Let's not beat around the bush.  The first night of Hanukkah is in exactly one week, and Christmas is in TEN DAYS!  No need for panic, however.  We have you covered in many ways, with lots of wonderful gift ideas for the lucky people on your list. Come over, and we can walk you through the best options for whomever you are shopping for.  With all of the hectic shopping experiences you could have, I promise visiting LFrank will be one of the most civilized and delightful encounters of the season. 

If you're looking for ideas, let me share a few of my most favorite.

The small elephant pendant is forever charming, and a good luck charm too.  Doesn't everyone need that?  We donate a portion of sales to Knot on my Planet to help aid worldwide elephant conservation and protection, so your gift gives in more ways than one. The Love Note rings are simple, but incredibly personal and delightful.  We are happy to help you find the perfect term of endearment to engrave, and we still have time to make these in time for Christmas! These new sapphire and diamond earrings are like a garden in Versailles. They are light, possessed of an enchanting amount of sparkle, and incredibly special.  Speaking of gardens, the emerald flower drops with blue sapphires, and the emerald stud earrings would all be lovely under the tree.   

I always feel like one can't go wrong with a beautiful robe or slip for a holiday gift.  Everyone can use a new, pretty silky something,  It feels like the ultimate personal luxury. It is an ageless, timeless, and incredibly thoughtful present.  Who wouldn't want to open a box with a lovely silk Liberty print robe, or a silky slip in it?  I know that I would be thrilled beyond words.  The new Lilia slip is here just in time for the holidays, in dark navy silk/cotton voile with a black underlay, and black French lace trim. It was my go-to dress all summer long, and this more seasonal version in double layer silk/cotton is perfect for just about everything right now.  

I would be remiss if I didn't also mention this very beautiful pearl necklace.  It is spectacularly lovely. It feels like wearing a lace collar, but of pearls and gold. We also have many things that won't break the bank.  Mona Kuhn's book is a beautiful gift, as are our 100% beeswax and essential oil candles, which burn for about 120 hours.  The eye masks have been especially popular this year, so we keep re-stocking them, along with the beaded necklaces and the candles.  We even have a new scent this year, Orange Blossom Garden, which smells divine.   

I have been asked to share one of my favorite recipes for a holiday season dessert, so here it is. I have become really taken with making raspberry mousse.  It is completely delicious and feels kind of festive.  The color alone is reason enough to fall in love.  It is wonderful on its own, but elevated to the sublime when served along with a chocolate pavlova.   

Raspberry Mousse

1 envelope plain gelatin

3 tbs. water

12 oz bag of frozen raspberries

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups heavy cream

1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract

Place contents of gelatin envelope in a bowl with 3 tbs. of water and stir to dissolve.

Gently warm the raspberries and sugar over a low heat in a medium saucepan, and cook until the sugar dissolves completely, approximately 10 minutes.  Add the gelatin, and transfer to a bowl to cool completely.  Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then gently fold in the cooled raspberry/sugar mixture until combined.  Refrigerate for at least two hours, or as long as two days.  Here you can decide to fill individual compotes with the mousse, and serve with a bit of shaved chocolate and some fresh raspberries.  OR you can make a chocolate pavlova and top with the mousse and some dollops of whipped cream and fresh raspberries.   I like Deb Perelman from Smitten Kitchen's recipe for chocolate pavlova, though I tweak it a bit by doubling the amount of chopped chocolate (of course), using balsamic syrup for the vinegar, and baking at a lower temperature.  

Enjoy,