This year has been one of growth for The Glam Pad, including new additions to our team! To mix things up a bit, we thought it would fun to reflect today and share our favorite holiday homes from Christmases Past. And as we are finalizing last minute shopping, we will also share our gift recommendations. Without further ado…
Natalie Aldridge, Contributing Editor
Favorite holiday home
Seend Manor in Wiltshire, England certainly tops my list. There is nothing quite like a stately English home, especially during the holidays. Despite the grand scale of the home, it feels supremely warm and inviting. The history of the home lends itself wonderfully to the spirit of tradition.
Favorite hostess gifts
I love to bring the host or hostess something that feels personal and thoughtful. A fun set of salad or dessert plates always delight and can be easily selected to fit with the personality or style of the host. I particularly love this spongeware set.
You can never go wrong with a nice candle either, particularly one that comes in a beautiful vessel. But make sure the scent is something you know the host would love or that will have a low likelihood of being controversial. This candle is always a hit.
A coffee table book is always a welcome gift too and easy to tailor the interests of the host. I am nose deep in Luke Edward Hall’s latest book right now.
Best stocking stuffers
Everyone loves a good game of trivia. This compact game set is perfect for a stocking.
Adding to a loved one’s collection of ornaments gives something to look forward to hanging on the Christmas tree the next year. You can always find a darling selection of whimsical ornaments here.
Gift ideas for children
I have been eyeing up this custom embroidered beret. Ideal for a stylish little girl and certainly something she can continue to wear for years to come.
This mini moped scooter seems to be at the top of everyone’s list this year. I wish I had one as a kid!
There was nothing as a child I adored more than working with my hands and being creative.
These two sets by FAO Schwarz (here and here) are great for exploring one’s inner artist.
Gifts for pets
We mustn’t forget about our dear pets. This one is a double whammy as it benefits not just the pet. This pet shampoo will leave your little loved one feeling great and smelling heavenly.
Gifts for your significant other
Significant others can be such a challenge especially the older we get. Something thoughtful that does not cost too much always does the trick. The New York Times makes momentous books that are beautifully bound in linen or leather. They combine news headlines and articles from a date of your choosing into a compiled book. The selected date could be a special date in one’s life, a birthday, anniversary, etc. They truly make wonderful gifts.
A brilliantly crafted cashmere something is winner. No one can ever have too much cashmere. This cozy scarf is a great option.
Gifts for teachers and neighbors
I am not much of a cook but I am a sucker for exciting goodies and cooking accoutrements. A little basket of treats such as this Taste of Fortnum’s hamper goes a long way.
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
I have been eyeing up a Spinelli Kilcollin ring.
Jenny Caulk: Managing Director
Favorite holiday home
This Upper East Side home is my favorite… I love all of the traditional holiday elements! The swags of greenery throughout the home, accented by candlelight, make it beautiful and welcoming!
Favorite hostess gift
A bottle of extra virgin oil is a thoughtful hostess gift, and not many people will splurge on a nice bottle for themselves. AWAKE & ALIVE are two really great options, and were even selected for Oprah’s Favorite Things 2022!
If your hostess loves to laugh, gift them this unforgettable and ridiculously entertaining coffee table book written by Babs Horner, a gourmet caterer, and her sister Susan Palma, an interior decorator. Inside you’ll find delicious recipes and tips and tricks for hosting parties. This book is a testimony to both refinement and fun.
Best stocking stuffers
I recommend a monthly gift box subscription if you’re looking for a unique and fun present that will keep on giving. There are subscriptions available for everyone on your list. Here are a few options!
Gift ideas for children
This acrylic painting set is definitely going to be under our tree. Being able to give the gift of imagination and potentially creating a new passion for the little ones in my life is really special.
Gifts for pets
I believe ‘pets are family’ – so I love home décor products that are stylish enough for me and functional enough for my fur baby. The Fursatile Step Ottoman & Protective Cover is one-of-a-kind and perfect if you share your furniture with your pet. The Neely’s Nest is another favorite. It’s the most beautiful (and well-made) dog bed I’ve ever seen!
