Christmas with the Tastemakers
On Friday I shared The Glam Pad’s annual Holiday Gift Guide, curated by over 20 of the nation’s top interior designers and purveyors of good taste… It contains every idea you could possibly need for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, children, pets, him, her, and yourself! Today, we are peeking inside the homes of these designers and tastemakers – or homes they designed – as decorated for Christmas. The holiday season is upon us, and these beautiful rooms are certain to get you into the spirit of the season!
To see the comprehensive Holiday Gift Guide curated by these designers and tastmakers, please click here. Tis the Season!
Holiday Gift Guides from 20 Top Designers and Tastemakers
This year for The Glam Pad’s Holiday Gift Guide, I decided to defer to over 20 of the nation’s top interior designers and purveyors of good taste…. and they did not disappoint! I am so excited to share this comprehensive list with you, in what will become my new annual Holiday Gift Guide tradition. It contains every idea you could possibly need for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, children, pets, him, her, and yourself! In alphabetical order, contributing designers and tastemakers include:
Patricia Altschul, Julia Amory, Anthony Baratta, CeCe Barfield, Meg Braff, Jessica Chaney, James Farmer, Teggy French, Leta Austin Foster, Caroline Gidiere, Cathy Graham, Eliza (Crater) Harris, Holly Holden, Cathy Kincaid, Myka Myer, Bettie Bearden Pardee, Carolyne Roehm, Frances Schultz, Lee Ann Thornton, Anne Wagoner, and Kimberly Schelgel Whitman
Gifts are linked in green for your shopping convenience!
Favorite hostess gifts
Favorite hostess gifts
India Amory dinner napkins – I’ve never met someone who claims to have too many!
Best stocking stuffers
Chocolate Oranges – they make me think of Little Women, classic a little retro and delicious. We always throw in some actual clementines as well!
Gift ideas for children
Puzzles or other games that can be enjoyed as a family post Christmas morning madness or clothing – I adore both Pepa & Co and Little English for traditional options.
Gifts for pets?
Dana Mahnke makes the most lovely hand painted custom bowls for pets which she sells via her store – Indigo Home Shop. I also love Canine Styles on Lexington in New York because every dachshund deserves a cashmere cableknit!
Gifts for significant other
Something experiential….I love the idea of signing oneself and ones spouse up for a cooking class. In lieu of that I always opt for clothing since my husband has never shopped for himself a day in his life.
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
Something by Brent Neale Jewelry – I adore her Gypsy rings which she makes with both repurposed (from the client) and sourced stones. So chic!
Favorite hostess gifts
Backgammon Board from T. Anthony
Best stocking stuffers
Wood rubber stamps from Cavallini
Gift ideas for children
Gifts for pets?
National Park dog bed from Pendleton
Gifts for significant other
I’m Old School… A Trinity Ring from Cartier
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
A donation to my favorite charity: Ronald McDonald House of Long Island
Favorite hostess gifts
For a dinner party hostess, I love to bring a little something to add to the meal. My go-tos are the William Poll Watercress Dip with their Potato Thins or a Mille-feuille cake from Lady M Bakery. Another favorite hostess gift is flowers the morning before a party. I like to send all white arrangements in one of the silver cups from my home collection.
Best stocking stuffers
For the adults: Good chocolate is my go-to stocking stuffer for the adults in our family. One of life’s simple pleasures.
For my husband: Cashmere socks. A pleasure, somewhat less simple.
For my daughters: Super Small Jewelry. My girls love sparkles!
For myself: A Tiffany bookmark. Decadent, but useful if it spurs me through the ever-growing pile of books on my bedside table.
Gift ideas for children
CeCe du Praz children’s robes. They are perfect after bath or beach.
The Caroline series by Pierre Probst. This classic children’s series was both my mother’s and my favorite when we were little girls. I cannot wait to give it to my daughters this year! The stories are charming and the drawings are beautiful.
Gifts for pets
Our new puppy Oliver will be receiving a red leather dog collar.
Gifts for your significant other
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
A Jessica McCormack necklace. Can someone please tell Santa that I’ve been a very good girl this year?
