for couplefor couplehttp://blog.elfster.com/for-couple/2007-12-10T01:39:32ZSquarespaceliving wreathhttp://blog.elfster.com/for-couple/living-wreath.htmlElfster2008-01-07T00:30:18Z2008-01-07T00:30:18Zsucculent_wreaths_living_live.jpg

It took me a long time to appreciate succulents.  As a matter of fact, it wasn't until I began my study on sustainable gardening that I completely changed my view on the amazing, self-sufficient, and beautiful ways of the succulents. This Living Succulent Wreath is as eco-friendly as it gets. It will continue to grow with very little sprayed water, providing long-lasting beauty for your enjoyment. Plants can be replanted when they grow too large to be contained on the wreath. So amazing and lovely.

Unfortunately, it takes 4-6 weeks to arrive, so you'll miss the Christmas deadline, and it is not inexpensive at $190 for a 16" wreath. It is justified though. They are hand-made with specialized skills.  I recommend it as a gift for housewarming, thank you, or new home. They're simply too beautiful to ignore.]]>modernist's gingerbread houseedible giftshttp://blog.elfster.com/for-couple/modernists-gingerbread-house.htmlElfster2007-12-10T01:38:02Z2007-12-10T01:38:02Zmodern_gingerbread_house_2.jpg For the modernist in your life, a mid-century styled gingerbread house for the holidays. Quite nice, though less festive than the traditional house ($55) and more expensive. Believe it or not, it's not easy to create. Large pieces of gingerbread are fragile, and because of its odd shape, they require more time to assemble.

$78 at RedEnvelope. (Allow 5 extra days for delivery, with or without personalization.)

via ThisNext

]]>red letter platespersonalized giftsdinnerwarehttp://blog.elfster.com/for-couple/red-letter-plates.htmlElfster2007-12-06T14:55:49Z2007-12-06T14:55:49Zjohn_derian_red_letter_plates_2.jpg


These gorgeous John Derian plates are handmade in New York by Derian, with assistance from a small group of artisans.  Derian uses decoupage, the art of cutting and gluing paper to surfaces, to create designs of antique images and letters. Single plates can be given as a great collectible or sets of plates can be given as highly functional dinnerware. The $44-$48 cost is quite reasonable for their artisan quality and unique designs. The Red Letter Plates are 5-3/4" and go for $44-$48. They can be purchased at at JohnDerian or