Mrs. Claus has got nothing on you! Time to freshen up your holiday décor, shop for that perfect gift, take a few style tips from those in the know, and plan to hit the town in festive style. This is the season to bring loved ones near, share your cheer and shine.
Still Life Photograph by: David Prince
For The Nice List
The best part of the holiday is the joy in finding that perfect gift
Charmed, I’m Sure
Celebrate the holidays and milestones all year long with a truly unique sweet treat. Baker and cake artist Elizabeth Mayhew makes personalized cakes that look like charm bracelets.
Each cake celebrates the story of a life, making them gorgeous and personal. Commemorate an anniversary, graduation, birthday, milestone or holiday with these one-of-a-kind cakes, starting at $650. Each is a custom roadmap of the recipient’s favorite things— a Chanel handbag, the Eiffel Tower, a Big Apple icon, the family pet or college mascots. Your imagination is the only limit.
Elizabeth offers three sizes—8-inch serves 12 to 16, 10-inch serves 22 to
24, and a half-sheet serves 35 to 40. The outer buttercream is vanilla, but you can choose chocolate ganache, chocolate hazelnut, passion fruit, lemon curd or homemade raspberry or cherry jam between the layers.
Plan in advance, and DM Elizabeth via her Instagram to start a conversation. Cakes can be picked up from her Millbrook, N.Y. studio, or delivery can be arranged. For immediate sweet tooth gratification or as a lovely hostess gift, order a box of the shortbread cookies in a festive box ($30). @elizabethmayhew
Upgrade Your Bottle Service
Go beyond the boring bottle gift bags and deck out your boozy gifts with festive bottle wraps from Beau Bottles. They come in holiday prints and leave an opening for the bottle label to be displayed. The magic happens when you use a little bit of hair-dryer heat to adhere the bottle wrap to the glass. For an added touch, combine with matching cocktail napkins. Wraps start at $7.50, and sets of napkins $6.99. beaubottles.com
Whimsy & Charm
Whimsical prints of animals, from bunnies to gators playing tennis and sipping champagne, are just a sample of the delightful creations of artist Paige Spearin. She offers mahjong mats, prints and original artwork. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind print, commission a piece. Picture a custom bunny decked out in school colors tossing her graduation cap in the air, or a keepsake map of a wedding invitation or destination. Prints start under $100, original artwork at $400. Prices for custom originals vary. Contact Paige through her website, paigespearin.com.
Stand and Deliver
Assouline makes the perfect display piece for its chic coffee table books.
These statement stands come in clear and a rainbow of colored acrylic ($120)
as well as the new library collection of wooden display stands ($590 and up).
Books range from $60 to $20,000 (yes, you read that right).
A more affordable route is to pair a favorite cookbook and an acrylic book
stand by Stauber Furnishings. These stands can be used for a myriad of
purposes, allowing cooks to use them for iPads, cellphones as well as
general use on desks for larger books and study guides ($38) assouline.com • stauberfurnishings.com
Serene Sips
True ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha can be found in Darien at Zen Cha Matcha, which is opening in Old Greenwich in early 2026. For owners Dan and MJ Grullon, matcha is not just a trend. It’s a superfood, rooted in Japanese culture and nurturing for the mind and body. Containing more antioxidants than green tea, the benefits include energy, clarity and detoxification.
Everything at Zen Cha Matcha is health-centric. The drinks, like the Blue Zen, Purple Haze and Golden Hour, combine organic superfood ingredients with the rich traditions of matcha preparation. The OG location will also offer a small coffee selection boasting beans roasted in Kyoko, Japan, and expanded food options. The café will bring a stylish Zen vibe to OG, with traditional Japanese seating and decor crafted by Japanese artists.
