Holiday party season will soon be in full swing, and you know by now that no great guest shows up to an event empty handed. That said, if you’re feeling a bit tired of showing up with a bottle of wine and calling it a day, we totally understand. Why not opt for something a little more original? There are plenty of other thoughtful gifts that will charm any host and are available locally, meaning that you can both support a DMV area small biz and delight your friend with something fabulous. Keep reading for our top picks. 

Gift Something for the Home 

No one can ever have too many coasters, particularly if they love to entertain. This set of terracotta coasters from Salt & Sundry couldn’t be more stunning and are too gorgeous to keep tucked away. 

Celebrate the Cocktail Lover

The Hour in Old Town is a must-visit for any serial hostess and is a great place to pick out a gift that’s both practical and pretty. The at-home mixologist will love experimenting with this chai pear flavored shrub that’s perfect for the holiday season. 

Dole Out a Sweet Treat 

Who can resist yummy macarons? Laduree just opened a storefront on Bethesda Row, bringing a slice of Paris to the DMV. Grab a candy colored box of macarons for your host (and, ok, maybe one for yourself) and you’re golden.

Looking for something a bit heartier? Check out Levain Bakery, which originated in New York but has also made its way to downtown Bethesda. There, you can grab an assortment of various delectable treats for your host. We recommend filling a box with six or so of these oversized cookies; be sure not to miss the original chocolate chip walnut flavor that continues to be a hit. 

Treat Your Pal to Some Pampering

For the host who could use a little me time post-party, look into Glosslab, which has locations in DC and Bethesda. Purchase a gift card for a mani, pedi, or both, and give your friend the treat of some peace and quiet during the busy holiday season. 

Make the Morning Nice and Easy

The morning after throwing a big party can be a bit overwhelming to say the least—make things easier on your host by gifting a loaf of bread that the whole family can enjoy. Pick up the goods at Bakeshop, with locations in Georgetown, Arlington, and Falls Church. They also sell scones and croissants, if that’s more your friend’s thing! 

Show Up With a Floral Arrangement That Stuns

These aren’t your regular grocery store flowers by any means! Surprise your host with an arrangement from DMV based Atelier Ashley Flowers—you can even arrange to have everything delivered before the party, which will give your host time to place the florals where she pleases before guests arrive.

Thinking a bit outside the box when it comes to hostess gifts will make a lasting impact—you’ll show your friends how much you care and truly appreciate their generosity this season. And who knows, maybe you’ll discover a new favorite local biz along the way!

Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9 

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This week we would like to share some design inspiration from our partners at The Scout Guide.

As we round the corner into the last part of 2022, we’re looking ahead to design trends for the coming year. Across the board, we’re seeing a shift away from safe neutrals into more adventurous, playful territory. We checked in with five scouted interior designers across the country to get a pulse on the top trends they see emerging in 2023. We’re here for this exciting style shift.

Interior by Tiek & Co. Photography by Jacqueline Marque.

Consider Bespoke Furnishings

Historically, there’s been hesitancy to explore custom furniture options because of lead times and exorbitant prices. However, Bridget Tiek, owner and interior designer of Tiek & Co. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, explains that currently, with material and workforce shortages, most major manufacturers have extended lead times and major price increases. “We’ve been looking to our local artisans and makers who can craft one-of-a-kind, unique pieces that are beating the expectations on both price and timing,” she explains. “A bespoke piece is not always just an opportunity for something unique, it can help solve a functional issue as well.” Her team often turns to custom furniture for the ability to meet a client’s needs, creating pieces that can be multi-purpose, have hidden storage, and fit perfectly into specific spaces.

Interior by Harper Howey Interiors. Photography by Rett Peek.

Think Monochromatic for Small Spaces

Kimberly Harper, owner of Harper Howey Interiors in Bentonville, Arkansas, has been opting for monochromatic color schemes to make spaces feel larger, like the small guest bedroom above. She chose a neutral color palette of gray tones, and carried it over into wallpaper, draperies, furnishings, and bedding. Harper notes that monochromatic doesn’t have to be boring; you can choose any color family that strikes your fancy and enjoy playing with patterns. Because the color scheme is consistent, you can mix up the patterns you use in one space.

Interior by Folly. Photography by Darren Setlow.

Go for Grandmillennial Style

This design trend, often described as granny chic, is still going strong. According to Beth Ann Kallen and Victoria Pouncey, co-owners of Folly in Charlottesville, Virginia, this style nods at recreating grandma’s living room by bringing back wallpaper, antiques, copious floral prints, and macrame-style trims. For the above dining room, the duo incorporated updated florals in the landscape-style wallpaper and a dark wood antique sideboard and dining room table.

Interior by Karen Korn. Photography by Karen Palmer Photography.

