It’s no secret around the office that I’m a little obsessed with Matchbook Magazine! If you’ve yet to check out my very favorite preppy publication, you’re sure to enjoy the lovely magazine created by Jane Lilly Warren and Katie Armour. Filled with fun articles on everything from James Stewart trivia to interviews with oh-so-cool people like Joy Venturini Bianchi and Wayne Pate, Matchbook has become my go-to resource for charming and accessible style. Hop over and create your own profile for their new online boutique when you get a chance — it’s so much fun! (Of course I love filling out any form that includes “china pattern”…) We are honored to feature Matchbook Creative Director Jane Lilly Warren (and her smart taste) in our holiday gift guide series. So without further ado, let’s ask Jane a few questions about her favorite holiday traditions and gift ideas:
What do the holidays mean to you? What’s your favorite thing about this time of year?
Skiing in Adirondacks with my family, too much egg nog, hanging ornaments that have been passed down through the generations, carols around the piano, midnight mass on Christmas Eve at Saint Thomas in Manhattan — especially when the boys choir sings Silent Night by candlelight, the tree at Rockefeller Center and the department store windows along 5th Avenue, cookie decorating and making little gingerbread houses.
What’s on your wish list for this year?
My husband and I moved to a new place in August, so I’m on the hunt for little personal, fun or quirky decor touches. I love needlepoint almost as much as I love George Washington — this Jonathan Adler pillow (1) is ideal! These simple storage baskets (2) would be perfect for keeping organized. It’s always hard to resist Staffordshire spaniels (3), and this pair from Furbish is no exception. I’m also always swooning over ballet flats (the ultimate essential!) – French Sole’s India (4) is at the top of my wish list.
What’s a complete “splurge” item you’d love to give or receive this year?
One day I dream of splurging on an F. Scott Fitzgerald 1st edition (5), but for now I would quite happily settle on a summer vacation with my husband to the Isle of Skye.
Do you send out holiday cards? If so, where from?
I believe red ink, gold foil, and letterpress make the holidays brighter! My go-to presses for thank you notes, holiday cards, and everything in between are Sugar Paper, Mr. Boddington’s Studio, Rifle Paper Co., and Dempsey and Carroll. This “From Santa” tag (6) is too cute!
Do you have a favorite holiday movie?
Holiday Inn (7) with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire is the absolute best! Metropolitan is a close second. Though very different films, both paint classic pictures of the East Coast at Christmas time.
What are some of your favorite gift ideas for the following categories?
clothing gift: Every girl can use a timeless, colorful silk scarf (8). A piece to have forever!
culinary gift: A Le Creueset teapot (9) looks excellent in anyone’s kitchen, and will be put to great use!
stocking stuffer: J.Crew’s backup iPhone chargers (10) are colorful and practical stuffers.
accessory gift: Anything from John Derian (11). You can never own too many paperweights and there’s surely a design in his collection to strike everyone’s fancy.
kids item: Kids quickly outgrow clothing and toys, so I prefer gifting a fun, new experience or event. Tickets to the Nutcracker ballet or a basketball game are great gifts. But I must say this mallard money bank (12) would make a pretty adorable gift too!
mens gift: From cheeky nicknacks to quality ties and accessories, I can get lost in Jack Spade for hours!
Thanks for stopping in, Jane, and we can’t wait for the next issue of Matchbook!
