Haven’s 12 Days of Christmas: 5
by DENNIS KEMPTON
Everything we feature on this site, naturally, is something we would want or have for ourselves. But, now that the holidays are here and we’re in the business of suggesting gifts, my thoughts turned to things I would like to receive from someone special. I don’t require a lot, actually, despite my love of clothing, shoes, bags, and other things. My most treasured gift lately was a worn copy of A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House. My love of history, my interest in the Kennedy family, and the warm-hearted inscription by the man who gave me the book as a gift made it mean more than anything else. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to be meaningful and thoughtful. So, some of my own personal gift desires may not seem all that incredible, but something given with love and attention is extraordinary.
The English Shaving Company: 4 piece shaving set in Ivory. This shaving set, comprises a Gillette® Mach3® razor, pure badger shaving brush and a nickel plated metal stand with shaving soap bowl. Great quality and represents excellent value for money. I’ve always wanted one of these sets but have never gotten one for myself. The brush and the bowl make me smile. The Gillette razor makes me feel safer than trying a genuine old-school blade. Best of both worlds.
Monogrammed sheet set from Pottery Barn. Pure cotton percale. 280 thread count. Edged with a triple row of satin-stitched embroidery. There’s something sublime about crisp white linens. I love this simple design. $149.
Ina Garten’s “Barefoot in Paris” country French cookbook, autographed. I could watch The Barefoot Contessa for hours. And I love every recipe she’s ever had. My love for cookbooks is great and I have many of them, but not any from Ina, nor any that are autographed. Her fresh approach to simple ingredients and effortless-looking entertaining is something I admire. $35.
Personalized Toy Box from In the Company of Dogs. The quickest way to my heart, besides beautiful antique furniture, is through my dogs. I keep my dogs’ toys in baskets, but this would be an adorable substitute. Whimsical handpainted ceramic tiles by artist Nancy DeYoung decorate three sides of this sturdy hardwood box with ball feet. Can be personalized with your dog’s name. Handcrafted in USA. 16 3/4″L x 10 3/4″W x 11 1/2″H. $149.
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