PRESENT PERFECT: THE 2024 ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE
Let the gifting frenzy commence! Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list can be a challenge, but I am here to help! I have searched high and low and left no stone unturned to provide a gift curation that is filled with thoughtful, whimsical, beautiful, unexpected, extravagant and cheap and cheerful options for every person in your life. The best gifts surprise and delight. Ahead, a roundup of perfect presents.
Add a dose of glamour to holiday fetes, or, elevate your orchid arranging game with Mark & Graham’s gleaming hotel silver-inspired champagne cooler.
For the classicist. Decorative obelisks are a wonderful striking accessory, especially when used in pairs. This faux painted porphry is newly made in Florence through Cabana.
There is a fabulous exhibit of Slim Aarons photography happening at the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden in West Palm Beach, featuring many archival images not seen before. A tennis lover might enjoy one of his iconic photos mounted on acrylic. If you think they’d prefer a different resort scene, Jonathan Adler has a nice curation of the greatest hits.
For the hostess with the mostess, gorgeous salt and pepper shakers dress up the table at a dinner party. Moda Operandi has an ivory and silver set that are pretty darn chic.
You can never own too many trays. I love this darling wicker number from Louise Roe’s British brand Sharland at Over The Moon. It looks great on a coffee table and can also be used to create a tray bar.
For aspiring green thumbs and veteran gardeners, AERIN’s Mark Cross tote comes with coordinating tools to channel your best Bunny Mellon. Now, if only that iconic trompe l'oeil potting shed could come with it…
I adore these bamboo clippers. AERIN designed them exclusively for Over The Moon.
Petite vases are always welcome. This wax version is from legendary French candle maker, Diptyque
For the botanical aficionado. Tole flowers by Tommy Mitchell are extremely low maintenance and never need watering.
Make your desk or someone else’s more analog, add a paper calendar mounted on a sweet little brass easel. In the past I’ve shared fancier versions, and this one has hand-painted designs that add a nice touch.
Flamingo Estate has become well established as a brand that emerged from a storied rambling whimsical LA home and orchard in the hills of Eagle Rock that does elevated, nature inspired lifestyle items, and homegrown gourmet items. This gift basket brings together a few of their best-sellers.
Caviar time is upon us, and this gift box in the form of a wooden crate is filled with everything needed for an intimate cocktail party at home
Houses and Parties is an online destination that is filled with unbelievably creative and whimsical elements for entertaining and living in style (with a wink). This year, the ever-imaginative Rebecca Gardner has a few goodies on Goop. Her handblown glass caviar service in the palest shade of pink is nothing short of spectacular.
Setting an interesting table can involve adding something quirky and slightly off. Well, this is that. Little bowls in the shape of potatoes are endlessly amusing and oh-so playful.
A bar in a box is always a good idea. For the friend who has everything, they likely don’t have this. AERIN’s shagreen box contains everything you need to fete the season in style.
Mike drop. A Lego Defender! There is just something about this car and the pull it has on people (me). The classic Land Rover Defender is totally unreliable and always in the shop, but it just looks so rugged; so good. As the saying goes, “buy a Land Rover if you want to go see the Outback... but by a Land Cruiser if you also want to come back...” Die hard car people are obsessed (am I one of them?!) and if you know one, this Lego version will surprise and delight (me).
When it comes to the classics, a roomy black leather bag (that’s not too capacious to be practical) can go from day to night. Veronica Beard has been firing on all cylinders and this bag, which also comes in a smaller size, is no exception. Sleek, tailored and minimal hardware that will look striking season after season. What’s not to love?
If it is made out of moiré fabric, there is a good chance I will fall for it. This pretty zip-around jewelry case is lined in sumptuous emerald green velvet, which will make your gleaming jewels look even more beautiful. Ah, little luxuries. Loren Hope’s chic little stunner is the perfect size for travel— it fits into your carry-on.
Thou shalt not covet. Unless, of course, it’s Verdura. The Curb Link Bracelet is the holy grail of chain link bracelets.
The vintage gold Cartier Centure PM octagon watch is stunning, understated and chic. The double bezel has an art deco feel and the clean lines complement the unusual shape, which was designed in the 1970s. There are a few pieces available now and again online linked above. Here’s looking at you Santa, baby.
Starburst earrings are undeniably festive. Rebecca de Ravenel has bold earrings to satisfy those that require statement making accessories.
Asha designs a wide range of necklace charms that have enduring style. This shell is a particular favorite.
This is another glamorous jewelry box to display that will corral gems.
The last word in sunglasses : Jacques Marie Mage.
Rather than wait in an endless line at the NYC store, get Swedish gummy candy Bon Bon’s in the mail. The hottest candy on the planet has this cute gift box.
This week, while attending a trunk show in Palm Beach I was delighted when I ran into a friend from New York who started a beautiful decorative accessories brand called Esencial Hogar. Everything Celina Wright designs is hand crafted in El Salvador, and you can find it on Over The Moon.
