From European Christmas Markets to a Charleston Escape The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on us — one moment it’s pumpkin spice and sweaters, and the next, we’re stringing lights and humming carols. And while the hustle of the season can be exciting, we all need a little something to rekindle our holiday spirit. For us at shookhill secret, that spark often comes from travel — a change of scenery, a festive drink in hand, and time spent somewhere magical. This year, we’re heading back to the European Christmas markets, one of our favorite traditions. This year we are excited to explore several markets in Germany and France. There’s nothing quite like strolling cobblestone streets lined with twinkling lights, the scent of roasted nuts in the air, and sipping warm glühwein while exploring handmade ornaments and artisanal treats. But the truth is — jetting off to Europe every December isn’t always realistic. So, if you’re craving a festive getaway a little closer to home, we have the perfect southern alternative: Charleston, South Carolina. 🎄 Charleston: A Southern Holiday Escape Charleston during the holidays is charming in every sense — palm trees wrapped in twinkle lights, cobblestone streets, and an unmistakable sense of hospitality that makes the city feel warm even on a crisp December morning. Whether you’re planning a mother-daughter getaway, a girls’ holiday trip, or a romantic weekend, Charleston is a destination that checks every box. We recommend staying at The Mill House, a hotel that’s elegant yet relaxed, perfectly embodying Charleston’s coastal sophistication. We like to start the day off gently. You can begin each morning in their cozy lobby and courtyard, coffee in hand from the Black Door Café (inside the hotel), warming up by the fire so you can map out your day’s adventures. ☕️ Eat, Shop, and Wander Breakfast at Miller’s All Day was a must — the kind of hearty, Southern meal that fuels a day of exploring. From there, we encourage you to spend the day wandering King Street, Charleston’s main shopping corridor, filled with local boutiques, antique stores, and perfectly styled window displays that could rival Fifth Avenue in December. By mid-afternoon, we suggest heading to Ritual Rooftop Lounge for an afternoon cocktail overlooking the city — the ideal spot to rest your feet, take in the skyline, and toast to holiday cheer. As the sun sets, you can continue your stroll through the historic district, enjoying the blend of centuries-old charm and festive sparkle. 🍸 Evenings to Remember Charleston truly comes alive at night. We highly recommend Blind Tiger, a restaurant/bar that captures the spirit of the season with its cozy, festive atmosphere. If you’re feeling a little more formal head over to the Husk Bar for cocktails and appetizers (just the bar area — intimate and full of charm). For something playful and stylish, we also love Frannie and the Fox, especially their “Italian Alps Cabin” theme in The Den — a cozy escape that feels like an après-ski bar in the middle of the South. And for a picture-perfect ending to an evening? A nightcap at Little Palm (also known as Little Pine), where the backyard holiday décor will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set. Finally, wrap up each night with a cocktail in front of the fire at the chic Terrace Bar — the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the day and plan the next. 🌟 A Getaway Worth Repeating Charleston is one of those rare cities that feels timeless — where every turn of a corner brings something beautiful and unexpected. It’s festive without being fussy, elegant without trying too hard, and brimming with Southern warmth. A holiday trip here unfolds effortlessly, like a scene from a classic Christmas film. So, whether you’re planning a European market adventure or something closer to home, make room for a little escape this season. You might just find it’s the best way to rediscover the joy of the holiday season.
Sip, Savor & Celebrate: Hosting a Holiday Open House
There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a holiday open house — the gentle hum of conversation, the smell of warm spices drifting through the air, and a steady flow of friends and neighbors stopping by to toast the season. Open houses are casual yet festive, joyful yet beautifully simple. And, as we like to say at Shookhill Secret, hosting doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. This year, we’re embracing the “Sip, Savor & Celebrate” philosophy — a relaxed style of entertaining that invites guests to linger, snack, and enjoy the spirit of the holidays at their own pace. With a thoughtful plan, a few beautiful touches, and a menu that balances savory and sweet, you can create a celebration that looks polished yet feels effortless. Set the Tone with a Festive Invitation Start by sending a simple, stylish invitation — nothing fussy, just warm and welcoming. We’re using a simple three tree design for our holiday invite this year, which feels both polished and personal. The goal is to set expectations early: the open house is casual, drop-in friendly, and full of good food and even better company. Make Your Cocktail Station Shine A signature drink sets the mood for any gathering. To keep things easy, we’ve designed our Holiday Cocktail Sign Template, which makes your drink station look instantly elevated. Offer one or two batch cocktails in pretty glass pitchers or drink dispensers — something light and festive like a cranberry spritz, poinsettia or mistletoe margarita. Add a small tray of garnishes (fresh rosemary, citrus slices, cranberries) so guests can customize their drinks. Place this station away from the kitchen to keep traffic flowing, and don’t forget to add a stack of pretty napkins and your favorite barware from our Shookhill Secret hosting essentials list. Easy, Elegant Appetizers When hosting an open house, appetizers should be simple to prepare, easy to eat, and visually appealing. We love skewer-style bites — think mozzarella + cherry tomato + basil, marinated mushrooms, skewers, or marinated olives and artichokes threaded together for a Mediterranean twist. Pair these with a savory grazing board, arranged with cured meats, cheeses, crackers, seasonal fruits, olives, and nuts. Keep everything replenished throughout the evening, and don’t overthink the arrangement — natural, slightly abundant boards always look beautiful. Something Sweet (and a nod to Christmas Markets) Holiday open houses practically beg for sweet treats. This year, we’re serving Bavarian roasted nuts — a nostalgic favorite reminiscent of what we look forward to later in December at the European Christmas markets (and yes, we’ll be sharing our holiday adventures later this month). Round out your dessert selection with a few homemade holiday cookies. Our staples:• Pizelles — delicate, crisp, and lightly sweetened with orange and rum• Gingerbread cookies — warmly spiced and wonderfully festive• Spritz cookies — classic, buttery, and always beloved Arrange them on tiered stands or simple platters for a cheerful finishing touch. If you don’t have time to bake, try filling apothecary jars with seasonal candies (mints, wrapped chocolates etc…) and arrangie them together for a fun easy dessert display. Gifts Optional — But Inspiration Ready We aren’t exchanging gifts at our open house this year, but if you are still shopping, don’t miss our Curated 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. With over 50 thoughtful ideas organized by category, it’s the perfect resource for home cooks, entertainers, travelers, young adults, men, and more. A Final Thought A holiday open house should feel like a warm embrace — relaxed, welcoming, and filled with small touches that make guests feel cared for. Keep the menu simple, the drinks festive, and the décor natural, and you’ll be able to enjoy the evening just as much as your guests. This season, sip, savor, and celebrate — easily and beautifully.