The Zen Cha Matcha Kit ($95) is a great gift. Or stuff stockings with a gift card so friends and family can treat themselves to a Strawberry Matcha Latte or matcha tiramisu. Gift cards can be purchased online or at the Darien store and used at either location. zenchamatcha.com
The Art of Dining
Remind that special someone on your list of their favorite restaurant, first-date diner or memorable family gathering spot. All the Restaurants features hand-drawn restaurant prints from N.Y. to Paris to Block Island. Signed fine art museum-quality prints
in sizes 5”x 7” or 9” x 12” are under $100. alltherestaurants.com
Bake It Happen
These days, everyone wants to make their own sourdough. Give your budding baker a bread-baking set of tools from Williams-Sonoma and a class at Birch Bakehouse in Old Greenwich. The DIY Sourdough Starter Kit at Williams-Sonoma ($54.95) includes all the basic tools from a bread lame to a dough scraper. Pair that with a little hands-on practice at Birch Bakehouse, where there is a monthly sourdough bread workshop for attendees learn to feed and care for their sourdough starter and shape sourdough in a traditional proofing basket. Attendees take home their own starter, dough, proofing basket and a printed baking guide for $95. williams-sonoma.com; birchbakehouse.com
French Twist
La Bonne Brush is a spa for your scalp, and there’s the perfect brush for every hair type and need—scalp care, massage and detangling. Designed in Paris, the unique twisting handle is made for a good grip, and the brushes come in a variety of colors and sizes. Bristles range from boar to nylon (starting at $135). labonnebrosse.com
Tray Chic
A beautiful ring tray is a welcome addition at any vanity or bedside. Westport retailer Simon Pearce makes simple, gorgeous trays that are so popular they often sell out. The classic Champlain glass ringholder conveys simple elegance and can be personalized with engraving (monograms and up to two lines of text). Allow two to three weeks for engraving. For newlyweds or brides-to-be, this is a special keepsake ($135 plus engraving).
simonpearce.com
Culture Club
Treat young adults who are working, going to school or living in NYC to a little culture with a junior patron membership to one of the many nonprofit organizations in the city. Membership has its perks that can range from discounts at local shops to free tickets to performances. Additionally, most of these organizations host member-only events, giving recipients an opportunity to meet other young New Yorkers.
The Public Theater is 60 years old and one of the nation’s first public theaters. It is the famous launching pad for groundbreaking theater such as Hamilton. The Public is also the source of summer’s hottest ticket—Shakespeare in the Park. A Young Patron Membership is $600 and geared for theater lovers ages 21 to 45. It allows members early access to the Astor Place season, free reserved seats for Shakespeare in the Park and invitations to events and gatherings. publictheater.org
MoMa Access Membership is only $100 and provides members with free admission, film tickets, exhibition previews and discount guest tickets, among other perks.moma.org
NYC Ballet Young Patron’s Circle offers a membership to a community of ballet enthusiasts 21- to 40-years-old that includes exclusive events and early access to performance tickets. YP Fellow Membership starts at $350 and features fun perks like invitations with a guest to a performance dress rehearsal, members-only post-performance parties and priority access for tickets to signature events like George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. nycballet.com
Put a Lid on It
Everyone has their favorite team or town, and a stylish baseball cap is the perfect ’fit gift. Westport shop and online retailer Kerri Rosenthal features chic heart-embroidered hats, in combos like butter yellow and white or cherry red and cream. ($58).
kerrirosenthal.com
Greenwich Avenue retailer Aritzia boasts chic New Era baseball hats featuring geographic nods to hometown teams from, football to baseball, L.A. to N.Y. and many stops in-between, like the Chicago Cubs ($35 and up). aritzia.com
Whether someone on your list is a recent grad or just enjoys repping the nearby big city, NYC hats from Kule couldn’t be cooler, and come in stylish colors like brown and fun fonts ($68). kule.com
This Bud’s for You
A bouquet goes a long way when sprinkled throughout the house in elegant bud vases from shops like Juliska and West Elm. Pair one with a few pretty stems, and you have a gift to be used now and celebrated all year. Juliska bud vases start at $58, with boxed trio gift sets starting at $200. West Elm offers a more contemporary spin with selections of wooden and ceramic vases in single, double and trio sets, starting in the $20 range. juliska.com westelm.com
Frames and Games
Aerin Lauder brings effortless elegance to the home. There are Aerin picture frames, in finishes including raffia and leather croc ($135 and up). Aerin classic games from backgammon to dominos come in equally beautiful cases for display on any coffee table ($340 and up). These timeless pieces are a classic gift for anyone on your list. Shop at her boutiques in Manhattan, Southampton and Palm Beach or online. aerin.com
Sew on Point
Needlepoint is no longer just your grandmother’s hobby. A legion of young Gen Z stitchers are making needlepoint a popular pastime. Surprise your favorite stitcher with a custom, hand-painted canvas from What’s the Stitch. Born and raised in Greenwich, founder Emma MacTaggart’s What’s the Stitch was established in 2024 when she realized her expensive needlepoint habit needed an affordable solution.