When these porcelain dinner plates launched from interior and product designer Adam Charlap Hyman of Charlap Hyman & Herrero, I was instantly smitten. Adorned with unfurling ribbons and bows, these plates add a dose of whimsy to any table
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! These Weezie bow towels make great hostess gifts.
Gift boxes for beauty get increasingly more elaborate. Moda Operandi’s is filled with luxurious items you will actually use and enjoy, from Hermes lip balm to a great hairbrush and lotions and potions.
Meet the French hairbrush that is gaining a cult-like following for being stunningly beautiful and effective. La Bonne Brosse gleaming beauties come in luscious colors and have a luxe high gloss finish.
Very demure. Very mindful. A black hair bow from Net-a-Porter.
Meticulously crafted in Japan, Westman Atelier’s luxe, beautifully designed makeup brushes are the gold standard. When it comes to gifts, it’s always nice to think about elevating everyday items.
Here’s an easy stocking stuffer: one really good lip balm. If it’s Barbara Sturm, it has to be good.
Necessaire was started by a Glossier alum. Nuf said. A luxe minimalist set of hand cream that looks like a graphic designer really paid attention to the packaging? I’m in.
You can never have too many cosmetic bags. Julia Amory’s ticking stripe set is fresh and crisp.
Enough said. Needlepoint pillows with clever sayings are always a good idea.
Years ago, there was this gorgous Swedish mohair throw with long fringe that every stylist clammored for. This is the closest thing I could find, and it looks like a wisp of cotton candy.
Doggos need coats too, right? Get matchy and coordinate with fido in matching waxed Barbours.
I can always rely on Kule to design minimalist, fun and bold pieces, be it canvas tote bags or striped sweaters. This holiday sweatshirt is no exception.
For those who love hand-painted Florentine papers, this high style backgammon set from Cabana is for them.
We all know a puzzler. My mom’s puzzle addiction has hit new heights and she got a pro-level board for Christmas once. What is cuter than a puzzle depicting a Nantucket basket filled with blue hydrangeas?
Sheathed in a light raffia with gold banding, AERIN’s backgammon board board is a stunner. All the beautiful game sets she designs add elegance and a touch of subtle glamour.
For that friend that calls a few different destinations home, why not get them a backgammon set that reminds them of their favorite place? Maison Games has a range of locales on Over The Moon.
Mark & Graham continues to launch amazing backgammon sets, each one cuter than the next. This goes out to all the tennis fans.
This posh leather-wrapped Mahjong set by Hector Saxe will be welcomed by those that have caught the fever for this engaging and fun game. Pretty enough to leave out on the coffee table.
When it comes to mahjong, you can take it with you! This preppy set is inspired by Palm Beach from Oh My Mahjong.
It’s always love when embroidered cocktail napkins are involved. These tennis balls are such fun.
I spotted someone wearing this jaunty in-your-face themed embroidered cardigan the other day in Palm Beach. What a great gift for the aspiring or actual golfer. This is selling fast, so grab it while you can.
Renwick did a great collab with Zilker Belts. The unisex belt is woven in Argentina in a graphic geometric pattern that will go from the course to cocktails.
I’ve featured these bamboo shaped green candlesticks before, and they are just so good looking. I thought the red lacquer color were festive.
For all the beachcomers and island lovers, this is for you. Nesting scallop shell dishes by AERIN are just the thing for a coffee table or dinner table.
The perfect tray for breakfast in bed? Solved! Serena & Lily are my go-to.
Diptyque has entered the cleaning arena and now has dish soap. Because every day ho hum things can and should be fabulous and fragrant.
Great packaging makes a good gift even better. These imported potato chips are sinfully good and the tin is so chic why wrap it? Just stick a bow on it.
If you are a truffle hound or know one, this is THE set for the pantry.
Lighters are ugly. Pretty Diptyque matches look far more chic on a coffee table
Few things are as intoxicating as the heady scent of tuberose. This large candle goes all-in, with not just a single wick but three.
No harm in dreaming….vacation mode, activate! A fantasy scented candle. The ever-witty brand Vacation strikes again. There’s nothing wrong with a novelty candle every once in awhile.
Have you always wanted a ball boy to fetch stray balls when you are running all over the court? Now, you can have one! This scented candle never fails to amuse me.
Record wins, losses and memorable moments in life and in sport in Smythson’s trusty leather notebooks.
I am a big 80s wool knit pom pom hat fan. Classic ski hats are hard to find, and this festive red apres ski chunky knit hat fits the bill. It is an exclusive Lele Sadoughi design for Tuckernuck.
Black velvet loafers add a sartorial swankiness to any outfit. Del Toro’s shoes are made in Italy and are the ultimate in low-key chic.
Classic striped PJs in super soft cotton that gets better with time can be transcendent. These new candy stripe pajamas from Alex Mill are available for women and men.
The matching PJ pants have a pinstripe down the side of the leg.
When it comes to making beds, some people are just pillow people. I am one of those people. Matouk’s Schumacher collection of bed linens comes in all sorts of vibrant prints especially some of the fabric house’s classics.
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