Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the latest happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we share an inside look into Rudy Saunders’ needlepoint ornament collection, The Sil Shop’s upcoming Aspen pop-up, and a look at some of our favorite Instagram accounts to follow this holiday season. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
A Very Needlepoint Christmas With Rudy Saunders
Interior designer Rudy Saunders never ceases to amaze with his talents. The New York based designer and resident Upper East Sider has an old-style edge, endless creativity, and beaming smile that has taken the “grandmillenial” scene by storm. And I do not just say this because he is one of my greatest friends!
Decorating aside, Saunders has become the poster boy for all things needlepoint. Starting as a child along with his mother’s guidance, he has forayed his pastime into an ever blossoming collection of needlepoint canvases and has garnered a hefty following of needlepointers who look to him for inspiration.
With Christmas just days away, we have an inside look for into Saunders’ needlepointed ornament collection. Each year Saunders’ adorns his tree in exclusively needlepointed ornaments hand done by Saunders’ himself. The tree totals an astounding 112 ornaments with 28 new additions this year alone. Take a look!
Our Favorite Holiday Instagram Accounts
Christmas is just around the corner, and there are so many Instagram accounts that have been getting us into the holiday spirit! Here are a few of our favorites…
Jeanna Crawford (aka The Queen of Christmas) is a holiday personality who crafts elevated Christmas and seasonal designs to inspire her community of Christmasers all year round. She offers so much inspiration from easy, festive tablescapes to this incredible ornament garland we’re totally making next year!
The Glam Pad has written frequently about favorite holiday china patterns, and the classic Spode Christmas Tree is at the top of the list. We love following @addictedtochina year-round for inspirational tablescapes, but we have been particularly loving their fresh take on Spode Christmas Tree this season!
We love Lydia’s classic style and passion for entertaining. Her tips on decorating with oranges at the holidays and using vintage Santa mugs to add Christmas spirit to a tablescape caught our eye!
A TGP favorite, The Sil Shop has announced a very exciting pop-up coming to Aspen, CO in the new year. Known for its curated collection featuring the work of emerging designers, The Sil Shop offers exclusive pieces that cannot be found anywhere else on the Internet.
February 22nd to the 23rd The Sil Shop will be offering their one of a kind goods along side Of Rare Origin and Tyler Ellis. Hosted by Amé Damaso in a private residence, this pop-up will surely impress.
The Glam Pad adores the colorful, whimsical style of interior designers Lance Jackson and David Ecton, the dynamic duo behind Parker Kennedy Living. Five years ago, Lance and David relocated from Atlanta about 70 miles northeast to the small town of Commerce, Georgia, where they purchased the century old residence of former Georgia Governor L.G. Hardman. Listed on the National Register, Lance and David have impeccably restored the Mediterranean Revival style Governor’s Mansion, documenting their progress on Instagram @thegovernorsmansion. The home has been transformed into a magical showplace, reflective of their style which they describe as Southern Regency with traditional Palm Beach overtones.
Today Lance and David are sharing a peek inside the Governor’s Mansion – in all it’s holiday finery! – along with instructions on how to make their exquisite vintage Christmas tree topiaries.
Vintage Christmas Topiaries by Parker Kennedy Living… Instructions below!
How to Make a Vintage Christmas Tree Topiary
1. Pick your favorite planter or cachepot
2. Add a styrofoam cone to the inside – hot glue down
3. Pick your favorite glass vintage ball ornaments – shiny brites are the best.
4. Start from bottom up adding the shiny brites to the cone with hot glue.
5. Add larger shiny brites first & with your way to the top of the cone with smaller sizes.
6. Add tinsel garland to the openings between the shiny brites with hot glue.
Enjoy!
For more information on Parker Kennedy Living, please visit their website and follow @parkerkennedyliving on Instagram for ongoing inspiration.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the latest happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we share holiday cheer and inspiration from East Hampton Gardens, discover Alice Palmer & Co, and explore Studio Sparks collection for Glassette. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
The Holidays at East Hampton Gardens
We love to see what our TGP friends are up to for the holidays! This past summer we gave an inside look at the enchanting East Hampton Gardens founded and curated by Michael Giannelli. Hidden away on the storied Gingerbread Lane, East Hampton Gardens offers floral, landscaping, garden designs, and a charming shop full of one-of-a-kind treasures. With such a thoughtfully appointed space, it is no wonder the gardens are delightfully adorned for the Holidays. Take a look at the holiday cheer!
Alice Palmer & Co
In an Instagram deep dive this week I stumbled upon Alice Palmer & Co and now obsession has ensued. Something tells me I may be late to the game but that could just be me kicking myself for not finding this gem sooner. Boasting carefully retooled timeless homewares, British founder Alice Palmer sought to diversify the lack-luster lampshade industry by fashioning her own.
