Buying holiday gifts can be taxing, even for discriminating taste makers. I asked some of the most stylish people in town what they’re giving and what they hope to get.
Glen Boudreaux: I always try to give people things they wouldn’t buy for themselves, and I listen for clues throughout the year. This year I’m giving a wonderful book, The Five Love Languages.
Tiffany McKinzie: I would really love to get some vintage Louis Vuitton trunks—so fab! For gift giving, I like to give goody baskets full of my favorite things. This year I’ll include Crème de la Mer hand cream, a Voluspa candle in “Vanity scent,” and a Starbucks gift card.
Marilyn Rolnick Tonkon: This year, I’d love to unwrap a box containing an original Fabergé egg. Any one of them. Also the formula to make lamps run on batteries and get rid of the wires once and for all. (That would be rather green, come to think of it.) As for what I give, there used to be a restaurant in Dallas called the Golden Pheasant, and they served a wonderful French dressing. The restaurant is no longer, but I have a source who makes that dressing and that’s what I give. Nothing pretty about it—just delicious dressing.
Loyd Taylor: I am very funny about gifts. I prefer the experience of being with people rather than having gifts picked out for me. I love a great bottle of champagne or be taken out to dinner.
Paxton Gremillion: I love to both receive and give gift certificates to a bookstore.
Rick Rozas: I want a new Maserati Gran Turismo Sport, which I won’t get unless I find a new Santa Claus. (Please don’t drop it down the chimney.)
Allen Kirsch: I am giving white orchids. I’d love a Mark Rothko painting. If that’s a bit over budget, I’d love some architectural books for the cocktail table.
Beverly Field: I give Burdick Handmade Chocolates. Vogue says they are better than European chocolates. They come in little shapes—a chocolate penguin and mouse — nestled in a wooden box. I also give hand-painted picture frames to friends, and I love to give hand-painted holiday ornaments. I love to receive chocolates, books, and anything from Jo Malone.
Jan Showers: It’s a surprise, but I am giving my daughter in Houston the Coco dining chairs from my furniture collection upholstered in John Hutton Textiles “Cumin.” I can’t wait to see her face when they come off the truck!
As to what I would love to receive, I just saw the most amazing photographic art pieces from David Armstrong.
Perry Henderson: As a gift, I’d love Riedel wine glasses, or anything from Tiffany’s or Stanley Korshak. But what I’m giving is water. Marilyn Auger set up a program: For $2,500, you can drill a water well in Africa and provide more than 300 people with pure, clean water. What could be better?
Margaret Chambers: I want a clock from Newport Collection— a rare Gustavian, circa 1750, hand-painted, 106 inches high, 26 inches wide that retails for $19,500.
Debra Stewart: I would like a rug. As designers, we spend so much time working that we neglect our own nests. An Odegard, Oushak, Tufenkian, but it must be in the right color range.
Kelly Hardage: I would love a visit from my two boys, Patrick and Ross. And a trip to Paris.
Trisha Wilson: This Christmas I am looking forward to giving my friends red, plastic “be grateful” bracelets that I had made for all of my staff to wear this year. My company focus has been on an “attitude for gratitude.” It’s a little reminder to be grateful and count our blessings! I love to splurge and give Noka Chocolate, too. The most special gift anyone could give to me is a donation to The Wilson Foundation (www.thewilsonfoundation.org). There are so many children in South Africa who still need our help.
