Holiday gifting ideas from a pro: Karen Young of Hammocks & High Tea

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It's three days to Christmas. But even if you haven't had a second to think about what to gift your friends and family, (let alone the hostess of your next, and maybe final holiday party this week), there's still time. We sat down with textile designer Karen Young, founder of Hammocks & High Tea, (who travels frequently between New York and San Francisco), for her six favorite gift ideas under $50, go-to hostess gifts, and expert tips for creative and inexpensive wrapping.

"With all the fuss of the holidays, a calendar is often the last thing on the 'remember to buy' list," says Young. "I adore this Seesaw letterpress calendar available at Rare Device, inspired by vintage textiles and geometric shapes. The subtle metallic gold doesn't hurt a bit either. Each page is perforated so it can be framed like artwork."

$32; Available at Rare Device

Courtesy of Rare Device

$32; Available at Rare Device




"Tis' the season when everyone runs to buy extra dishes," says Young. "These fabric covered trays by designer Michael Levine have such beautiful texture and add a little spice to your cheese display or holiday table."

8x12 tray, $40

Courtesy of Lotus Bleu Design

8x12 tray, $40; Available at Lotus Bleu Design




"I could spend hours smelling Kobo soy candles. The scents are incredible," says Young. "As if that isn't enough, they are beautifully packaged in a tin with a set of matches."

$33; Available at Aldea Home

Courtesy of Aldea Home

$33; Available at Aldea Home




"These scented drawer liners are an unexpected gift of pretty, and they work for a range of tastes," says Young of the liners made of recycled paper and printed with soy ink. "For an extra element of surprise, use it to wrap a gift."

$25 for set of six; Available at Hammocks & High Tea

Courtesy of Hammocks & High Tea

$25 for set of six; Available at Hammocks & High Tea




"I find a reason to browse 20x200 everyday," says Young. "This site makes art accessible, and for as little as $20 you can give the gift of a collectible piece. If you're not sure exactly what they'd like, purchase a gift certificate." 8x10 prints start at $20.

"I've been making a cocoa mix that will be in everyone's stocking this year," says Young.

"Blend 1 cup dark cocoa powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of chili powder. Package into glass mason jars and tie with a pretty ribbon. This makes a delicious guilt-free mix with a kick. Add cookies, and you've got a gift with charm and spice."

No-fail Hostess Gifts

"A bottle of wine is often the go-to hostess gift, but to deliver one wrapped in a tea towel is extra special," says Young. This ikat chevron pattern printed on 100% organic cotton is Young's pick.

$20; Available at Hammocks & High Tea

Courtesy of Hammocks & High Tea

$20; Available at Hammocks & High Tea




"After the ordeal of planning a flawless party, the hostess is usually on her last leg by the end of the night. I like to gift something pampering like these beautiful Lucia soaps," says Young.

Pomegranate and red currant soap, $11; Available at Lavish

Courtesy of Lavish

Pomegranate and red currant soap, $11; Available at Lavish




Young's 5 tips for do-it-yourself wrapping:

1. Use remnant pieces of fabric, or a silk scarf (that may never have been exactly your style). Finish with textured ribbon or tie loose ends and let the package speak for itself.

2. Tissue paper often gets stuffed on the inside of the gift, but if you place two sheets together and wrap carefully, the package looks sweet and feminine.

3. Check the pantry. I often buy tea tins that look like gifts themselves. Complete the look with a bow.

4. My favorite gift ever was wrapped in craft paper and tied with bright orange wool yarn. The simplicity of craft paper never fails to make a chic package.

5. If you're wrapping something flat like a picture or print, place it between two squares of cork board (found at office supply and craft stores such as Michaels), and tie with a bright ribbon. Add a bit of greenery or a jingle bell.

Have a favorite gift or wrapping idea? Let us know.

Posted By: Jennie Nunn (Email) | December 22 2010 at 06:00 AM

Listed Under: Designer Dialogue