December 2, 2025 • 45 mins
In this festive episode of Boulevard Beat, Meghan and Krissa unwrap their favorite things to give and get this holiday season. From design-forward treasures to chic wardrobe staples and thoughtful local finds, this curated guide is all about elevating the art of gifting. Whether you’re shopping for the entertainer, the style lover, the homebody, or the hard-to-buy-for, we share pieces that feel personal, intentional, and joyful. Plus, we talk about why supporting local makers and small businesses adds meaning to every gift.
Grab your list, pour a cozy drink, and get ready to discover the precious present of giving well.
Street Style Takeaways:
Save 15% site wide at www.houseofblum.com with promo code beat15!
Or you can use this link- https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15!
Connect with the Hosts https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/
Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/
Connect with House of Blum https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/
Connect with Krissa Rossbund. https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/
Connect with Liz Lidgett https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgett/
Episode Website https://www.blvdbeat.com/about
Grab your list, pour a cozy drink, and get ready to discover the precious present of giving well.
Street Style Takeaways:
- Thoughtful > Trendy:
Gifts that reflect personal style or home life will always feel more meaningful than a last-minute impulse buy. - Support Local When You Can:
Shopping from local boutiques, artists, and makers brings soul to your gift list — and supports your community in the process. - Quality Shows:
Investing in well-made pieces (even small ones) elevates a gift from ordinary to lasting. - Gifts Should Tell a Story:
A little note about why you chose something makes the moment feel even more special. - Curate With Intention:
Think in categories — décor, entertaining, self-care, fashion, and home essentials — to build a well-rounded, stress-free gift list.
Save 15% site wide at www.houseofblum.com with promo code beat15!
Or you can use this link- https://houseofblum.com/discount/beat15!
Connect with the Hosts https://www.instagram.com/boulevardbeatpodcast/
Connect with Meghan Blum Interiors https://www.instagram.com/meghanbluminteriors/
Connect with House of Blum https://www.instagram.com/shophouseofblum/
Connect with Krissa Rossbund. https://www.instagram.com/krissa_rossbund/
Connect with Liz Lidgett https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgett/
Episode Website https://www.blvdbeat.com/about
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Welcome to boulevard Beat, a podcast we're life and style intersect.
I'm designer Megan Bloom along with my co hosts, editor
Chrissa Rossbund and gallery owner Liz Legit. This podcast focuses
on the daily highlights instead of the hustle, interviews with
taste makers, and personal conversations on how to highlight achievable
style you con stroll one street at a time, boulevard
(00:28):
Beat proves the one you should take.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Well.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
CHRISA.
Speaker 4 (00:34):
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us,
and one of the best parts of the season is
gift giving, as I love to do and I know
you do. We've talked about this several times, so I
thought it would be fun to just share some of
our favorite things and what we're looking forward to giving
and getting this year.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Yes, tis the season.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
My email, social media, all of it has been flooded
with Black Friday sales, as it turns out, not really
just a Black Friday Day.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
It's evidently weak month.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
So I know, definitely it makes you feel like you
need to like stop what you're doing just to kind
of hop on those those shopping sprees, for sure, But
I also think it's really important to being a small
business owner and a small boutique owner. I have a
retail storefront, but just the importance of shopping small and
shopping local and supporting all those small mom and pop
(01:24):
stores and just buying a little more personal versus feeling
like you need to go to the big internet for
things as well.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
It's so true, and I feel like they are all
sorts of great feelings that come with the holidays when
you're supporting different charitable organizations and giving to that special
someone who you are gifting. But to support a local business,
I think that's a really feel good moment too. It's
a smart way to shop. You can have it right then,
whatever you're looking for. And you know, I think that
(01:55):
it's so great that the conversation about small business has
really exploded in the last you know, I'll say even
decade that certainly every year we go about it, people
are more and more inclined to shop locally. And I
think that that's wonderful, and you know, a goal that
everybody should have when all of the big box retailers
are coming at you aggressively, just to consider buying a
(02:17):
few things if you can't do it all locally.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
I definitely agree. And you know that I've seen memes
before too when they say it's a small business owner
doing a happy dance behind every order, and it truly is.
You know, knowing that things that you've curated and pulled
together as great gifts and that they have a good
home is a wonderful feeling. My daughter was just in
the Nutcracker here this last weekend and I needed I
wanted to get our a little special surprise for being
(02:42):
in it, and I ran down to a couple of
our local businesses and it just was so pleasantly reminded
of why we have such good shopping and just the
mix that those stores bring and being able to support
them well.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
And don't you love when you buy local.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
There's always that experience at the red when they're putting
it in a bag and they're wrapping it with the
tissue paper and slapping a little sticker on it. It
really is a tactile experience that's so different than coming
in the cardboard box that gets dumped on your doorstep.
Speaker 4 (03:16):
Yeah, you bring up a great point, and that's so
true because the woman checking me out was asking me
about my weekend plans, and she offered some good advice
to me as well of like where else to stop
and shop, and it was yeah, that connection we all
want with people. Well, let's dive in it. What's one
of your favorite things you're excited to be giving this year?
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Everything on my list is something I want to receive
and give. So I think this episode is definitely both
sides of Santa. But I think that the holidays are
all about fragrance. We have all of the wonderful aromas
that are coming from the kitchen during this time of
year when we're baking and making that delicious soup to
keep us warm, fragrances. I love to wear fragrances and
(04:02):
I love candles, So I approach this first from Look,
I've had this fragrance for years, the Baccara Rouge five
point forty. It's divine at every level, so I love that.
But I'm on this kick, and I think I may
have said this in a podcast episode before, I'm on
this rose kick right now, where I just think that
(04:25):
a rose scent it's nostalgic and it sort of reminds
me of my grandmother, but it's also it's just classic.
The scent of a rose is so just elegant. It's simple,
and it's classic and beautiful just on its own. So
Santa Maria Novella is a purveyor of fragrances that is
based in Florence and they sell in the States too,
(04:47):
And so I think something that I would love to
give somebody is either the rose fragrance if I know
that they're a fragrance where or the accompanying scent it
comes in candle form. That's the Rosa Novella, which is
sort of their signature. And I just think it's super
pretty and timeless and good.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
For all year round.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
And I will say in the fragrance world now, a
lot of the luxury makers are making these wax forms
that are just hang from a doorknob or you can
hang it, and they're so pungent and they give off
the fragrance. So sometimes if you you know, we've talked
about this before, but if you have little ones or
just don't want the fire hazard, if you can forget
(05:30):
to blow out the candles, which would be me sometimes
that can be a nice option, or just to hang
in a bathroom or something like that. And I also
like the idea of if you know that somebody loves
fragrance and travels a lot, and if you know what
they love specifically, a travel version of a fragrance is
always nice or a little the little atomizer, I think well.
Speaker 4 (05:53):
And one of the great things too about fragrances, especially
even in candles, is they've really up their game on
the present. Take the way they're presented and just how
they can look on the counter or on a coffee
table are just as glamorous as the sense themselves. And
I love that that you not only get the beauty
of the light, but also the beauty of just a
(06:14):
pretty canister.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Oh yes, the vessel game has certainly upped its game.
And then you have the dilemma when the candle is burned.
Do I keep this do I throw it away? I
have a collection of vessels that you know, they're black,
black glass that candles have come in, and I keep
those because you know, like I don't need them all
the time. But if you set a table and want
(06:36):
a little masculine hit, you've got those black containers, which
are kind of fun I.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
Know that's funny. I have that problem too, I do.
Sometimes we'll stick it in the freezer to get that
whack last of the wax out. I don't know if
you know that trick of just getting it emptied out
absolutely well, kind of along the lines of fragrance. One
of my favorite things to give and get really because
you can make it so personal as well too. Is
just a good, good coffee table book. There's nothing better.
(07:02):
I love love books. I love getting one that I've
never seen before or has lots of new, different things
inside of it. And I know we've spent several episodes
talking about books and just the joy they bring and
how we use them in design, but I think it's
just a really personal way to be able to knowing
(07:24):
somebody's hobbies and what they they love to do or
cook or enjoy, and being able to give them a
book that they can sit through and enjoy. And I
think it's one of those things too that you also
you can have it sitting down your coffee table and
then think of the person that gave it to you,
or it's something that you can you know, it's not
just a one and done thing. It's something that you
(07:46):
can enjoy for years to come and have around for
a long time.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
I agree.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
I mean, a book is always a beautiful gift, and
you know you can make it so personable because there's
a book on every subject, so hobby, if somebody loves cookbooks, whatever,
whatever it is, you can find a book that relates
to that. A little tip that I always have, it's
sort of a must if I'm giving a book to somebody,
(08:12):
is to make sure that I write in the book.
You know, I just think it's important and personalizes it further,
to make note of the reason the occasion that you're celebrating,
whether it's a birthday right now, we're talking about the holidays,
a simple Merry Christmas, Happy holidays. But I just think
it's important to write in that book and have that
memory and the note and look, then you don't have
(08:35):
to buy a card.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
I love that. That is such a personal way and
a nice touch to add to that. That's a great
tip and kind of also another little personalized thing too
along the lines with books that I saw and was
going to get for my kids is it's called the
Big Book for Little Artists. And it's kind of cool
because it looks like a coffee table book. You know,
(08:57):
it's thick, it's you know, got to fix it looks
pretty on the outside, but then you can stack in
the kids's art on the inside because they love to
look back through and look at stuff that they've made.
And it's a great idea for grandparents or something too.