Favorite Hostess Gifts
Best Stocking Stuffers
I also like giving cufflinks in stockings for my boys
Gift Ideas for Children
Games, and sports equipment. Anything to get people interacting
Also love the offerings from Little Passports
Gifts for Pets
A fresh leash and collar, love Annie Selke‘s new collection
Bouchon Bakery dog biscuits
Gifts for your Significant Other
A new Barbour coat
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
I love Alice Naylor-Leland’s tablescape kits!
And Aerins’ wicker backgammon set
Favorite hostess gift
My favorite hostess gift is a “morning after” basket that includes homemade muffins or scones, a mug from Bennington Potters, and fresh roasted coffee beans with a tea towel or cocktail napkins. It is the perfect gift because the host does not have to worry about breakfast!
A beautiful glass blown bowl
Best Stocking Stuffers
Oscar Wilde books of quotes to inspire wit and good conversation
Perfectly pink quilted slippers
Chic and simple stationery for thank you notes
Pack of the best, and most colorful pens
Chic marbled journal for to do lists and day dreaming
Gorgeous tumbler for paint brushes
Vintage matchbook print for favorite palm beach haunts
Lucky jade buddha gold charm
Gifts for pets
Padded leather nameplate dog collar
Gifts for significant other
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
The coziest Murrays cotton sweater to remind me of trips to ACK
A beautiful print to frame for above a bedside table
Vintage jewelry has become my current obsession
Silver heart picture frame engraved with initials
Favorite hostess gift
A book – great coffee table book to add to the stack! Inscribe a note and it’ll be a lovely reminder of the event. Books are great “bread and butter” gifts.
Best Stocking Stuffers
Indulgent, “scent-sational” soaps. I love the packs from Molten Brown. So yummy to have while traveling or to warm up after a cold winter’s day.
Gifts for pets
A cardboard box filled with tissue! Lol! Isn’t that what they always love more than the toy?
Sampson loves to play tug more than fetch – so he loves those sort of toys. But good ol’ chew toys keep him and my sister’s doodles busy too. There’s one they love – you put an empty water bottle inside a sleeve of sorts and the crunch of chewing that bottle is a hit!
Gifts for significant other
Time. Time is the ultimate gift. A real date – like get dressed up and go to a nice place, a movie and dinner… not that I have a significant other lol however I love quality time with special people in my life.
I travel so much for work, so for me a trip somewhere to just chill and relax would be fun. Mayflower Inn, Round Hill, et al… Also, if Santa dropped off an old Jeep Grand Wagoneer, I’d be ecstatic!
Favorite hostess gift
NEST Fragrances Birchwood Pine Classic Candle with something homemade, like the Barefoot Contessa’s Chipotle and Rosemary Roasted Nuts
Best Stocking Stuffers
Scratch-off tickets
Gift ideas for children
Since toys come and go, I think it’s important to start a tradition. My parent’s have given me a snow globe every year, my husband parent’s give him a nutcracker and a sterling ornament with the year engraved on it, and now we give Lawrence a vintage Santa Clause. It’s so much fun to decorate the house with these items and reminisce about what year they are from.
Gifts for pets
Gifts for significant other
An experience…you can’t go wrong with tickets to see Billy Joel in concert
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
A portrait of our son
FAVOURITE HOSTESS GIFTS
REALLY NICE SOAP; EVERYBODY LOVES IT BUT THEY RARELY BUY IT, SO THEY LOVE TO RECEIVE IT AS A PRESENT. PLUS IT MATCHES EVEN INTERIORS YOU HAVE NOT YET SEEN.
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
WE LOVE SURPRISE BALLS—THEY MAKE A MESS, BUT THEY ARE GREAT FUN. ALSO WE HAVE IN OUR BOUTIQUE LITTLE BAGS OF CANDY CALLED “COAL” SO EVEN THE “NAUGHTY” CHILDREN (AND ADULTS) GET A STOCKING PRESENT. AND THEN BE LIKE LAURA INGALLS WILDER REMEMBERING HER CHILDHOOD AND HOW PRECIOUS (REALLY PRECIOUS) IT WAS TO HAVE AN ORANGE. I ALWAYS PUT IN AN ORANGE, A TANGERINE, AND A PEPPERMINT CANE. AND THEN A DIME (IT USED TO BUY SOMETHING—IT’S SURE TO BRING LUCK) IN THE TOE.
