Guest Picks: 20 Exquisite, Understated Holiday Gifts
Embrace the beauty of simplicity with gorgeous and affordable gifts that impress with less
Life is one big long renovation. I blog about design trends, inspiring spaces and my own experiences of renovating houses on both sides of the pond at FourWallsandaRoof.com.
Life is one big long renovation. I blog about design trends, inspiring... More »
| Share: |
|
The holidays are a time of great excess: lavish feasts, elaborate decorations, extravagant gifts. Sometimes it can all get to be a bit too much. When choosing gifts for loved ones, why not choose something that's beautiful for its sheer simplicity? These 20 choices are subtle and exquisitely crafted, and will last well after the Christmas tree has gone. — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof
You'd never guess, but this carafe is made of glass. It may have a subtle matte texture and slim lines, but it's sure to be a talking point at the table.
These ceramic cups are perfect for tea or cocoa and will remind the recipient of winter's simple pleasures.
These fig-shaped bud vases would be such a surprise inside their humble little wooden box. They hold a single bloom each, making them perfect for simple arrangements.
If your friends like to bake, these rustic wooden dough scrapers will be well received.
by UncommonGoods
»
Salt and pepper are the most basic ingredients for any meal. These grinders would look great whether you're serving a three-course feast or plain mac and cheese.
A gift of vintage spoons will always be appreciated. These brass ones are on trend, and the wood handles keep them from looking flashy.
Why not inject a little quiet humor into your gift-giving? This bookend will raise a smile if your friend is an avid reader.
| |
| Diminutive bowls and spoons are a lovely way to present condiments, or even flavored salts. And if your friend isn't a regular host, these are small enough to pack away neatly between dinner parties. |
There's something so appealingly tactile about this brass bottle opener. Heavy, polished and intriguing, it's both beautiful and useful.
Just because it's understated doesn't mean it can't be playful. This wooden version of the New York skyline would be a cute souvenir for someone who loves the city that never sleeps.
What better way is there to balance practicality with tailored style than a herringbone tweed iPad cover?
by Calvin Klein
»
This a very special votive holder, and it illustrates understated chic perfectly. What else would you expect from Calvin Klein? This little gold box uses a mirror to bounce a single flame around for a twinkling display of light.
by Calvin Klein
»
Quality crisp linen napkins will be appreciated by everyone. I love the range of neutrals in this collection.
So you have a cyclist in the family? This bike bag has a utilitarian vibe, but the soft leather and large buckles spell quality.
Even minimalists enjoy some comfort. Soft pale gray knitted pillows and throws are wonderful to receive. You can never have too many, and these cable-knit options are quite luxurious.
Do you have someone artsy on your list? This calendar of retro camera photos is functional and like art in its own right.
Remember those executive desk toys from the '80s? This is the infinitely more tasteful present-day version: an intriguing puzzle that looks like sculpture.
I love these tiny crumpled coffee cups and saucers. They're so unassuming yet beautifully crafted.
You can still keep the focus on craftsmanship for gadget lovers. This radio will look great in the most understated of homes.
In a world dominated by electronics, a simple notebook is a refreshing change of pace. This one is a reversal of the traditional: Its black pages are intended for metallic pens. It could be something for your loved one to write down their New Year's Resolutions in.
Next: 50 Ways to Wrap Holiday Gifts in Style
Next: 50 Ways to Wrap Holiday Gifts in Style
Comments
Molto Bene Studios exquisite, gorgeous, understated, yes. Very Affordable? Well, there were one or two.
6 months ago · Like
· 
1
1
Ideabook updated on Dec. 12, 2012.
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
Find Local Pros by Category:
Architects & Designers · Interior Designers & Decorators · General Contractors · Home Media Design & Installation · Landscape Architects & Designers · Kitchen & Bath Designers · Design-build Firms · Closet & Home Storage Designers · Carpet and Flooring · Fireplaces · Tile, Stone & Countertops · Specialty Contractors · Landscape Contractors
Find Local Pros by Metro Area:
Atlanta · Austin · Baltimore · Boston · Chicago · Dallas · Dc Metro · Denver · Detroit · Hawaii · Houston · Las Vegas · Los Angeles · Miami · Minneapolis · Nashville · New Orleans · New York · Philadelphia · Phoenix · Portland · Salt Lake City · San Diego · San Francisco · Seattle · St Louis
