An Elegant Femme Française Shops for Noel. . .

My idea for December is (has been) to give you non-stop "gifts," and since I hope you agree with me that experiences, kindness, generosity, dreams and elegant ideas often bring as much  -- if not more --  joy than something one can hold and unwrap, here is another cadeau for you to savor. 

This one comes from the divinely chic Jeanne-Aelia Desparmet-Hart,  former Paris stylist and now New York interior decorator, who translates her exquisite French sensibility with humor and style on one of my all-time favorite blogs, Through The French Eye of Design (I suspect you'll agree with me the minute you click on.)

LES CADEAUX DE NOEL

Mmm...what would a French woman, like me, give pour Noël this year?

What would she love to receive? A Femme D'Un Certain Age wanted to know; I have my answers, but I also asked four of my closest amies in Paris what they would give for Christmas to friends and family this year and what they wish to receive this year. 

Here are the spontaneous lists, no need to check twice, Père Noël:

Dominique 

For her mother, a Guerlain spa day.

 

 

For her sister, jewelry by Donatella Pellini. 

For her daughter 21, an original manuscript from a famous person in

 history (her wish).

 

 

Her own wish: a lazy afternoon at a Hammam. 

Frederique 

For the mothers who car-pooled in the morning when she broke her foot, Marie-Helene de Taillac's Pierres Precieuses tape printed with precisely realistic miles of jewels. 

For her three pre-teen children: The latest cell phones(!) ... Surprised?

 

 

Her own wish: (real) jewels from Marie-Helene de Taillac. 

Evelyne

 

For her sister, from Colette in Paris, Mizensir candles from Geneva, preferably Bois du Tibet, Sapin de Noël, Verveine Menthe.

 

 

On her list, a trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

 

 

And a Fortuny Lamp from Ecart Int. 

Monique

 A "diner en tête-a-tête" at Le Corot, a must-go restaurant in Ville d'Avray near Paris.

 

And, any of these great accessories made in Brazil from soda can tabs, sold in the Marais in Paris. 

My Children

For my four children, (young adults) "legal tender" - easy, no disappointments anticipated; true, not very elegant, yet always very much appreciated... 

And slipped into the wrapping of a small gift:

For the girls: a huge hand blocked printed scarf, and a brocade (very mini) skirt to be worn with almost any color tights, both from Lila Horn 

For the boys: Azzaro Homme Cologne (the same every year).

 

 

And a NYC antiques market bronze inkwell/pencil tray (very Pierre Loti).

My Husband 

 

The usual...a book he has not read...very, very difficult! Ahh, but this little technical marvel will probably do the trick this year and...forever!

                            My Sister 

 

Custom work: I am making a long necklace for her (a hobby of mine) like this one: three rows of Korean jade, gold quartz, tiny Venetian glass leaves and 40's and 50's beads in various shapes, sizes and materials from the Puces de Clignancourt (flea market) in Paris (they are sold by weight) and with some small gold beads here and there for added sophistication.  

What do I wish for?

That all of us be together in the same country on Christmas Day, but as that is not in the cards... 

...maybe this heart-stopping ring ( I love large rings) by Paolo Costagli; it is called a wish list after all, non?

The Aitali Plexi chair an identical replica of the velvet Paris Opéra Garnier chair; such beautiful quirkiness and such impeccable craftsmanship.  

 And design books, like this one on French design star Jacques Grange. 

P.S. I am almost sure what I am getting from my sister, but I won't tell...

et voila!

à vous maintenant!

                                                            au revoir

(Ed. Note: This disgraceful layout is entirely my fault. If Jeanne-Aelia had been in charge it would be beautiful, but I trust the content will makeup for the display. . .)