For our second installment of the holiday gift guide series, we’re thrilled to feature Brooklyn-based designer/illustrator Mary Matson. Mary is exactly the kind of gal we’d like to have around the office: she can design and she knows how to make chocolate! While her portfolio boasts work for some of our very favorite brands (think kate spade new york, Martha Stewart Living and West Elm, among others) Mary is also one half of Mary & Matt, the company she started alongside husband Matt Even in 2009. Mary & Matt produce Chocolate Editions, a line of homemade chocolate bars inspired by everything from ice cream to works by Sol LeWitt. Neoplitan Bar? Strawberry Stripes? Yes, please! Her chocolate bars look like little works of modern art, and we get the idea that this girl knows a thing or two about having fun with design. Another thing we love about Mary is her taste for bright, saturated color. So without further ado, let’s find out what Mary recommends to keep this season merry and bright:
(1-3.) What’s on your wishlist for this year?
Classics for the closet! Annie Larson’s winter knit hats, take your pick. Reminds me of old school Esprit which I adore. A set of Chance Pinstriped PJs, and a Whit Cashmere Beau Sweater. Lightweight, warm, bright and fun!
4. Do you have any go-to gift ideas for co-workers or acquaintances?
Chocolate Editions Chocolates! Chocolate makes everybody happy. Our Neapolitan Bar 0r Strawberry Stripes Bar are two favorites.
5. A stocking stuffer idea?
Brass Letter/Number Stencils and Italian Staplers from Present & Correct
6. A homemade gift?
A Marbleized Bar from Chocolate Editions — featuring homemade paper and chocolate made with love by me and Matt.
7. A gift for kids?
Duck umbrellas available in rainbow colors are great for little kids and big kids, too.
8. A mens item?
I dig Matt Singers vibe. Well made standard goods with a playful twist. Matt’s lighter covers make great stocking stuffers.
9. Is there a gift you’d like to receive for your kitchen?
I love copper, like this Brooklyn Copper Cookware Saucepan from West Elm Market. It looks great, ages well and is practical for candy making.
10. A paper gift?
The Indigo Bunting’s 2013 Illustrated Calendar twelve 8×10″ frameable prints. Each month features a unique illustration.
11. A gift for the studio?
My favorite drawing material and a great travel companion: Caran d’Ache Neocolor II Artists’ Water Soluble Crayons Set of 40
12. What’s your favorite holiday song?
Marshmallow World by Darlene Love on my favorite holiday album, “A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector.” Wall of Bells. Kind of fun to listen to year round.
13. A great hostess gift?
Anything at the A+R shop. Modern & Graphic. I love this Muuto & Norway Says’ Plus Salt + Pepper Grinder.
14. Culinary gift?
I enjoy making food package gifts from my favorite local shop BKLYN Larder which would would include Molino e Pastificio Pasta, balsamic vinegar form Modena and anchovies from Sicily.
15. Do you send out holiday cards? If so, where from?
Matt and I make our own cards and send them out for New Years. Great way to start out the year with a hello!
16. What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Mom’s homemade Christmas roll. Complete with ice box icing and maraschino cherries.
17. Do you send thank you notes for Christmas gifts? If so, do you have a favorite press or set of thank you cards?
We always send thank you’s, personalized with our very own stencil making machine.
18. What do the holidays mean to you?
Friends, food, fire places, fun festivities… and making lots of chocolate.
