There's still time to get everyone on your holiday shopping list something thoughtful. From unique gifts for the home to presents that encourage hobbies new and old, the below roundup covers the bases.
Home & Design
La DoubleJ Mamma Milano Book by J.J. Martin
La DoubleJ founder J.J. Martin’s book is a feel-good read that follows her journey from Manhattan to Milano, from Italian fashion and food to her secrets for tapping into your creativity. Plus, it’s available in three bold covers true to the brand.
The Lily Candlestick by Ivar Ålenius Björk via The Glass House
Originally designed by sculptor Ivar Alenius Bjork for the World’s Fair in 1939, this polished brass candlestick is a delightful addition to any home. A bonus: all purchases directly support preservation at the Glass House.
Kalen Kaminski’s Upstate offers a range of colorful handmade textiles, glassware, garments and more, with inspiration hailing from Oaxaca, Mexico to Puglia, Italy.
DROESE RANEY X DESIGN Coffee Table Book
Acclaimed architecture and interiors firm Droese Raney’s brand new book is a compilation curated by renowned writer Ian Volner, featuring captivating narratives from the firm's notable clients and collaborators, alongside a unique insider perspective.
Scent for Good Divine Truth Candle
This soy wax blend candle comprises a range of essential oils for a luxurious scent; think: Calabrian Bergamot, Jasmine Sambac, Vanilla Uganda, Olibanum incense and Ambergris.
Casa Branca Rattan Scalloped Tray
Handwoven from rattan and cane, this rectangular tray is ideal for holiday season celebrations and year-round decor, with its on-trend red hue.
Kástra Elión Premium Vodka Holiday Kit
Give the gift of a classic martini with Kástra Elión’s limited-edition Holiday Martini Kit. Encased in beautifully crafted packaging, this set includes five Compartes sea salt and dark chocolate truffles Infused with Kástra Elión; four custom embroidered cocktail napkins from Chefanie; and two Nude Martini Glasses.
Clothing & Accessories
An instant wardrobe staple, this luxe satin dress with feathered v-neckline is ideal for holiday parties as well as layering for staying stylish all winter. Don’t miss the pearl detailing at the scoop back.
Il Bisonte Cestello Men's Card Case
Classic and sophisticated, the Italian-made Cestello card case is particularly striking in this coffee-colored vintage leather.
Longchamp Transparent Sunglasses
Chic and modern, these rectangular sunglasses are lightweight and perfect for brightening up winter days or escaping to the beach.
Jen Wonders Studio Brooches & Blazers
For the person that loves to accessorize: check out Jen Azoulay’s newly curated brooch collection and selection of outerwear and blazers make for a classic gift that never goes out of style.
A festive splurge, Graff’s Tilda’s Bow collection features delicate earrings, statement necklaces, bold watches and beyond.
Beauty
Baxter of California Best Gift Ever Set
The name says it all; this set includes two of the brand’s best-selling products for the beauty lover, plus a pair of limited-edition branded socks.
IMAGE Skincare A Little Luxury Hydrating Discovery Set
Everyone needs a hand cream this time of year, and IMAGE Skincare’s limited-edition hydrating and brightening duo includes unites best-sellers for the perfect stocking stuffer.
For Resolutions & Adventures
A Fender Play subscription is the perfect gift for the person that wants to pick up a new musical skill in the new year. The online learning platform features step-by-step tutorials, with personalized learning journeys and hundreds of songs to choose from.
Whether they travel for business, pleasure or both, Away’s The Bigger Carry-On offers a little extra room for packing, while still fitting in the overhead bin of most major US airlines. Lightweight and durable, it’s a cult favorite for a reason.
2024 Work + Life City Chic Happy Planner
Help them start the new year off right with this productivity-focused planner. From personal life admin to office ongoings, this planner covers all the organizational bases.