Inspired by her love of traditional British homes, Moroccan riads, and Andalusian haciendas, Alice Palmer & Co. was born. With great success in lampshades, Palmer has since moved into other realms such as lamp bases, rugs, and much more. The exceptional old-world sensibility combined with the modern application simply makes me swoon.
Rosie Sparks for Glassette
Boutique pillow crafter Rosie Sparks has teamed up with premiere purveyor homewares, Glassette, for an exclusive collection of stripes and frills. In the uncertain times of Covid-19, Sparks took to her sewing machine and began creating glorious decorative pillows made from recycled fabrics combining old-world sensibility with a sustainable edge. What began as way to pass the time has morphed into Studio Sparks and has taken the world by storm since.
In a exclusive collaboration, the two British forces have crafted a limited collection of four frillies using textiles from striped fabric house Colours of Arley. Take a peek! They are simply divine.
The Glam Pad loves all things traditional, and there is nothing more classic and nostalgic than a green and red Christmas. But we also adore pretty pastels! A blue Christmas? Yes, please! Vintage pink? For sure! These looks are also classic as they are evocative of Christmas past, dating back to the 1950s…. Below is inspiration from interior designer, Caitlin Wilson, interior designer Gretchen Black, and artist Alexis Walter on holiday decorating with pastels. We cannot get enough!
How do you like to decorate for the holidays? In traditional reds and greens, or pretty pastels? Or do you like to mix it up each year? We would love to know!
Tessa Foley lives with her husband and two sons in a small and charming 1920s Midwestern village. Her signature style combines coastal New England with classic English details and is timeless, feminine, and warm. In 2010, Tessa established Nine and Sixteen, which has become an online journal dedicated to celebrating the simple joys of good living and creating a welcoming home. After Tessa’s home was published, she received interest from readers seeking decorating help with their own homes, and she began offering online consultations to clients across the country through Tessa Foley Interiors.
Today we will peek inside Tessa’s beautiful home, dressed for the holidays, with images from MidwestLiving 2014, @nineandsixteen, and from her 2022 Tastemaker Collection for Dogwood Hill.
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the latest happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at New Zealand-born fashion designer Emilia Wickstead’s new home collection, interior designer Sarah Lederman’s stunning bedroom for Holiday House, and Mrs. Alice’s London Pop-up. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Emilia Wickstead Home
New Zealand-born, London based, fashion designer Emilia Wickstead has released her first ever home collection featuring a range of brilliant flatware, china, and other table objects. Known for modern femininity with a retro flare, Wickstead has been turning out dresses for British high-society, including the Princess of Wales, since 2008. In 2014 she won the Red Carpet Designer of the Year Award at the Elle Style Awards skyrocketing her success.
Launching this past week at Casa Cruz’s London outpost, Wickstead hosted an intimate dinner beautifully outfitted in her new collection. The table was illuminated by the soft glow of candles and smiles abounded the table. Take a peek!
Each holiday season leading interior designers from around the globe join forces to showcase their talents and raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Known as Holiday House, this fan-favorite designer showhouse has not made its way to the Big Apple since before the pandemic making this year’s edition an exciting feat.
Situated in the elegant Upper East Side, rising design star Sarah Lederman turned her given space within The Kent building into an oasis in the sky. Entitled Sky Garden, the bedroom features tranquil tones of green and leafy prints. Despite sitting stories above the city, one may drift off and imagine themselves in the English countryside.
“Our calm, livable bedroom scheme is intended to evoke the feeling of being ensconced in a trellised greenhouse in the sky. The room most prominently features Ottoline Devries’ ‘Catchweed’ paper on the walls, and an original Marta Maas-Fjetterström Swedish mid-century rug grounds the space. Nestled within are a variety of hand-crafted artisanal furniture pieces that incorporate natural elements like rattan, leather, oak, and raw silk.” Sarah Lederman
Take a look at this slice of heaven! Images by Kirsten Frances.
Mrs. Alice Pops Up in London
TGP favorite Mrs. Alice has opened her much anticipated London holiday pop-up shop in Notting Hill! As a steward of fine entertaining, we turn to Mrs. Alice, particularly during the holidays. Her elegant approach encapsulates a room with such ease inspiring us to entertain with panache and gusto.
From now until December 20th, Mrs. Alice’s sublime assemblage of home and tableware will be available in her London pop-up located at 51 Ledbury Road. If you find yourself across the pond, be sure to indulge.
Amanda Marie, creator behind Sincerely, Marie Designs, is an old soul who loves traditional English style and old Americana. She and her family are currently renovating a beautiful southern colonial in a small town in north Georgia. Amanda Marie is an expert when it comes to DIY projects, family recipes, and decorating in a timeless, classic style. She is passionate about creating a warm and cozy environment for her family, and that love can be seen within every single inch of her home at Christmastime.
