So many businesses have been hit hard during COVID and the event industry ranks up there as experiencing some of the biggest loss around. With the holidays around the corner, small businesses are hoping more than ever that people will rally around them like never before and the event industry is no different. Here are a list of amazing gifts you could give or keep for yourself during the holidays from some of the hardest workers I know.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Buy a gift certificate for a family portrait session with an event/wedding photographer. I have to tell you that this has been my go to gift for my friends and family for years. My favorite thing to give a soon-to-be-mama or any friend with growing children is a session with one of my favorite photographers. Or it’s also a perfect gift for the entrepreneur in your life who may be dying to get new headshots. Steve Steinhardt has done this for me for years and it’s always a welcome gift.
FLORALS
Send florals to your clients, associates or friends to enjoy on their holiday tables. Holly Flora is my go to for weddings and gifts and I love to have her deliver a beautiful setting that all my friends have to do is plop on a table to make the holidays that much easier.
EVENT DESIGNERS
Hire an event designer to design your home for the holidays. We excel in making spaces beautiful and most of us thrive with a good theme. OR if you want to elevate your entertaining game (or give this gift to someone you love), we’ve been working with many families to curate entertaining staples they need in their home to gather beautifully over the holidays. Having an expert guide you and even shop for you during an otherwise busy time of the year can be a game changer when it comes to stocking your bar cart, selecting beautiful china, linens and glassware and so much more. And the best thing is you can work with us or another company to curate a more timeless collection that can be used at every gathering you host.
CAKE DESIGNERS
Cake designers are otherwise known as pastry chefs and they are typically super talented at making beautiful pies or other holiday worthy desserts. Or if you have gifts to send, who doesn’t want a homemade pie to enjoy with their holiday feast. Or if you have a group of friends who would enjoy such a thing, consider asking your cake designer to host a virtual class just for your group. Have them show you how to design beautiful holiday cookies or their secrets for making their cakes so moist. This is not only a great way to connect but a wonderful way to allow these artists to show off their expertise.
GIFTING
Since many people can’t be together this year, consider a virtual celebration box curated by your favorite event planner or gifting company. While it’s definitely not the same, it can be a great way to connect people during these times. We’ve created everything from simple cocktail kits for guests to enjoy together virtually to setting up a cooking class and shipping a beautiful basket of ingredients for attendees to enjoy together. There are so many amazing ideas out there and so many talented individuals who would love to help you celebrate.
LINENS, CHINA & HOME GOODS
Many of my favorite rental companies have retail sides of their business and sell THE MOST beautiful items for homes. Heather Taylor Home has the most chic and playful linens around. Perfect for both the holidays and every day use. I love them so much I basically have a “one for me, one for you” policy when it comes to her beautiful supplies. The Ark Elements is filled with the most refined china, serving wear and more. You have to check these beautiful elements out immediately. And last but definitely not least, Found Co. has the most beautiful items for homes (some of which we have even used in a few of our interiors projects) and they are the perfect spot to buy a fun piece of art, a beautiful new chair or even wonderful throw pillows for yourself or someone on your shopping list.
EDIBLE GIFTS
Whether a part of a virtual celebration box or simply a beautiful, edible gift, consider working with an event planner or caterer to curate a beautiful cheese basket, charcuterie display or any other delicious treat. We’ve delivered everything from simple cookies and milk and hot cocoa kits to luxurious cheese baskets with hand selected wine and all the accouterments.
STATIONERY & FUN TOUCHES
Personal stationery, custom embroidered cocktail napkins or even fun drink stirrers can be such a fun gift for the detail oriented person on your list. We’d love to work with you to create a custom gifting package for your favorite recipient or simply reach out to your favorite stationery person and see what they can create for you.
CALLIGRAPHED EVERYTHING
Whether it’s gift tags or you want to personalize a journal or anything else, we find calligraphy can make every person feel that much more special. We love working with Calligraphy Katrina and Laura Hooper to write on all of our gifts.
Happy shopping and should you need a little help with gifting, stationery or even making your home ready for entertaining, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@bethhelmstetter.com. I’ll be back to share so many more ideas very soon!
