‘Tis the season to be jolly–and generous! You’ll be so proud of these presents you won’t want there to be anything secret about your Santa. There’s a whole host of holiday entertaining types but whether you’re joining Mistletoe Mary for mince pies, Hanukkah Harriet for latkes, or caviar for Auld Lang Syne, we have the proverbial star on the top of the Christmas tree for every occasion, like a crepe cake ripe for slicing for the classic New Year’s Eve hostess.
Not to mention the right gift for the right situation–or personality type, be it a wool ski sweater from Tory Burch Alpine Athena, a tin of almond biscotti for your friend who summer’s in Sorrento, or a cottage core dress for your local vintage shops’ biggest fan. Give as you would like to receive is always my motto, so for my part, I’ll be gifting pewter teapots, artisanal oyster platters, or blooming hydrangeas—all you need is the Vince Guaraldi soundtrack!
For Mistletoe Mary
She’s Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen, help your favorite Cupid deck the halls–and the bedroom and the powder room and her co-op lobby–with a festive touch even she hasn’t thought of yet like Misette’s linen placemats that can go beyond the holiday season, or Caspari’s Christmas tree crackers (I never met a Christmas cracker I didn’t like!).
For Hannukah Harriet
She goes hard for eight nights, it’s your job to ensure her flame is burning bright. You get her eight gifts, one thoughtful, pitch-perfect gift–Soho Home’s stoneware water jug or the most luxurious seasonal fruit basket—is all she needs and will put the festive in the festival of lights.
For the Society Cygnet
She’s memorized the layout of every one of Lee Radziwill’s homes, waits for five hours at The Row sample sale, and keeps a diet of William Poll watercress dip. Scintillate this social x-ray with an Hermes dish, chocolate lobsters to remind her of Maine summers, or a set of painted oyster platters Rob Rubba a run for his money. Talk about Answered Prayers!
For the Gen-Z Cottage Core Antiquer
Apparently, Harry Styles said of Taylor Swift “She only ever talked about antiques.” Spoil your cottagecore, Swift-y friend with these thoughtful gifts that will have her talking about them Evermore. She’ll swoon for Salter Houses’s teapot, garden printed napkins or a dainty Hill House nightie.
For the Ciao Bella Spritzer
Like everyone else on your Instagram feed, this friend went to Italy last summer, and boy did she live to tell the tale. You’d love to say Ciao to her White Lotus-level Italian tales and #TBT’s but why not give her one last hurrah with a vibrant Lisa Corti tablecloth that will take her back to Il Pelicano or a biscotti kit.
For the Alpine Athena
You’ve heard of fair-weather friends, but what about winter-weather friends? That’s your preferred descriptor since you’d always choose to be a chalet guest rather than a beach house guest. Spoil your Ski Bunny benefactor with these chalet chic gifts from wool knits to cocoa bits.
For Auld Lang Syne
You don’t have to give her a kiss at the stroke of midnight, but you should bring a gift for your New Year’s Eve host. Everyone else is bringing Champagne, how about a golden fortune cookie to ring in the good vibes? Or, spoil her for the following few days with some cake? If there’s any left.