In Our Shops>Trust Me...You'll Love This!
TRUST ME…..YOU’LL LOVE THIS: handmade
My stepdaughter recently shared a picture she snapped of a random collection of cards, gift wrap, tags, and odds and ends that I had painted for our grandchildren and members of our family on various occasions over the last decade. I was so touched that she had saved these bits and pieces, and it left me pondering the intrinsic value of “handmade” this afternoon – especially as we come into this season of giving. While I find myself longing for the luxury of time to be as ‘hands on’ as I once was, I have such an appreciation for things made by the hands of others, so our shops are full of handcrafted, handmade, small-batch and artisanal options – the next best thing if you are unable to do it yourself!
We have been feathering NEST this week and our shelves are overflowing with holiday fun including some especially wonderful handmade finds – from one-of-a-kind Santas, handpainted trinket dishes and elegant serveware, to small-batch cheeses straws, artisanal cocktail ingredients, bourbon-soaked cherries for delicious Old-Fashioneds and our own house-made chocolate truffles and jams.
Just in – hens and pullets handmade in France. So charming on your table!
Handmade one-of-a-kind whimsy from artist Ashley Benton.
With Thanksgiving decorating and entertaining on our minds, I am contemplating how wonderful our handmade guineas from France would be as a centerpiece for a dining or buffet table (tuck in a few herbs and small gourds or pumpkins – voila!) not to mention a fabulous hostess gift if someone else is doing the cooking this year. New to our French brood are hens and pullets and adorable little ceramic mice that would add a charming touch to a tin of cheese straws or a handsome cheese board. I love personalizing gifts with a dash of the unexpected! For art lovers, don’t miss our new collection of whimsical handmade ceramic busts from Atlanta based artist Ashley Benton. The captivating personalities of her one-of-a-kind pieces will draw you in, so pause and gaze awhile and see if they speak to you as they did to me. A special gift for someone artsy on your list who appreciates the unusual.
One of Nadia Bevegni’s one-of-a-kind hand-felted scarves – her handiwork is exquisite!
Designer Nadia Bevegni is back from Italy and in Dovecote today and tomorrow with her stunningly beautiful collection of felted scarves and accessories – luxe handmade at it best! Be sure to pop in and check out her fabulous one-of-a-kind works of art as Nadia continues to wow us with her special creations every season. From scarves and handbags, to jewelry and elegant French cuffs, Dovecote has a world of handmade options to explore!
And for the wee ones, made by hand options abound at Sprout with precious sweaters from Nepal (SO adorable!!!), my most favorite line of collectible handmade animals from our friends at Hazel Village in Brooklyn (totally irresistible!!!!), and heirloom handmade baby cups and spoons, first lock and tooth fairy boxes. (I am seeing a renewed interest in sentimental keepsake baby gifts, and for this someone who uses her baby cup as the scoop in her sugar canister, I could not be happier about the trend!)
Handmade sweaters from Nepal for wee ones.
Drop by Nest to design custom tags!
Don’t forget that “packaging” is a perfect opportunity to add your personal touch! Tie a thoughtfully selected ornament suited for the recipient onto a bottle of wine or container of hot chocolate, or adorn your package with a monogrammed gift tag (we have beautiful options from Haute Papier – still time to order!!!) and instantly personalize your gift. We offer complimentary wrapping in all three of our shops – complete with our charming hand drawn labels – speaking of a “touch of handmade.”
Explore our vast range of handmade options this gifting season! Trust me…..there is always a bit of magic – and a lot of TLC – in anything made by hand. And isn’t that really the best gift of all?
