Holiday Gift Guide: For the Entertainer

Handpicked products for your favourite home chefs, foodies and €œlet me get you another cocktail€ hosts. 

High Tea

A collaboration between Vancouver’s Hinterland Design and artist Genevieve Dionne, these limited-edition tea sets ($350) are thoughtfully detailed with copper handles, walnut knobs and a coordinating tray. hinterlanddesign.com

Smoke Show

Tom Dixon’s #trending smoked-glass Tank whisky decanter ($150) and glasses ($95 for the pair) elevate any fireside entertaining. holtrenfrew.com

Block Party

For their latest series of serving boards made from wood salvaged from fallen trees around Vancouver and other parts of B.C., Bowyer and Toulson have added an extra-long charcuterie board (approximately 24 by 7 inches; $150) that’s ready to work the holiday party. bowyerandtoulson.com

Top Brass

Designed by Italy’s Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri, the Collar thermo bottle ($55) for Stelton is matte Teflon-covered steel with a smooth-as-liquid brass lid. providehome.com

Cookie Royale

Like mom’s, but better. Give the gift of fresh-baked cookies with an elegantly packaged and fuss-free kit from one of Canada’s top bakeries. This Duchess ginger cookie kit ($20) includes almost all of the ingredients and easy step-by-step instructions. duchessbakeshop.com

Designer Pick – Kevin Mitchell, Mitchell Design House, Calgary

What’s Cooking?

“I think it’s always fun to give someone the gift of experience, and what better way than to give them an evening of learning to cook like a pro? It’s even more fun if you book yourself a spot at the same event so you can experience it together. cookbookcooks.com

Raising the Bar

This debut bean-to-bar Fabric collection from Jacek Chocolate ($10.50) uses ethically sourced cocoa beans that have been sorted, roasted and refined in-house in Sherwood Park, Alberta. There are three bars in the collection—our pick is the 90% from the Dominican Republic with rock sugar. jacekchocolate.com

Wonder Wrap

One of our favourite kitchen essentials, Abeego food wraps ($18 for set of three) can be used over and over to cover plates and store veggies (magically keeping produce looking fresher, longer) thanks to a constitution of breathable beeswax, tree resin and organic jojoba oil infused into hemp and organic cotton cloths. And did we mention Abeego hails from Victoria? canada.abeego.com

Look Sharp

For the chef who views knives as works of art, enter the Knife Fight ($90). Available in black walnut, ash and white oak, this sleek wall-mounted magnetic attachment will keep blades in good shape and kitchen counters clear. oliverapt.com

Daily Grind

Fashioned from stone and beechwood, Castor Design’s Crux marble mortar and pestle for UmbraShift ($100) is our pick for the world’s most beautiful, versatile kitchen implement. vanspecial.com; guildhallhome.com

Bitter Sweet

For the mixologist in your life: the handcrafted, all-natural bitters in the Token natural bitters sampler set ($36) will help add depth and personality to just about any cocktail party. Made in Edmonton, each aromatic is named after a neighbourhood in the city. Sample the Strathcona Orange, Whyte Lavender, Ritchie Cherry or Calder Chai. tokenbitters.com

Table Talk

The Garrido stoneware set for EQ3 ($86 per set) features organic shapes with simple sophistication. Crafted in a matte finish of grey or terracotta, this standout collection is suitable for everyday as well as special occasions. eq3.com

Gillian Segal – Gillian Segal Design, Vancouver

Diffuse the Situation

“2018 was the year of the diffuser for me. After having my baby, I wanted a home fragrance that was non-toxic and relaxing. I bought a Vitruvi diffuser ($119) and have used it almost every day since. Not only does the diffuser help humidify a room, there are also amazing benefits to essential oils. Doesn’t hurt that they are also incredibly beautifully designed, and a Vancouver company to boot! It’s the perfect gift for anyone on your list.” vitruvi.ca