Gift ideas for children
CHILDREN STILL LOVE DOLLS AND TRAINS—AND FOR THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE THEM YET, TEDDY BEARS. AND BOOKS—MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY IS OF LYING STRETCHED ACROSS MY BED ON CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON READING “THE LITTLE SHEPHERD OF KINGDOM COME” WHICH I HAD RECEIVED THAT MORNING UNDER THE TREE.
Gifts for pets
LET’S FACE IT—PETS LOVE EDIBLE TREATS. DOGS LOVE BALLS AND CHEW TOYS, BUT MY CATS SCORN THE CATNIP INFUSED MICE I BOUGHT THEM, ALTHOUGH I DO FIND THEM ALL OVER THE APARTMENT, SO THEY MUST PLAY WITH THEM SOMETIME, PROBABLY JUST NOT WHEN I AM WATCHING—THEY ARE ORNERY.
Gifts for significant other
MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER—THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON OF ALL TO ME—DOESN’T LIKE TO GET PRESENTS. HE LITERALLY HAS NO MATERIAL DESIRES—AND I AM IN RETAIL!!!!
I GUESS I MUST BE LIKE HIM, BECAUSE THERE IS REALLY NOTHING I WANT, EXCEPT FOR MY FAMILY TO BE HAPPY AND BOTH LETA AUSTIN FOSTER & ASSOCIATES AND PRETTYFABULOUSROOMS.COM TO DO WELL.
Favorite hostess gift
John Derian paperweight – there are so many beautiful ones, it’s easy to find one that suits the hostess’s vibe – and don’t we all need a perfect little something to top a stack of books or to sit on the coffee table? They are small enough to be unobtrusive but large enough to demonstrate your gratitude!
Best Stocking Stuffers
Beauty products, especially sheet face masks and eye patches, etc. They are truly inexpensive and EVERYONE loves cracking one open on a Sunday night!! I buy a four pack and split them up!!
Gift ideas for children
For girls, a Unicorn Onezie is guaranteed to give you favored status. For boys, they are harder, but probably a STEAM gift card will bring the biggest smile to their faces.
Gifts for pets
Mine are getting a rattan bed holder from Mainly Baskets this year!! To lend some support to the sides of their soft bed. Also, mine also always get new fleece jackets every year because they do get worn out quickly.
Gifts for significant other
Le Chameau Neoprene Lined boots. For most men, these would be great for hunting. For my guy, these are for mucking around the cold wet ground of the garden in winter (yes, he is as busy in the winter in garden as the summer).
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
The Bottega Veneta Pouch. For sure.
Favorite hostess gift
Malted chocolates that look like beautiful pebbles and taste wonderful. They come in a cellophane bag with a ribbon from Elements in Chicago. I put them in a square box and wrap them in wrapping paper I design. When they open it they think, “What on earth is Cathy giving me? A bunch of pebbles… Maybe she hit hard times.”
Best Stocking Stuffers
When my now adult children were young, I would always go to E.A.T. Gifts on Madison. It is a treasure trove of the most marvelous stocking stuffers. My son particularly loved the squirrel underpants.
Gift ideas for children
Depending on the age and interest of the child, I love to get art sets and adore giving stuffed animals. My favorite came from Bonpoint.
Gifts for pets
Trust funds.
Gifts for significant other
Since there is no significant other, it saves lots of money and thought.
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
Hmmmm…. Too many to go into!
Favorite hostess gift
Sister Parish Design cocktail napkins in Serendipity Fabric with hand-embroidered edge from Hibiscus Linens
Best Stocking Stuffers
A set of 24 tiny taper candles in a rainbow of colors
Gift ideas for children
Sister Parish X LAKE Serendipity pajamas (and a matching set for Mom!)
Gifts for pets
Faux fur shag puff luxury dog bed in chocolate brown color
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
Rainbow spectrum lacquered tray
Favorite hostess gift
One of my favorite hostess gifts are linen cocktail napkins! They were the subject of choice which I addressed in my Mummy’s Monday Manners newsletter and on my YouTube channel just recently. A hostess, in my opinion can never have too many cocktail napkins and to have them customized with embroidery for the hostess in mind is another level of thoughtfulness! Oh, and pretty linen hand towels are appreciated too.