Amanda has shared an extensive tour of her home, decked for the holidays, on her blog, and today we are delighted to feature a peek inside! At Sincerely, Marie Designs, you can see additional images of Amanda’s living room, foyer, kitchen and primary bedroom. We love that she adds Christmas cheer throughout the entire home… Let’s take a look!
What do you get when you mix festive tartan, an extensive antiques collection, and a classically decorated home rich in equestrian history? Quintessential, timeless Christmas style at its finest! Located in Lake Forest, Illinois, the home was originally a polo clubhouse and stable on the property where Henry Ford Jr. and the Kennedy family practiced polo in the 1930s. The Homeowner, Alison Sherman, is an interior designer, third generation antiques dealer, and creator of The Polohouse blog and popular Instagram account @polohousestyle.
Converted into a single family home in the 1970s, preserving and celebrating the house’s rich equestrian history drove all the design choices that Alison made. Inspired by her grandfather’s Pennsylvania horse farm where she grew up, she gravitated towards a classic style reminiscent of an old-fashioned gentleman’s club. And it the perfect backdrop for a picture perfect Christmas!
Wouldn’t you love to spend Christmas here?! This home appeared in the December 2013 issue of Midwest Living, proving classic design is truly timeless. Additional photography was provided by the homeowner.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the holiday season is taking the time to enjoy family traditions and passing them down to the future generations. Here at The Glam Pad, we adore advent calendars, a Christmas tradition that began in 19th century Germany. Today advent calendars can take a variety of forms, and we have gathered 10 of our favorites to share today! Whether you are looking for an heirloom to pass down to your children, or simply a way to indulge… we’ve got you covered! Written by Natalie Aldridge.
*** Don’t forget, today is Cyber Monday! You can shop our updated and comprehensive guide to the sales here. ***
Dr. Barbara Strum is renowned around the globe for her expertise in skincare and her beautifully crafted products. This year she has released a highly anticipated advent calendar filled with her cult-classic skincare with a complete regimen of 24 products and other goodies that are both full-sized and minis.
Liberty of London is always TGP favorite. They never disappoint on unique items and quality. This 12 days of jewelry set is a bit of a splurge but worth every penny for the bling inside. It is a perfect treat for a loved-one or even yourself.
Forget what you thought about advent calendar candy, there will be no foil-wrapped chocolates in this advent calendar. Created by luxury candy makers Sugarfina, the carousel theme calendar features festive zebras, elephants, and horses dancing under the soft glow of an illuminated canopy. Not only is the candy divine, but the marry-go-round is a keepsake.
Another favorite from across the pond, Fortnum & Mason has been purveyors of taste for three centuries. Their Feasting Advent Calendar brings together all their coveted sweet and savory goodies into one box. Each day gives a new opportunity to try something new and create foodie memories.
Who can go wrong with Wedgwood? Fastened in a period-style house, each day features an exquisitely made Christmas ornament in the brand’s signature color. The uniqueness of this calendar lies in the multigenerational quality. With such sublimely special ornaments, they are sure to be used each year and passed down through the generations.
Perfect for everyone, especially the littles. There is little that compares to the magic of popping open a neatly wrapped chocolate each day until Christmas. Angelina of Paris has concocted some of the best chocolate around the globe for a little over a century making this calendar a sure winner in any household.
Voluspa candles are a go-to here at The Glam Pad. This 12-day set of full-sized candles makes a fantastic countdown. Taken from Voluspa’s Japonica archive, unveiling a fragrance each day is a gift to your senses and home. And if the full-sized candles are too much of a commitment, they offer a calendar of minis!
A classic Fortnum & Mason piece for every home (And our founder Andrea’s favorite). Depicting the facade of the iconic department store, this wooden calendar becomes a Christmas mainstay for each year. And since the calendar is reusable, they offer refillable sets so it can be stuffed again and again with treats directly from the store.
VineBox was the first company to develop curated wine advent calendar filled with carefully selected wines from around the world. Each day features a perfectly measured glass of wine in a glass vile. And if there is a particular wine you love, a full bottle can be found through their website. The calendar is offered in two different sets, a selection of bright and crisp wines and a collection of bold and rich wines. The two sets can even be doubled up to enjoy for all 24 days leading up to Christmas.
The Bonne Maman advent calendar has become a cult classic and for good reason. A staple in any household, Bonne Maman has been whipping up homemade-style preserves since 1971. Each year the calendar features classics and sensational holiday jams, spreads, and honey. This extraordinary treat makes for a delectable lead-up to Christmas.
Let us know which calendar is your favorite. We cannot wait to countdown the holidays with you! And don’t forget to check out the rest of our Cyber Monday favorites!
