I can hardly believe that December is just a few days away, this year seems to have flown by! Need a little last-minute gift inspiration for the holidays? Below are a few of my favorite options, all of which can be ordered online.
Taschen has just re-released the Salvador Dali Tarot deck, originally commissioned in 1973 by Robert Broccoli for the James Bond film "Live and Let Die". While the deck never made it's way to the screen, Dali did issue limited quantities for commercial sale in 1984, which to this day remain highly sought after by collectors. Taschen's re-release comes in a beautiful suede box and includes a new companion book that covers the history of the tarot and Dali's interpretation of the cards.
I've long loved Pat McGrath's lipstick line. Her products are moisture-rich and last for hours, plus they're cased in delightful "Old Hollywood" lacquered tubes. For the Holidays, Pat has released a trio of her best-selling balms - a sweet 'little luxury' for gifting.
Years before the advent of Diptyque and Jo Malone scented candles, the historic French candle house Cire Trudon provided royalty, society and the church with all of their "scent"-tual needs. Dating back to the 17th Century and designated as the exclusive candle supplier to the Royal Courts of Louis XIV, XV and XVI, Trudon went on to survive the French revolution before being appointed the exclusive wax supplier to the Imperial Court of Napoleon. To this day, each candle is hand-dipped and set in the purest beeswax, then individually inspected and packaged. The Marie Antoinette bust is a bold and imaginative alternative to the jar candles we all tend to turn to.
This eye-catching reception book by artisan papeterie Antoinette Poisson makes for a wonderful hostess gift. Each one contains 160 pages of soft vellum paper, with a cover of Papier Dominoté - an artisanal technique developed in the 18th century and recently revived by Antoinette Poisson where single sheets of paper are hand-printed by woodblock and then colored in by hand. The result is a beautiful decorative work that exudes old-world charm.
For chocolate lovers and art lovers alike, CXBO's large disco egg is a must. Crafted locally in Toronto by chef Brandon Olsen and artist Sarah Keenlyside, they're as visually impressive as they are delectable. (They are also available for the holidays in the form of mini ornaments).
Cartier's "Guirlande" range is a fairly new addition to the maison's leather goods line but it is the perfect embodiment of the Cartier spirit. Faceted calfskin stamped with Cartier's classic gold border, the Guirlande exudes the refined elegance of the house's signature red jewelry box. It's a versatile investment piece which will only get better with age.
When it comes to bedding and linens, D. Porthault is the best in the world. Known for working with the finest percales, damasks and voiles, Porthault was the first to introduce printed, colorful bedding, creating iconic motifs such as the "Coeurs Bleu" designed for the Duchess of Windsor, and "Les Trefles" for Louise de Vilmorin. The Maxine pajamas are available in many of the same prints and they're as luxe as the linens, crisp and cozy at the same time, and always hand-made.
Shopping for a Whiskey lover? This holiday gift set from UK heritage design firm Linley is the perfect choice. The curved Trafalgar style, my favorite, includes 2 glasses of the finest crystal, hand-blown by expert English craftsmen, featuring exquisite hand-cut vertical lines. They are a great option for office gifting.
Back in the 60's Dodie Thayer introduced Palm Beach society to her cheerful cabbage and lettuceware pottery. They've graced the tables of CZ Guest, Jackie Onassis and the Duchess of Windsor to name a few. Produced in limited quantities, they have remained highly collectible ever since. The Tory Burch X Dodie Thayer collaboration was launched in 2013, reissuing for the first time many of Dodie's original and instantly recognizable styles. Any piece from this collection is be sure to make a statement on your hostess's table.
