With the holidays here, it’s time to find those whimsical gifts that take tons of time and store-after-store to find. Sounds fun, right? Well, let me save you a few steps. I’ve visited a few of my favorite local design shops in the city recently, trying to find the best of the best. And where better to start than Best of Boston Award-winning Koo de Kir.
What I love about Koo de Kir is, it’s urban without being harsh modern or owing too heavily on our Victorian-Brownstone past. It’s sustainable and local without losing a sense of style. And it’s not just one room, or one type of item, so you’re always bound to find something you need.
Know someone that loves whiskey? These Whiskey Rocks cool down your drink like a “whiskey on the rocks”, without diluting the whiskey. And they can be rinsed off and stuck back in the freezer time and again. Get the Whiskey Lover – rocks with two tumbler glasses – and a bottle of good whiskey, and you’ve got a winning gift.
This beautiful handmade bar set (see a trend starting?) would look equally good on a Paul McCobb credenza as on a French antique one. They’re all made here in Massachusetts, too, so you’re keeping it local. I’ll raise my glass for that.
This Tic-Tac-Toe set is visually striking, with it’s white porcelain-on-black wood layout. Perfect for when the cocktail party starts to lull. This would be great on the coffee table or credenza of a home with or without children – though I can guess which it would get more use in!
Know someone with that huge book case, with an amazing assortment of books, arranged just so. These are the bookends for them. I have a journalist friend these would be perfect for.
Pillows probably aren’t the easiest or most frequently-given gift, but if you know someone that needs a few (like me!), you can’t go wrong with these pillows by local designer SeemaKrish. With bright, vibrant patterns and colors inspired by India, where she grew up, SeemaKrish pillows are great accents that would work in a variety of interiors.
If you’re looking for local, it doesn’t get much closer to home than Barbara Lynch. Chef-owner of a number of local icons — No. 9 Park, B&G Oysters, The Butcher Shop, Drink, and Sportello — Barbara has now released her first cookbook, “Stir: Mixing It Up In the Italian Tradition.” This, plus a bottle of Italian wine, make a great gift idea.
Stay tuned as I explore more local stores and highlight the best selections for gifts for the holidays.
Do you have a favorite store that you just HAVE to go to when shopping for presents? Let us know in the comments!
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 9:53 am and is filed under accessories & homewares, home furnishings.
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