Out of equal parts curiosity and necessity, she began designing and painting her own canvases. Without really planning to, she found herself documenting her process on social media and developed a following and demand for her canvases infused with irony, sass and a healthy dose of wit. Prior to founding What’s the Stitch, Emma spent years in investment banking, where needlepoint became her creative escape. Today, she creates refreshingly modern canvases that bring a sense of humor to a traditionally buttoned-up craft.
She offers downloadable PDFs of all of her designs if customers want to take a stab at painting themselves ($5 to $10). Painted canvases start at $25 for minis, luggage tags begin at $45, and anything larger goes up in price. The canvases are available through her Instagram and locally at Penny Linn in Rowayton. @what’sthestitchndlpt
For the Littles
Whether it’s a stuffed friend to snuggle, a skirt to twirl in or a game to play together, these picks promise lasting joy long after the wrapping’s gone
Fit for a Princess
Let your little princess feel like royalty in Cora and Violet’s handmade skirts and outfits that come complete with hats and wands. The tagline “Childhood is fleeting, but handmade lasts forever” is the perfect description for these items that will surely be kept as heirlooms long after they’re outgrown. Beautiful handmade dresses come with details like embroidered flowers and silk tulip ties. And accessories like fairy wings ($65) and butterfly wands ($29 and up) complete the charm. Dresses start at $170—and don’t forget a matching party hat ($35 and up). coraandviolet.com
Game On!
The holidays are the perfect time for a game night. You can’t go wrong by gifting games. Pick up Rummikub ($16), a portable tile game that combines strategy and luck. Released in the 1950s, it has evolved through the years and is once again taking family game night by storm. Easy to learn and perfect for ages eight and up. New versions also feature large-print tiles, travel tins and special editions that expand to include more players. rummikub.com
Cub Life
From the Make It Cute Cottage Playhouse (starting at $165) to bedding and wooden toys, The Cubhouse in Greenwich has something for all the little loves in your life. Tucked away at 31 Elm Street, it offers daily classes and activities to keep tots enriched and engaged. Grandparent alert: This makes for a great gift card. Families can shop, play and learn in this developmentally-appropriate, eco-friendly environment. Join the Cubhouse Club for $120, and receive a free play session, exclusive discounts and access to events. thecubhouse.com
Timeless Treasures
Handmade baby hats, sweaters and a treasure trove of unique handcrafted items can be found at the Greenwich Women’s Exchange. Since 1936, this beloved nonprofit has featured unique items made with love for your little ones. Stop by to see the ever-changing selection of items. Open Thursday and Friday, 12 to 4 p.m., Saturdays 12 to 3 p.m. 28 Sherwood Place
Cuddle Club
Jellycat stuffed animals are all the rage for every age. They are today’s Beanie Babies. Buy them online or at Anna Banana in Old Greenwich. Jellycat classics like Bartholomew Bear
and Bashful Bunny come in sizes ranging from small to giant and start at $23. Look for special color and style drops online. us.jellycat.com; Anna Banana 248 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich
Bear Necessities
Steiff invented the classic teddy bear over 100 years ago, and it remains the premier maker of these iconic stuffed animals. They come in an assortment of styles, from a classic Jimmy the Bear to a Batman-costumed bear ($50). A new Light at Night collection features a rabbit, bear or dinosaur with a gentle light-up belly for little ones who don’t like to sleep in the dark ($69). Shop the website for a variety of cuddly friends, including a new baby- and toddler-friendly line at affordable price points, or make a statement with the 28-inch Franzi Rocking Pony ($700). steiff.com
The Chic List
We found two local style mavens who are the perfect fashion elves
Uncomplicate Holiday Style with Maria Turkel
Shopping for presents and décor puts enough on your plate during the holidays. Add finding the right outfit for everything from the neighborhood cookie exchange to the office cocktail party, and it can be overwhelming. Enter personal wardrobe consultant Maria Turkel. Local business owner, personal stylist and a Friends costume designer, Maria wants you to look and feel your best. Her philosophy is: “I dress people for life. I believe when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you do good.”
Maria’s Sage Advice
“Create a Holiday Section in your closet—anything that is festive, party-ready, red, green, blue, silver or gold. It should be a mix of formal and casual tops, bottoms, dresses and jackets. Using these pieces, build a few holiday go-to outfits.
