THE RICHES OF THE SEASON
Our editorial team, truly high culture curators, has worked all of 2021 to bring you this ravishing list of inspiring gift ideas that we think are some of the finest selections you can choose to help make 2022 ahead the very best year ever.
RAISING THE BAR
Part of the Wyatt collection of tableware and bar tools, Ralph Lauren’s guest-ready tea set is crafted from stainless steel and finished with equestrian-inspired saddle leather accents. Shine brightly as you entertain. $250. At RalphLauren.com.
YES TO THE DRESS
Pure happiness exudes from this fanciful, divine, dusty pink creation in this Rembrandt Dress by Greta Constantine. Floral adornments cascade down the side of the A-line gown, while a silk-wool tie at the neckline can be tied in delightfully numerous ways. Exclusively at The SIL, founded by Texas native Natalie Bond Bloomingdale. Made to order. $1,895. At ShopTheSIL.com.
SPARKLING STYLE
Nothing says personal style like a newly discovered vintage handbag. Mid-century Texan Enid Collins, founder of Collins of Texas, designed the most charmingly jeweled treasures that we think are ripe to be re-discovered and worn with state pride. From $100. At various auction and shopping sites.
THE ULTIMATE THROWDOWN
Why not give the gift of pure luxury with this Frette Chains Throw? Made of Italian-made virgin wool, it is not only cozy but also adds a chic element to any room. Available in seven colors. $1,575. At Frette.com.
MASTER BUILDER 2.0
How can anyone resist this DIY Frank Lloyd Wright model building kit of the Guggenheim Museum? By Brand Little Building Company, it’s a high-fidelity architectural element that will look like it came from the master’s studio. $98. At Huckleberry.com.
CELEBRATE & CELEGRAZE
Instead of sending a fruit basket for a special occasion, try a personalized gift like this that is sure to be a hit. We recommend sending a charcuterie in the form of an initial, or perhaps a number if it’s a birthday. From $56. At BerryAndBrie.com.
HOW TO HOST WITH THE MOST
Take the guesswork out of your next dinner party or gala with the Astor Hostess Seating Chart, an indispensable tool for any entertainer who likes to make sure they host a successful event.. $550. At BlueCarreon.com.
IMAGINE THAT
Imagine the most perfect candle ever created…for you and your environment. Social-Lite Candles are the hit of the season–as gifts to loved ones…and yourself. The 100% soy candles come in four delectable scents, Make Mine Champagne, My Secret Past, Isn’t It Right, and Set To Jet, and come wrapped in gorgeous gift boxes:. $58 each. At DirtyBartender.com.
HIGHER GROUND
When you and seven of your best friends climb that mighty mountain, here’s where you should stay. The super tough 2-Meter Dome eight-person tent is purpose-built to help you thrive in merciless environments like the Himalayas and Antarctica. $5,500. At TheNorthFace.com.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
The perfect way to spend a winter evening? We think a puzzle is the ideal option, especially when it is so artful and worthy to hang upon completion. This one shown, Wet Kiss by Marilyn Minter, is a favorite. $100. At ArtXPuzzles.com.
CRAFTED FOR COCKTAILS
Nothing says the perfect host gift, or let’s have a breezy cocktail, more than a hand-crafted linen napkin by August Morgan, founded by Austinite Kate Hersch. The colorful and creative squares are not only a conversation starter, but also are so handy to have nearby. In dozens of catchy quips, we love them all. $44 for a set of 4. At AugustMorgan.com.
GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
This is so cool you won’t want to relegate it to the basement. This Playing Court printed, wall-mountable mini ping pong table is perfect for hours of family fun, don’t you think? $1,470. At Mr.Porter.com.
DISCO’S INFERNO
Turn any favorite room into your own Studio 54-esque nightclub playground with this Kicko multi-colored LED revolving strobe light ball. You’ll surely impress your kids, as well as dazzle the neighbors. $29.99. At Amazon.com.
LONDON CALLING
The perfect, and we mean perfect, signature gift basket is from Fortnam & Mason in London. With an array of both the exotic and familiar, their famous hampers are chock full of bliss. We love most the hamper for four since it can make any al fresco occasion special. $722. At FortnumAndMason.com.