And then it still looks nice presentation on a coffee
table or somewhere, but then it also can be something
that you can open it up and enjoy the little
(09:19):
momentos of your little artist inside of it as well.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
I love that idea, And just along those lines again,
we're sort of hovering on books for a moment. But
anything like that that is bound like a book, I
think is just so smart to keep ticket stubs, although
I don't know it's hard to get ticket stubs anymore.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
They make you put tickets on their phone. It's ridiculous.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
But anything like that, I just think that it's just
a nice It's nice to have it bound because it's
like in a pretty little package and you can stack
it on ashelf or a coffee table, and it's just
really nice. Something I like to do too, after a
trip that I take with somebody is to buy a
book and then again write a note about that trip
(10:04):
and just make note of you know, a handful of
the places that you visited and a memory or two.
It's just a nice memory of something that's different than
a picture that sometimes you know, the pictures unfortunately, sometimes
there's not as much surprise with a photograph anymore, just
because we have our phones and you know, there's no
(10:25):
we don't run out of room ever anymore. So the
pictures are always sort of there and immediate. But I
think a book is a nice recap of something too
that you can get at the holidays.
Speaker 4 (10:35):
It's a fun momento too of just adding that touch
inside of the book too.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Great idea, So, Megan, something I think that sometimes people
forget during the holidays when they're trying to think of gifts,
our Christmas decorations in and of themselves.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
You know, it's funny because.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
You scroll on Instagram and there are all of these
memes oftentimes women.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
I know that I know men who love.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
Christmas as well, but you know there's all of the
haha moments about us women who perhaps have a problem
buying too many Christmas decorations, And I just think it's
part of Christmas. And what makes Christmas decorations so special
is because you don't have them out all year, so
(11:21):
every year when you open that box and start bringing
out all of those pieces, either from your childhood, it's
a memory. Every Christmas decoration is a memory if you
bought it yourself, but certainly if it's been gifted to you.
So I just want to make sure that people don't
especially if you are going to somebody's home and need
a host as gift. And ornament is a lovely idea
(11:43):
for a gift because it's just it's something that you
are reminded of annually, and you know, if they have
a tree, they need ornaments to put on it. So
I will say to not forget Christmas decorations for people
who you know who love them.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
And along that line, trees.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
I fell in love with the Simon Piers hand blown
glass trees years ago and I have a really great
collection of them. They're beautiful, They're substantial and heavy and gorgeous.
But since then, so many other brands have come out
(12:22):
with trees that are collectible, and you can even find
beautiful trees that are more affordable as well. But what
I like about the tree is that can stay up
past Christmas sort of all year round really if you want,
but certainly throughout the winter season. It's great to have
little collections of trees. So I feel like, you know,
if it's somebody you know who has started a tree
(12:43):
collection already, or if you want to start one for them,
if it's somebody you know who you're going to see
year after year, that consider a tree which isn't necessarily
tied to the holiday specifically.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
And that's a great idea too, because you never know.
Sometimes people like don't like sand clauses, which I don't
understand how because I have the most wide collection of
those and love collecting them. But it's a little more
nondescript too. And I like your just the glass idea
too because it can add a little glisten and just
glow in the sunlight in those winter months too. That's
(13:18):
just pretty all on its own too, So I think
that's a great idea. I usually sometimes will do like
teach your gifts with an ornament and a few other things,
just a great way just to bring in a little
bit of that holiday beauty into the home.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
I like giving a nutcracker too, but I will admit
to this, I'm a bit of a nutcracker snob because.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
They have to be German made. Yeah, I think the
nutcrackers that come from elsewhere, I just don't get it.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
So anyway, another thing along the line of trees and
Christmas is a beautiful And I know that candles come
up all the time when it comes to gift giving,
but either from dip tie or times, their pine sense
are just so delicious again bringing that element of the
holidays into a home, and you know, gifting it without screaming,
(14:05):
but just a really lovely pine scented candle is nice.
Speaker 4 (14:08):
It's definitely. Yeah. I've got the pine on my kitchen
island right now too. And my husband is that outdoorsman,
is like, we could have this all year long. He
just loves that smell. But obviously I won't be allowing
that one, but yes, definitely, well, Chris. One of my
favorite things on gift giving is also kind of a
little bit more on the personalization as well too. Is
(14:29):
I love to be able to think of anything that
I can monogram or just have it be a little
extra special for someone, assuming I'm on top of the
ball enough to get it ordered early enough that I'm
not paying for rush delivery. Because I wanted to have
it monogrammed late December, especially this year, My parents have
gotten really into pickle ball, and so I decided to
do a pickleball racket cover for them and have their
(14:54):
monogram on it and some of their favorite colors. And
there's just so many neat designs that or have come
out on those different things, you know, So having that
specialized habit or hobby and then being able to personalize
it for them, I think is a great way to
add that element of thoughtfulness to it as well.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
Well. Anytime you can have something personalized, be it with
a monogram or initials or whatever you're doing, or even
a little symbol that somebody loves, I think that that
is it just elevates the situation. It shows that you
didn't do the last minute rush thing, which I am
guilty of so often. Yes, to monogram something and personalize something,
(15:36):
it evokes a sense of confidence that you really understand
that person, because in theory, if something is monogram it's
not going away like they're keeping it. And so there's
something just beyond the beauty of giving the gift is
the thought that goes behind it and just the implication
that this is something I want you to have forever
(15:57):
and really, you know, think of me when when you
use it. So along the lines of personalization, this is
a very specific gift, but it's something that can very
easily be personalized, and that is a card case. And
the reason I think about this is, you know, today
(16:19):
people don't necessarily need a large wallet. Nobody has checkbooks anymore,
and you don't really need that wide wallet that we
used to carry for really to accommodate a checkbook, and
and also currency, which I know men carry cash, but
(16:40):
I all of my girlfriends, I don't think any of
us carry cash.
Speaker 3 (16:46):
I have two dollars to my name.
Speaker 4 (16:48):
See what I have to do.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
So I think that what not everybody has yet is
a little case where they can just put some cards.
I'm gifting that to my mom this year for Christmas,
because she has all of these walls, and she said,
sometimes I don't need these. I don't really carry my
check book anymore, and so she hasn't bought that for herself.
(17:12):
So that's something that I'm going to give to her,
is just a little card case to a you know,
she does still carry some cash, but a little bit
of cash and a driver's license and a credit card.
You know, handbags have gotten a little smaller we're not
necessarily lugging those huge handbags anymore. So I think that's
a nice gift that you can also have monogram. And
(17:32):
the good news is my mom and I have this.
She named me, so we would have the same initial.
So someday I'll take that card case right back quick.
Speaker 4 (17:40):
Well, Chris, kind of one of the things that I
am also giving, but I'm hoping to receive as well too,
is I just love all of the Swede that's out
there right now. There are so many beautiful accessories in
the gloves with beautiful detailing in the suede versus just
having them plain leather, and even the handbags. I think
(18:01):
there's so many beautiful Swede handbags that just take you
wonderfully into the winter season and just bringing that textural
element into your fashion. I loving this return of the
Swede and excited to be giving some of those as well.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
Oh, Swede is a great material because it just it's
really anchored in the cold months. I mean, I think
the texture of Swede implies a time of year where
you want to cozy up and have a little roughness
and grit and warmth. So I'm for anything swayed, but
Swede falls into the bucket of me playing Santa for myself. Yes,
(18:44):
so yes, I'm afraid that if I buy something swayed
for somebody, one for you, one for me, well no,
usually what happens is I just keep that and then
go buy something else.
Speaker 3 (18:57):
So I don't know. Yeah, I'll try to.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
Get somebody swayed something that I'm not committing to that
something that I think is so fun in a way
to elevate the gift game literally is all of these
great looking, well designed games that are the elevated versions
of our competitive classics. I know that Majong is such
(19:23):
a thing right now, but aside from that, I'm thinking,
you know, decks of cards that come in a beautiful
leather or acrylic box, and those oftentimes.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
Can be monogrammed as well, so those are super special.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
But Rummy Cube and Monopoly and Scrabble and all of
those games, I think, when you know that a family
really loves to play games, you know, why not give
them the elevated version of that?
Speaker 3 (19:48):
And how special is that?
Speaker 2 (19:50):
To pull out Monopoly that's all acrylic with better colored
cash than the play money that comes in the obnoxious colors.
It's more I just think it's really really fun and
you can have it out all year, and I just
think that that's a really great thing. And then sometimes
I'm sure you've seen them, those bookshelf style games that
(20:12):
come they look like a book and they fold out
again of the classics of Monopoly and scrabble and checkers,
and they just they look like a book and they
fit on your bookshelf. I think those are really fun well.
Speaker 4 (20:22):
And it's nice too because so often they get stuck
in a closet or drawer and they're hard to get out,
and that this just makes it easy to grab on
an evening night to play or just to have out
and have it be part of your everyday use versus
forcing it to try and find the right spot for
it too. And I think games are a great gift
for people. I know when we were on a trip
(20:45):
this fall at the Grand Canyon and we stayed in
an outdoor adventure tent and they just had games because
they didn't obviously have TV's or anything. And we had
so much fun playing the family version of Cards of
Humanity with Victor. We played it both nights for like
an hour and a half, and it's one of the
things that I am going to give him because I
(21:06):
think the family in general would have fun playing it
together and just the randomness things you learn, and just
how you see their quirky side. Putting those words together.
Speaker 2 (21:16):
I thought about buying my twelve year old niece a
personalized because Mark and Graham does personalized Monopoly sets and
they're very beautiful and super chic, and she's at that
age where she wants everything fashionable. The problem is that
game never ends, yeah, and she wants to play all
the time, and I'm like, oh, I I'll encourage her
to play anymore because I get stuck. We all get
(21:39):
stuck playing Monopoly with Avery. But I also love that
when these games, to your point, games oftentimes get hidden
in a closet or a storage ottoman. But when it's
out all the time, if it's an actual design element,
I think it naturally keeps playing games and staying off
devices top of mind, not only for kids, for adults too,
(22:02):
because adults have bad device habits as well, and so
I think when it's just out in the open, it's
just right there in front of you, and it's like,
let's play checkers, let's play Monopoly. It's it's just right there,
and I think that that's better.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
You know.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
I think all of us are trying to or hopefully
trying to, you know, stay off our devices as much
as we can manage them well.