R1 OTG Dragon x Spyder Goggles
The latest R1 OTG Dragon x Spyder collab goggle is the perfect holiday gift for those who love to hit the slopes. Armored venting, silicone strap backing and Lumalens color optimization make them functional, while the design stays true to sleek style.
Celebrating its 16th year, af&co and Carbonate released their annual hospitality trend report, highlighting the latest industry intel as well as what we might see more of in 2024. The report asserts a departure from conventional strategies, embracing maximalism and forging unprecedented partnerships among friends, fans, celebs and influencers. Check out just a few takeaways below, and read the full report here.
Food trend of the year: Cross-cultural cooking
Little Bull
American food is a multi-ethnic melting pot and today's restaurants are a reflection of that. Instead of hanging their hat on a slice of regional cooking, chefs in 2023 are rejecting the rigid idea of authenticity in exchange for something more reflective of the contemporary and diverse American experience, offering new combinations and menus that can't be easily labeled or contained.
Cuisine of the year: Korean
Atomix
From K-pop and kimchi, to the Oscar-winning Parasite, and the popular TV series Squid Game—Korean culture is exploding in the US, as are the number of Korean restaurants representing all facets of the cuisine: fast-food fried chicken, communal DIY barbecue, craveable flaming cheese-topped hot pots, high-end steakhouses, casual bakeries, and luxurious fine dining. You can find it all, and you can find people of all types digging in.
Drink of the year: Caprese martini
Rollati (San Jose, CA) features an Heirloom Martini with olive oil-washed vodka, clarified heirloom tomato, basil, and white balsamic.
In the past few years, cocktails have gone from sweet to savory, from bitter to briny. Now, bartenders are making drinks with ingredients more often found on a plate. Enter the culinary cocktail. While some of these savory libations are whimsical—even downright wacky—the Caprese Martini is thoughtfully balanced, offering the bright flavors of tomato and basil, as if a martini went for a stroll through the late-summer vegetable garden.
Trend: Put uni on it
Bar Crenn (San Francisco, CA) Uni Bao offered as part of their ever-changing multi-course tasting menus.
For a luxury seafood indulgence, maximalist, unctuous uni has taken center stage, replacing caviar’s delicate saline pop and elegant restraint. Uni, the edible part of the sea urchin, is not the roe, as some may think (or hope!), but rather the reproductive organ. The custardy golden mass is an attention getter, offering a balance of brine and creamy richness. It can share the plate with caviar, but today, it’s standing on its own, including as an optional upgrade to all sorts of culinary creations.
Trend: Coffee gets the cocktail treatment
Onyx Coffee Lab (Bentonville, AR) Cold Fashioned with Monarch Extraction, Kentucky 74 NA Whiskey, bitters, caramel, and a cherry.
Coffee is getting the cocktail treatment—and we’re not talking about espresso martinis. (Yes, we know they’re everywhere!) Top bartenders are joining the best baristas, opening their own coffee shops or being hired by hotels and coffee shops to design their drink programs, enhancing menus with sophisticated coffee concoctions not found anywhere else.
Trend: Split personalities
The Thompson (left) and Tommie (right) (Austin, TX)
Two hotels, two identities, two price points, but one building, and one elevator bank. Different design and very different entrances. At the Tommie, the entrance is a casual coffee shop with self check-in. The Thompson has an expansive luxe lobby with fireplace and check-in area. But they share the building, pool, and a few restaurants, as well as construction costs, labor and other efficiencies while serving different markets and offering different experiences.
Trend: A warm welcome
Nubeluz
A common look prevails creating a warm, polished and elegant atmosphere with Pink, Peacock, Bronze, Gold, and Velvet
Trend: Pop culture collabs
Jeni’s Ice Cream with Olivia Rodrigo
Jeni’s (multiple locations nationwide) introduced the Olivia Rodrigo Cone Takeover with purple Buttercrisp Waffle Cones in honor of Rodriguez’s GUTS album. Jeni’s also hosted GUTS listening parties at select scoop shops across the country.
