The Gift List 03. For the Home
Because it’s almost winter and we’re all going to be inside a lot, so let's make the most of it!
The Gift List is a series featuring some of the wonderful items, brands, and shops that were shared on the Essential List this year. Discover tried and true favorites for people on your list — or just have fun poking around.
I’m in the middle of a whirlwind week of travel and it’s reminded me how fun it is to travel this month — when every place you go is wrapped up and decorated as the most festive and magical version of itself.
I passed through Charleston today before flying home and it might be the loveliest place of all this time of year. We popped in and out of shops, grabbed a late lunch at 167 Raw — which was overflowing with festive decor in the best possible way — and squeezed in a very quick stop at the new shop, Wentworth. There was a vintage red truck with a Christmas tree on top and silver serving hot cocoa out of silver coffee urns (if you’re curious how they do Christmas in Charleston). The shop itself is filled with impeccably curated delights in every corner (it’s the perfect gift shop). I can’t wait to go back and spend more time — check it out.
Tomorrow, I’m headed to Whistler for my first ski trip in a couple years and, miraculously, the new ski coat I ordered during the sales (my one splurge — I stayed disciplined!) arrived just in time. I can’t wait to test it out andthe hopefully talk about it here one day.
For the third and final Gift List, I gathered recommendations for the home that were shared on the Essential List this year. I also included some book, subscription, and photo ideas at the end, which is always my favorite things to gift for people who don’t need or want anything. Also, Tori Jones Studio, who I featured in the first gift list, has since launched a holiday gift shop with many more wonderful finds for the home.
As I said before, my favorite thing about gift guides is discovery — whether you’re looking for gifts, a treat for yourself, or simply enjoy looking at beautiful things, I hope you find something new.
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Noguchi baby! Possibly obvious, definitely essential. These give the most delicious soft, ambient light, and they are sculptures, too! Though they appear delicate, they retain their value.
— The Essential List 04. Alix Dana's Functional Design Picks for an Art-Filled Home
I have an overflowing linen drawer but time after time, I reach for these. The feeling of the linen has only gotten better with age. The colors and mismatched gingham are so cute.
— The Essential List 14. Michèle Ouellet’s Cooking and Hosting Favorites
Maison Louis Marie No.04 Candle
I pretty much have a candle burning at all times, and I go through them pretty quickly, so every Black Friday I stock up on these to last me through the year. I definitely gravitate towards woody, warm scents year round, and this sandalwood/vetiver/amber wood combo feels more “in the woods” than “by a fireplace” to me, making it the perfect thing.
— The Essential List 08. Ali LaBelle's Favorite Things That Smell Good
I’ve had my pepper mill for years and it still gets comments and compliments all the time. It’s shiny, feels substantial and most importantly, gives a nice freshly ground crack of pepper. I use Tellicherry peppercorns which are good and spicy.
— The Essential List 14. Michèle Ouellet’s Cooking and Hosting Favorites
Heather Taylor Home and Furbish Studio Fabric Cocktail Napkins
Some assortment of these is always available on our coffee table. I firmly stand in the camp of “kids need to learn to live with beautiful things” and having these out means there is always a (cute) spot for them to put their bevvy down so that it doesn’t mess up the coffee table books! It’s also the easiest way to shake up your decor seasonally.
— The Essential List 05. Anne Corgan’s Small Everyday Delights
Sophie Lou Jacobsen Twist Candleholder
The general design inclination in our home is pretty mid-century minimal so I love the juxtaposition of this ornate, gestural candelabra, which fits nicely echoes the stainless steel accents on some of our more structural pieces from USM Haller and Herman Miller. I am also eyeing the designer’s new drool-worthy glassware collection.
— The Essential List 04. Alix Dana's Functional Design Picks for an Art-Filled Home
Last year I asked for the Silver Rim Bowl from Kaneko Kohyo’s Rinka collection. I fell in love with the whole collection while having lunch at Le Mercerie in New York, where they use the collection as their serveware. I’m excited to keep adding to my collection.
Soil to Studio
Gorgeous Indian block print pillows.
— The Essential List 17. Annie Dabir’s Favorites for Balancing Work and Motherhood
(clockwise from top left)
Part of why we started In Kind in the first place was because media became so digital. I would pitch ideas to friends who are now editors-in-chief or digital directors, and they'd say, "That's such a great idea, Leah, but no one will click on it." They didn't have the budget to pay for it, and it wouldn’t get any traffic. So, it's nice to have the space now to do those kinds of stories.
— The Essential List 15. Leah Melby Clinton's Late Summer Signatures
A book that I am constantly referencing or thinking of is The Lives of Lee Miller. I’d say it’s an essential read for anyone interested in photography, the modern era, vintage Vogue, and/or anyone who has an interest in being a blazing force of a woman. Lee ignites that in me.
— The Essential List 10. Kelsey Rose’s Must-Haves for La Vie en Rose
Give the gift of everyone’s favorite travel magazine (print and/or digital).
I keep buying these because they are easy to find, high-quality, and they make me feel like a real person. Plus they’re big and smooth, and I like the pink! It also doubles as a sketchbook, which is an important part of my design process.
— The Essential List 17. Annie Dabir’s Favorites for Balancing Work and Motherhood
(clockwise from top left)
Interiors Styled by Mieke ten Have
A gorgeous book and interesting read for anyone with an interest in interiors or design. I saw Mieke speak about the book this week and loved hearing first person about her passion for color, pattern, nature and hoarding (she makes me wonder if I too should start hoarding vintage dinnerware).
My kids love these books, which you can customize with photos of themselves (their favorite), vacation snaps, pictures of family, or anything else you’d like to get off your phone and into the world.
Cook this Book by Molly Baz
I love gifting and receiving cookbooks — I’ve really enjoyed cooking from Molly Baz’s first cookbook since it came out, but I think any cookbook that you love or that the recipient has a connection to (eg. a restaurant they’ve visited) makes a wonderful gift.
My mom has told me that the only thing she wants for gifts these days is photos and I know many other parents and grandparents feel the same.
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Great edit x
I just want to say I really appreciate your lists and curation. A real breath of fresh air among the generic gift lists at the end of the year!