Speaker 4 (22:24):
And especially in these winter months when it's dark for
so long. I know, sometimes it's like we get done
with dinner. If it's a night we don't have any activities.
You know, it can be like six fifteen and you're like,
all right, now what And it's just to be able
to have a game to go to versus you know,
turning the TV on or doing something else. I think
creates so many great family memories as well too.
Speaker 3 (22:44):
I know they have these really great ones for Connect
four too.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Yes they don't rand them Connect four because they can't
for copyright purposes, but you know they call them four
in a row.
Speaker 3 (22:54):
But there's it's like, oh, that's so much better than
that all plastic yellow.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Contraction that I had as a kid that falls apart
and breaks.
Speaker 2 (23:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (23:03):
Yes, kind of fashion forward.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Two.
Speaker 4 (23:06):
This is one that I a couple of girls in
office we're talking about and I've thought about getting it
as well. The trend of those shoelace charms. I don't
know if you've seen them, but they go on your
like cute tennis shoes that you have, and they might
have an M or a B that you put on there,
or a cute little pearl or a little gem, and
(23:28):
it's not they're not like cheesy, cheesy like you put on,
but they're cute, I mean in a stylized way. And
so I just thought that was a fun trend right
now that it's a great gift idea too.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
Well, it seems that the Taylor Swift bracelets have now
transitioned to the to the foot to footwear megan something
else that I do feel like there is this hunger, yearning, desperation,
I don't know what you call it, for analog life,
and so I just think that it's so luxurious to
(24:01):
go to a meeting and pull out a paper journal
or a paper calendar, a date book. There's something just
so special about that. And so I think to gift
a beautiful date book to somebody that's leather, perhaps monogrammed
in a gorgeous pen or a gorgeous writing instrument is
(24:21):
I don't know. I think that people are just kind
of had it with all of the electronics and Look,
we're never going to abandon them completely, we know that,
but just embracing those moments when we can have something
that's not a device is memorable and much needed. And
you can do that with a pretty date book or
a notebook something like that.
Speaker 4 (24:42):
Well, and it's so fun too when you show up
to a meeting and someone pulls out a beautiful notebook
that has like a unique design or pattern or wants
you to learn more about it or just where they
got it, and the personality that comes along with that
as well.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
Well.
Speaker 3 (24:57):
Chris, one of the.
Speaker 4 (24:58):
Things that I always love to get when you're kind
of unsure what to give somebody or they have it
all is a beautiful, luxurious robe. Who doesn't love a
new one that's soft and cozy and just something to
cuddle your body when you get out of the shower
or on those winter nights when you are in your
lounge where. But having a nice robe, I think is
(25:19):
just really one of the beautiful luxuries of life. And
I love to cuddle up in mine and just get
nice and cozy, And I think it's a nice luxury
for someone else to give as well.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
I agree, and I'm going to expand on what you said.
I just think that there are so many of these buttery.
Speaker 3 (25:40):
Soft, so soft, cloudlike.
Speaker 2 (25:43):
Fabrics that feels so good on your skin, whether it's
a robe or pajamas or a lounge set. I do
not need another lounge set. I need that like another
hole in my head. I don't need that, and yet
I still find myself buying lounge sets and pajamas. But
(26:03):
that's exactly what I get into the moment I get
home and get out of my you know, fancy work
day clothes, is to get into those super soft lounge sets.
And I actually look forward to the cold specifically for
that reason, because in the summertime it's too hot and
you've got on your little clothes and you don't get
that comfort of warmth because you don't need it. And
(26:26):
where we live, you know, it's you know, ninety degrees
in you want to take things off, not put things on.
So I do specifically look forward to this time of
year to put on those wonderful lounge sets and have
the robe or the throw. So I think, you know,
when you find that great material just to give somebody
a moment of warmth and whatever category that is, whether
(26:47):
it's the robe, or the throw or the pajamas.
Speaker 3 (26:50):
Again, I just don't think we can get enough of
these things.
Speaker 4 (26:53):
Or even just slippers. I mean just the warmth of
a really nice soft like you said, like cloudlike. It
just feels so wonderful on your body to have those on.
Speaker 2 (27:02):
And I think especially because you know, and again where
we live in the Midwest, it's so cold and your
skin just always feels.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
Dry and parchment like.
Speaker 2 (27:11):
I don't care how much lotion ized slather on, it's
still so I just having those soft materials against your
skin is just so good.
Speaker 3 (27:18):
And Christal.
Speaker 4 (27:18):
One of my favorites too, I don't know if you
have a pair, is just ug slippers. They are so soft,
they're so warm. Sometimes my feet almost get too hot
in them, but they're one of my favorite things just
to wear around the house in those cold months.
Speaker 2 (27:32):
They're just my ug slippers too. They're just so good.
I had ug slippers since the very beginning. I don't know,
I'm on my third or fourth parent. They're just they're
really really great. Speaking of soft materials, this is something
that I don't think everybody has. And again this may
be geared a little more towards your female recipients. But
(27:55):
I think a silk pillowcase is so fantastic. We all
know maintains our blowout a little longer, and it's you know,
supposedly better for your skin. I don't know, but it's
just luxurious. And most people look, they don't have silk
or satin sheets. Those can be weird to sleep on sometimes,
but I think a pretty silk pillowcase is something that
(28:17):
people may not have thought to have bought for themselves
yet I feel like it's something that eventually everybody will have,
but I think it's safe to say at this point
not everybody has a silk set of pillowcases.
Speaker 4 (28:28):
So I love a good silk pillowcase. I think that it's,
like you said, a nice luxury and not something that
everybody would buy. So that's a great idea, Chris. So
one of the things. I know we've spent several episodes
talking about the trend of the portable lamp, but I
think that that's a really great thing to gift somebody
(28:49):
that really enjoys their home, their home life, or maybe
isn't designed savvy enough to know that they are so
trendy right now, but it's a great item to give
because people can use it really anywhere in their house.
And again, I think it's a fun way to give
somebody and show some personality and some pattern or color
(29:10):
or just a little natural material too. But they can
tuck on a bookcase or under their kitchen cabinets or
their dining table. But it's just a very universal gift.
Speaker 2 (29:20):
I love that idea and I didn't think of that
at all. I'm glad that you brought that up. I
think it's a great introduction to design for people who
I mean, we know about this, we're in the industry,
but not everybody does, and not everybody's into design, And
I think it's just a sweet, little special thing that
is really actually useful. It is, and you know, we've
(29:43):
already talked about the solution, the problem solving that goes
along with these. But I think that a lot of people,
if they were gifted this would be like, oh, I
didn't even know this existed, because the category sort of exploded.
Speaker 3 (29:55):
Out of nowhere. And I think that they would really
appreciate that.
Speaker 4 (29:59):
Yeah, and I don't feel like you're necessarily seen it
mass produced at some of the big box places yet not.
Speaker 3 (30:06):
Yet, not yet. That's a great idea. So you talked about.
Speaker 2 (30:10):
Portable lighting, and you know they tend to be smaller
in scale. Something that I'm going to bring up that
two is smaller in scale is a small piece of art.
And when I say small, I mean something that's like
eight by eight or ten by ten. We know that
it's sort of impossible, not impossible, but you really have
(30:31):
to know somebody's taste really well to ever buy a
piece of artwork for them because artwork is so personal,
and when you buy it on a large scale, with
large size, they may not have the room for it,
it may not be where they want to hang it.
There's so many variables. So I think that a small
piece of artwork a friend of mine, in fact, for
(30:54):
everybody who heard that episode, it was Sharon Lee Clark,
and she has now created this whole line line of
miniature art that sort of gives people a taste, a
taste of her artwork without committing to a piece that's
forty by forty or a significant piece that's original art.
And you know these are prints, and I just think,
(31:16):
you know, while you may not know somebody's art taste
at the larger scale, just to get a piece of
artwork that's original or a print that's on a smaller scale.
You can add it to a built in bookcase. You
could put it on an easel and have it on
your desk or a coffee table even or a console.
So it's a little piece of beauty without the commitment.
Speaker 4 (31:38):
Well, and I think you can always find a spot
for smaller pieces of artwork like you mentioned too, even
just the back of a bookcase or just underneath some cabinet,
tree or different things, or hang them in secondary rooms
or bathrooms. So it's a great spot to be able
to show a little bit of what you think their
interest is and what their style is, and be able
(31:59):
to have a little personality in that way too. So
and I mean, I'm a sucker for art, so I
would I would love to get a piece too, And
I think that's a great gifting idea well.
Speaker 2 (32:08):
And I think with small art too, it's really the
story behind the art. I mean, yes, you can be
attracted to something visually based on the color or what
the piece depicts, or you know, if it's an abstract,
just how the colors sort of swirl together, But once
you hear the story behind the art, what it signifies
what it represents, something special about the artists. Sometimes you
(32:29):
want that and you may not be attracted or may
not think you're attracted to the artwork itself until you
hear the story, and then it's so much more meaningful.
And so by gifting a little piece of an artist,
you're really giving you know the recipient and their story
as well, and their inspiration, not just how the color
(32:50):
lays on the on the canvas or whatever.
Speaker 3 (32:52):
The medium is.
