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I took the photo above from the cover of the French edition of AD (Architectural Digest) magazine dated December 2012 – January 2013 (France No 113). At the bottom of the cover it says: ”Les 100 Plus Beaux Cadeaux Du Monde” meaning ”The 100 Most Beautiful Gifts in The World”; which had captured my attention then for I had found this phrase quite pretentious. When I had examined the magazine then, I had thought it was very jolly and timeless and I had kept it.

Many pages are devoted in the AD magazine (AD) to the list of 100 presents ranging from artist’s works, high-tech products, designer objects, handy ware, dream destinations, rare delicacies and other exclusive suggestions. I want to share some of the suggestions from this jolly list that would also give all of us an idea as we search for presents for our loved ones at these times of the year. It may not be possible to find the exact materials in the list but variations of them could be found. You can also just enjoy a distinguished list of presents and their jolly photos as I did years ago probably either hoping to receive or give them one day.

Gift Suggestions From A Jolly List (From The List of ‘The 100 Most Beautiful Gifts in The World’ by AD Magazine):

• Salt and Pepper in an ultra-chic version

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These two silver and vermeil flowers are salt and pepper shakers of a unique and surprising style designed by the jeweler Gianmaria Buccellati. You can check Buccellati for different present options including jewelry, watches, i-phone and i-pad cases, silver bowls, vases, frames, key holders, candle sticks, tea-coffee sets and many more options. Take note that luxury goods holding company, Richemont, has acquired 100% of Buccellati. (richemont.com).

• iPad Accessory

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It is stated that ‘BeoPlay A3’ audio docking station designed for the iPad by Bang & Olufsen can be positioned vertically or horizontally and adapts the sound distribution accordingly, transforming the tablet into a jukebox, clock radio or mini-television. Bang & Olufsen is a well-known brand for technological products like headphones or speakers. I found out that they have recently launched ‘BeoSound 8’ for the iPhone, iPad and iPod with a remote control included in the box.

• A Crystal Elephant

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This midnight-colored crystal sculpture of limited series decorated with custom-made bronze ornaments by Baccarat is presented as a high quality treasure. You can check Baccarat for different gift options like tableware, barware, vases, decorative objects, animal sculptures, desk accessories, and exceptional chess sets. I was surprised to learn that the company, well-known worldwide for its crystal designs, dates as back as 1764.

• An Ethnic New York Carpet

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The pictured carpet is said to be designed by New York designer Jonathan Adler for The Rug Company – an international company in the field of handmade contemporary rugs by famous designers.

• Decorative plates

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These plates in vibrant colors with baroque designs had been designed by Versace for Rosenthal to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Rosenthal’s collaboration with Versace. Rosenthal is a German brand known especially for its porcelain products. I was impressed when I read that Philipp Rosenthal had been to America when he was seventeen and worked as a dishwasher before becoming a salesman for porcelain and that he set up the company when he returned to Germany in 1879. Rosenthal has a large selection of products including tableware, glassware, cutleries, kitchenware, vases, furniture and accessories. Their colored wine and champagne glasses on their web site seem very chic. Rosenthal’s collaboration with Versace still continues and you can see the Versace designs on their web page.

• A baroque centerpiece

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A silver and natural wood bowl for a Nordic-inspired table. It is stated as Swanson Stag at Ralph Lauren Home. This table centerpiece is also referred to as a punch bowl. I really liked this piece which looks very stylish. It does not seem available currently.

• An ideal weekend in London

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Hotel One Aldwych is recommended for a weekend stay in London. Hotel One Aldwych is an historical hotel located in an Edwardian building in Covent Garden at a walking distance to the top theaters and operas of London and the British Museum. It had been home to well-known magazines and Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Works of UK to which Winston Churchill had also been frequenting. The hotel has a health club, wedding & event venue, meeting rooms, a chic afternoon tea service, a stylish lobby bar and a Michelin Restaurant. Hotel One Aldwych is also a member of ‘The Leading Hotels of The World‘ (lhw).

It says in the AD magazine the following about the hotel:
”You only go out to ice skate just opposite, in the courtyard of Somerset House where you can admire the masterpieces of the Courtauld Collection”. Somerset House is one of the biggest arts centers of London, home to many different galleries and events, situated around a beautiful courtyard with an ice skating rink. Its Courtauld Gallery is best known for its paintings by famous painters like Degas, Monet, Gaugin, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Modigliani and Matisse.

• Malle W. Trousseau Kitchen Set

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The above kitchen set, of Malle W. Trousseau brand, is composed of 43 utensils for cutting, chopping, peeling, crushing, spicing, pouring and serving including a leather apron selected from the biggest brands around the world designed by the French couple  Isabelle Mathez and Frédéric Winkler. The AD magazine calls it: ‘The panoply of The Cordon-Bleu‘, Cordon Bleu being an international chain of culinary schools teaching French cuisine.

• A Precious Champagne and Chic Glasses

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The champagne ‘La Grand Dame 2004’ by Veuve Clicquot, is said to be a great champagne having the notes of nougat, apricot, vanilla, brioche and jasmine which sound very tempting to me. Although Veuve Clicquot launched ‘La Grand Dame 2008’, I would prefer the 2004 series due to its mentioned notes.

The Art Deco crystal glasses near the champagne bottle seem so chic. It is stated that they are designed by Joseff Hoffman for Lobmeyr – an international luxury store with headquarters in Austria selling crystal glassware and chandeliers since 1823.

• A chic and jolly bag

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This leopard and crocodile print patent leather bag is said to be of urban jungle trend. The bag is stated to be ‘Cabas Ka’ by the French fashion house ‘Paule Ka‘. The sunglasses hanging in the pocket of the bag is ‘Persol‘ – an Italian luxury eyewear brand, one of the oldest eyewear companies in the world.

