There was a lot of hubbub about gift guides this year, but we never see what anyone gifted or received. Admittedly, I gave some pretty lame gifts...socks, fleeces, Amazon Echos...not my most creative Christmas. However, I was the recipient of some very thoughtful and inspired gifts and thought I'd share a few of my favorites to wrap up the holiday season.
Every year, since I was a kid, my mom bought my brother and I an ornament for Saint Nicolas day (December 6th). It's a cheerful way to kick off the holiday season and a great way to start a collection. This year she gave me a sparkly Santa which we hung on the china cabinet.
Carly at @clementinestudio sent me two of her gorgeous watercolor prints and a woven blanket that matches her tiger print. I can't wait to get them both framed and put them in the library. Carly is an incredibly talented illustrator that you must keep on your radar.
One of my favorite brands, The Laundress, sent me a cedar scented candle that I burnt all December long. I'm not a crazy candle person, but I was obsessed with this one.
Plants and flowers are an easy way to make me happy. I was gifted an amaryllis which is just about to bloom. I love them because they're low maintenance and the flowers keep for a few weeks.
We received a lot of alcohol this Christmas. My friend Megan Robinson (@megrobins), the Art Director for ONEHOPE Wine in Napa, Califonia sent me SIX bottles (quite a good friend!) of wine, my favorite being this glitter bottle of champagne. I can't wait to pop in on NYE! Please check out Megan and ONEHOPE Wine. She's been sharing sneak peeks of their winery that's in construction, and I cannot get enough!
Another bottle we received was this Veuve Clicquot Message champagne. I'm not sure I'll ever open it because the packaging is so fabulous.
A few months back, while in California, my best friend took me to the store Elsie Green (@Elsie_Green). It was undoubtedly one of the best shops I've ever been to, rivaled only by Nickey Kehoe (@nickeykehoe) in L.A. Knowing me well, she surprised me with these fantastic brass candlesticks.
My most favorite gifts came from my parents. I've banned paper napkins in our house, so they made me linen ones that my mom hand embroidered. They also gave us a set of napkin rings and a gorgeous antique platter from England.
Finally, I am the last interior enthusiast on earth to get a fiddle leaf fig, not sure why it took so long, but I'm part of the club now! I have in my pilates/yoga/meditation space along with my brand new yoga mat that isn't one of those horribly toxic ones from T.J.Maxx. I'm praying it gets me motivated in the New Year!
Did you gift or receive anything special this year? If so, I'd love to hear about it!
Of course, the gifts are the least important part of the holiday season. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed some time off with your family and friends!