Speaker 4 (32:53):
Well and similar to art. I know it's kind of
cliche too, but I also think giving a really nice,
beautiful picture frame is always a great gift idea, you know,
because especially if you fill it with a memory of
the last year you had together or something. There's one
of my favorites right now. We have a house of
bloom and it's just it's got little crystal balls all
(33:15):
the way around it and it just is really beautiful.
It's airy in the space. It actually also looks good
just laying flat, Like I have a glass coffee table
with a shelf underneath, and it looks good just laying
flat on top of a few coffee table books too underneath.
And like I said, I think it's just a very
easy and personal way to just share something like that
(33:38):
that you can have a little bit of different style
in the picture frame and like I said, just share
a memory of the last year together as a little
personal touch too well.
Speaker 2 (33:47):
And I think, again back to analog life, it encourages
somebody to go get a picture actually printed. I have
a million pictures and I have the best intentions to
go through them and actually print pictures.
Speaker 3 (33:59):
But it doesn't happen.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
It doesn't happen until I really really think about it.
So I think giving the gift of a frame, they say,
you're not supposed to gift a frame without a picture
in it, but if you do, I think it gives
people reason to go have a picture printed.
Speaker 4 (34:13):
Well and even personally christ So that's one of my
favorite things. I have several, probably like eight to ten
picture frames over the Christmas paths of my kids when
they were their first Christmas babies, little just the memories,
and it's one of my favorite things when I pull
up Christmas decorations is to look at them and be like,
you know, remembering back then, and it's a great way
(34:36):
of sharing those memories.
Speaker 2 (34:38):
So this sort of is in that same genre of
small decorative items. And I think I can't tell you
how many homes I go into for work, but then
I will put my acquaintances and friends and people I
know into this category. Two, how many people do not
have a beautiful vase to put flowers. I'm shocked, actually,
(35:01):
I'm really shocked. So often flowers, if their gifted, come
in those inexpensive, cheap dime store sorts of glass vases,
and people just throw those away or you know, take
them to goodwill or something like that. You know, then
there are ceramic vases if they're a little elevated. We
both know of a local floral artist who she only
(35:25):
uses ceramic vases. I'm talking about Maya, and she doesn't
use those awful glass vases, but all of her ceramic
faces are really great. But I think to have a
pretty little crystal vase, it's just timeless and it's not
something everybody has, and I'm kind of shocked. It's like, well,
didn't you get bass for your weddings? No, didn't register
for that or don't have them. So I think a
(35:47):
pretty vase to put flowers in and backup for that
too is a little ceramic tray. When I travel, especially
when I travel abroad and you go to Portugal or
Italy or Malta, these ps that are known for their ceramics.
It's sometimes if you just want to bring something small
home and you're not don't want to ship a large piece,
(36:09):
or you don't have room in your suitcase, just a
little small ceramic trinket tray is so lovely, and I think,
you know, it's a great thing if you are traveling.
They're usually not super expensive to buy a few and
have them in your gift closet. I have those all
over my house because if I take my jewelry off,
I at least know that they're contained and corralled within
(36:32):
a room. They're not just going to fall off of
a table. So I think little trinket trays are always great.
I know Mataheada makes beautiful ones, beautiful porcelain ones that have,
you know, beautiful little phrases on it. I wrote one
down that they have that reads, familiar acts are made
beautiful with love, and so you know, that's just sort
of I guess a different way to encourage kindness.
Speaker 3 (36:53):
But I just think that those.
Speaker 2 (36:55):
Are sweet and little memories of people. And again they're small,
without a big impact. I think a lot of times
people don't want more big stuff because you don't if they're.
Speaker 3 (37:04):
Gonna like it or not. But something like that is
not a huge commitment.
Speaker 4 (37:08):
I love those. Those are both very sweet and great
ideas too, and kind of even just back to the
vase conversation too, one of my favorite things to do,
even when I'm out antiquing, is a rose vase. I
think it's just absolutely beautiful. They come, you know, they're
smaller and just the roundness of them, and it's one
of the easiest ways to arrange flowers if you don't
(37:29):
feel like you're talented at all, Like you can put
some roses in, you know, this beautiful circular vase and
it looks fabulous. And what's pretty too, is they you know,
most often always have beautiful cut in the crystal or
the glass as well, just with unique designs.
Speaker 3 (37:46):
It's true, I think we should all bring a little
sparkle back into our lives. Yes, well, Chris.
Speaker 4 (37:50):
One of the things that I also have on my
list as well is I love right now just the
trend and all of the studs that are out there.
You see them on you see them on turtlenecks and
like gloves for the winter season and purses, and I
think it's just a really beautiful way to add that
(38:11):
little bit of unique texture and material into your fashion.
It's it's obviously very trendy right now, but I think
for that fashion friend that loves to always have one
of the things, I thought that that's a great gift
to give or to give for yourself as well.
Speaker 3 (38:28):
That is a great gift.
Speaker 2 (38:29):
I mean, I think that sometimes you know, we are
too practical when we think of gifts, and you know,
sometimes you need to be practical, but it's fun to
just again, I think that's something that is so on
trend right now and just that people don't necessarily.
Speaker 3 (38:44):
Think to buy for themselves.
Speaker 2 (38:46):
And maybe it's one of those things that you want
to buy for yourselves, you just haven't.
Speaker 3 (38:50):
Gotten there yet.
Speaker 2 (38:51):
It's like I'll do that next month, or I'll do
that after the sale season or whatever. So I think
too it's sort of a springboard for somebody to like,
I want to do this.
Speaker 4 (38:59):
And I even love like on the ballet flats they
have the little piece that goes across that has the
studs on it, so an easy way to kind of
dive into the trend without feeling like you're covered in.
Speaker 2 (39:11):
Studs everywhere as well for the fashionist to out there,
I think that is a really really smartkett. So Megan,
my last two I'm going to group together. I've said
it before, people have heard me say this a million times.
I'll keep saying it. I love to cook. I love
the kitchen, I love food, I love mastering. I'm not
(39:31):
cooking at the Michelin star level by any stretch of
the imagination. I'm really all about preparing simple food. Really well,
that's kind of my thing. But right now, what has
taken the place of olive oil are all of these
gourmet salts. Salts come in so many different flavors. There
(39:51):
are so many different purposes to the different types of salt,
and these really great colors. There's black salt and this
Hawaiian red salt and big flaky, chunky salt. So if
you know that somebody is a cook and loves to
be in the kitchen, my new gift to.
Speaker 3 (40:09):
Give instead of olive oil is salt.
Speaker 2 (40:13):
Which, oh and by the way, olive oil you cannot
take on a plane if it's up.
Speaker 3 (40:17):
If the container is too large. So the good thing
about salt is you can and I love salt. I
love salting.
Speaker 2 (40:26):
Every dish I have, and so that's going to be
something that I give to I have a few people
in my life who are cooks as well, and so
that's what they're getting this year, because I love anything
around a kitchen. Is always interesting for people who love
to be in the kitchen, and that's always very well
received in a crowd favorite. So salt is the new
(40:49):
olive oil to me.
Speaker 3 (40:50):
But I'll take olive oil.
Speaker 4 (40:51):
Too, definitely. Will you use the little containers or canisters
that you can just kind of have right by your
stove and just pinch them and or the salt in
or are you more a pig?
Speaker 2 (41:02):
Yes, thank you to the French for the salt pig.
Of course the French would come up with something thing
to put your your salt in. But yes, it is
called a salt pig. And I do have that next
to my stove. And then I have a little olive
wood one that I bought in Italy actually, and it
(41:23):
has a compartment for two, so I have those salts there.
So I'm very picky with my salt. Now, I won't
say picky. I'm intentional with my salt now when I
cook and having the different types of salts and finishing
salts for certain things. So that's my thing is I'm
(41:44):
into salt. My doctor need not worry.
Speaker 3 (41:46):
That I'm consuming much too much sugar because I'm consuming
too much salt as.
Speaker 2 (41:53):
And then the second thing I am going to attempt
to this year. I really love homemade things at Christmas time,
and I think so often. Look, everybody I know has
everything in the world and then some, and it can
be difficult to find the perfect gift for people because
we do, I think, and.
Speaker 3 (42:13):
I'm guilty of it myself.
Speaker 2 (42:14):
I see something, I go buy it, right, So Christmas
is a time that we naturally consume and support.
Speaker 3 (42:22):
The economy by buying.
Speaker 2 (42:23):
It all of the stores, and that's great, but I
think there is something really special about a homemade gift.
And likewise, this is another food related thing. For years,
I've been making salted caramels for people, which I love.
And the bad news about that is I make some,
I eat some, I make some, I eat some, And
(42:44):
because with baking, you kind of have to test as
you go, so there's that problem with that. So this
year My latest thing is butter. I'm making French butter
that has some herbs in it, and I do this
out of you know, you get whipping cream. It's very simple,
and you whip the whipping cream until it's no longer
(43:04):
whipping cream and it turns into butter. And so the
process is super simple. And that's what I'm going to attempt.
And I don't know anybody who doesn't like butter. So
regardless of whether they cook or not, they're getting butter
that will, you know, add a nice little delicious zest
to their toast or whatever it is there they need
(43:24):
butter for.
Speaker 4 (43:25):
Like you said, those homemade gifts, I think have a
nice touch and know that it didn't just wasn't just
something you thought thought of and bought quickly. It took
time for you out of your busy schedule to find
the time to do that too. And I think that's
it's similar. Like you know sometimes that those people that
you aren't ever sure of what to buy, it's nice
to buy in something that they maybe don't always take
(43:46):
the time for themselves. And if there's ways that you
can help do that, whether a massage or just a
little downtime for them, coffee date are always some nice
little options of just spending that time together too.
