Christmas gift inspiration: Elizabeth de Montfort Walker

Elizabeth de Montfort Walker wows her many friends and followers with her fabulous adventures documenting beauty around the globe.

Elizabeth de Montfort Walker.

Elizabeth de Montfort Walker.

Just a typical post on the EdMW instagram page. Villa Albertine.

Just a typical post on the EdMW Instagram page. Villa Albertine.

And another day in the life of Elizabeth. This time at Isola Bella, Lago Maggiore.

And another day in the life of Elizabeth. This time at Isola Bella, Lago Maggiore.

Following Elizabeth’s instagram account will give one an advanced education of beauty. I challenge you to think of one historic home or small private museum that she has not been to, either in the US or Europe. Before relocating two years ago to Austin, she lived in Zurich where she could breeze from country to country. She is a traveling dynamo. Having seen so much, she has a discerning eye. Her photos are wonderful showing close up details making you long to see more. Elizabeth is also extremely gracious. She is a wonderful connector of people. I am thrilled to know her. Every time I talk to her I learn something new. Hopefully you will also when you read about her gift ideas below.

Artisanal gifts preferred.

Laderach Chocolates

No Christmas stocking is complete without chocolates. Swiss chocolatier Laderach is now in the US making it easy to gift the most delicious chocolates. During the year we nibble on FrischSchoggi but for the holiday season I keep a large stock of boxes of truffles and pretty ribbon to give as gifts. Their wooden boxes make for the perfect hostess gift and Santa always leaves me a little sack of chocolate covered ginger in  my stocking.

 

Scanlan Apparati

Beth Scanlan does amazing things with paper. Her Star Valet trays are one of her most special and highly sought after items. Beth makes them once a year, artfully arranging all the small pieces that remain from the previous 12 months of crafting into what can only be described as a unique paper quilt. Each star is a masterwork, requiring 19 cuts of book binders board and 26 cuts of Italian paper along with the skill and patience of a master to produce. You have to be on your toes to snag one though as she makes only a very limited number every year and once KRB sets them out they’ll be gone baby, gone!

Shopping local.

Settle Ceramics

I love gifting locally made things and Austin has no shortage of interesting makers. Sammi Heligman of Settle Ceramics makes a beautiful range – inspired by the American Southwest – that feel very fresh. I am a fan of her range of shapes and glazes which makes for endlessly fun possibilities when it comes to arranging a table. This year I’ve asked Santa to leave me a set of her Wander dinnerware in three glazes.

Shopping local, if you are fortunate to live in the South of France.

Ateliers Hugo

This family of gold smiths, now in their third generation, have been crafting beautiful artists jewels since they began working with Picasso in 1956. Their collection reads like a who’s who of mid-century art – Jean Cocteau, Jean Arp, Salvador Dalí to name a few. Most recently they have completed a collection for the contemporary artist Josh Sperling. Santa Baby… a little something for the Eartha Kitt in all of us!

Casa V Interiors is an interior design firm in Orlando, Florida.