THE STYLEBEAT 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: 12 COZY GIFTS

by Marisa Marcantonio

With the holidays all but put on ice this year, gift giving is one act of kindness and appreciation we can still follow through on. Everyone is spending a lot more time at home, which means everyone is thinking about their interiors and what they want to change or add. So I thought I’d continue with the cozy gift ideas theme again this year, since it is where we are most days. Wonderful to give and get, the following gifts are peak homebody, and are sure to please.

Image courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Image courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Caviar, cozy? Hear me out. With holiday parties put on ice, why not indulge chez you? Roe Caviar has dynamite packaging so you can feel good sending it to friends, too.

Image courtesy of Hill House Home

Image courtesy of Hill House Home

For everyone that hightailed it out of New York City (myself included), this present will keep the city that never sleeps top of mind. The I Love NY Bundle is on sale now at Hill House Home.

Image courtesy of Tuckernuck

Image courtesy of Tuckernuck

A classic pom pom hat is hard to find. Tuckernuck’s Pink Pineapple hat in a petal pink chunky knit is close to what I was searching for,

Image courtesy of Soia and Kyo

Image courtesy of Soia and Kyo

Mittens! You can’t get much cozier than that. Soia and Kyo make the cutest fleece faux fur mittens. These are selling quickly.



Image courtesy of Anthropologie

Image courtesy of Anthropologie

Penelope Chilvers is known for making amazing snow boots. I was excited to see a slipper version of them at Anthropologie online. Made of felted wool and lined in shearling, these retro slipper boots have a rubber sole in case you want to wear them to walk the dog.

Image courtesy of Matches Fashion

Image courtesy of Matches Fashion

The Elder Statesman is known for their unbelievable cashmere throws, and this blue and white checked piece is no exception. If there is gingham involved, I like it.

Image courtesy of Jenni Kayne

Image courtesy of Jenni Kayne

It’s a best seller for a reason: the cashmere Cocoon sweater by Jenni Kayne is like a blanket with sleeves.



Image courtesy of La Ligne

Image courtesy of La Ligne

Stripes are an instant mood brightner and can be a nice change from the usual pandemic uniform of grey, natural or oatmeal sweaters and sweatshirts with sweatpants. La Ligne knows this, and their Marin cashmere and wool sweater has a 7- ply knit. This stripe comes in different contrasting color variations and is constantly selling out, so grab it while it’s still available.

Image courtesy of J. Crew

Image courtesy of J. Crew

There is certainly not a dearth of new brands designing charming pajamas and nightgowns. But most are sold out since they transition from morning till night and could be considered an “outfit” on a cold weekend. Ever appealing, you can’t go wrong with a classic,. Every year these surface and make a great gift— the J. Crew Vintage pajama set in pale pink with navy piping. Love that combo!

Image courtesy of Weezie

Image courtesy of Weezie

Personalized towels with matching piping are the height of cozy. Weezie, the direct to consumer brand I covered when they debuted, makes wonderfully soft and fluffy towels that come in an array of constantly updated trim colors and monogram options. Their starter pack is a runaway hit.

Image courtesy of Mark & Graham

Image courtesy of Mark & Graham

Take a screen break for some good old fashioned play, games are back in a big way. Chess is having a resurgence with The Queen’s Gambit fever happening since November, but backgammon enthusiasts have been quietly doing their thing for years. There is nothing like a classic leather backgammon board, and Mark and Graham’s version fits the bill.

Image courtesy of Tory Burch

Image courtesy of Tory Burch

Spongeware mugs aren’t anything new, but they have a distinctive pattern and are different from other the other mugs out there. Tory Burch’s spongeware set of four mugs comes in a smaller pattern (shown above) and a larger version.

MARISA'S MUST-HAVE'S FOR JULY

by Marisa Marcantonio

Since we are having a non-summer this year and staying at home is the best game plan, why not make the most of it and spruce up your outdoor spaces and beach gear? From the best outdoor umbrella to chic outdoor lights, I’ve rounded up some stylish finds to make your outdoor living room almost as enjoyable as your indoor version.

Image courtesy of Ballard Designs

Image courtesy of Ballard Designs

If you are serious about ping pong, this outdoor ping pong table called the Del Ray ups the ante. It’s currently on sale at Ballard Designs (note: its not regulation size).