Speaker 2 (44:00):
Absolutely, Christmas is you know, we talk about new Years
and resolutions and things like that, but Christmas is definitely
a time to rethink. I think that's when we get
a little sentimental and it maybe rethink about how we
want to proceed in our busy, oftentimes overscheduled existences. And
(44:20):
you know, gift giving, it can trigger a memory, it
can create a new tradition, which is always fun, and
it just really shows the thought and the sentimental and
how much people mean to you. And that's always fun
to celebrate and to honor and to give gifts for
that reason.
Speaker 4 (44:40):
So well, Chris, it was fun to chat about this
today and share some of our favorite things. I hope
that some of our picks help spark ideas, simplify your
shopping list, or just make this season feel more inspired
for you.
Speaker 2 (44:54):
Yes, So Merry Christmas and happy gift giving to everybody.
Speaker 3 (44:58):
It's a process.
Speaker 4 (45:01):
Thank you for listening to this week's episode of Boulevard Beat.
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow along and leave
a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen
so you never miss an episode, and of course, follow
your hosts on Instagram at Megan bloom Interiors, at CHRISA. Rossbund,
and at Liz Legit. We'll be back next week as
we take a stroll down another boulevard
Welcome to boulevard Beat, a podcast we're life and style intersect.
I'm designer Megan Bloom along with my co hosts, editor
Chrissa Rossbund and gallery owner Liz Legit. This podcast focuses
on the daily highlights instead of the hustle, interviews with
taste makers, and personal conversations on how to highlight achievable
style you con stroll one street at a time, boulevard
(00:28):
Beat proves the one you should take.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Well.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
CHRISA.
Speaker 4 (00:34):
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us,
and one of the best parts of the season is
gift giving, as I love to do and I know
you do. We've talked about this several times, so I
thought it would be fun to just share some of
our favorite things and what we're looking forward to giving
and getting this year.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Yes, tis the season.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
My email, social media, all of it has been flooded
with Black Friday sales, as it turns out, not really
just a Black Friday Day.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
It's evidently weak month.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
So I know, definitely it makes you feel like you
need to like stop what you're doing just to kind
of hop on those those shopping sprees, for sure, But
I also think it's really important to being a small
business owner and a small boutique owner. I have a
retail storefront, but just the importance of shopping small and
shopping local and supporting all those small mom and pop
(01:24):
stores and just buying a little more personal versus feeling
like you need to go to the big internet for
things as well.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
It's so true, and I feel like they are all
sorts of great feelings that come with the holidays when
you're supporting different charitable organizations and giving to that special
someone who you are gifting. But to support a local business,
I think that's a really feel good moment too. It's
a smart way to shop. You can have it right then,
whatever you're looking for. And you know, I think that
(01:55):
it's so great that the conversation about small business has
really exploded in the last you know, I'll say even
decade that certainly every year we go about it, people
are more and more inclined to shop locally. And I
think that that's wonderful, and you know, a goal that
everybody should have when all of the big box retailers
are coming at you aggressively, just to consider buying a
(02:17):
few things if you can't do it all locally.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
I definitely agree. And you know that I've seen memes
before too when they say it's a small business owner
doing a happy dance behind every order, and it truly is.
You know, knowing that things that you've curated and pulled
together as great gifts and that they have a good
home is a wonderful feeling. My daughter was just in
the Nutcracker here this last weekend and I needed I
wanted to get our a little special surprise for being
(02:42):
in it, and I ran down to a couple of
our local businesses and it just was so pleasantly reminded
of why we have such good shopping and just the
mix that those stores bring and being able to support
them well.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
And don't you love when you buy local.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
There's always that experience at the red when they're putting
it in a bag and they're wrapping it with the
tissue paper and slapping a little sticker on it. It
really is a tactile experience that's so different than coming
in the cardboard box that gets dumped on your doorstep.
Speaker 4 (03:16):
Yeah, you bring up a great point, and that's so
true because the woman checking me out was asking me
about my weekend plans, and she offered some good advice
to me as well of like where else to stop
and shop, and it was yeah, that connection we all
want with people. Well, let's dive in it. What's one
of your favorite things you're excited to be giving this year?
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Everything on my list is something I want to receive
and give. So I think this episode is definitely both
sides of Santa. But I think that the holidays are
all about fragrance. We have all of the wonderful aromas
that are coming from the kitchen during this time of
year when we're baking and making that delicious soup to
keep us warm, fragrances. I love to wear fragrances and
(04:02):
I love candles, So I approach this first from Look,
I've had this fragrance for years, the Baccara Rouge five
point forty. It's divine at every level, so I love that.
But I'm on this kick, and I think I may
have said this in a podcast episode before, I'm on
this rose kick right now, where I just think that
(04:25):
a rose scent it's nostalgic and it sort of reminds
me of my grandmother, but it's also it's just classic.
The scent of a rose is so just elegant. It's simple,
and it's classic and beautiful just on its own. So
Santa Maria Novella is a purveyor of fragrances that is
based in Florence and they sell in the States too,
(04:47):
And so I think something that I would love to
give somebody is either the rose fragrance if I know
that they're a fragrance where or the accompanying scent it
comes in candle form. That's the Rosa Novella, which is
sort of their signature. And I just think it's super
pretty and timeless and good.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
For all year round.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
And I will say in the fragrance world now, a
lot of the luxury makers are making these wax forms
that are just hang from a doorknob or you can
hang it, and they're so pungent and they give off
the fragrance. So sometimes if you you know, we've talked
about this before, but if you have little ones or
just don't want the fire hazard, if you can forget
(05:30):
to blow out the candles, which would be me sometimes
that can be a nice option, or just to hang
in a bathroom or something like that. And I also
like the idea of if you know that somebody loves
fragrance and travels a lot, and if you know what
they love specifically, a travel version of a fragrance is
always nice or a little the little atomizer, I think well.
Speaker 4 (05:53):
And one of the great things too about fragrances, especially
even in candles, is they've really up their game on
the present. Take the way they're presented and just how
they can look on the counter or on a coffee
table are just as glamorous as the sense themselves. And
I love that that you not only get the beauty
of the light, but also the beauty of just a
(06:14):
pretty canister.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Oh yes, the vessel game has certainly upped its game.
And then you have the dilemma when the candle is burned.
Do I keep this do I throw it away? I
have a collection of vessels that you know, they're black,
black glass that candles have come in, and I keep
those because you know, like I don't need them all
the time. But if you set a table and want
(06:36):
a little masculine hit, you've got those black containers, which
are kind of fun I.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
Know that's funny. I have that problem too, I do.
Sometimes we'll stick it in the freezer to get that
whack last of the wax out. I don't know if
you know that trick of just getting it emptied out
absolutely well, kind of along the lines of fragrance. One
of my favorite things to give and get really because
you can make it so personal as well too. Is
just a good, good coffee table book. There's nothing better.
(07:02):
I love love books. I love getting one that I've
never seen before or has lots of new, different things
inside of it. And I know we've spent several episodes
talking about books and just the joy they bring and
how we use them in design, but I think it's
just a really personal way to be able to knowing
(07:24):
somebody's hobbies and what they they love to do or
cook or enjoy, and being able to give them a
book that they can sit through and enjoy. And I
think it's one of those things too that you also
you can have it sitting down your coffee table and
then think of the person that gave it to you,
or it's something that you can you know, it's not
just a one and done thing. It's something that you
(07:46):
can enjoy for years to come and have around for
a long time.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
I agree.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
I mean, a book is always a beautiful gift, and
you know you can make it so personable because there's
a book on every subject, so hobby, if somebody loves cookbooks, whatever,
whatever it is, you can find a book that relates
to that. A little tip that I always have, it's
sort of a must if I'm giving a book to somebody,
(08:12):
is to make sure that I write in the book.
You know, I just think it's important and personalizes it further,
to make note of the reason the occasion that you're celebrating,
whether it's a birthday right now, we're talking about the holidays,
a simple Merry Christmas, Happy holidays. But I just think
it's important to write in that book and have that
memory and the note and look, then you don't have
(08:35):
to buy a card.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
I love that. That is such a personal way and
a nice touch to add to that. That's a great
tip and kind of also another little personalized thing too
along the lines with books that I saw and was
going to get for my kids is it's called the
Big Book for Little Artists. And it's kind of cool
because it looks like a coffee table book. You know,
(08:57):
it's thick, it's you know, got to fix it looks
pretty on the outside, but then you can stack in
the kids's art on the inside because they love to
look back through and look at stuff that they've made.
And it's a great idea for grandparents or something too.
And then it still looks nice presentation on a coffee
table or somewhere, but then it also can be something
that you can open it up and enjoy the little
(09:19):
momentos of your little artist inside of it as well.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
I love that idea, And just along those lines again,
we're sort of hovering on books for a moment. But
anything like that that is bound like a book, I
think is just so smart to keep ticket stubs, although
I don't know it's hard to get ticket stubs anymore.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
They make you put tickets on their phone. It's ridiculous.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
But anything like that, I just think that it's just
a nice It's nice to have it bound because it's
like in a pretty little package and you can stack
it on ashelf or a coffee table, and it's just
really nice. Something I like to do too, after a
trip that I take with somebody is to buy a
book and then again write a note about that trip
(10:04):
and just make note of you know, a handful of
the places that you visited and a memory or two.
It's just a nice memory of something that's different than
a picture that sometimes you know, the pictures unfortunately, sometimes
there's not as much surprise with a photograph anymore, just
because we have our phones and you know, there's no
(10:25):
we don't run out of room ever anymore. So the
pictures are always sort of there and immediate. But I
think a book is a nice recap of something too
that you can get at the holidays.