Infuse Your Space With Fun

During a time when there was a lot of disruptions and chaos in our lives due to the pandemic, interiors have leaned toward calming, neutral palettes, explains Karen Korn, principal designer at Karen Korn Interiors in St. Louis, Missouri. Now, people are ready to embrace color and playfulness—in their lives and interiors. “Collectively, we’ve shied away from color and pattern, but now people are really going for it with big bold furniture pieces, patterned sofas, colorful kitchen cabinets, wild wallpapers, and intricate tile in bathrooms and kitchens,” she reports. “No longer will a colorful throw pillow do. We’re over being safe. Now is the time to be bold, and most importantly, have fun!”

Interior by Harper Howey Interiors. Photography by Rett Peek.

Lean Into Arches and Curves

According to Harper, these softer lines are making a comeback. “We’re seeing a movement away from the sharp mid-century lines with a shift towards the more gentle, rounded curves of the 1980s,” she reports. This is played out not only in architectural details, but in the arched arms of furniture, fabric, and wallpaper.

Interior by Tiek & Co. Photography by Jacqueline Marque.

Take a Walk on the Dark Side

White has held center stage for some time now, but Tiek is starting to see the pendulum swing in the other direction with heavy doses of black. “Not only are people looking for more saturation, they are looking at the full opposite color: black,” she shares. “Black can be a really nuanced color too when you play around with the color spectrum,  exploring them all, like blue and brown blacks.” Tiek explains the color creates a nice cocoon effect and can be really calming. “Not everyone can get behind an all dark space but we believe all rooms need even a small dose of black to ground them,” she adds.

Interior by Folly. Photography by Darren Setlow.

Check That Box

Plaids, checks, and tartans are solid interior trends that truly never go out of style, but they do have moments, and Kallen and Pouncey report they are seeing a resurgence in client requests for these tried and true patterns in interiors. They’re especially loving the recent rollout of Miles Redd’s new Painterly Window Pane pattern that utilizes somewhat scribbled lines. For draperies and even in upholstery, a large-scale windowpane plaid offers a fresh perspective.

Interior by Laura Yeager Smith. Photography by Addison Jones Photography.

Embrace Wood Tones

Trends were all white for so long, but now stained wood features—which elevate a room by adding depth—are having a resurgence. “Wood adds warmth to a space by bringing a bit of nature inside,” Joana Rittmayer, associate designer and project manager at Laura Yeager Smith Home & Design in Hudson, Ohio reports. She notes that it can be tricky to achieve the perfect wood stain, finding a delicate balance between being too warm and just warm enough. “Sometimes, nature provides the perfect color in its original form, especially with a walnut finish.”

Interior by Karen Korn. Photography by Karen Palmer Photography.

Mix Up Your Styles

Instead of rigidly adhering to one design aesthetic, Korn is seeing a movement toward a more layered look, incorporating different styles and genres in a thoughtful way. “Using different styles allows spaces to feel more at ease without the constraint of a tight aesthetic,” she shares. This produces a more timeless look while also creating a warm, comfortable home that is a reflection of your personal taste. The key to pulling off this look, Korn explains, is to have one element that ties it all together, be it a rug, armoire, piece of art, or even a pillow, and paying attention to the size and scale of your spaces. 

Interior by Laura Yeager Smith. Photography by Addison Jones Photography.

Make Geometry Work for You

“Straight angles and lines offer a rigidity that truly adds high-impact and order to a space,” reports Rittmayer. “We use symmetry in our designs to create strong axis and focal points. This is balanced with the use of irregular shapes and geometric patterns.” She reports seeing a great deal more finishes, whether it’s tile, fabric, or wallpaper, reflecting these geometric compositions. When creating a palette for a client, I take into consideration the style of the home and the general aesthetic. The handmade natural wood wall covering in the above photo has that element of the unexpected and creates a real “wow!” factor.

TSG Tip 446 from Bridget Tiek, owner and interior designer of Tiek & Co. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Kimberly Harper, owner of Harper Howey Interiors in Bentonville, Arkansas; Beth Ann Kallen and Victoria Pouncey, co-owners of Folly in Charlottesville, Virginia; Karen Korn, principal designer at Karen Korn Interiors in St. Louis, Missouri; and Joana Rittmayer, associate designer and project manager at Laura Yeager Smith Home & Design in Hudson, Ohio. Tiek & Co. appears in The Scout Guide Baton Rouge. Harper Howey Interiors appears in The Scout Guide Northwest Arkansas. Folly appears in The Scout Guide Charlottesville. Karen Korn Interiors appears in The Scout Guide Saint Louis. Laura Yeager Smith Home & Design appears in The Scout Guide Cleveland & Akron.

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