VASE Copper blue glass vase with plum blossoms by Chris Heilman, $400 at Uptown Glassworks, 230 Main Ave. S., Renton, (425) 228-1849. FLOWER Porcelain dahlia by Porcelain Studio Klimenkoff, $485 at Far4, 1020 First Ave., (206) 621-8831.
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Delightfully Unexpected
From a porcelain dahlia blossom to a clear candelabra, SH&L hand-picks seasonal surprises that radiate light, indulge wit and bloom with the beauty of flowers.

“Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.”

  —Samuel Johnson

 

It is thrilling to receive a gift that feels truly special, wrapped just so and tied with a bow. We cherish memories of past presents chosen for us with thought, love and care. And wouldn’t we all like to treat our friends and family to gifts just as grand?

In that spirit, we looked to the unexpected for inspiration, from the warm glow of a Macassar ebony-wood oil lamp to the exquisite delicacy of a hand-sculpted Klimenkoff porcelain flower. We gathered ideas to delight the discerning, the dear—and even the downright difficult-to-buy-for people. Our motto: fewer fruitcakes, more fabulous.

Armed with eclectic holiday opulence, our gift-giving expectations are great and slightly outside the box. We hope you’ll have fun wrapping up some of these unexpected gifts.