Speaker 4 (10:35):
It's a fun momento too of just adding that touch
inside of the book too.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Great idea, So, Megan, something I think that sometimes people
forget during the holidays when they're trying to think of gifts,
our Christmas decorations in and of themselves.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
You know, it's funny because.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
You scroll on Instagram and there are all of these
memes oftentimes women.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
I know that I know men who love.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
Christmas as well, but you know there's all of the
haha moments about us women who perhaps have a problem
buying too many Christmas decorations, And I just think it's
part of Christmas. And what makes Christmas decorations so special
is because you don't have them out all year, so
(11:21):
every year when you open that box and start bringing
out all of those pieces, either from your childhood, it's
a memory. Every Christmas decoration is a memory if you
bought it yourself, but certainly if it's been gifted to you.
So I just want to make sure that people don't
especially if you are going to somebody's home and need
a host as gift. And ornament is a lovely idea
(11:43):
for a gift because it's just it's something that you
are reminded of annually, and you know, if they have
a tree, they need ornaments to put on it. So
I will say to not forget Christmas decorations for people
who you know who love them.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
And along that line, trees.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
I fell in love with the Simon Piers hand blown
glass trees years ago and I have a really great
collection of them. They're beautiful, They're substantial and heavy and gorgeous.
But since then, so many other brands have come out
(12:22):
with trees that are collectible, and you can even find
beautiful trees that are more affordable as well. But what
I like about the tree is that can stay up
past Christmas sort of all year round really if you want,
but certainly throughout the winter season. It's great to have
little collections of trees. So I feel like, you know,
if it's somebody you know who has started a tree
(12:43):
collection already, or if you want to start one for them,
if it's somebody you know who you're going to see
year after year, that consider a tree which isn't necessarily
tied to the holiday specifically.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
And that's a great idea too, because you never know.
Sometimes people like don't like sand clauses, which I don't
understand how because I have the most wide collection of
those and love collecting them. But it's a little more
nondescript too. And I like your just the glass idea
too because it can add a little glisten and just
glow in the sunlight in those winter months too. That's
(13:18):
just pretty all on its own too, So I think
that's a great idea. I usually sometimes will do like
teach your gifts with an ornament and a few other things,
just a great way just to bring in a little
bit of that holiday beauty into the home.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
I like giving a nutcracker too, but I will admit
to this, I'm a bit of a nutcracker snob because.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
They have to be German made. Yeah, I think the
nutcrackers that come from elsewhere, I just don't get it.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
So anyway, another thing along the line of trees and
Christmas is a beautiful And I know that candles come
up all the time when it comes to gift giving,
but either from dip tie or times, their pine sense
are just so delicious again bringing that element of the
holidays into a home, and you know, gifting it without screaming,
(14:05):
but just a really lovely pine scented candle is nice.
Speaker 4 (14:08):
It's definitely. Yeah. I've got the pine on my kitchen
island right now too. And my husband is that outdoorsman,
is like, we could have this all year long. He
just loves that smell. But obviously I won't be allowing
that one, but yes, definitely, well, Chris. One of my
favorite things on gift giving is also kind of a
little bit more on the personalization as well too. Is
(14:29):
I love to be able to think of anything that
I can monogram or just have it be a little
extra special for someone, assuming I'm on top of the
ball enough to get it ordered early enough that I'm
not paying for rush delivery. Because I wanted to have
it monogrammed late December, especially this year, My parents have
gotten really into pickle ball, and so I decided to
do a pickleball racket cover for them and have their
(14:54):
monogram on it and some of their favorite colors. And
there's just so many neat designs that or have come
out on those different things, you know, So having that
specialized habit or hobby and then being able to personalize
it for them, I think is a great way to
add that element of thoughtfulness to it as well.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
Well. Anytime you can have something personalized, be it with
a monogram or initials or whatever you're doing, or even
a little symbol that somebody loves, I think that that
is it just elevates the situation. It shows that you
didn't do the last minute rush thing, which I am
guilty of so often. Yes, to monogram something and personalize something,
(15:36):
it evokes a sense of confidence that you really understand
that person, because in theory, if something is monogram it's
not going away like they're keeping it. And so there's
something just beyond the beauty of giving the gift is
the thought that goes behind it and just the implication
that this is something I want you to have forever
(15:57):
and really, you know, think of me when when you
use it. So along the lines of personalization, this is
a very specific gift, but it's something that can very
easily be personalized, and that is a card case. And
the reason I think about this is, you know, today
(16:19):
people don't necessarily need a large wallet. Nobody has checkbooks anymore,
and you don't really need that wide wallet that we
used to carry for really to accommodate a checkbook, and
and also currency, which I know men carry cash, but
(16:40):
I all of my girlfriends, I don't think any of
us carry cash.
Speaker 3 (16:46):
I have two dollars to my name.
Speaker 4 (16:48):
See what I have to do.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
So I think that what not everybody has yet is
a little case where they can just put some cards.
I'm gifting that to my mom this year for Christmas,
because she has all of these walls, and she said,
sometimes I don't need these. I don't really carry my
check book anymore, and so she hasn't bought that for herself.
(17:12):
So that's something that I'm going to give to her,
is just a little card case to a you know,
she does still carry some cash, but a little bit
of cash and a driver's license and a credit card.
You know, handbags have gotten a little smaller we're not
necessarily lugging those huge handbags anymore. So I think that's
a nice gift that you can also have monogram. And
(17:32):
the good news is my mom and I have this.
She named me, so we would have the same initial.
So someday I'll take that card case right back quick.
Speaker 4 (17:40):
Well, Chris, kind of one of the things that I
am also giving, but I'm hoping to receive as well too,
is I just love all of the Swede that's out
there right now. There are so many beautiful accessories in
the gloves with beautiful detailing in the suede versus just
having them plain leather, and even the handbags. I think
(18:01):
there's so many beautiful Swede handbags that just take you
wonderfully into the winter season and just bringing that textural
element into your fashion. I loving this return of the
Swede and excited to be giving some of those as well.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
Oh, Swede is a great material because it just it's
really anchored in the cold months. I mean, I think
the texture of Swede implies a time of year where
you want to cozy up and have a little roughness
and grit and warmth. So I'm for anything swayed, but
Swede falls into the bucket of me playing Santa for myself. Yes,
(18:44):
so yes, I'm afraid that if I buy something swayed
for somebody, one for you, one for me, well no,
usually what happens is I just keep that and then
go buy something else.
Speaker 3 (18:57):
So I don't know. Yeah, I'll try to.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
Get somebody swayed something that I'm not committing to that
something that I think is so fun in a way
to elevate the gift game literally is all of these
great looking, well designed games that are the elevated versions
of our competitive classics. I know that Majong is such
(19:23):
a thing right now, but aside from that, I'm thinking,
you know, decks of cards that come in a beautiful
leather or acrylic box, and those oftentimes.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
Can be monogrammed as well, so those are super special.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
But Rummy Cube and Monopoly and Scrabble and all of
those games, I think, when you know that a family
really loves to play games, you know, why not give
them the elevated version of that?
Speaker 3 (19:48):
And how special is that?
Speaker 2 (19:50):
To pull out Monopoly that's all acrylic with better colored
cash than the play money that comes in the obnoxious colors.
It's more I just think it's really really fun and
you can have it out all year, and I just
think that that's a really great thing. And then sometimes
I'm sure you've seen them, those bookshelf style games that
(20:12):
come they look like a book and they fold out
again of the classics of Monopoly and scrabble and checkers,
and they just they look like a book and they
fit on your bookshelf. I think those are really fun well.
Speaker 4 (20:22):
And it's nice too because so often they get stuck
in a closet or drawer and they're hard to get out,
and that this just makes it easy to grab on
an evening night to play or just to have out
and have it be part of your everyday use versus
forcing it to try and find the right spot for
it too. And I think games are a great gift
for people. I know when we were on a trip
(20:45):
this fall at the Grand Canyon and we stayed in
an outdoor adventure tent and they just had games because
they didn't obviously have TV's or anything. And we had
so much fun playing the family version of Cards of
Humanity with Victor. We played it both nights for like
an hour and a half, and it's one of the
things that I am going to give him because I
(21:06):
think the family in general would have fun playing it
together and just the randomness things you learn, and just
how you see their quirky side. Putting those words together.
Speaker 2 (21:16):
I thought about buying my twelve year old niece a
personalized because Mark and Graham does personalized Monopoly sets and
they're very beautiful and super chic, and she's at that
age where she wants everything fashionable. The problem is that
game never ends, yeah, and she wants to play all
the time, and I'm like, oh, I I'll encourage her
to play anymore because I get stuck. We all get
(21:39):
stuck playing Monopoly with Avery. But I also love that
when these games, to your point, games oftentimes get hidden
in a closet or a storage ottoman. But when it's
out all the time, if it's an actual design element,
I think it naturally keeps playing games and staying off
devices top of mind, not only for kids, for adults too,
(22:02):
because adults have bad device habits as well, and so
I think when it's just out in the open, it's
just right there in front of you, and it's like,
let's play checkers, let's play Monopoly. It's it's just right there,
and I think that that's better.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
You know.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
I think all of us are trying to or hopefully
trying to, you know, stay off our devices as much
as we can manage them well.
Speaker 4 (22:24):
And especially in these winter months when it's dark for
so long. I know, sometimes it's like we get done
with dinner. If it's a night we don't have any activities.
You know, it can be like six fifteen and you're like,
all right, now what And it's just to be able
to have a game to go to versus you know,
turning the TV on or doing something else. I think
creates so many great family memories as well too.
Speaker 3 (22:44):
I know they have these really great ones for Connect
four too.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Yes they don't rand them Connect four because they can't
for copyright purposes, but you know they call them four
in a row.
Speaker 3 (22:54):
But there's it's like, oh, that's so much better than
that all plastic yellow.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Contraction that I had as a kid that falls apart
and breaks.
