Friend (Gift) Favorites for the Open House

Updated 1.4.24

Remember that feeling when you first opened the door to your new place? Ah, the possibilities. Clean, open spaces, a blank slate to unleash the imagination. For some, it’s a bit daunting; for others, inspiring with design and décor is an exciting opportunity.

An open house invitation is your chance to give a unique piece to celebrate a new living space. How do you find that distinct piece they’ll love, one they don’t already have but wish they did? What would add warmth to their home or spice up a room? Your gift can be the one that inspires calm, elevates entertaining, or highlights their beautiful kitchen.

These artisan gift options are sure to be favorites at the Open House, placing you at the top of the list for their next celebration:

Natural artisan stands.
Thriving plants in cheerful pots are a welcome addition to living spaces. With or without a green thumb, people appreciate the color and calming effect of plants. What can you add to accent their beautiful blooms? Give their greens a place to shine atop an artisan stand handcrafted out of black walnut, white maple, and red oak wood. A stunning partner to lush greenery, an artisan stand is a gorgeous new home gift.

A cut above for the culinary kitchen.
Look for a unique slicing knife with a distinct handle design made of wood, stone, or forged metal. Add a handwoven towel in a beautiful pattern. Select a gift that’s as much an art piece as a functional tool.

Customization they’ll appreciate.
People love to receive thoughtful gifts designed solely with them in mind. Their name, an initial, or a special date engraved into the piece sends a genuine message of caring. Choose to engrave walnut wood coasters, a handcrafted cutting board, or a custom gift box as a warm welcome. These are the treasures that remain in families for years to come.

Textures and tastes.
Whether the homeowners are coffee drinkers, wine enthusiasts, or bourbon aficionados, a set of cups with a custom glaze or a distinct texture lets them celebrate their new space in elevated style. Textures are unique to the touch, invite you to look closer, and are a perfect excuse to ask for a refill.

Entertaining with ease.
With boxes to unpack and schedules to re-organize, moving encourages simple decisions around food and beverage. As new residents, they’re busy choosing color combinations, sorting, and directing furniture deliveries. And this is all happening between work and even kid’s schedules. The gift of a handcrafted cutting board offers an easy way to serve appetizers at happy hour and share snacks on game night - it also makes a gorgeous statement in the kitchen or on the patio.


Wildflowers and Wishful Thinking

We’re exploring colorful and curious combinations this month that exude a note of cheer. How can we sip our morning brew with fresh blooms and artful treasures that make us smile? Let’s celebrate the season with bold tulip colors, a dash of creativity, and artisan plates and cups. While friends hurry to buy their springtime delights, you can find new ways to enjoy the festive pieces you have on hand.

Lift your spirits with sprigs of color. Place flowers arranged in an old whiskey bottle on the bar, tie a colorful ribbon around a glass vase full of daisies, or add stems nestled in a champagne flute to your beverage station.

Feature your plates for more than just dining. Show off your hand-painted wares as a focal point for your cocktail cabinet.

Brighten the garden path or the fish pond with a ceramic vase brimming with florals from your garden or local market.

Combine a cheerful cup with a bloom and bunny to create your hoppy place. A cutting board turned on its end makes a beautiful wood backdrop.

Pair wildflowers with the rich wood grain of a handcrafted box. Display your flowers in unique vases and add them to your handmade box. Here, a bit of birch bark wraps natural texture around a mini glass vase. Changing the greens and flowers in your box of treasures invites you to get lost in your favorite field of flowers each time you admire your collection.