Happy summer, Gentle Readers! I don’t even care that it’s rainy right now; my garden needs it, and I’m just happy to put spring in the rear-view mirror. May was roughly 3 months long, so I’m ready to move on!
We don’t have any dramatic summer plans, but we will be seeing lots of friends. Whether we’re going for dinner or an overnight, I’ll try to bring a little something as a thank you. And by little, I’m being literal: I’ve always loved tiny objects, and so I thought I’d make it my mission to find 5 small things to give as presents.*
A glossy mini vase from Middle Kingdom. How adorable are these? They’re only 5″ tall! Great for the windowsill over the sink.
A tiny bowl. I saw these “mini plates” at the store Parisa in Philadelphia and absolutely fell in love with them. They’re tiny AND have animals on them? I was basically powerless. For rings next to a sink, measuring out spices in advance, your favorite earrings on your dresser…lots of uses.
I have to include these, also: so colorful and fun! From Ceramic Shop Kalpkable on Etsy.
A small cutting board and knife for the bar. We once found some really cute ones at a crafts fair in Maine, and I wish I’d gotten more. And now it’s Aperol Spritz season…gotta have an orange slice in those ;)
Little candles — as in, a pair of votive holders in with tea lights in them. (Please get unscented candles in case your host wishes to use them in the dining room.) I think these are really fun, from Whim Candle Co. on Etsy. (I’m really in the Etsy zone today! Kinda down on big-box retailers and their corporate shenanigans.)
These simple but attractive votive holders are from another Etsy seller, Bluecorn Beeswax.
And finally…
A small book, such as, oh, I don’t know, a witty book about decorating? Perhaps one with a catchy title? That covers only the most important things you need to know? ;)
Just because a present is small doesn’t mean it’s not hugely thoughtful.
*Footnote: when did everyone start using “gift” as a verb? Could we not do that, please? I know it’s correct; I just don’t love it. If we don’t have the energy to say, “I gave her a book as a present,” rather than, “I gifted her a book,” well, I don’t know what the world is coming to.
Annie Elliott Design is based in Washington, D.C. We’re experts in creating gorgeous, color- and pattern-filled homes and telling people what to do in the nicest way possible. And writing books, evidently.