With a penchant for horses and Jack Russells, I adore giving a new pet owner an LL Bean zippered tote canvas bag with the name of the animal (horse, dog, cat) embroidered on it. And inside, some additional little goodies for the pet and owner to play with! The bags are useful when traveling with your pet or for spend the nights for your pet while you are away. I also find these bespoke bags are appreciated by new Mums and their babies too!
As a designer, when I specify a new piece of upholstered furniture for a room where I know that the owners dog or cat will also be sharing, I order additional two yards of material and have a little quilt made as a throw to place on the furniture. It disappears visually because it matches the pattern and it can be washed or dry cleaned as needed… allowing the actual upholstery piece to live longer!
Gift ideas for children
Children adore terry robes! For swimming or out of the tub, a soft robe, with their name embroidered on it, tends to be a well loved gift. While opening up a present of a robe is not that exciting for a child, I slip in a toy that I know they would love, in one or two of the pockets!
Best Stocking Stuffers
My darling husband, Stuart, has always been the master of the stockings! He uses large new athletic socks- and stuffs them to the brim with a mix of amusing, clever, and stunning goodies! Yes, a true medley of joy- one never knows what! I will get a jar of chilled caviar, an electric toothbrush and pink floral shears, Godiva orange rind chocolates, and a surprise piece of sparkly Jewelry at the bottom!
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
My favorite gift to receive (and one I allude to each year!) are tangible photographs of my family. Either separately so that I may frame them for our piano, or hang on our back staircase “hall of fame walls”. I also adore the photograph albums my children design and give me- sweet memories at my fingertips!
Favorite hostess gift
Santa Maria Novella’s Melograno in Terracotta and signed copies of newly released books on design, cooking, and entertaining.
Best Stocking Stuffers
Ellis Hill in Dallas has the best stocking stuffers – everything from monogrammed jewelry cases to glasses cases to notepads.
Gift ideas for children
Liberty Print Smocked dresses from MADRE in Dallas
Gifts for pets
Rain slickers from Canine Style in New York or a donation to ASPCA or ARF in the Hamptons.
Gifts for significant other
Cashmere sweaters from Loro Piana
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
Chickens!
Favorite hostess gift
August Morgan cocktail napkins
Corkcicle to cool wine fast
Best Stocking Stuffers
Personalized wax seal stickers
William & Sonoma Fun shaped marshmallows for hot chocolate
And of course… (click here)
Gift ideas for children
Gifts for pets
Gifts for significant other
Monogrammed Business Card Holder
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
Favorite hostess gift
Chocolate covered, coca-dusted almonds
Small cans of Hot Cinnamon Spice tea
Pardee Guide to Great Entertaining
Best Stocking Stuffers
Monogrammed leather crossbody phone carrier
Gift ideas for children
A donation in their name to a local charity
Gifts for pets
Portrait of the pet (for owner)
Gifts for significant other
Favorite hostess gifts
It depends on the host, but as a designer and writer I usually like to give something I have designed or created.
A second idea: I like to bring a gift from my gardens that is edible such as a basket of fruit or veggies or FLOWERS especially if they have a beautiful fragrance. If some of my favorites are blooming such as lilac and tulips, or peonies or roses, a big basket of those.
Best Stocking Stuffers
Anything from my new jewelry line, “The Birds & the Bees” because it’s a win win – with all proceeds going to animal shelters in the country. Let’s charm the recipient and save puppies and kittens.
Gifts for pets
Any toy that is safe, bed or sweater that is cuddly, or some very safe but tasty biscuit.
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
Of course, world peace and good health and happiness! Keep my doggies safe with a life as long as mine. But on a more practical scale: new plant varieties for the garden. Also I love to take painting classes (learning new skills always a focus) so some private tuition would be on the list.
Favorite hostess gifts
California Cooking and Southern Style for one! And other favorite books by Lisa Fine, Richard Keith Langham, Markham Roberts, Julia Reed, Charlotte Moss, Tom Scheerer to name a few!
If not books, I love giving Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts. They are North Carolina family owned and grown and the best! I get the regular old “Country Style” in the 12- or 20-ounce tins.
Best Stocking Stuffers
I once gave my husband one of those desk top buttons you press that says “NO” Hilarious. There is also an X-rated model with different versions of the F-bomb, and that is even more hilarious. But naughty.
