Get off your jingle jangle and get shopping, so you can have your chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Here, some more favorite local finds:
Hidden Little Finds: Van Vleck House and Gardens now has a Deck the Halls Boutique. Tucked away at the rear of the grounds with its own (new) parking lot right off of North Mountain Road, the boutique, inside the newly restored carriage house, has wonderful finds including the sterling ginkgo leaf earring (pictured) above, skirts from Sofistafunk and adorable children’s items from Saplings. Vintage Ginkgo Earrings $50 from Posh Jewels Worldwide.com
Old Fashioned Bubble Lights:
I love, love, love bubble lights. Loved them as a kid and I love them now. Kids love watching them to see which light starts to bubble up first. One box, $14.99, from American Royal Hardware, where they also stock all kinds of other holiday decorations.
The Smell of Christmas:
Mistletoe from Yankee Candle is my favorite candle — ever. When I have this candle fired up, people always ask what smells like Christmas. Christmas Wreath and White Christmas are my other favorites. Candles $17-$27 at Grove Street Pharmacy, click here for other local locations.
Perfect Party/Hostess Gift
I’ve come to terms with my addiction to Miss Nicky’s Gourmet Toffee. It is that good. I have been known to stand at Miss Nicky’s table during events and hook unsuspecting folks on these fantastic confections. You can buy Miss Nicky’s toffee locally or ship to family and friends; gift boxes and ribbon available in many colors. Small box, $12; large box; $25 Sold at The Banyan Tree, Jacklyn Kling and now at Amanti Vino, where today, you can try the toffee, paired with wine, from 2-5 p.m.
Warm Woolen Mittens:
Long fingerless gloves, fur lined fingerless gloves, knit head bands with flowers, trendy hats, scarfs — you name it. Great stocking stuffers for that hard-to-shop-for teen or any fashion-savvy female. Long gloves, headband and hats $12-$20 at The Accessory Box 30 So. Fullerton Ave. Montclair
Check out Frank DiFilia’s wonderful My Blue Suede Shoes at 215 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair, open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 7pm. Beautiful shoes of high quality that are really ‘wearable art’ – not the exact same things you see at every shoestore in every mall in very town – and very affordable!
And for Christmas stocking stuffers and Hanukkah treats, check out Frank’s newly arrived watches, gloves, children’s :baby animal” slippers and more!