Speaker 2 (23:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (23:03):
Yes, kind of fashion forward.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Two.
Speaker 4 (23:06):
This is one that I a couple of girls in
office we're talking about and I've thought about getting it
as well. The trend of those shoelace charms. I don't
know if you've seen them, but they go on your
like cute tennis shoes that you have, and they might
have an M or a B that you put on there,
or a cute little pearl or a little gem, and
(23:28):
it's not they're not like cheesy, cheesy like you put on,
but they're cute, I mean in a stylized way. And
so I just thought that was a fun trend right
now that it's a great gift idea too.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
Well, it seems that the Taylor Swift bracelets have now
transitioned to the to the foot to footwear megan something
else that I do feel like there is this hunger, yearning, desperation,
I don't know what you call it, for analog life,
and so I just think that it's so luxurious to
(24:01):
go to a meeting and pull out a paper journal
or a paper calendar, a date book. There's something just
so special about that. And so I think to gift
a beautiful date book to somebody that's leather, perhaps monogrammed
in a gorgeous pen or a gorgeous writing instrument is
(24:21):
I don't know. I think that people are just kind
of had it with all of the electronics and Look,
we're never going to abandon them completely, we know that,
but just embracing those moments when we can have something
that's not a device is memorable and much needed. And
you can do that with a pretty date book or
a notebook something like that.
Speaker 4 (24:42):
Well, and it's so fun too when you show up
to a meeting and someone pulls out a beautiful notebook
that has like a unique design or pattern or wants
you to learn more about it or just where they
got it, and the personality that comes along with that
as well.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
Well.
Speaker 3 (24:57):
Chris, one of the.
Speaker 4 (24:58):
Things that I always love to get when you're kind
of unsure what to give somebody or they have it
all is a beautiful, luxurious robe. Who doesn't love a
new one that's soft and cozy and just something to
cuddle your body when you get out of the shower
or on those winter nights when you are in your
lounge where. But having a nice robe, I think is
(25:19):
just really one of the beautiful luxuries of life. And
I love to cuddle up in mine and just get
nice and cozy, And I think it's a nice luxury
for someone else to give as well.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
I agree, and I'm going to expand on what you said.
I just think that there are so many of these buttery.
Speaker 3 (25:40):
Soft, so soft, cloudlike.
Speaker 2 (25:43):
Fabrics that feels so good on your skin, whether it's
a robe or pajamas or a lounge set. I do
not need another lounge set. I need that like another
hole in my head. I don't need that, and yet
I still find myself buying lounge sets and pajamas. But
(26:03):
that's exactly what I get into the moment I get
home and get out of my you know, fancy work
day clothes, is to get into those super soft lounge sets.
And I actually look forward to the cold specifically for
that reason, because in the summertime it's too hot and
you've got on your little clothes and you don't get
that comfort of warmth because you don't need it. And
(26:26):
where we live, you know, it's you know, ninety degrees
in you want to take things off, not put things on.
So I do specifically look forward to this time of
year to put on those wonderful lounge sets and have
the robe or the throw. So I think, you know,
when you find that great material just to give somebody
a moment of warmth and whatever category that is, whether
(26:47):
it's the robe, or the throw or the pajamas.
Speaker 3 (26:50):
Again, I just don't think we can get enough of
these things.
Speaker 4 (26:53):
Or even just slippers. I mean just the warmth of
a really nice soft like you said, like cloudlike. It
just feels so wonderful on your body to have those on.
Speaker 2 (27:02):
And I think especially because you know, and again where
we live in the Midwest, it's so cold and your
skin just always feels.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
Dry and parchment like.
Speaker 2 (27:11):
I don't care how much lotion ized slather on, it's
still so I just having those soft materials against your
skin is just so good.
Speaker 3 (27:18):
And Christal.
Speaker 4 (27:18):
One of my favorites too, I don't know if you
have a pair, is just ug slippers. They are so soft,
they're so warm. Sometimes my feet almost get too hot
in them, but they're one of my favorite things just
to wear around the house in those cold months.
Speaker 2 (27:32):
They're just my ug slippers too. They're just so good.
I had ug slippers since the very beginning. I don't know,
I'm on my third or fourth parent. They're just they're
really really great. Speaking of soft materials, this is something
that I don't think everybody has. And again this may
be geared a little more towards your female recipients. But
(27:55):
I think a silk pillowcase is so fantastic. We all
know maintains our blowout a little longer, and it's you know,
supposedly better for your skin. I don't know, but it's
just luxurious. And most people look, they don't have silk
or satin sheets. Those can be weird to sleep on sometimes,
but I think a pretty silk pillowcase is something that
(28:17):
people may not have thought to have bought for themselves
yet I feel like it's something that eventually everybody will have,
but I think it's safe to say at this point
not everybody has a silk set of pillowcases.
Speaker 4 (28:28):
So I love a good silk pillowcase. I think that it's,
like you said, a nice luxury and not something that
everybody would buy. So that's a great idea, Chris. So
one of the things. I know we've spent several episodes
talking about the trend of the portable lamp, but I
think that that's a really great thing to gift somebody
(28:49):
that really enjoys their home, their home life, or maybe
isn't designed savvy enough to know that they are so
trendy right now, but it's a great item to give
because people can use it really anywhere in their house.
And again, I think it's a fun way to give
somebody and show some personality and some pattern or color
(29:10):
or just a little natural material too. But they can
tuck on a bookcase or under their kitchen cabinets or
their dining table. But it's just a very universal gift.
Speaker 2 (29:20):
I love that idea and I didn't think of that
at all. I'm glad that you brought that up. I
think it's a great introduction to design for people who
I mean, we know about this, we're in the industry,
but not everybody does, and not everybody's into design, And
I think it's just a sweet, little special thing that
is really actually useful. It is, and you know, we've
(29:43):
already talked about the solution, the problem solving that goes
along with these. But I think that a lot of people,
if they were gifted this would be like, oh, I
didn't even know this existed, because the category sort of exploded.
Speaker 3 (29:55):
Out of nowhere. And I think that they would really
appreciate that.
Speaker 4 (29:59):
Yeah, and I don't feel like you're necessarily seen it
mass produced at some of the big box places yet not.
Speaker 3 (30:06):
Yet, not yet. That's a great idea. So you talked about.
Speaker 2 (30:10):
Portable lighting, and you know they tend to be smaller
in scale. Something that I'm going to bring up that
two is smaller in scale is a small piece of art.
And when I say small, I mean something that's like
eight by eight or ten by ten. We know that
it's sort of impossible, not impossible, but you really have
(30:31):
to know somebody's taste really well to ever buy a
piece of artwork for them because artwork is so personal,
and when you buy it on a large scale, with
large size, they may not have the room for it,
it may not be where they want to hang it.
There's so many variables. So I think that a small
piece of artwork a friend of mine, in fact, for
(30:54):
everybody who heard that episode, it was Sharon Lee Clark,
and she has now created this whole line line of
miniature art that sort of gives people a taste, a
taste of her artwork without committing to a piece that's
forty by forty or a significant piece that's original art.
And you know these are prints, and I just think,
(31:16):
you know, while you may not know somebody's art taste
at the larger scale, just to get a piece of
artwork that's original or a print that's on a smaller scale.
You can add it to a built in bookcase. You
could put it on an easel and have it on
your desk or a coffee table even or a console.
So it's a little piece of beauty without the commitment.
Speaker 4 (31:38):
Well, and I think you can always find a spot
for smaller pieces of artwork like you mentioned too, even
just the back of a bookcase or just underneath some cabinet,
tree or different things, or hang them in secondary rooms
or bathrooms. So it's a great spot to be able
to show a little bit of what you think their
interest is and what their style is, and be able
(31:59):
to have a little personality in that way too. So
and I mean, I'm a sucker for art, so I
would I would love to get a piece too, And
I think that's a great gifting idea well.
Speaker 2 (32:08):
And I think with small art too, it's really the
story behind the art. I mean, yes, you can be
attracted to something visually based on the color or what
the piece depicts, or you know, if it's an abstract,
just how the colors sort of swirl together, But once
you hear the story behind the art, what it signifies
what it represents, something special about the artists. Sometimes you
(32:29):
want that and you may not be attracted or may
not think you're attracted to the artwork itself until you
hear the story, and then it's so much more meaningful.
And so by gifting a little piece of an artist,
you're really giving you know the recipient and their story
as well, and their inspiration, not just how the color
(32:50):
lays on the on the canvas or whatever.
Speaker 3 (32:52):
The medium is.
Speaker 4 (32:53):
Well and similar to art. I know it's kind of
cliche too, but I also think giving a really nice,
beautiful picture frame is always a great gift idea, you know,
because especially if you fill it with a memory of
the last year you had together or something. There's one
of my favorites right now. We have a house of
bloom and it's just it's got little crystal balls all
(33:15):
the way around it and it just is really beautiful.
It's airy in the space. It actually also looks good
just laying flat, Like I have a glass coffee table
with a shelf underneath, and it looks good just laying
flat on top of a few coffee table books too underneath.
And like I said, I think it's just a very
easy and personal way to just share something like that
(33:38):
that you can have a little bit of different style
in the picture frame and like I said, just share
a memory of the last year together as a little
personal touch too well.
Speaker 2 (33:47):
And I think, again back to analog life, it encourages
somebody to go get a picture actually printed. I have
a million pictures and I have the best intentions to
go through them and actually print pictures.
Speaker 3 (33:59):
But it doesn't happen.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
It doesn't happen until I really really think about it.
So I think giving the gift of a frame, they say,
you're not supposed to gift a frame without a picture
in it, but if you do, I think it gives
people reason to go have a picture printed.
