style.
Left: Miguel Flores- Vianna as seen in Cabana Magazine Right: Courtesy of Cabana Magazine
Table of Contents
On small, family celebrations vs. “the more the merrier” parties
I tend to do both. I host a bigger party at the beginning of December for friends and family, but it’s all about family once I get to our family home in the mountains (Cortina, near Venice).
Left: Guido Taroni as seen in Cabana Magazine Right: Miguel Flores-Vianna as seen in Architectural Digest
On her holiday travel plans
We normally spend the week leading up to Christmas and until Boxing Day with my mother in the Italian Alps. With small children, it is the perfect holiday and when it snows the atmosphere is really dreamy. My real passion is traveling, so now that the kids are getting older, I would love to organize trips right after Christmas. Morocco is always a preferred destination for New Year’s, and some Italian cities like Palermo too!
Inset image: Courtesy of Cabana Magazine
On mixing and matching colors and patterns
I normally use a lot of my family tabletop and Christmas decorations. I like to mix it up with Cabana tableware (this year’s Persia Collection is a real holiday season must!) and vintage finds I source at Austrian flea markets. I love all the Eastern European ceramics, and they are all a perfect addition to the Christmas table. Don’t be afraid to mix and match–use different dessert plates and wine and water tumblers.
Tashkent by Cabana Magazine for Paperless Post
On adding winter greenery to annual traditions
All berries and greens are perfect for the holiday season. We decorate the Christmas tree together with the kids and still use the same decorations I had as a little girl!
On favorite seasonal drinks to serve
I always turn to gin and tonics and great Tuscan red wine. I’m all about the classics.
On her favorite festive dessert
The Monte Bianco dessert (named for the nearby Alp peak), which is made of a tower of chestnuts and chocolate, topped with a snowy whipped cream peak.
We couldn’t think of a lovelier way to end a wintery night. Follow Martina for more adventures in textiles and time zones.
A truly sophisticated holiday calls for a truly sophisticated invitation. Our Paperless Post Holiday Collection has exactly the invitation to go with your party.
