The PORTER Editors’ Favorite Lifestyle Gifts For The Holidays
Take your holiday-gifting inspiration from our editors’ top picks of beautiful homewares – from joyful ceramics to brighten up any interior to exquisite blankets you’ll want to cozy up with
Kara Wilson, fashion content editor
“Every year, I like to gift my friends a single Christmas bauble that really speaks to their personality. When it comes to my own decorations, because this year is my first Christmas in my new home, I thought I could commemorate such a milestone by inviting loved ones to gift me a decadent set of ornaments by La DoubleJ. What better way to fill the house with festive feels than luxury tree decorations that I will treasure for years to come? Better still, Madras print (or bandana, as we call it) is the unofficial fabric of Jamaica, so I’ll feel a tiny bit closer to home.”
Charlie Boyd, fine-jewelry and watches editor
“In my opinion, a home can never have too many crystals. Not that I’m a believer in their mystic energy or healing properties, I just love their precious feel – plus, they’re an alternative way of bringing natural elements into your indoor space (rather than house plants, which you need to keep alive…). I’d love to receive Jia Jia’s smoky quartz crystal cluster – it’s a dramatic way to add interest to a tablescape, or an unusual accent for a chic console table. For those who do buy into crystal healing, quartz is said to be a grounding stone, capable of removing toxins and negative energy – and every home could use a little of that.”
Gillian Brett, head of fashion content
“I would love to discover Completedworks’ gold-tone, faux-pearl napkin rings in my stocking this year, as I’m a huge fan of this London-based brand’s jewelry. Founder Anna Jewsbury brings an artistic eye to her exquisite designs – and these are so special that, in my eyes, they’re closer to jewelry than homeware. Since having my daughter, I’m more likely to host at home than hit the dance floor, so I’ve been carefully honing my tablescaping skills – and these chic napkin rings would be an elegant finishing touch, whatever the occasion. Have I hinted heavily enough?”
Katie Berrington, senior editor
“I’ll be moving into a new home early next year, so I’m currently hunting for the basics – big and small. But I’m mostly daydreaming about – and adorning wish lists with – pieces that will bring the space to life. How better to do that than with Anissa Kermiche’s sleek and cheeky sculptural ceramics? The off-white ‘Love Handles’ vase is a sure-fire way to imbue some joy into my new home – even if it will have to be balanced on top of a pile of packing boxes until I move in.”
Eirwen Oxley Green, chief sub-editor
“We all want to open a gift that really makes us smile and, while there’s a lot to be said for pared-back chic, sometimes you just want to inject a bit of humor and personality into proceedings, right? Which is why I’ve always been a sucker for Anya Hindmarch’s tongue-in-cheek designs – her cult accessories always manage to walk the line between quirky and classic, and this textured-leather watch box, with its googly eyes, is the perfect example of irreverence and practicality in motion. I’ll be giving it to my best pal and watching her mouth turn up at the corners…”
Olive Wakefield, entertainment editor
“Helle Mardahl’s candy-colored ‘Dessert with a Twist’ glass bowl looks good enough to eat, never mind the delicious dessert that will be served in it. I’ve had this statement piece on my wish list for months, so what better time than the holidays’ peak table-laying season to whip it out for?”
Hannah Cole, senior shopping editor
“Admittedly, my style is quite minimalist (note: I’m too scared to paint my walls anything other than various shades of white, because it’s too much of a commitment…). However, having just moved house, I am now looking to inject more mood-boosting color into my surroundings. So I am on the hunt for a cozy blanket that I can throw over my (neutral) sofa – and this Loewe one fits the bill perfectly. It will add texture and warmth without overpowering the space, and I can’t wait to watch cheesy Christmas movies snuggled under it with my family. Swaddling has never looked so chic.”