Lauren Conrad talks holiday hosting, traditions, and her plans for her son’s first real Christmas

Lauren Conrad is the queen of throwing fun and festive soirées, so it makes sense that she’s on theme and on trend during the holidays. This year, she plans to make things extra special now that her one-year-old son Liam is “a little more aware of the [Christmas] holiday.”

But instead of hosting a grand party (like the ones we’d always see on The Hills), Conrad’s Christmas morning is a lot more laid-back than we imagined. Over the phone, the lifestyle and fashion designer told HelloGiggles the mini-tradition she and her family always do this time of year.

While she doesn’t know exactly what those traditions will entail with her husband William Tell and their son, she confessed they plan to “figure it out in the next couple of years.” One thing is certain, though. Now that her son is a bit older, she revealed Santa will be making a stop at their house (wink, wink).

For Conrad, it seems like things have come full circle. Last year, she created the Baby’s First Christmas ornament at Kohl’s, and this year she brought it back for her holiday décor collection. “We did one last year because last year was my baby’s first Christmas,” she said. “People really liked it, so we did a new version this year.”

On the topic of Christmas, Conrad also told us how she de-stresses during the holidays—especially after hosting a get-together. “I try not to make plans afterward. I think it’s important to block off some time for yourself so that you can actually enjoy all of the events,” she said. Compared to her old days of throwing parties on The Hills, she feels like she has mastered the art of hosting.

Her best advice when entertaining guests? “A really important lesson is to know what you’re good at and what you’re not good at.”

If you don’t feel like hosting (and hey, we don’t blame you), but you still want to get into the festive spirit, Conrad shared the best way she makes her home “smell like the holidays.”

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s only a matter of time before Conrad shares her matching pajama sets from her mother-in-law and her son’s first Santa experience. As for us? We’ll be taking note of her hosting and décor tips.