LOS ANGELES - Growing up, Lacey Chabert had a Christmas stocking holder that she loved.
"It had this little panda bear with a candy cane. I remember we lost them...and we weren't sure why."
Rather than mourn the loss, Chabert went online, searched for the item and found it - and the ones belonging to her siblings. When they arrived, she tipped them over and, "sure enough, they were from Hallmark."
That she's now one of the Hallmark Channel's biggest stars only solidifies the connection.
In addition to starring in 38 films (and counting), she's executive producer of an upcoming reality series, "Celebrations with Lacey Chabert."
Slated to appear later this year on Hallmark+ (or H+), the company's new streaming service, "Celebrations" uplifts kids, families and adults who have given to others.
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Chabert and company plan a surprise party in three days, designed to create lasting memories for those involved.
The premise is a breeze for the former "Party of Five" star. "I love hosting a party," she says. "I love trying to come up with special touches - whether it's my daughter's birthday or a family member's or a friend's. I try to make people feel special with the food and the entertainment - everything you have."
For her daughter's upcoming eighth birthday, Chabert has been consulting her about activities and themes.
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"I've become pretty good at balloon art," the actress says. Some online videos "bite off more than I can chew, but I just love having an (activity) we can do."
Event planners working on "Celebrations" have helped Chabert realize her vision. And those who watch the show? "They can do it at home, too. The show is very aspirational," she says. "Having people there who know each other and love each other helps make a great party. Great music is important, too."
Christmas - naturally - brings out the best in Chabert's party planning.
"I try to infuse that feeling of nostalgia and hope and happiness," she says. "I start decorating the day after Halloween."
One tree isn't enough, "but I don't have one in every room."
Watching Hallmark Christmas movies is part of the tradition. "I think about all the movies I watched growing up and (remembered) to watch every single year. When I hear from people who've seen the ones I've been in, I just feel so honored."
Like other Hallmark Channel regulars, Chabert has gotten the opportunity to try a variety of themes and stories.
"They're so collaborative," she says of her bosses. "They allow us actors to wear so many hats - whether it's writing or directing or producing."
And now, there's the party-planning aspect.
Chabert admits she's a easy mark for the little touches that make a party special. And if there's a constant in all her parties, it's this: "I find myself saying five minutes before everyone arrives, 'I still need to shower.'"
"Celebrations with Lacey Chabert" arrives later this year.
Bruce Miller is editor of the Sioux City Journal.
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