Tips Of The Trade: Simone LeBlanc Gifting Event
1. It’s the most simple advice, but I always return to it: think about your recipient.
Gifting an item related to a personal story is a great opportunity to show how well you know someone and how much you listen to or understand them. Listen to little details of their lives throughout the year and refer to those moments when giving them a gift for a specific holiday.
2. Trust your favorite tastemakers.
We’re fortunate to live in a time where there are an abundance of unique resources to get inspired and discover new, amazing ideas and objects. Follow their lead!
3. Seek second opinions.
If you’re feeling totally stumped, get in touch with spouses, best friends and others to really find out what that person has been pining for.
4. Keep an eye and ear out all year long.
I often pick up pieces that feel just right for someone months away from the holidays and hold onto them until the time is right. This helps to lessen the stresses of the holiday season and also keeps gifting authentic and crunch-time free.
5. When it comes to wrapping, focus on doing one thing well..
For example, if you don’t actually enjoy wrapping, keep it simple and add a fail-safe detail. Purchase a ready-made box in kraft or white and add a wax seal in a metallic or bold color. Or, cut the back of a beautifully-designed card and adhere it to the top of the box, so it looks like a considered, artistic touch. There are some fabulous calligraphy and printed cards out there, so take advantage of what is pre-made.
6. Make holiday wrapping feel updated and fresh by adding an element of depth.
Velvet ribbon is a great go-to that feels so right for this season. Another favorite is to do use a dry paintbrush and some metallic gold or silver leaf paint, or a deep burgundy or crimson color over a black, white or kraft gift tag. And if you add a simple sprig of fresh foliage – even from your garden – it will add that final touch.
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EBTH wants to know: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
A handmade miniature ceramic boot with grosgrain ribbon from 1890s France. It’s the first gift my husband gave to me, after our first date. He was compelled to bring it to me against the advice of the shopkeeper and everyone around him. Let’s just say it was not your typical ‘I’ve been thinking about you after our first date…’ type of gift. When I opened the box, I was shocked at how apropos the gift was. Unbeknownst to him, I collected miniature shoes and, 1890s France is an era that I love. I knew then that my life was about to take an entirely different direction, and it quickly did.
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