I like to photograph my ideas—for myself and my clients—including shoes, handbags, accessories and undergarments so that getting dressed is extremely easy. And if you love an outfit, repeat it! Using clothing to feel good is a big part of what my work is all about. So, when you feel like you can conquer the world in an outfit, please wear it over and over.”
Maria works with private clients offering closet edits, private personal shopping and fully styled outfits in her Digital Closet app. Look for more tips from Maria on her website, and for one-stop shopping, check out her virtual storefront with links to her suggested styles. mariaturkel.com
On Trend with Tracy Schmidt
In the fashion world for more than 25 years, Tracy Schmidt has a keen sense for the trendiest finds. Accessories are her passion. From jewelry to wraps, Tracy knows how to accent and elevate seasonal style. For the holidays in 2025, she says: “We’ll be seeing rich color palettes with emerald greens, deep burgundies and warm browns instead of your typical reds and greens. We’ll be mixing faux fur with leather and bold metallics. You will see statement jewelry featuring oversized pieces on collar necklaces with fun, sculptural earrings.”
This December, Tracy suggests tying in fur touches on wraps and bags and using bold jewelry. Simple additions like these can easily update the look of an existing outfit. You can follow her on Instagram and check out her website for online shopping and a list of local shows where she’ll be displaying. weartrace.com
Plate Expectations
These days, it’s all about the art of the tablescape. Create a seasonal look on tables and mantels—and every place in between
Table Manners
Designer Alice Naylor-Leyland, aka Mrs. Alice, elevates the art of table setting by adding a touch of whimsy. Elegant touches, like this green scallloped rattan charger and sweet spotted deer, are the perfect additions to a welcoming table. Gilded Swans tip a hat to the Nutcracker, while the Brown Alpine Bears keep a table chic long past the holidays. Check out her online holiday gift guide for suggestions on everything from teacher to hostess gifts. mrsalice.com
Naturally Gifted
Launched two years ago, Greenrow is part of the Williams- Sonoma family with the goal of featuring sustainable brands built to last. Think handcrafted home goods like table linens and furniture. Check out the handprinted enchanting floral stoneware sets for under $100. Stockpile delightful items, like the Turkish hand-cut glass butter dish for under $50, and pair it with French butter (available at Fjord Fish Market and other local specialty shops) for a fab hostess gift. greenrow.com
The Art of the Occasion
Weston Table marketplace features a host of charming artisanal décor. For those who like one-stop shopping, gift boxes are available in a variety of themes, including fly fishing, s’more- making and movie night. The guides on how to host a theme party (think Bivalves and Bubbles or Fondue parties) offer advice and links to everything you’ll need. Want to go plaid for the season? Check out the Royal Stewart tartan tablecloth and Sabre Paris bistro ware. Peruse the line of garden tools for the perfect gardener gift. Visit the Collections section for themed décor and table settings. You’ll find everything from plates and linens to candelabras and tureens. westontable.com
Light Up the Town
From tree lightings to Santa sightings, Greenwich is aglow with festive happenings
to make every moment of the holiday season bright
Tree-mendous Tradition
The Town of Greenwich hosts an annual Tree Lighting on Friday, December 5, outside of Town Hall. The event goes from 4 to 5 p.m. and features local entertainment. greenwichct.gov.
Twinkle Time
Join Chabad of Greenwich on Sunday, December 14, at 4:30 p.m. on the corner of Greenwich Avenue and Arch Street for the lighting of the first Menorah candle for this Hanukkah season. Featuring musician Joe Newcomb, the celebration and concert are free and open to all. chabadgreenwich.org
S’more the Merrier
Every December, the landscape company Arch in Bloom (201 Pemberwick Road) invites the community to get into the holiday spirit at Flurry Fest. This celebration features a festive winter wonderland complete with a magical holiday market and plenty of seasonal activities for the whole family. Enjoy hot cider, toast marshmallows, and begin your holiday shopping with the selection of fresh-cut trees, handmade wreaths, collectible ornaments and more. Kids get in on the fun with a scavenger hunt, There are also DIY hot cocoa station, s’mores and a visit from Santa himself. Stop by Saturday, December 6, from
12 to 6 p.m. archinbloom.com
Santa Calls
Invite Santa to arrive at your doorstep courtesy of the GEMS Holiday Express. Santa will show up in a festively decorated ambulance to visit homes and deliver gifts to children throughout Greenwich. It’s a magical experience that brings joy to families and supports a great cause. Santa delivers parent-provided gifts on December 12, 13, 19 and 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. A fee of $25 per child is required to secure a visit, with all proceeds going to help GEMS continue to provide high-quality care and ensure they have the proper equipment to respond to medical emergencies. For more information or to reserve a visit, contact events@greenwichems.org greenwichems.org
Brunch with Santa
Greenwich Recreation presents Brunch with Santa at the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center on Sunday November 30, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., $20 ages 2 and up. Tickets are available at greenwichct.gov.
