What. A. Year. The mad rush through the holiday season is feeling very different to all of us this year. As always, but amplified to an epic volume, I have an enormous sense of gratitude for my family, our dear friends, my amazing team, and most importantly our collective health and general well-being during this incredibly trying stretch of time. I hope you're doing well out there, and that you are poised to have as cozy and festive a holiday as possible. We are truly grateful for all of our clients, especially during this turbulent year. Thank you for keeping us going, for lifting our spirits, and for keeping us in mind for your holiday shopping this year. It means more to us than you could possibly know. We have been very busy making sure we have the loveliest things you could ever imagine for gifting. Here are a few of my favorites...

This pearl scarf would make an incredibly special gift. People seem to have certain associations with pearls, that they are stuffy or preppy, or a bit dowdy. I couldn't disagree more, as I'm always discovering new and different ways to wear these gifts from nature. This piece feels quite elegant, while still being lighthearted and fun.

We have exactly one of these limited edition silk velvet Selene robes left. This is a collector's piece, and one of the finest gifts we can think of. It would be perfect to wear for an intimate New Year's Eve celebration at home, which is how I suspect the majority of us will be closing out 2020. I think a little effort towards making it feel festive and celebratory is in order. We have made it through one of the toughest years in history, and that is not something to take for granted.

These blackened silver sunflowers with orange sapphires are so chic. I was inspired by antique Berlin ironwork jewelry, as well as Victorian mourning jewelry and the emotions behind them. There has been so much collective loss this year, and I felt drawn to the idea of making a few pieces that capture both the sentiment of the year as well as the profound sense of hope that I feel for the future. You can have a closer look here. 

Our Liberty of London print blocked silk crepe de chine Asteria robes always make an especially treasured present, both to give and to receive. We have a gorgeous assortment at the moment, my favorite collection yet. If I could pick anything that would brighten a spirit and lend a glamorous flair to life in lockdown, this piece would be it. Which one would you choose?

As ever, our beaded necklaces are such popular and well received gifts. If you need any help choosing, please let us know. We love putting together groupings if you can't decide on just one, though of course just one makes a beautiful and thoughtful present. I think this one is particularly pretty.

On the topic of choosing, if I were to choose a ring for Christmas this year, I think it would be this one. I love the juxtaposition of the geometric diamond slice with the rounded black diamond pavé band.

Ines and I made Christmas cookies over the weekend, which was incredibly grounding in addition to being a delicious distraction from the outside world. Our favorites were these matcha shortbread hearts, which we baked with a little sprinkle of black sesame seeds. They're extremely easy to make, not too sweet, and perfect with a cup of tea in the afternoon.  

Matcha Shortbread

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 heaping tablespoon matcha powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened 

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Cream butter and powdered sugar together in a mixer, scraping the bowl once or twice, until mixture is light and fluffy.  

Sift the flour, matcha powder, and kosher salt into a medium sized bowl.

Add dry ingredients to butter/sugar mixture, and mix slowly, just until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a large flattened disc, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.  

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Breaking off pieces, roll dough to approximately 1/8" thickness, and use a cookie cutter (or the rim of a drinking glass) to cut into desired shapes. Transfer the shapes onto a parchment lined baking sheet, and press a few black sesame seeds into the top of each cookie. If you'd rather, you can also chill the dough in the shape of a log, and cut them into rounds before baking.

Depending on the size of your cookies, these will bake in about 12-15 minutes, turning the baking sheet midway through. The cookies are finished when they are just beginning to turn golden around the edges. Remove them from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack.  

Enjoy,

PS  Stay safe and well out there, everyone. Take good care of yourselves and each other, and if you need any help with Christmas gifting, don't hesitate to reach out. We are here for you until the afternoon of December 24th! You can even book an appointment right here. It couldn't be easier...