If you’re in the “last-minute shoppers” category, you may be feeling a tad frantic right about now. Worry not: we’re here to help. Here are some beautiful gifts that should arrive by Christmas — especially if you’re willing to throw some money at rush shipping.
Blue and white is forever…and who doesn’t love a Chinoiserie vase?! Williams-Sonoma has added gold trim to the traditional ginger jar for a fresh take on a classic. We approve! Order by today, December 20, for delivery by Christmas.

In this age of Instagram and Pinterest, people forget about The Coffee Table Book. In celebration of its 125th anniversary, American Vogue released a compendium of its iconic cover art. This tome deserves a prime spot on any table. Order with Amazon Prime by December 22.

A clock is such a classic and timeless (heh, heh) gift. It looks great on a desk or bookshelf or in a guest room, but I’m a fan of actually using these things. As a kid, I had a navy blue and white wind-up alarm clock with double bells on top, and in high school, I switched to a battery-operated Braun travel clock. So easy, so simple: the alarm sounds, you hit the off button, you get out of bed. Anyway, whether the recipient uses it or just admires it, this clock is a winning present. Order by December 20.

The ever quirky, now-you-see-him, now-you-don’t designer Todd Oldham has always been a favorite designer of mine. So when he teamed up with Fishs Eddy, a favorite store of mine…you can imagine my delight. They’ve done a whole series of these glasses, but the Harper & Oldham Bird Glasses are, well, my favorite.

Ok, this may not seem very exciting, but let me just say it: A TRAY IS THE PERFECT GIFT. Honestly. It’s the kind of thing you always need but rarely buy for yourself. Ergo = ideal present. Got a bunch of junk on your foyer table? Put it on a tray, and suddenly it has purpose. Having a cocktail party? Neaten up the bar area by putting the bottles and opener on a tray. Too many tiny objects on a side or coffee table? Tray. Pottery Barn’s Lynn Brass & Mirror tray is lovely and versatile — and it has a little holiday sparkle. You may want to order two and keep one for yourself. Order by December 20.

Happy Holidays, Gentle Readers! I hope you and your families have a wonderful, healthy, and love-filled holiday season.
Annie Elliott | bossy color is a design firm based in Washington, DC. After you’ve seen our “Windows by Design” storefront at Farrow & Ball, check us out in the December 2017 issue of Washingtonian Magazine.