My Dream Gift List

Over the years I have always loved looking through all the gift lists that are beautifully showcased in various magazines. I would jokingly put a list together for my husband (...but secretly not too much of a joke, you know what I am talking about ladies, right? The subtle art of asking without asking!). Sometimes it was helpful, other times not so much, especially when I can’t help myself and include wildly extravagant ideas of gifts we all dream about receiving.

When I was in my twenties and living in Melbourne, I remember wrapping up a pair of divine shoes from retailer Miss Louise. To justify a gift for myself, I wrote the note as though the gift was from our family dog. He apologised for wearing out my shoes on our many walks, and was hoping that these new creations would encourage further walks. I was delighted and most agreeable. I thanked him appropriately, everyone was happy and life was as it should be!

My list this year has some beautiful items that set the heart a flurry. Two of my favourites are the beautiful Dior bag and their exquisite glasses. The throws look ever so cuddly and I am sure they would feel divine against one's skin. I often think about arriving at a friend’s door with a room-temperature bottle of champagne, which would be such a wonderful surprise - especially when the recipient knows they don’t have to open it at that present moment.

Beautiful linen is certainly a welcome gift, especially if it's from Le Jacquard Francais. I was totally smitten with their store in Paris, so unwrapping a set of napkins and placemats would be fabulous.

There are two particular Christmas candles that I adore, both are French - Diptyque and Trudon. They seem to capture the essence of the season, and their fragrance adds another layer to the total experience.

My book Dreaming In Petals makes for a timeless gift. I created this title to bring the recipient hours of enjoyment. What could be better than serving a glass of champagne and a small cake (or deux!) while perusing the beauty within Dreaming In Petals.

Don’t forget to always wrap your gifts. If the retailer has beautiful wrapping, this is certainly okay too - just remember to add your personal little flourish or touch, to make the gift uniquely from you.

Happy gifting x

Lady Dior lambskin bag, embroidered with three-dimensional flowers	Dior Toile de Jouy Sauvage Stole in ivory and grey cashmere	Dior water glass amber-coloured Cannage

Carat candle holder	Chanel Bel Respiro eau de parfum	Bemboka chunky cable pale grey Italian cashmere throw

Hotel de Crillon, Paris	Louis Roederer NV Champagne

John Stephens & Company Serengeti table lamp	Jacquard Francis napkin Tivoli linen in powder pink	Kitatsu champagne flute

Bemboka wide rib angora & merino wool blanket	“Dreaming In Petals” by Sandra Kaminski	J.Crew Relaxed V neck cream cardigan sweater brushed yarn

Nordicware Kugeltopf Bundt pan	Pons JANIROC Varietal Garden extra virgin olive oil from Sabato, Auckland	Dried lemons from Twisted Citrus

La Rochere Haute Excelsior ice cream glasses	Green tartan napkins from Williams Sonoma

Mont Blanc Croco print matt brown notebook	Trudon Altair Festive candle oud and rose	Max Mara light grey cashmere stole with embroidery

Amano, Auckland	“A Way Of Living” by Ralph Lauren