1. Rathbornes Candle (Wild Mint, Watercress & Thyme) £34.00
I love finding items that have significance and a history, whether I’m designing for my clients and for my own home. Rathbornes Candles was founded in 1488 in Dublin and is the world’s oldest candle company, with 530 years in business under their belt. And it’s no wonder they’ve been in business so long. They use beeswax and essential oils when making their totally indulgent, hand-poured candles and have considered every detail in making the candles, down to the thickness of the wick.
My favorite candle of theirs is the Wild Mint, Watercress & Thyme scent. It’s fresh, herbal, and just a little sweet.
2. Gibbs 2014 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $65
I discovered this wine on a trip to Napa this year. I was taken by surprise and totally blown away. Gibbs is a small, family-run vineyard that began planting walnuts, dates, and grapes in the 1950s. As a family run business ourselves, we have a soft spot for small, family run operations, especially when they create a great product. This 2014 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon truly is great.
The wine has aged in French oak for about three years and though it’s delicious now, it will be even better in a few more years. It’s a lovely inky purple in the glass and tastes of cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and dark cherries and blackberries. It’s definitely a new favorite of mine.
3. Compartés Chocolate Bars $9.95-11.95
Compartés has been a trendsetting, innovative chocolate company since the 1950s. Their chocolates are made from scratch, by hand, using South American chocolate and fresh, local ingredients. With LA centric graphics and their out of the box flavors, they’ve attracted celebrities (think Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Oprah, and more) and gourmands since they first opened their doors.
Compartés first came on my radar last year when we started gifting their truffles to some of our clients (to rave reviews). But I fell in love with their chocolate bars more recently. They release new chocolates every season and frequently collaborate with well known artists, design houses, and boutiques to create new, gorgeous wrapping. They recently paired up with one of my favorite designers, Kelly Wearstler. With bold flavors like “Chocolate Whiskey and Scotch” and “Caramelized Popcorn” (and equally pleasing wrapping), I can’t help but love these completely decadent chocolate bars.
4. Farmgirl Flowers $49-169
I was introduced to Farmgirl Flowers by a friend who sent me one of their gorgeous gift boxes earlier this year. After a bit of research about them, they quickly became one of my favorite floral delivery companies. They make every bouquet in-house and buy about 80% of their flowers from US growers. Plus, they deliver to all of the lower 48 US states. Their arrangements are full, vibrant, and artfully made and they offer great add ons and gift boxes too. They’re definitely going to be my go-to for future gifts, especially for friends that live out of state!
5. Artedona: Ca’ d’Oro by Sieger by Fürstenberg Porcelain Dish Set $75.51-596.21
This gorgeous dinnerware is the result of a collaboration between designer Michael Sieger and the porcelain manufacturer Fürstenberg. The design is timeless and minimalist, but still glamorous. The decoration of the “Ca’ d’Oro” was inspired by the extraordinary architecture of the Palazzo of the same name in Venice. Each item of the “Ca’ d’Oro” set is decorated with a soft golden rim, which is carefully applied to the piece by hand. I love that this dish set is globally inspired, and completely luxurious.
6. Lisa Kahn’s Finding Sanctuary Class $188
At Crimson I work with clients every day to help them create a sanctuary and refuge in their home. But nothing can replace the ability to find sanctuary and peace within! My fellow interior designer (and friend!) Lisa Kahn has developed an amazing class that teaches people to find their own peace and to create their own sanctuary in their daily environment. She teaches her students how to practice self care, find a positive mindset, and to find their grounding. I love her class and truly, recommend it to everyone!
