What’s in my cart: with creative comms pro, Genevieve Phelan
This is the most excited I’ve been for Christmas since I was a little girl. Truth be told, I am usually a bit of a Grinch. But I think — as a Melburnian — there’s something special about the prospect of this summer. It’s the first one we’ve had that won’t be blatantly disrupted and messed around with by Covid. The parties are prolific, the weather is starting to warm, silly season is beckoning. It’s the first time I’m doing the advent calendar thing in an eternity, which says a lot.
I’m genuinely busting to find a tree with my boyfriend Ben, and deck it out together for the first time. It’s been a whopping and wonderful twelve months of running my own communications consultancy, and I’m even throwing my own little EOY festive soirée to acknowledge all the people who’ve helped me. I think Chrissy (and the impending summer) is a time to take stock of the ones you love, indulge them if you can, and make as many excuses for as many feasts with friends as humanly possible.
My Sauce wish list is a small trove of beautiful things I would love to receive as much as I’m gunning to gift. They are designed for relaxation and come as the perfect companions to all your holiday sojourns ahead. A few of them are already tried and tested in my possession, so you better believe they’re good.
I’m playing Santa for friends, my mum, clients, my partner and his family this year, among others. I’m a BIG ‘experience giver’, but for gift guide’s sake, let’s keep these tactile.
Here are some gorgeous objects of desire that any special human in your orbit would relish in receiving.
Hommey X Harrolds : The lovers robe - I’ve just secured a matching set of the Wasabi shade in these plush robes. It’s a limited-edition collab from luxury retail stalwart Harrolds and cult lifestyle brand Hommey. I’ve followed Hommey since the get go and edit Harrolds’ digital ‘Journal’, so it feels special to cosy up in this partnership.
After many little weekends away this first year of my relationship, I’ve collected a litany of photos of us in the classic white ‘hotel robe’. We love getting into them — it’s the first thing we do when we check in anywhere! So I’ve bought this for Ben and I as a cute little ode to our robe obsession, but for all-summer-long wear at home. A selfish present, because I get one.
Who is Elijah: The ultimate perfume - I share a bottle of this insatiable elixir with my mother. She actually stole it from me. We religiously spritz this every morning, as if we would be emerging from home naked without it. I have never so swiftly fallen in love with a fragrance — it’s sexy, moody, long-wearing and never fails to incite compliments. So.many.compliments. Most importantly, it makes me feel fabulous
Fazeek: The boujée glassware - When you’re stuck on what to give a friend in their 20’s or 30s, defaulting to beautiful (and seemingly frivolous) home adornments feels right. Usually, finding some divine glassware or quirky kitchen acoutrement is a safe and smart purchase, as it’s something they’re unlikely to buy for themselves. For my birthday, my brother gave me a fancy set of coupe glasses, and I thought it was the best thing ever. Something you adore, but would not necessarily purchase ‘just because’.
Ilio Nema: The cool-girl kaftan - This ethical fashion label is based in Sydney, and made by female artisans in Morocco and India. They hand-loom some of the most exquisite summery kaftans you’ll ever lay eyes on, with some garments taking up to three days at a time to make. It’s something your giftee will treasure this season, and forevermore. I want to be sipping spritzes on the beach and getting late-night gelato, cocooned in this from dawn to dusk.
Food for everyone: The do-good wall art - Not only do these chef-made posters double up as workable recipes, their proceeds go towards the incredibly important cause of feeding people in need. Thoughtful, meaningful and interesting to look at, each print tells a veritable story of a creative/restaurant/chef. The colours and the styles vary, so you can find the perfect match for a blank space on a mate’s wall. Their just-released second drop is a real thing of beauty. I am obsessed
Maison balzac: The sure-win candle - You can’t go wrong with candles if selected carefully. My favourite tasteful, impactful candles are from none other than Maison Balzac. Now that a tangible store is open in Melbourne, I’m absolutely planning to snag a few of their signature scents for last-minute gifting. Last year, one of my best friends gave me a delicious candle from Maison Balzac and I have been besotted ever since. Also worth noting, their unscented candlesticks come in funky colours and shapes for the avid host/hostess in your world.
Words: Genevieve Phelan