I also like giving Audible Books memberships or credits. People love those.
Gift ideas for children
We are giving our grandsons, 14 and 12, Swiss Army Knives. And when our granddaughter gets a little older she will get one too. All children love tools, especially knives, and learning how to handle dangerous tools is important. And yes we asked their parents’ permission.
Gifts for pets
Those “thunder jackets” for hyperactive or nervous dogs really work.
Gifts for significant other
Loro Piano makes a beautiful quilted jacket. Not sure it is in my budget, but I will shop around.
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
Well, world peace of course. And then I’d love a pair of black and white earrings. Pearl and black diamond (oooo yes!), or enamel and pearl, pearl and jet, I don’t quite know, but some dressy-ish pearl/black something.
Favorite hostess gifts
IF YOU ARE A HOUSEGUEST: Fortnum & Mason hampers are the perfect gift to give as a houseguest. Fortnum’s Classic Christmas Hamper is a favorite.
GUEST GIFT: A John Derian Blue Iris decoupage vase.
Best Stocking Stuffers
Irene Neuwirth double love earrings 18k yellow gold
Gifts for pets
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
Favorite hostess gifts
Anything from our new hostess gift line, Hôtesse! We have curated a collection of elegant and
conveniently wrapped gifts perfect for any host or hostess. Complimentary wrapping and enclosure
card. We’re launching on November 20, just in time for holiday entertaining!
Best Stocking Stuffers
One of the best gifts you can give is a good night’s sleep. I wear the Tempur Pedic Sleep Mask every
night and it has literally changed my life. I’ve tried many sleep masks over the years and this is
hands-down the best. The box is small enough to be the perfect stocking stuffer.
Gift ideas for children
In a season of gift receiving (Santa), I remind my girls that gift giving is most important thing. My
dear friend, Allison, and her sister, Kate, are the driving force behind The Giving Crusade, a precious
and powerful book that reminds children (and adults) of this very important message.
Gifts for pets
For pets with style, check out these chic acrylic dog bowl stands.
Gifts for significant other
A trip. Traveling is one of my greatest passions. Not only does it inspire, it allows you to escape with
someone you love. My husband and I are at Blackberry Farm this weekend for a getaway and it needs
to be at the top of everyone’s bucket list.
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
Coffee table books and skincare products are always at the top of my list. This year I’m asking for The Well Adorned Home by Cathy Kincaid and any product by Tata Harper, an all-natural, organic line
I’m obsessed with.
Favorite hostess gift
A copy of one of my books of course! 😉 Seriously though, as cliche as it has become, I think every hostess appreciates a beautiful candle. I have so many holiday favorites but I especially love Diptyque Cypress this time of year.
Best Stocking Stuffers
My family is hard to surprise so I like to hunt for stocking stuffers that are practical things they didn’t even know they needed like a telescoping magnetic pick up tool. I also love this inspiring notebook as a little gift.
Gift ideas for children
My sister, Kari, has a beautiful children’s boutique that specializes in traditional styles and is also stocked with darling toys. I make my list and shop at JoJoMommy.com for all of the little ones on my list! For the boys, I love her craft kits and wooden boats and for the girls, her wooden dollhouses and fairy wands are always a hit. I always give a “My First Bible” to my friends with little ones too!
Gifts for pets
Zeus needs a new coat so I’m on the hunt for one this year. Don’t laugh but I just ordered a coat that has a matching “Kompanion” Vest for me! 🙂 I also want to order him one of these Alpine Dog Collars!
Gifts for significant other
A leather folder with a marquetry motif from Moynat
What is at the top of your personal wishlist?
Anything from KRB or apt ware from La Tuile a Loupe.
Whew, I think that just about checks off every single thing off my gift list for this year… including several treats for myself! 🙂 I hope you enjoyed this year’s Holiday Gift Guide! If you are still looking for ideas, you might check out last year’s Gift Guides for further inspiration:
- THE ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE FOR HER
- HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM
- 50 MERRY MANTELS AND 200 STOCKING STUFFERS
- 35 CHRISTMAS KITCHENS AND 55 HOSTESS GIFT IDEAS
- CLASSIC CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CHILDREN
Merry, Merry!
What Does Your Silver Pattern Say About You?