Movie Magic
Join the Holiday Happening at Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center on Saturday, December 20, at 5 p.m. The festive fun includes holiday music, a pajama party, arts and crafts, a holiday movie, snacks and hot chocolate. This year’s movie is The Santa Clause. Tickets are $12 and available at greenwichct.gov.
Historical Society Happenings
A lot is going on at the Greenwich Historical Society this December, from teas to trees
Tea Time
Join Greenwich Historical Society for a Holiday Tea in the historic barn. Guests will enjoy a short docent-led walking tour of the site inspired by beautiful winter scenes painted by the Impressionist artists who lived and worked at the Holley boarding house. Then, cozy up in the barn to enjoy a historically inspired tea party. Registration is required. Friday, December 12 at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.; $60 adults, $30 children and students under 18, 10 percent discount for members.
Spruce Up Your Décor
View and bid on beautifully decorated trees featuring the creative talents of local retailers, organizations and designers at the Festival of Tabletop Trees. Proceeds support education programs. Open Wednesday, December 3, through Saturday, December 6.
A Merry Market
The annual Holiday Boutique returns to Greenwich Country Club. A one-stop shopping experience featuring a curated array of clothing, accessories and hostess gifts. A percentage of proceeds benefits the Greenwich Historical Society. Opening night Wednesday December 3, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Thursday, December 4, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Holiday Festival
Celebrate the holidays at the annual Holiday Festival. Bring the entire family for fun holiday-themed crafts, decorate your own gingerbread people, and take photos with a “special guest” from the North Pole in the Historic Barn. Enjoy the festivities with sweet treats, and explore the beautiful, illuminated grounds. Warm up outside by the fire with some s’mores and hot cocoa or a spiced winter beverage to round out an evening of holiday cheer. Saturday, December 13, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday, December 14). greenwichhistory.org
Glow Big
From city sparkle to small-town charm, these experiences light up the season
A Bright Idea
Be creative, and book a tour or hire a luxury bus from Greenwich to tour the spectacular lights of Dyker Heights. The Brooklyn neighborhood is famous for over-the-top holiday light displays. Hiring a luxury bus to drive you through the neighborhoods or drop you off while you stroll the streets for hassle-free holiday fun is a great move.
Tours are also available departing from Manhattan (starting at $60 per person). Guided bus and walking tours are offered by several companies, but check out the tours organized by the residents of Dyker Heights at dykerheightschristmaslights.com.
For those wanting to stay Manhattan-based, after a year hiatus, Saks Fifth Avenue returns with its traffic-stopping light show. Music and light displays begin at the top of each hour from 5 to 11 p.m., all December. To avoid the sidewalk gridlock on 5th Avenue, catch the first light show of the evening at 5 p.m. when there are fewer visitors.
A Holiday Classic
Take a step back in time, and experience the holidays during the Gilded Age at the Mark Twain House in Hartford. Throughout December, the landmark features holiday-themed decorations and offers a window into what celebrating during the late 1800s looked like.
Hartford is a two-hour drive, so plan to stay for lunch at the Nook Farm Café on the second floor of the Visitors Center, open Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours are popular during the holidays and sell out, so reservations are recommended. The house is open Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last tour at 3:15 p.m.) and Friday to Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.). marktwainhouse.org
Steeped in Tradition
Take a trip to Katonah, and get into the holiday spirit at the Historic Rosen House at the Caramoor Center for Music and Arts. Enjoy charismatic musicians, festive decorations and tea service in the majestic Music Room. Following the musical performance, the tea service includes an assortment of finger sandwiches, holiday treats and a variety of teas or hot chocolate with marshmallows. Tour the art-filled Rosen House, decked out with enchanting decorations, and get a glimpse of the celebrations that took place in this historic house. December 10 through December 21; Tours: $20; Holiday Tea and Tour: adults $75, children $35. caramoor.org