Gifts for your significant other
This collection of gym equipment blurs the lines between design and art and unites function and form. Perfect for the athletic gal or guy in your life!
Gifts for teachers and neighbors
I love giving something homemade. Every year, my mom would bake her famous banana bread for all those that she loved. It’s a sweet gesture and continues to be a family tradition. I think this pan would be perfect for any homemade goodies!
What is at the top of your personal wish list
This year, I’m hoping to get a little more sentimental gifts. This will be my first Christmas without my parents so I’ve been looking for a way to always have them with me. This locket is not only beautiful – but the brand makes it really easy to add perfectly sized photos.
If Santa feels extra generous, I would love this Poesy stackable ring with sapphires – inscribed with ‘I Love You More.’
Tate Lissaur, Intern
Favorite Holiday Home: Betsy Anderson Interiors creates a space of whimsical blues coupled with decedent wallpaper designs to create a space of sheer holiday perfection. The traditional accents and lovely color scheme give this home a Christmas flare that quickly left me awe struck.
Favorite Hostess Gifts:
My favorite gifts have a sense of warmth, comfort and allow the hostess to relax after a long day of entertaining.
- Baccarat 4 piece glass set
- Voluspa Set of Twelve Candles
- Barefoot dreams blanket – The Wild Throw
- Anthropologie blanket – Luxe Faux Fur Throw Blanket
Best Stocking Stuffer:
Often my stocking stuffers revolve around a theme of self-care and pampering. These gifts exude a sense of luxury and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
- Jo Malone cologne collection set
- Dior glow oil
- Valentino go-clutch highlighter and mini lipstick
- Slip Blossom Nights Gift Set
Children’s Gifts:
A silky soft plush bunny and decadently fluffy booties make for the perfect cozy mix for your little one on Christmas. While a sweet feminine bag will be sure to be the showstopper for all the girly girls aspiring to be the next fashionista.
Favorite Pet Gifts:
These gifts inspired for your furry friends mix the perfect amount of functionality and aesthetic appeal. All too often pet toys and accessories fall flat, while on the contrary these gifts will leave your pampered pups looking as chic as you.
Significant Other:
Timeless elegance and the perfect amount of extravagance embody my favorite gifts for your significant other. These gifts will leave them feeling cherished and absolutely spoiled.
Neighbors & Teachers:
When selecting gifts for neighbors or teachers I look for gifts that bring people together and inspire a sense of community.
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
The cascade of Holiday parties and Christmas gatherings call for the perfect assemble of gifts that will leave you prepared to entertain the night away. Loveshackfancy and Alice and Olivia have effortlessly mastered the whimsical magic of the holiday season with their stunning dresses. While Morgan Coupe glasses will be sure to be the perfect addition to your New Year’s Champagne toast.
- Loveshackfancy Greenwich Smocked Mini Dress
- Alice and Olivia Athene Embellished Mini Dress
- Morgan Coupe Glasses Set of 4 Assorted
Jackie Lappin, Intern
Favorite holiay Home: My favorite holiday home would have to be Carla Fonts Hrncir’s, of Dunbar Road Design in Dallas. I love her use of citrus throughout her home! From the wallpaper to the wreaths to the doorway greenery, it adds such a whimsical pop of color. The creativity doesn’t stop there – how fun to add dried artichokes to the mix? I also just adore everything about her fireplace mantel: the stockings, the tartan plaid bows, and… more fruit. The combination of white flowers, cranberries, and pomegranates adorning her staircase greenery just sent me over the edge!
Favorite hostess gifts
- Jo Malone Seasonal Diffuser: This seasonal scent is positively lovely and will add an element of festivity to any home over the holidays!
Best stocking stuffers
Dr. Barbara Sturm Minis: These Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare minis are the perfect stocking stuffer! I especially love the glow drops for an all-year-round dewy look and brightened complexion!
Gift ideas for children
Roberta Roller Rabbit Pajamas: These pajamas are an absolute classic and can outfit the whole family! If you order them online, you can personalize them with a monogram or emblem!
