bread&butter gift guide

for the bon vivants in your life

When I think about the art of gift-giving, and some of the best gifts I’ve either given or received, I realize a great gift can only fall under two categories : practical/ useful or personal/thoughtful. Some really exceptional gifts can be all of the above, but I believe it only needs to tick one of these boxes to qualify.

However, the special sauce is in match-making the right gift with the right person. The success of a gift is often not about the price or presentation, but more about the context. The NY Times said it best “listen, observe and empathize — and perhaps do a little sleuthing”. Don’t just buy a gift to check it off your list, do it with intention and pizzazz.

Every item below has potential to be universally adored, but it’s up to you to match with the perfect deserving recipient. Peruse this list, and hopefully inspiration strikes. If physical gifting isn’t your thing, you can always show love through food. Invite your loved ones over for a home-cooked meal, or hire a private chef to say “I love you” via steak au poivre and chocolate mousse. Just remember, time (and time well spent) is the gift of all gifts.

Happy window web shopping!

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THE HOMEBODY HOST

COLORED WATER GLASSES

CANDLE SCONCES or these + pair with tapered beeswax candles

COCKTAIL NAPKINS festive but fun all year

SNACK TRIO optional: gift with olives, fancy potato chips and nuts

PLACEMATS

MY FAVORITE PLATE-BOWL

Chez Panisse x Heath collab. Some may call it a soup bowl, but I call it my perfect plate

PEWTER COCKTAIL GLASSES get these for your dad with a bottle of scotch

CHECKERS/CHESS SET if you need to sophisticate your gamer boyfriend

LIFE-CHANGING ENGLISH MUFFINS

the most serious freezer secret weapon to have on hand for guests or a splurge for yourself. Pair with their signature strawberry jam

CHIC KETTLE a work of art to have out on your stove

SPIRAL COASTERS (restock coming soon)

CONVERSATION CARDS if you’re also allergic to smallchat

LUXURIOUS CLEANING TRIO the Cece scent smells like gwyneth paltrow’s house

NATURAL WINE any duo or trio from Scribe (or vineyard of choice). Pair with these wine glass tags

JAPANESE WATERCOLOR SET whether they’re artsy or not, this set is art itself

THE COOK WITH IMPECCABLE TASTE

STEAK KNIVES these colors are fun

and I stole one of these in Paris last year and fell in love with the brand. They cut through entrecôte like buttah

BUCKET O’ MUSTARD

CANVAS CHEF TOTE the origami design is brilliant and perfect for travel. obsessed with this color

THE BIGGEST BAG OF ALL TIME (ON WHEELS) chef equivalent to “it has pockets!” on your favorite dress.

Lexi got me this for my birthday 3 years ago and it’s still my favorite and most used gift <3

TART VINEGARS to level up salad and sauce game. Love the yuzu. Need to try dill vinegar next

NATOORA SEASONAL PRODUCE BOX

Sadly only available for local delivery in NYC, but also all over UK + Europe

CULINARY WEEK AT ROCCA DELLA TRE CONTRADE

I treated myself to this back in 2021 and is still one of the most special, memorable and inspirational experiences of my life. Definitely the most extravagant thing on this list, but for good reason. If you have someone in mind you can afford to splurge on, look no further (better rate to split with a +1!)

THE BEST APRON I want to embroider ‘bread + butter’ on the taupe one

SRF WAGYU FILET anything from Snake River Farms is sure to impress, but the wagyu filet is my fave

MARKET TOTE a bit overpriced, but the design is stunning. Can probably find a good dupe on amazon

CARTER’S COOKBOOK

truly one of my favorite follows. Every recipe I’ve ever made of hers is incredibly homey and delicious. You have to subscribe to her substack in order to purchase, but I promise it’s worth it.

CLOGS tried these on at Maison Empereur in Marseilles and so regret not getting them. Incredibly comfy

THE COMFORT CONNOISSEUR