One of my favorite things to do as we enter the holiday season is to polish my silver in preparation for family dinners and parties. As I set about this annual task, I couldn’t help but think about “The Twelve Patterns of the Southern Silver Zodiac” as humorously defined by A Southern Bell Primer: Why Princess Margaret Will Never Be a Kappa Kappa Gamma. The Glam Pad featured “the Zodiac” in 2014, and it has been one of the most popular posts to date. So I thought it would be timely to revisit the Zodiac and share a secret resource… Hands down, the best place to purchase silver is eBay!
According to the tongue-in-cheek book, A Southern Bell Primer: Why Princess Margaret Will Never Be a Kappa Kappa Gamma, “some people are born with silver spoons – Southern belles are born with silver patterns.” My family’s silver pattern is Grande Baroque by Wallace, and my Grandmother began my collection when I turned 13. She would always give me place settings and serving pieces for Christmas and birthdays, and while I probably didn’t appreciate it as a young girl as much as I should have, my collection of Grande Baroque is now one of my most cherished possessions.
A Southern Belle Primer goes on to say that we “Southerners are quite committed to silver patterns. We look at the silver selection as closely as some others may study the horoscope. When a girl picks Grande Baroque at age 11, she hasn’t just decided how to set her table, she’s charted her course for life.” Now I don’t know about all of that, but I do find “The Twelve Patterns of the Southern Silver Zodiac” quite amusing…
1. Francis I, Reed and Barton: The Belle who chooses Francis I is a girl who wants it all. There are 28 pieces of fruit just on the knife handle. It’s showy and opulent and so is she. A Francis I girl is likely to want a husband, children, a place on the board of the Junior League, and a full-time career. There is no end to what she can achieve, just as there is no end to what she can buy in the Francis I pattern. It comes with pickle forks, tomato forks, shrimp forks, lobster forks, grapefruit spoons, dessert spoons, ice cream spoons, even half olive spoons. Francis I girls are always compatible with mothers-in-law who have Grande Baroque or Burgundy. Their styles are similar.
2. Grande Baroque, Wallace International: This is Francis I with roses instead of fruit. Grande Baroque girls also have a sense of the dramatic. But they often also have a literary bent. That’s why you can buy a sterling silver bookmark in the Grande Baroque pattern. Grande Baroque girls often date boys whose families have the Acorn pattern. But they don’t marry them. It’s just a youthful rebellion.
3. Burgundy, Reed and Barton: This is Francis I without the fruit. Burgundy girls tend to be somewhat shy. They have dreams of being splashy, but they just can’t let go. Louisiana girls love Burgundy. It shows up on a lot of tables during Mardi Gras. They do well with friends who have Buttercup. They are not made to feel too competitive.
4. Rose Point, Wallace International: Old-fashioned girls pick this pattern. It’s very popular with girls named Rose. Sentimental mothers who have chosen patterns like Old Master and Eloquence sometimes name their daughters Rose just so they can have a legacy all their own.
5. Buttercup, Gorham: Belles who choose Buttercup are always cheerful. They even choose the pattern because it’s so uplifting. Buttercup girls have friends with every kind of pattern. They are usually followers rather than leaders, but they are so upbeat it really doesn’t matter.
6. Chantilly, Gorham: Belles with Chantilly tend to be a bit prissy. They do best with men whose mothers also have Chantilly. Never put a Chantilly girl with a man whose mother has Francis I or Grande Baroque. They will always be upstaged. Don’t let all that sweetness fool you. Chantilly girls were often fast in high school.
7. Strasbourg, Gorham: Strasbourg girls are traditionalists and just a bit formal. As good Southern girls, they are entranced with anything that’s festive and use their good silver almost all the time. Southern men love girls who pick Strasbourg because when Strasbourg girls bring out the good silver, they also bring out the good food. They don’t mix well with boys whose mothers have Buttercup. They will both always fight for control.
8. Acorn, Georg Jensen: Beware of the Acorn girl. This pattern is lovely but foreign (it comes from Denmark). Girls who pick Acorn are rebellious. They march in parades and sometimes have been known to go to colleges in the East and drink beer straight from the can.