• A Traveler Pouch

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This currency case is stated to be a crocodile print cowhide pouch with four flashy color zips from English leather produced by Smythson. Smythson is a British manufacturer of luxury stationery and leather goods based in London founded in 1887. I liked the website of the company and its jolly products in vivant colors that obviously look as produced with utmost care and of high quality. The products of Smythson include diaries, briefcases, women’s and men’s accessories, home accessories and handcrafted gifts. The British royal family has also been among the customers of the company, which was honored with many royal warrants.

• A special Cookbook

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The cookbook entitled ”Two Dudes, One Pan: Maximum Flavor from a Minimalist Kitchen” by Jon Shook et Vinny Dotolo who are mentioned as the culinary phenomena at the head of ‘Son of a Gun’ and ‘Animal’ restaurants in Los Angeles. The AD magazine calls the book as: ‘The Kitchen Bible’. You can check here in Amazon for the book.

• A Dinner at ‘La Tour D’argent’

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Opened in 1582, La Tour d’Argent is stated to be the oldest restaurant in Paris. The historic restaurant is said to be a favourite of celebrities and nobles like English King Henry IV.  It has a distinctive menu and its specialty is duck. La Tour d’Argent is also a Michelin guide restaurant with one Michelin star. I found a book about La Tour d’Argent in Amazon, about which I read the following: ”… a tale that meanders from the banks of the Seine to the avenue Georges V, from 1582 to the present, a fable full of legendary celebrities and celebrated strangers.”.

• Candle holders for a golden light

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A trio of brass candle holders with a bronze finish designed by Hervé Langlais in limited series. They had been exhibited for sale at ‘Galerie Curiosités d’esthètes’, Paris. I liked these candle holders and the golden light reflection at their top due to their material. They look esthetique and beautiful but at the same time plain and functional.

• A Collector’s Item

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The Japanese-style vase in the form of two entwined fish by Christofle is stated to be a reproduction of a 19th century piece which had been exhibited at the Bouilhet-Christofle museum. The museum was closed in 2008. Christofle was founded in 1830 and became one of the major silversmiths in nineteenth-century France. I read that the company had become a silversmith to Napeleon III as well. Christofle has a wide range of products including jewelry, tableware, barware, decoration products and special collections. I like the products of Christofle brand especially its crystal glasses and candelabras.

• A very soft plaid

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This seasonal, warm and soft throw or blanket is said to be ‘Alta Pampa’ -a luxury fabric handwoven in Argentina- represented by Holland & Sherry, a fabric mill founded in London in 1836. I think a soft qualified blanket would always be a good present. Alta pampa fabric does not seem available any more but there are many fabric options at Holland & Sherry, which provides fabrics to tailors and couture designers throughout the world.

• A beautiful durable tool

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Estwing is stated to be a benchmark American brand that manufactures ultra-professional tools for construction and geology. Its chic products, composed of steel and handles covered with laminated leather and lacquer, are stated to have pure lines. I checked the website of Estwing. The hand tools and specialty tools (hammers, screwdrivers, knives, compressors, nailers and work gloves, etc.) manufactured by the company since almost a hundred years are stated to be sold in leading hardware stores, home centers, and retailers throughout the United States, Canada and in many countries around the world. Estwing tools are also available in Amazon.

• Quality suitcases

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It is stated that the Bottega Veneta set in braided or ostrich leather is like decorative objects rather than suitcases. Bottega Veneta is an Italian luxury house and its products including ready to wear, bags, shoes and accessories for men and women seem very chic.

• A cheese cake much better than in New York

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This item was among my favorites as I love cheese cake. The photo above is so seductive. I want to share the AD magazine’s interpretation:
”Pastry chef Jacques Genin is surely continuing his reappropriation of the great classics. Inspired by the Central European tradition, it’s the cheesecake’s turn to come out of its oven, soft and vanilla under its thin skin tanned by baking as desired. A pure pleasure.”
I found out that Jacques Genin is a French chef and a well-known chocolate and caramel maker in Paris. You may find his book ‘Le meilleur de la tarte au citron‘ (French edition) here in Amazon.

• A Real Chalet For Two

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‘Chalet Petite Marmotte‘ is located at the foot of the ski tracks in Courchevel. It is stated to be a perfect refuge for a stay of two. I found out that the web site ‘als-ski.com‘, which seems very organized and informative, introduces the hotels and chalets at the skiing centers in the world including this chalet. They also introduce summer hotels and villas (als-sun.com).

What is More ...

No wonder that anything can be a present as long as you deem it to be suitable for your loved ones or you feel like it is a present for you. A lovely card, a bunch of flowers, candles, a pair of warm socks, a fragrant coffee, a tablet of chocolate, a book or a film.

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I recently received the above books I had ordered from Amazon which were as presents to me for I was thinking to buy them since a long time: ‘New York Christmas – Recipes & Stories‘, a book with a sweet cover which drew me at first sight at a bookstore in Munich last year a short time before Christmas, and
‘Audrey at Home‘, a book about Audrey Hepburn, my ever lasting icon, written by her son Luca Dotti, which I wanted to buy ever since I heard of it. (You can check here in Amazon for the New York Christmas book, and here for the Audrey Hepburn book.).

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I also recently watched the film ‘Christmas in Rome‘, thanks to a suggestion of one of my friends, which was like a present to me. The film was about lots of things like travel, love, starting a business and established values. The enchanting views of Rome at Christmas time and the hand made tree ornaments are worth to see. It was a very sweet and a warm film. From the ones you can enjoy under your blanket with your hot drink and an unconscious smile in your face … .

MERRY CHRISTMAS! and HAPPY NEW YEAR!