The Style Edit: December 2020
Celebrate the joy of this year’s holiday season with a considered maximalist approach. Think: textiles, books, incense, and natural lighting to welcome in textural layers that inspire warmth and relaxation during these dark winter months. For December, I’ve curated a holiday gift guide to enliven our holiday spirits and help you find something for everyone on your list:
My Top 8 Holiday Gifts for 2020
Gift #1: Incense Burner from Cinnamon Projects
Circa Rose Quartz Incense Burner
Made of solid brass with a semi-precious Rose Quartz stone disc in the center, Cinnamon Project’s chic incense burner is the ultimate holiday gift for incense lovers. I appreciate the sculptural yet functional quality of this burner, which captures a careful balance of the very masculine sculptural brass with the soft feel of the rose quartz. You can also select the stone of your choice.
This incense holder pairs perfectly with their 2AM Incense, a pleasant aroma with notes of cedarwood, cinnamon, honey and vetiver. I love the earthiness of this scent, which creates a serene holiday scent. It comes packaged in foil stamped gift boxes for a wonderful gift without the hassle of having to wrap. Available at Five Story NY.
Discover more at @cinnamonprojects.
Antartica Ice Bucket
Gift #2: Antartica Ice Bucket
Designed in Italy, Mario Luca Giusti’s Antartica Ice Bucket is the perfect client gift. I would deliver it with a fabulous bottle of champagne and sculptural ice tongs from Aerin, curating the container with some interesting gift fill and having it clear wrapped.
The ice bucket comes in an array of great colors that can work with any atmosphere. I would use it for flower arrangements day to day, and is also great for outdoor dining, elegant soirees and holiday celebrations. It gives the appearance of cut glass but is actually made of unbreakable resin.
Explore additional great Alemchy Home finds here.
Marbled Holiday Stars
Gift #3: Marbelized Paper Stars from Susan Schneider
Marbled Stars from Susan Schneider is a fabulous hostess gift when visiting friends or attending holiday gatherings. I recently visited Susan's studio to see her crafting both the marbelized paper as well as the holiday stars. Each is unique, no two alike with marble on the front and painted splatter on the back.
These marbled stars are a memorable gift that everyone would appreciate. They can be used for holiday decor year after year, which I would decorate on holiday garlands. Perfect to use either as a stocking stuffer or stand alone gift, perhaps paired with a bottle of wine or prosecco. Each is packaged in a clear box, ideal for effortless gift giving. Discover more of Susan’s work @shandells.
Gift #4: Cashmere Blanket from Wayne Pate & Saved Cashmere
Brooklyn artist Wayne Pate’s luxurious cashmere blanket is an excellent way to charm any design lover. This unique artistic design makes a wonderful piece of art and a very functional throw. Above and beyond this pattern, which is a personal favorite, there are many styles and patterns to choose from. I see this in both a contemporary setting as well as a more traditional home. It’s art for your sofa and a beautiful way to accentuate any space. Explore more from @waynepate at @savedny.
Abstract Cashmere Blanket by Wayne Pate
Purple Peonies and Cranes Umbrella
Gift #5: Purple Peonies and Cranes Umbrella
Artemest’s splendid effervescent Purple Peonies and Cranes Umbrella will cheer up any gloomy day. It features prints of peonies and cranes on the inner lining and a purple gradient exterior, completed with a jeweled brass handle. What I love most about this umbrella is how stylish you will look walking down the street and how good it will make you feel! It’s a great client gift, perfect for moms, personal assistants, and just about any woman I could think of. I’d pair this umbrella with a chic raincoat like this one from Burberry.
Gift #6: Haas Lynda Box from the Haas Brothers & L’Objet
Designed by LA artists Simon and Nikolai Haas, the Haas Lynda Box from l’Object invites an otherworldly sense into any interior. This characterful creature is finely detailed with a secretive chamber to hide candy and sweets, designed to create an exceptional serving experience. It comes with a set of 4 plates and is fantastic for small gatherings. I love how fun, creative yet functional it is— an unforgettable gift for contemporary art lovers. This would be a great kitchen or bookcase accessory when not in use. View more of their work @thehaasbrothers.
Gift #7: Cookbook Collection
The 1stDibs International Cookbook Collection is a great way to travel the world from the comfort of your own home. This series features thousands of influential recipes, welcoming all the amazing flavours and most respected traditions of culinary culture into the kitchen. Any of these books are perfect gifts for those who love food (like me!) and great for cooks of any level.
Giving the whole collection will truly make a statement, though I would select individual books for friends who love cuisine from any of these specific regions. It feels very personal and also very practical. Turkish dishes are always at the top of my foodie list. I have prepared many of the recipes in this very enjoyable book, which is wonderful to use all year round— not just for the holidays.
Gift #8: Woven Leather AirPod Case by Bottega Veneta
A holiday gift for the person that truly has everything and needs nothing, Bottega Veneta's burgundy Intrecciato-woven leather case is a lovely little treasure, perfect as a stocking stuffer. If I were giving it as a solo gift I would pair it with a comfortable set of Bose noise cancelling headphones.
These little gems are great for daily use and ideal for traveling. It’s such a chic little accessory to keep your AirPods stylishly secured. Wrapped in authentic Italian leather, it is also equipped to clip to your belt or bag for a subtle luxe aesthetic.