Italian supermodel Bianca Balti loves a personalized stocking stuffer, blasts Mariah Carey and can tackle a Christmas buffet with the best of them. Models—they’re just like us! But seriously, the 31-year-old stunner has a pretty sweet holiday season coming up. Below, she shares what she’s looking forward to most.
Do you have a great go-to holiday gift on your list that you know is always going to be a crowd-pleaser?
I always think a fragrance is a good gift to give. It’s a very personal present and I like to give personal presents. Every time that person wears that fragrance, they will think of you.
What do you think makes the perfect stocking stuffer?
I think a stocking should be filled with little personal gifts. I like to include someone’s favorite chocolate bar or if it’s for a woman, her favorite lipstick, or the Light Blue fragrance for example. For a health kick, it’s always nice to add in a few mandarins and nuts, too.
What’s your favorite outfit to wear to holiday parties?
Whatever it is, it always has to be red. Red heels, red sweater, red lipstick. I always wear something red at this time of year, even if it is just my underwear or socks, because I think it brings good luck.
Do you have any holiday traditions?
My favorite holiday tradition takes place on Christmas Eve. Every year we always go to church for the midnight mass. And then of course on the 25th we have a big lunch with family and friends. I’ll actually be spending this Christmas in California, which is a first for me.
What does the perfect holiday dinner look like to you?
It has to be big enough to keep us going throughout the whole day. I love to try a bit of everything, so the perfect holiday dinner means a variety of delicious foods. If you’re going to indulge, you should do it properly!
Are you big on holiday decorating?
I love all the traditional holiday colors, so I make sure there will be lots of red and gold around the house. Matilde has now started making lovely holiday decorations at school, so all of those must take pride of place. This will be Mia’s first Christmas too, so I want to make it extra special for her. I am going to plan a really fun day when we decorate the tree all together as a family.
Any favorite holiday songs?
It might be a bit of a cliché, but I really love All I Want for Christmas Is You, by Mariah Carey. It’s so upbeat and fun. Whenever I hear it, it makes me smile.
Photographed by Victor Demarchelier
Makeup: Christian McCulloch for Dolce&Gabbana Beauty
Fashion: Dolce&Gabbana
Hair for Bianca Balti by Steven Hoeppner
Styling by Nora Flaherty