SURE, THEY MIGHT HAVE EVERYTHING
The ultimate host gift is something beautiful and unique, such as a stunning Maison Bijoux box. Beautifully hand-made with shell inlay and brass cladding. They are topped with agate slices and are truly like gems to behold. $240. At BlueCarreon.com.
LET’S BE CLEAR ABOUT THIS
Experts know that a beverage can taste better when served in a fine glass. No argument here since we think the Margot decanter and Dearborn glass set is the elbows up favorite for sumptuous cocktails. $800. At FFerroneDesign.com.
KEEPING TRACK
Since entertaining will be back in force once again, wouldn’t you like to note those special times ahead? The Entertaining Journal is the perfect way–with plenty of room for menus, guest lists, outfits worn, and so many more details to savor. $125. At MrsJohnLStrong.com.
JEWELS FOR THE ROOM
Decorative pillows are the jewelry of any well-appointed room. Why not have vibrant, hand-crafted pillows to highlight your gorgeous space? Austinite Deborah Main offers a variety of vintage and rare fabrics, as well as new textiles to put a punctuation point in any room to make it feel even more couture. Custom orders available. From $384. At ThePillowGoddess.com.
SENSATIONAL SWEET TOOTH
Chocolate is always the perfect gift. The thoughtful and delightful creations by Austin-based Delysia Chocolates have put smiles on many faces by now. Clever as ever, look for more themed truffle boxes in 2022, such as this one, Taste of the South. $34.95. At Delysia.com.
HOME SUITE HOME
How about a suite of gifts from designer and luxe retailer Jonathan Adler? Bright, happy, and always colorfully graphic, we recommend the Maxime star coasters ($68), Arcade lacquer tray ($295), the Gilded lollipop holder ($148), and the Arcade lacquer boxes (From $98) and so much more. At JonathanAdler.com.
THE GIFT-GIVER’S GAMBIT
Thanks to the success of The Queen’s Gambit, chess is the hottest strategic pursuit these days, so why not choose this over-the-top set that is crafted of solid mahogany and is also an instant heirloom, too? $7,700. At Hermes.com.
DID I EAR YOU RIGHT?
This adorable cow earpods case also clips on to a bag as a novel accessory. We’re always misplacing ours, so why not have a Texas-themed festive reminder so they stand out? $610. At LouisVuitton.com.
THE SLOPES ARE DOPE
You’ll be mountain royalty as you whisk by in this colorful Burton Deep Thinker Snow Board 2022. It powers through fresh powder and chops like a boss yet holds a clean edge on firmer surfaces. In short, it’s an all-round ripper of a board for the high energy rider. $599. At Evo.com.
PICTURE PERFECT
Hop back in time when instant photos took 60 seconds with this cool Polaroid camera that is a special Saint Laurent edition. With its reflex lens, the photos promise to be clear and concise like never before. $1230. At SaintLaurent.com.
YOU PROVIDE THE ADVENTURE
Getting away from it all now has a new meaning. Be the cool kid who can be mobile in style in this Airstream 20X travel trailer. It’s self-contained with all you’d need to have for a spontaneous road trip. Starts at $48,900. At Airstream.com.
WHY WAIT FOR GAME NIGHT?
This Jenga-esque tumble tower is so cool and colorful that you’ll want to always keep this dyed 45 wood block sculpture in full view. Perfect for indoors or outside fun. $110. At ElysiaHome.com.
GLOBAL INSPIRATION
Any exotic locale is just a jet ride away. So, be inspired every day for your next getaway with a limited-edition image by Italian photographer Massimo Vitali. It’s sure to set off any room. Prices vary. At MassimoVitali.com.
SHE’S SUCH A DOLL
For the child who has everything, the Malle Maison Vivienne on-the-go doll house was designed as a collection piece. Iconic Louis Vuitton Courrier Lozine and Wardrobe trunks were identically reproduced in miniaturism to highlight Louis Vuitton craftmanship. $63,500. At LouisVuitton.com.