Speaker 4 (34:13):
Well and even personally christ So that's one of my
favorite things. I have several, probably like eight to ten
picture frames over the Christmas paths of my kids when
they were their first Christmas babies, little just the memories,
and it's one of my favorite things when I pull
up Christmas decorations is to look at them and be like,
you know, remembering back then, and it's a great way
(34:36):
of sharing those memories.
Speaker 2 (34:38):
So this sort of is in that same genre of
small decorative items. And I think I can't tell you
how many homes I go into for work, but then
I will put my acquaintances and friends and people I
know into this category. Two, how many people do not
have a beautiful vase to put flowers. I'm shocked, actually,
(35:01):
I'm really shocked. So often flowers, if their gifted, come
in those inexpensive, cheap dime store sorts of glass vases,
and people just throw those away or you know, take
them to goodwill or something like that. You know, then
there are ceramic vases if they're a little elevated. We
both know of a local floral artist who she only
(35:25):
uses ceramic vases. I'm talking about Maya, and she doesn't
use those awful glass vases, but all of her ceramic
faces are really great. But I think to have a
pretty little crystal vase, it's just timeless and it's not
something everybody has, and I'm kind of shocked. It's like, well,
didn't you get bass for your weddings? No, didn't register
for that or don't have them. So I think a
(35:47):
pretty vase to put flowers in and backup for that
too is a little ceramic tray. When I travel, especially
when I travel abroad and you go to Portugal or
Italy or Malta, these ps that are known for their ceramics.
It's sometimes if you just want to bring something small
home and you're not don't want to ship a large piece,
(36:09):
or you don't have room in your suitcase, just a
little small ceramic trinket tray is so lovely, and I think,
you know, it's a great thing if you are traveling.
They're usually not super expensive to buy a few and
have them in your gift closet. I have those all
over my house because if I take my jewelry off,
I at least know that they're contained and corralled within
(36:32):
a room. They're not just going to fall off of
a table. So I think little trinket trays are always great.
I know Mataheada makes beautiful ones, beautiful porcelain ones that have,
you know, beautiful little phrases on it. I wrote one
down that they have that reads, familiar acts are made
beautiful with love, and so you know, that's just sort
of I guess a different way to encourage kindness.
Speaker 3 (36:53):
But I just think that those.
Speaker 2 (36:55):
Are sweet and little memories of people. And again they're small,
without a big impact. I think a lot of times
people don't want more big stuff because you don't if they're.
Speaker 3 (37:04):
Gonna like it or not. But something like that is
not a huge commitment.
Speaker 4 (37:08):
I love those. Those are both very sweet and great
ideas too, and kind of even just back to the
vase conversation too, one of my favorite things to do,
even when I'm out antiquing, is a rose vase. I
think it's just absolutely beautiful. They come, you know, they're
smaller and just the roundness of them, and it's one
of the easiest ways to arrange flowers if you don't
(37:29):
feel like you're talented at all, Like you can put
some roses in, you know, this beautiful circular vase and
it looks fabulous. And what's pretty too, is they you know,
most often always have beautiful cut in the crystal or
the glass as well, just with unique designs.
Speaker 3 (37:46):
It's true, I think we should all bring a little
sparkle back into our lives. Yes, well, Chris.
Speaker 4 (37:50):
One of the things that I also have on my
list as well is I love right now just the
trend and all of the studs that are out there.
You see them on you see them on turtlenecks and
like gloves for the winter season and purses, and I
think it's just a really beautiful way to add that
(38:11):
little bit of unique texture and material into your fashion.
It's it's obviously very trendy right now, but I think
for that fashion friend that loves to always have one
of the things, I thought that that's a great gift
to give or to give for yourself as well.
Speaker 3 (38:28):
That is a great gift.
Speaker 2 (38:29):
I mean, I think that sometimes you know, we are
too practical when we think of gifts, and you know,
sometimes you need to be practical, but it's fun to
just again, I think that's something that is so on
trend right now and just that people don't necessarily.
Speaker 3 (38:44):
Think to buy for themselves.
Speaker 2 (38:46):
And maybe it's one of those things that you want
to buy for yourselves, you just haven't.
Speaker 3 (38:50):
Gotten there yet.
Speaker 2 (38:51):
It's like I'll do that next month, or I'll do
that after the sale season or whatever. So I think
too it's sort of a springboard for somebody to like,
I want to do this.
Speaker 4 (38:59):
And I even love like on the ballet flats they
have the little piece that goes across that has the
studs on it, so an easy way to kind of
dive into the trend without feeling like you're covered in.
Speaker 2 (39:11):
Studs everywhere as well for the fashionist to out there,
I think that is a really really smartkett. So Megan,
my last two I'm going to group together. I've said
it before, people have heard me say this a million times.
I'll keep saying it. I love to cook. I love
the kitchen, I love food, I love mastering. I'm not
(39:31):
cooking at the Michelin star level by any stretch of
the imagination. I'm really all about preparing simple food. Really well,
that's kind of my thing. But right now, what has
taken the place of olive oil are all of these
gourmet salts. Salts come in so many different flavors. There
(39:51):
are so many different purposes to the different types of salt,
and these really great colors. There's black salt and this
Hawaiian red salt and big flaky, chunky salt. So if
you know that somebody is a cook and loves to
be in the kitchen, my new gift to.
Speaker 3 (40:09):
Give instead of olive oil is salt.
Speaker 2 (40:13):
Which, oh and by the way, olive oil you cannot
take on a plane if it's up.
Speaker 3 (40:17):
If the container is too large. So the good thing
about salt is you can and I love salt. I
love salting.
Speaker 2 (40:26):
Every dish I have, and so that's going to be
something that I give to I have a few people
in my life who are cooks as well, and so
that's what they're getting this year, because I love anything
around a kitchen. Is always interesting for people who love
to be in the kitchen, and that's always very well
received in a crowd favorite. So salt is the new
(40:49):
olive oil to me.
Speaker 3 (40:50):
But I'll take olive oil.
Speaker 4 (40:51):
Too, definitely. Will you use the little containers or canisters
that you can just kind of have right by your
stove and just pinch them and or the salt in
or are you more a pig?
Speaker 2 (41:02):
Yes, thank you to the French for the salt pig.
Of course the French would come up with something thing
to put your your salt in. But yes, it is
called a salt pig. And I do have that next
to my stove. And then I have a little olive
wood one that I bought in Italy actually, and it
(41:23):
has a compartment for two, so I have those salts there.
So I'm very picky with my salt. Now, I won't
say picky. I'm intentional with my salt now when I
cook and having the different types of salts and finishing
salts for certain things. So that's my thing is I'm
(41:44):
into salt. My doctor need not worry.
Speaker 3 (41:46):
That I'm consuming much too much sugar because I'm consuming
too much salt as.
Speaker 2 (41:53):
And then the second thing I am going to attempt
to this year. I really love homemade things at Christmas time,
and I think so often. Look, everybody I know has
everything in the world and then some, and it can
be difficult to find the perfect gift for people because
we do, I think, and.
Speaker 3 (42:13):
I'm guilty of it myself.
Speaker 2 (42:14):
I see something, I go buy it, right, So Christmas
is a time that we naturally consume and support.
Speaker 3 (42:22):
The economy by buying.
Speaker 2 (42:23):
It all of the stores, and that's great, but I
think there is something really special about a homemade gift.
And likewise, this is another food related thing. For years,
I've been making salted caramels for people, which I love.
And the bad news about that is I make some,
I eat some, I make some, I eat some, And
(42:44):
because with baking, you kind of have to test as
you go, so there's that problem with that. So this
year My latest thing is butter. I'm making French butter
that has some herbs in it, and I do this
out of you know, you get whipping cream. It's very simple,
and you whip the whipping cream until it's no longer
(43:04):
whipping cream and it turns into butter. And so the
process is super simple. And that's what I'm going to attempt.
And I don't know anybody who doesn't like butter. So
regardless of whether they cook or not, they're getting butter
that will, you know, add a nice little delicious zest
to their toast or whatever it is there they need
(43:24):
butter for.
Speaker 4 (43:25):
Like you said, those homemade gifts, I think have a
nice touch and know that it didn't just wasn't just
something you thought thought of and bought quickly. It took
time for you out of your busy schedule to find
the time to do that too. And I think that's
it's similar. Like you know sometimes that those people that
you aren't ever sure of what to buy, it's nice
to buy in something that they maybe don't always take
(43:46):
the time for themselves. And if there's ways that you
can help do that, whether a massage or just a
little downtime for them, coffee date are always some nice
little options of just spending that time together too.
Speaker 2 (44:00):
Absolutely, Christmas is you know, we talk about new Years
and resolutions and things like that, but Christmas is definitely
a time to rethink. I think that's when we get
a little sentimental and it maybe rethink about how we
want to proceed in our busy, oftentimes overscheduled existences. And
(44:20):
you know, gift giving, it can trigger a memory, it
can create a new tradition, which is always fun, and
it just really shows the thought and the sentimental and
how much people mean to you. And that's always fun
to celebrate and to honor and to give gifts for
that reason.
Speaker 4 (44:40):
So well, Chris, it was fun to chat about this
today and share some of our favorite things. I hope
that some of our picks help spark ideas, simplify your
shopping list, or just make this season feel more inspired
for you.
Speaker 2 (44:54):
Yes, So Merry Christmas and happy gift giving to everybody.
Speaker 3 (44:58):
It's a process.
Speaker 4 (45:01):
Thank you for listening to this week's episode of Boulevard Beat.
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow along and leave
a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen
so you never miss an episode, and of course, follow
your hosts on Instagram at Megan bloom Interiors, at CHRISA. Rossbund,
and at Liz Legit. We'll be back next week as
we take a stroll down another boulevard
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