My plan was to get my annual holiday gift guide published a couple of weeks before Christmas. What happened to December? Instead, here is Part I of last minute suggestions for everyone on your gift list.
Shopping local has become the mantra of all seasons, even more so for this, the merriest of all. So, please heed the call and support our neighborhood retailers. Ours is a symbiotic relationship. we need them while they need us—even more.
This year I’m combining photos of holiday shop windows spruced up for the annual Window Walk, along with some gifts you’ll find inside. And I hope you will ignore the glare from the shop windows below, for no matter what time of day I snap them, it’s always there.
The Vino Gallery: Windows designed by Enchanting Embellishments’ Michael Shreves.
When I stopped in The Vino Gallery this week, I was met with shipping boxes galore stacked near the entry awaiting the arrival of FedEx. While continuing to check off his fulfillment list for online wine sales (the gift business has mushroomed this year), proprietor Alex Head pulled some celebratory suggestions from the shelves.
From left: Central Coast (CA) Fableist Pinot Noir, described as having a nice, rich fruit-forward flavor, $23. Moët & Chandon Champagne, $45, comes with a zippered insulated jacket to prolong the chill. Include a holiday wine stopper, $10, to prolong the gratitude.
The Vino Gallery, 4701 McPherson Ave, (314) 932-5665. Mon. 4 to 6-ish, Tues.-Thurs. 1 to 9, Fri.-Sat. 1 to 10, Closed Sun.
The Candle Fusion Studio: Windows designed by Yours by Design.
At The Candle Fusion Studio, which just celebrated its 1st anniversary, you’ll find a “relax and unwind” gift basket that includes 8-ounce bottles of lavender cinnamon goats milk & honey body lotion and liquid hand soap, a jar of natural brown sugar scrub, lilac & lavender spa salts, and a 4-pack of soy-wax candles in olive blossom, bergamot, verbena & clothesline (yep!), $70. Each candle burns for 15 hours.
Top photo: Holiday Cheer candles packed in 8-ounce mason jars are scented in a seasonal blend of cranberry, balsam, fir and brown sugar, $16.
Bottom photo: Candle Fusion just introduced 8-ounce bottles of goats milk & honey hand soap, and lavender cinnamon or mango mint lotion, as shown in gift basket above. Can be purchased separately, $15.
The Candle Fusion Studio, 4742 McPherson Ave., Tues.-Thurs. 11 to 7, Fri. & Sat. 11 to 8, Closed Xmas Eve.
From top left: Field Design’s Outline Half-Round Drawing Tool, $50, Fort Standard Standing Bowl, $84, Field Design’s Magnifier, $140, Fort Standard’s Crest Bottle Opener, $48, Fort Standard’s Fire Kit, $98. Areaware Table Tiles Coaster Set, $18, and EXTO+2 Power Cord by Conway Electric to replace the unsightly power strip, $55.
Centro Modern Furnishings, 4727 McPherson Ave., (314) 454-0111.
Top photo: Carhartt’s “Work in Progress” line of brushed cotton shirts, $108.
Bottom photo: from left, Designed by LA-based husband & wife team, Rogue Territory’s specialty denim jacket is $325. A waxed canvas Field Jacket is $330, and Lineal’s Supply Jacket is $365.
CWE-based Sarah Doriani’s holiday cards, $5 each.
East+West, 387 N. Euclid, Mon. to Sat. 11 to 7, Sun. 12 to 5, Open Xmas Eve: 10 t0 4.
The Silver Lady: Window designed by Retail Design Group St. Louis Chapter.
From left, dramatic silver earrings, $129, stunning satin cuff, $338, and satin “x” ring, $160.
From top left: Artisan Somers’ sculptural jewelry includes Mobier teardrops, $300, Sarah bracelet, $685, and a Merilee necklace, $425.
The Silver Lady, 4736 McPherson Ave., (314) 367-7587, Weds. – Fri. 12 to 6, Sat. 11 to 6, Sun. 11 to 4.
di Olivas
di Olivas, an oil and vinegar emporium located at 115B N. Euclid across from Whole Foods, stocks plenty of gift ideas for food lovers, i.e., almost everyone.
While on one of his frequent trips to Tuscany, proprietor Robert Palleja discovered artist Peter Nika’s hand-made wooden cutting boards and fish-shaped pasta measuring tool (1 to 4 servings), $19.99 each. Top, Cascina Marchesa Pesto Alla Genovese, $8.99, Boat Street French Plum Pickles (I taste-tested these and they’re a winner). Serve with brie, chicken sandwiches, paté, etc., $9.99. Morelli organic red chilli pasta, $7.99.
The proprietor sings the praises of his recent import, Cortono Olio Nuovo, with its fresh cut grass taste and peppery finish, 200 ml $19.95 to $47.95 for 750 ml bottle.
And for an extravagant gift, di Olivas carries Reserva Tartufo truffle balsamic, $75.
di Olivas, 115B N. Euclid, Mon.- Thurs. 11 to 8, Fri. & Sat. 11 to 9, Sun. 11 to 6.
Part II to follow.