I’m excited to be teaming up with Jeff’s longtime favorite (and mine too), Dunkin’ Donuts, to help make the holiday rush a little easier and a lot more fun with their holiday #DDCoffeeJoy contest. With Jeff and Samantha fueled by coffee and me by donuts, Dunkin’ feels like the perfect holiday companion.
Because we’re heading back to New Jersey this year for Christmas, we didn’t put up a traditional tree. Instead, I made a disco ball Christmas tree that we can enjoy year-round—because disco balls are timeless, and honestly, I don’t plan on taking this one down.
How are you celebrating the holidays this year? Traveling, visiting family, or staying cozy at home? I’d love to see your holiday moments. From now through December 5th, share a photo or video of your holiday moments with Dunkin’ Coffee using #DDCoffeeJoy and #Contest for a chance to win prizes like Dunkin’ gift cards and JetBlue travel certificates.
I should give you a little background on our Dunkin’ obsession. We’re Jersey kids, and Dunkin’ has always been part of our routine. Before Dunkin’ expanded to the West Coast, Jeff would sometimes run straight from the airport in New Jersey to his favorite Dunkin’—no joke. Now that Dunkin’ is in LA, he gets his fix more often, but there’s something special about that “Upper Dunkin” in our hometown. Jeff always orders the same thing: a medium iced French vanilla with milk and sugar. The Dunkin’ team says there are over 15,000 ways to order coffee there, but Jeff is loyal to his classic.
I tend to try new things and actually prefer hot coffee when it’s cold. This year I’m loving the new Sugar Cookie flavor—it really tastes like Christmas cookies. And even after living surrounded by donut shops, my go-to remains Dunkin’s glazed chocolate cake donut. It’s a classic I can’t resist.
Ready to make your own disco ball tree? Here’s what you’ll need:
24″ foam cone or wire tree
Disco balls in various sizes
Hot glue gun
We built ours on a four-foot wire tree because we love the dramatic look, but if you want easier storage for year-to-year use, a two-foot foam cone works great.
Instructions:
1. Attach the disco balls with hot glue. Start at the base and secure larger balls first to anchor the design. As you work upward, glue each disco ball to the base and, when possible, to the ball below it for extra stability. Use smaller balls at the top and to fill any gaps between larger ones. The process is simple and very forgiving—just work in rows around the cone or tree until it’s fully covered.
At the studio we’re also preparing for a pre-holiday work trip, wrapping presents and finishing holiday content before we leave. Jeff and I will spend a few days in Washington, DC with friends before heading to New Jersey and New York for the rest of the season. Growing up, we spent many holidays in the city—seeing the tree, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the window displays and lights—so we’re especially excited to be back in New York this year.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
What are your holiday plans this year? Do you travel or stay home? We switch it up each year and hope to host Christmas at our own home someday. For now, our pre-Christmas disco ball tree and Dunkin’ coffee are the perfect combination to keep the holiday spirit alive.
This post was created in partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts. All content and opinions are my own.