Image courtesy of Snowe

Image courtesy of Snowe

Ah, blue and white stripes! This classic color combination in Snowe’s Sunny Stripe beach towel is pure coastal New England summer.

Image courtesy of Shopbop

Image courtesy of Shopbop

Beach days are upon us and since there is nothing else to do, bring your racquet skills to the sand with Sunny Life’s zippy paddles.

Image courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Image courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Table in a Bag is a Crate and Barrel classic. They’ve made this piece forever, and for good reason. It makes eating on the beach a snap and is easy to carry.

Image courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Image courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Who ever thought a cooler would be so cool? YETI has somehow managed to become the go-to with the Tundra, it’s sleek, well designed way to keep things chilly.

Image courtesy of Zafferano

Image courtesy of Zafferano

Amaze everyone with your functional and stylish outdoor lighting with Zafferano’s rechargeable table lamp. It provides 9 hours of LED light and looks good while doing it.

Image courtesy of Chairish

Image courtesy of Chairish

When it comes to outdoor umbrellas, those in the know turn to Santa Barbara Designs. Long an editor favorite, their quality and style is unparalleled. Chairish teamed up with California brand and designed an exclusive collection. Available in an array of colors, I prefer the Tuscan Sunset Umbrella with wide stripes and marquis style valance detail.

Image courtesy of Pottery Barn

Image courtesy of Pottery Barn

This large enamel serving platter can handle BBQ and big salads with ease.

Image courtesy of Terrain

Image courtesy of Terrain

Plastic plates get an upgrade! Terrain’s brightly patterned tile print melamine plates make eating out of doors an elevated experience.

Image courtesy of Net a Porter

Image courtesy of Net a Porter

Have it made in the shade with Eugenia Kim’s Annabelle straw hat that has giant grosgrain ribbon. If there is a ribbon on it, I usually tend to like it.

Image courtesy of Dermstore

Image courtesy of Dermstore

Save face with one of the best sunscreens out there: Anthelios by La Roche-Posay. Apply early and often.

MARISA'S MAY MUST-HAVE'S FOR SPRINGTIME FROM HOME DECOR TO GARDENING

by Marisa Marcantonio

I anticipate plenty of backyard get togethers and fewer safe distance beach visits in lieu of parties in the coming months. This will be the closest thing we have to socializing and entertaining, so here are some spring must-haves to make staying put more enjoyable. From getting your garden ready to wine accessories, the list this month shares great new additions that caught my eye. Enjoy!

Image courtesy of Mark and Graham

Image courtesy of Mark and Graham

It’s back! The Bermuda bag returns from Mark and Graham in this great blue and white gingham. And this one has my initial, so it makes me want it even more!

Image courtesy of Anthropologie

Image courtesy of Anthropologie

If you decide to venture out to a park or grassy knoll, bring the wine and hors d’oeuvres in Anthropologie’s rattan wine basket it’s just the thing for al fresco drinks at a distance.

Image courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Image courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Corksicle stemless wine glasses are the portable drink container du jour. I see people walking down the street in New York City carrying them while on their evening stroll.

Image courtesy of Serena and Lily

Image courtesy of Serena and Lily

In a small blue and white floral print, Serena and Lily’s lightweight laminated birch Priano trays are a great addition to an existing collection and can be used indoors and out.

Image courtesy of Chive

Image courtesy of Chive

This decorative ceramic flower from Chive is so pretty and can be used as a pretty addition to a dining table or as an objet on a coffee table.

Image courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Image courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Have a graduate at home? Put a picture of them in this Williams Sonoma Home woven rattan frame. I like it for its summery feel.

Image courtesy of H&M

Image courtesy of H&M

Cheap n’ chic. This fluted brass planter from H&M reminds me of a Josef Hoffmann piece.

Image courtesy of Terrain

Image courtesy of Terrain

Is it peculiar to like a garden hose? This heavy duty one from Terrain can withstand a lot of use and the color is anything but basic.

Image courtesy of Anthropologie

Image courtesy of Anthropologie

Need a place to rest an iced tea while in the garden? Try a garden stool that is a bit less expected, covered with blue squiggles from Anthropologie.

Image courtesy of Chairish

Image courtesy of Chairish

Just the thing for a staycation: cute striped sun chairs! Business and Pleasure, a cool Australian brand that understands breezy beach style, has a collection of fringe detailed umbrellas that coordinate, available on Chairish.