Image Credit: New England Home
I don't know about you, but I love giving great gifts.
Honestly, I pride myself on being an awesome gift giver. And you know what gets the most "oohs" and "ahhhs", time and time again? Hand-made pottery. Yep! Gorgeous, functional, hand-made pottery, for the win! Plus, as a local Boston-area Interior Designer, I'd be lying if I said there wasn't just a little bit of pressure to give beautiful, chic gifts. I'm looking at you, Aunt Edna.
Artisan items really add soul to a space. They were born out of someone's imagination, after all, and that energy definitely shines through. Handmade pottery can help elevate a meal, bring joy every morning with that first cup of coffee, or just look gorgeous sitting on a shelf. It can definitely be a splurge, so all the more reason to go the pottery route this season and make your recipient feel extra special!
Today I've rounded up a few local favs - equal parts eye-candy and cool - so you can gift in style while supporting small businesses! How's that for the gift that keeps on giving?
Everyone can use a statement vase, and Cara Taylor just the selection. I LOVE the clean simplicity of of Cara Taylor's work. Her forms are organic, sophisticated, and would enhance any space, but they'd look particularly great in a minimalist abode. In Cara's words, "The surfaces of my wares are simple ranging from matte white to a clear gloss to unglazed and textural. These classic finishes allow for the emphasis to be on elements such as shape, texture and very subtle hints of color." Beauty in simplicity. I couldn't agree more.
Most people love a good cup of coffee or tea in the morning, so why not make it a unique and beautiful experience? Besides, each time they wake up they'll think of you!
Steve lived in a monastery in Japan for 3 years, and is always working to understand the relationship between function and form. This mug has me drooling over the matte black exterior and earthy-green interior, plus all the texture and finish variations. These vessels would be as equally at home holding coffee or tea, as they would farmhouse ale on a stylish holiday table.
Why settle for a boring old salt shaker when you can have a GORGEOUS one in the center of your table? Lucy Fagella has a plethora of salt cellars for you to choose from so your holiday gift recipients can wine and dine you in style. Cause hey, gift giving is a little bit about you after all, right?
Lucy's breezy color palette is sooooooo lovely, and would be extra perfect for all your beach-loving (or beach house owning) loved ones. There is also a little embossing on the underside, which I LOVE. Little details like those are so fun to find and really elevate the product.
THIS IS A SHAMELESS PLUG FOR MY WISHLIST BECAUSE I NEED THIS MUG FOR MY COLLECTION! Someone please make a note of it. The eye insignia and the glazing is very boho-chic (my favorite kind of chic), and a grouping of these would look so amazing on some open shelving in the kitchen. Got a hip millennial on your shopping list? This would be a hit!
"It is my intention to create pots that are shared among friends, that are welcome at your table and invited to take part in your daily conversations," Tiffany says. Well this piece is certainly a lovely conversation starter, and I for one can't wait to start chatting.
A really good candle is one of my holiday gift go-tos, and nothing makes it feel really complete like a charming little match striker. This is another one of those gifts that people love to receive, yet don't think to buy for themselves. INCLUDING YOURS TRULY (ahem. Hint. Hint).
With a great selection of incense holders and match strikers, you could easily create a little wellness or meditation gift package and be done with the click of a button! Plus, her neutral palette is sure to mix with almost any style.
My inner moon goddess is a sucker for astrological items, and a serving platter is no exception. How amazing would it be to whip this out for your backyard soiree under the stars? What's even cooler is that SuzaLuna can personalize each piece, so you can get a Gemini-themed present for your sister and a Leo-themed one for your bestie, and side-step any gift-giving hard feelings. Sounds pretty stellar to me!
Holiday gift giving can be stressful, especially for those hard-to-shop-for recipients, or the girl who has everything. So, when in doubt, go the pottery route! Beautiful and thoughtful pottery gifts are endlessly useful and always appreciated. Your local community can be a great resource for connecting with artisans that really speak to you, and a great way to give back to the place where you live. They say you should surround yourself with people who inspire you. Shouldn't the things you are surrounded by inspire you (or your loved ones) as well?
Are you a local artist or know one worth checking out? Tag us on Instagram @TheFreshmakerDesign so we can get to know each other!