newjerseynewsroom.com

BY MARGARET MORGAN

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

There may not be snow on the ground, but the spirit of Christmas is in the air. Mall madness has begun and carols over the audio system are being sung. If you haven’t quite gotten into the spirit or are in a quandary as to selecting the perfect gift for a special person, here are a few ideas to spark your interest and support your local small businesses at the same time.

At Red Ginger Home, Red Bank, there is a wealth of clever, unique and imaginative gift ideas to beautify anyone’s home. For holiday decorations or Christmas tree sparkle, Patience Brewster’s ornaments add a bit of whimsy and glitter. Peggy Raphael Dabar’s Images d’Orient collection, which reflects ancient Moorish designs found in floor tiles, gates and fret windows, is created in contemporary sturdy silicon coasters, placemats and trivets. Hand-painted bowls from Turkey in brilliant colors are eye-catchers that will be a showpiece on any table top.

Fashion forward wine purses, corkscrew included, in classic designs are guaranteed to be conversation-central whether on the beach or at a BYOB. Taking ambience and atmosphere to a new level, Dayna Decker’s “ecocouture” candles have an X-wick – a double version of her patented wood wick – offering twice the flame and impact. The wooden wick crackles while it burns creating the effect of the world’s smallest fireplace!

Sickles Market, Little Silver, known for its gourmet foods and greenery, has many gifts ideas to make anyone’s home enchanting. Magnificent and graceful amaryllis plants are bursting in bloom with the most magnificent colors. Seda France candles are hand-poured by master chandlers and offer the ultimate in luxury home fragrance with opulent scents. Seda's Holiday Scent candle achieves a perfect harmony of fir and cedar, citrus, eucalyptus and bergamot akin to the crisp outdoor scent of freshly gathered pinecones. This evocative scent will be welcome in any home during the holidays and the whole year through. And to add festive Christmas cheer when entertaining, there is Fitz and Floyd’s Bianco collection with Santa’s server guaranteed to add jolly fun to any party.

At Carter & Cavero Old World Olive Oil Company (stores in Red Bank, Princeton, Long Branch and Summit) the collection of Cazuelas (traditional terra cotta cookware from Spain) from stove-top or oven to table will brighten any kitchen and enhance any dinner setting. Richly toned olive wood bowls, carving boards and utensils hand carved by Spanish artisans are gifts sure to please the homemaker on your list, as will the colorful hand-painted pottery by Spanish artist, Tito. His intricately designed plates make stunning serving pieces or striking wall accessories.

So many unique and luxurious choices for selecting the perfect gift guaranteed to beautify one’s home.

For the latest food and restaurant news and seasonal recipes, visit me at Shore Region Food and Drink Examiner, Shore Region Restaurant Examiner and TastefuLiving.net.