In the season of comfort and joy, give the gift of hygge.
What’s hygge (pronounced hyoo-guh)? It’s a Danish concept referring to finding comfort and warmth in simple, soothing things such as a cozy atmosphere or the feeling of friendship.
This year, our hygge expert and principal designer, Christine Shepard has searched high and low and has you covered with her top gift picks for friends, family, and neighbors.
“These are a few of my favorite things,” Christine says, “and I hope you’ll enjoy them, too!”
NOW OPEN
You can now find these items and more in The Shoppe!
Visit us at 1915 Huguenot Road, Suite 203, Richmond, VA 23235, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-3pm and Saturdays from 11-2pm.
The gift of unexpected
So you love decorating for the holidays but maybe Santas and snowpeople aren’t your thing? “I absolutely adore these zebra table runners, tree skirts, and pillows,” says Christine, “They have the ‘feel’ of Christmas but are unexpected and fun. Plus when it’s time to put the tree away, these zebras can stand on their own in any season!” Grab yours now in The Shoppe.
The gift of ambience
A candle is the easiest way to bring hygge to any space for the holidays. The gentle glow of the flame adds a sense of calm and the scent instantly makes a room feel complete. Christine gives these candles by Seda France two thumbs up. These are perfect when you need something to bring as a hostess gift in a pinch. Carefully packaged in a toile-clad box, they’re the gift that doesn’t need to be wrapped! “I really think this candle sold my house,” said one of our clients of the Japanese Quince scent, “The smell instantly makes you feel at home.” Both the Japanese Quince and Holiday fragrances are available in The Shoppe in our large 10 oz. size or a 2 oz. mini.
The gift of “Cheers”
Instantly become the life of the White Elephant party with the delightfully bubbly combo of a cocktail book and mini bottle of Prosecco. “One of my favorite fun gifts for girlfriends is the book, Prosecco Made Me Do It,” says Christine, “It’s silly and quirky, but who doesn’t love to hear the pop of a champagne bottle at a party?” Christine recommends pairing the book with a bottle of your Prosecco of choice (mini or full-sized) and maybe a set of cocktail napkins in an unusual pattern. We’ve got several options of books in The Shoppe and are always ready to pour you a glass while you look around.
The gift of style
For that person on your list who is hard to shop for, Christine recommends giving them something they’d never expect. “I love these marble bowls,” she says, “they’re each hand carved so no two are the same. They’re sturdy and textural and will last forever.” They’re great for placing on a coffee table, dining table, bookshelf, console, or bedside. “Any place in your home needing a dose of visual interest, these will do the job.” Check out our collection of marble dishes in The Shoppe. We have an assortment of sizes and shapes available to suit your needs!
The gift of a soft place to land
Nothing says hygge like a one-of-a-kind vintage rug or a feathery, soft pillow–so we combined both! “My dear friend, Gady Yesil has been sourcing fine rugs and textiles for over 25 years,” says Christine of the owner of Orientalist Home who visited The Iron Gate Co. earlier this year for our Turkish Rug Trunk Show, “We have a selection of Turkish Rug pillows in The Shoppe, sourced by Gady, and I love how special each one is. They add an instant level of character and story to each room.” Visit The Shoppe to explore our collection of pillows.
The gift of sparkle
“We are a family of horse lovers in the Shepard household,” says Christine, “So it was only fitting we included a bit (pun intended) of equestrian inspiration on this gift list.” These Christmas tree ornaments featuring snaffle bits in gold and silver along with pewter stirrup irons tied up in luxurious velvet ribbon make the perfect gift for the equestrian in your life. “I love when ornaments on a Christmas tree tell you something about a person,” says Christine, “I have no doubt these will bring a sparkle to your favorite equestrian’s eye.” Grab yours in The Shoppe!
The gift for the dog
Our dogs bring us so much joy all year long, so why not treat them to a little gift as well? These bowls from Yeti can withstand even the wildest hound. “I love the color Nordic Purple because it’s one you don’t see very often,” says Christine, “Our dog, Patton, approves.”
The gift of conversation
Coffee table books are excellent conversation starters. “I love when a friend comes over, sits on my sofa, and picks a book up off my coffee table to flip through,” says Christine, “It instantly gives them a glimpse at a topic I love, whether that’s design or horses or entertaining, and sometimes sparks inspiration in them.” Stop in The Shoppe to see our collection of coffee table books which range in topic. “Some of my favorites to give right now are a collection of books from photographer, Anouk Krantz,” says Christine, “Her photos feature life out west all in black and white. So they’re great for that Yellowstone lover in your life.”
The gift of rest
During the wild times we live in, nothing is more important than rest. “My husband calls these ‘the BEST SHEETS EVER’,” says Christine of the Bamboo Sheets by Cozy Earth, “That’s high praise coming from Bruce Shepard.” But he’s not wrong. In addition to being soft, non-pill, and temperature regulating (for us hot sleepers), they are also responsibly made. Visit The Shoppe to place an order. “I promise you will not be disappointed.”
and finally, the gift of luxury made easy
Velvet is an instant way to make a space feel luxe. However, velvet hasn’t always been the easiest fabric to own when it comes to care instructions. “Not anymore,” says Christine, “I love the washable velvet bedding by Villa and so have several of my clients. It quickly elevates a bedroom and when you feel like it needs a wash, all you have to do is pop it in the washing machine.” Visit The Shoppe to feel the velvet samples and place an order today!
The best gift you can give to yourself and others this season is the gift of being present. On behalf of The Iron Gate Co., may your holidays be filled with peace, love….and hygge.
— Christine Shepard
THE SHOPPE
You can now create The Iron Gate Co. look in your home by visiting The Shoppe!
Located at 1915 Huguenot Road, Suite 203, Richmond, VA 23235, The Shoppe features a selection of furniture, decor, and more, all curated by our owner and principal designer, Christine Shepard.
Visit us Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-3pm and Saturdays from 11-2pm.
