Dear Reader,
As a woman of excellent tastes and expansive interests, it comes as little surprise that I am a skilled gift giver. From the time I was young I excelled come birthdays and holidays, always finding that just right item that combined heartfelt sincerity with a true knowledge of the receiver. That, my dear pupil, is the secret of finding the perfect gift: applying one’s own sensibilities to the interests and passions of another.
Each person is unique and individual, therefore each gift must be too. I cannot, for example, get my daughter the leather driving gloves I procured for my father last Christmas. Because even when she was old enough to operate a vehicle, driving gloves are the product of an old man’s nostalgia. He loved the gift, but it would mean nothing to her. Likewise, my father, while an avid reader, might enjoy the new Sylvia Plath biography, it means significantly less to him than it did to my daughter, who regularly cites The Bell Jar as changing her life (I know, I raised her well).
This year I have decided to play my part in spreading holiday cheer by sharing my knowledge with the masses, and selecting some products with the Lady Grace stamp of approval (no small achievement). These items balance utility and beauty, and when given to the right person, can prove the perfect gifts. They surprised and delighted my loved ones, and I hope they will do the same for yours.
Dogwood Hill–Citrus Medallion Stationary
We all have that friend or family member whose life is holiday-card perfect year round. These individuals are some of the most challenging to shop for because what do you get the person who already has everything? Dogwood Hill stationary is timeless and elegant, and a perfect vehicle for your loved one to show off their disgustingly photogenic family. My current favorite of their wide selection is the Citrus Medallion Stationary, as it provides a bit of warmth and color in the season of endless snow and fir trees, while still feeling festive.
Imaginary Authors Perfume & Cologne–Whispered Myths
For those who have had the pleasure of meeting me, you may recall I have a particularly distinctive and alluring scent. This is entirely due to the craftsmanship of Imaginary Authors, whose fragrances are as immersive as a good book. Each Imaginary Authors scent comes with the summary of an entirely fictitious book (although gods do I wish they were real!) that captures the essence and nature of the smell. My go-to scent, Whispered Myths, is also the story of a security guard at the Louvre who starts having strange visions of angelic creatures among the art. While the books themselves may never be in print, the notes of cedarwood, honey, cantaloupe, and salvaged shipwreck in Whispered Myths, are all too real.
Old Flame Co Candles–Henrietta Candle
Old Flame’s new line are not only candles but home decor statement pieces. Placed in elegant and unique vessels, these pieces are environmentally conscious and reduce waste, a candle you can keep and refill for years. Perfect for the friend or family member who is conscious about what they consume, but still have a taste for the stylish. I, in particular, am enamored with the Henrietta candle, and have it burning right now.
Estelle Colored Glass–Iridescent Collection
The perfect gift for the host or hostess in your life, the one who loves to throw a good party. I was gifted a stunning set of glasses from Estelle by a dear friend at my infamous New Years’ Soiree a few years back, and have been infatuated with them ever since. I am particularly excited about their Iridescent collection, which are both opalescent and opulent. I may in fact make myself a martini in one of their glasses right now! It’s five o’clock somewhere!
Veranda Magazine Subscription
One of the most challenging individuals to shop for is the tastemaker, primarily because their tastes are always changing! You know, the friend or family who always knows what is in style. The one who takes the trends of the day and manages to make it distinctly and uniquely them. To avoid getting them last season’s ideal gift, a subscription to Veranda Magazine allows them to keep a finger on the pulse, and indulge in their love of style and beauty.
Perfect for the eclectic individual in your life, Kiki Slaughter lamps are ideal for those who stray off the beaten path. Just like your loved one, each hand-made ceramic lamp is a true individual. Sure to light up their home in more ways than one, these lamps are an art piece in and of themselves. Show your friend or family member that you love and embrace their individuality with these stunning pieces.
The Bond & Grace Art Novel is truly an interdisciplinary gift, merging classic literature with original art and scholarly annotations. These coffee table books resist labels and categorization; they are art, home decor, heirloom, and so much more. Truly the perfect gift for anyone with a curious mind and a love for beauty.
Simple Linen Life–Men’s Leather Portfolio
For the man on the go, this elegant leather portfolio stores all his necessities in their designated place. For added intimacy, the portfolio can be engraved with his initials. Best paired with a well-tailored suit and a mission. Give him the feeling of having stuck the landing on that big presentation, without any of the actual work of course!
Choosing Keeping–Celestial Advent Calendar
What do you get the loved one who is utterly unconcerned with this earthly coil? The one who is asking big questions, who is truly above it all? Choosing Keeping’s Celestial Advent Calendar is not only a work of art, but a vehicle for spiritual exploration. An unexpected Christmas staple that provides food for thought all through the month of December. This gift is sure to enrich the inner spiritual life of your loved one.
Olympia Le-Tan–Jane Eyre Clutch
These hand-made designer clutch bags are true works of art and the perfect gift for the woman who is not afraid to be an original. Elegant, artistic, and bold, with bright colors and mesmerizing patterns, these pieces are sure to become a staple of her wardrobe and serve her well in the day to day of her busy and exciting life. As a lover of literature, It is unsurprising that I find myself drawn to the Jane Eyre clutch, and cannot leave the house without it.
There you have it! My recommendations for fun, sophisticated, beautiful, and useful gifts. Sure to show the people in life not only that you love them, but that you know them.
Happy Holidays,
Lady Grace