9. Old Master, Towle: Old Master girls have spirit but don’t drift too far from tradition. Because of this they are fiercely attached to their family heirlooms. One Texas Belle got 30 place settings of her groom’s grandmother’s Old Master as a wedding gift. When she got a divorce, she took her husband to court over the Old Master and let him keep the Cadillac without a whimper.
10. Eloquence, Lunt: Eloquence girls like nice things. They expect their husbands to provide. They are extremely loyal whether it’s a boyfriend, a best friend, or a pet. Because of this they get along well with more flighty girls who have Francis I or Grand Baroque.
11. Chrysanthemum, Tiffany: These girls have been known to turn up their noses at Francis I girls. The Chrysanthemums are just as flamboyant and just as demanding. They also usually have a lot more money to spend. Their husbands have to be good providers because they also insist on Tiffany crystal and Tiffany china. This is a relatively new pattern compared to some of the others. Girls with Chrysanthemum sometimes go really wild and live in avant-garde homes. But don’t worry, they still cut the crusts off their tea sandwiches and their daughters always get good recommendations to Kappa, Theta, and Pi Phi.
12. Repousse, Kirk: Repousse is one of the oldest silver patterns. Repousse girls often have mothers and grandmothers who also have Repousse. One Charleston woman explains every woman in her family for three generations chose Repousse. Then her son married a woman who didn’t even have a silver pattern.The mother-in-law insisted she pick something out and had relatives fill in the place settings. When the new bride completely bypassed Repousse by calling it “too fussy,” the mother-in-law knew the marriage wouldn’t last. And it didn’t.
Do you have a silver pattern? If not, it is never too late to start your collection, and eBay is the best resource! You can fill in your existing flatware pattern, find discontinued patterns, hunt for beautiful old monograms, or begin a silver collection from scratch. If you don’t mind purchasing estate (pre-owned), prices are a fraction of a fraction of retail! (My tips are below…) I have added to my Grande Baroque collection over the years, and personally, I prefer estate over new. 🙂
You simply must read A Southern Bell Primer: Why Princess Margaret Will Never Be a Kappa Kappa Gamma, written in 1990 by the late Marlyn Schwartz, former columnist for The Dallas Morning News. It is full of wise words on the importance of charm, hair spray, the Junior League, sororities, thank you notes, finger bowls, chicken salad, iced tea, deviled egg plates, and much more. An updated version, A Southern Belle Primer: Why Paris Hilton Will Never Be a Kappa Kappa Gamma, was released in 2006. With the rise of “Grandmillennial Style,” perhaps we can keep some of these “old-fashioned” traditions alive for generations to come.
Here are a few great eBay silver finds!
Tips for buying silver flatware on eBay:
- Check out the seller’s rating: You always want to make sure you are buying from a trustworthy source. If the seller has relatively few ratings, that can still be OK… Sometimes individual sellers will pop up while liquidating family estates, and often you get better prices from this way. Just ask lots of questions!
- Always ask questions: When buying estate silver, I always want to know specific details about the condition. Before purchasing, I ask the seller if the silver has any pitting, dents/dings, black spots, or other damage. All estate silver will have light scratching from normal use, but you want to make sure there isn’t anything more serious than that. You also need to be careful when purchasing tarnished silver. Tarnish can actually cause damage, so sometimes you don’t know exactly what you are getting. I have purchased tarnished silver pieces that polished up beautifully, but I have also purchased some that did not. I usually won’t purchase heavily tarnished silver for this reason, but if you communicate with the seller in advance, often they will work with you by polishing in advance, or by allowing returns.
- Look for a return policy: Sometimes people have different definitions of what constitutes “normal use.” I am pretty picky, which is why I always ask lots of questions. Only once did I receive flatware that didn’t quite live up to my standards. Fortunately, it was from a reputable seller who allowed returns.
- Know your measurements! Many silver patterns (like Grande Baroque and Francis I) are available in “luncheon” and “dinner” sizes. If you are adding to your collection, you will want to make sure your measurements are correct.
- Dig for treasures: Sometimes you have to do a little digging to find exactly what you are looking for at the best price, but it is worth it!
Sadly, silver flatware is currently undervalued, so now is a great time to buy. For example, this beautiful 71-piece set of Rose point is just over $1,300… new, a single 5-piece place setting is $875! Perfect timing for upcoming holiday festivities!
This post was sponsored by eBay but all opinions are my own.