Gifts for pets
Christian Cowan X Maxbone Jumper: I love love love this iconic doggie jumper! It is so fun and makes any pooch look undeniably chic, no matter the season.
Gifts for your significant other
La Matera Belt: This hand-stitched belt boasts style and quality, which is evident through the meticulous craftsmanship! These belts only get better with age and can elevate any man’s wardrobe.
Gifts for teachers and neighbors
Half Baked Harvest Cookbook: Recipes from My Barn in the Mountains: This cookbook has the best farm-to-table style recipes! It is easy to follow and everything is so delicious! I especially love the minted feta and green olive salsa and the gooey chocolate coconut caramel bars!
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap: This White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap is great if you want an additional chic layer on the go or to cozy up on the couch at home. Offered in a range of colors, this White + Warren classic makes a perfect gift for anyone special on your list.
Andrea, Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Favorite holiday home
This 19th century Virginia home is my favorite. I have a passion for historic homes, and this exudes quintessential classic Christmas.
Favorite hostess gifts
These beautiful porcelain flower diffusers have the loveliest scent, and they look so pretty in the powder room.
I adore Nest candles, and I’m obsessed with this new limited edition version with the rattan sleeve!
An oldie but a goodie, this Neiman Marcus cookbook has all my classic Dallas favorites including the absolute BEST chicken salad and their legendary chocolate chip cookies. There’s also an updated version… I haven’t read it, but I’m sure it is wonderful too!
Best stocking stuffers
Santa brought my son this darling little set of classic books last year, and he absolutely loves them. The petite size makes them a perfect stocking stuffer. From the creator of Where the Wild Things Are, the stories and illustrations are certain to bring a smile to any child’s face.
My husband, the true chef of the family, received this meat thermometer a few years ago, and he still raves about how it is simply the best!
This hand cream was recommended on our Tastemaker list one Christmas past, so I bought some for my Mom who loves almond scent. Now we are both hooked… It is perfect for winter hands!
Our fur babies deserve a little Tiffany’s from Santa Baby this year, yes?! This “Sniffany’s” toy is just the cutest, and perfect for stockings. You can also choose Cartiarf, Chewnel, and Hairmes.
Gift ideas for children
My son is learning how to cook with Daddy, and he had the biggest smile on his face when Santa brought him a toy kitchen last year. Nearly a year later, he is still whipping up his gourmet recipes at “Jack’s Cafe”!
We also bought him this marble run, which he has loved.
Gifts for pets
Fur babies deserve gifts too! This sweater adds a generous dose of glamour while keeping your pet warm. I bought the blue one for our French Bulldog. He will also be getting more of his favorite bones.
And this puzzle treat ball will keep them entertained for hours!
Gifts for your significant other
My husband is really difficult to shop for…. This year, I think he will love this portable printer that allows you to instantly print hard copies of your iPhone images.
And he always appreciates these winter sweaters.
Gifts for teachers and neighbors
Bauble Stockings are the perfect gift! Needlepointed by hand by women in Haiti, not only are they adorable, but each purchase goes to support a wonderful cause.For an additional treat, tuck a gift card inside!
We buy the new Wallace sterling silver snowflake each year, and they make a delightful gift as well!
Fortnum & Mason’s Spiced Christmas Tea is also a lovely choice.
And you can never go wrong with Peppermint Bark. This is the best.
Everyone loves paperwhites, and they look so pretty in mint julep cups.
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
I have been eyeing one of these elegant handbags which were Queen Elizabeth’s favorite for over 50 years. Truly a classic!
ADDITIONAL CHRISTMAS SHOPPING RESOURCES:
If you are still finishing your Christmas shopping, The Glam Pad can help! Below, please find our latest Holiday Shopping Guides:
- 2022 Tastemakers Holiday Gift Guide
- Holiday China and Scully & Scully Christmas Shopping Guide
- Totally Tartan! (Scroll to the bottom for shopping guide)
