FRIENDS OF THE KUOTES
Because there’s nothing more fun during the holiday season than connecting with wonderful individuals and shopping beautifully curated gift guides, we are thrilled to announce that we’ve partnered with four of our favorite creatives and lifestyle influencers to bring you curated Kathy Kuo Home Gift Guides across a variety of inspired themes.
Read on to learn more about these oh-so-inspiring women, and to shop their specially curated holiday gift guides for just about everyone on your list–from the consummate hostess to the mama-to-be!
Stylist and tablescape artist Holly Jolley, of Home with Holly J, is letting us in on the hostess gifts she’s obsessed with!
Tell us about your home, and your personal decor aesthetic!
My home is a french country style home and my interiors are the same mixed in with some transitional decor.
What are you looking forward to the most about the holiday season this year? Any fun plans for special decorations or tablescapes?
I always look forward to the holiday season and gathering my family and cooking some home cooked meals.
Any tips on making things merry given that holiday celebrations are going to look a little different this year?
Even though I can’t have as many people over as we usually do and I’ve had to cancel my annual Christmas Cookie Exchange, I’m still decorating my home just like I always do. I’m even adding a new Christmas tree to one of my bedrooms.
How do you approach gift shopping and staying organized about all the gifts you’re planning to give?
I can’t say I’m the best at this! I usually ask everyone to send me their Christmas wish list and now that my children are older, it’s a lot easier to order things online. I do a lot of online shopping. My 22-year-old son is my designated Black Friday online shopper! I give him the lists and he does all of it for me! Am I lucky, or what?! Somehow he always ends up with more presents than the other kids though!
You’ve curated our “For the Hostess” gift guide–what does that mean to you? When shopping for other hostesses, what type of products do you love and why?
I try to think of what that person who is hosting might like and gear it towards that person. Candles are always a hit or something warm and cozy for the person hosting. I also think of things that I love and will often buy a few extras for hosting gifts. Adding in something homemade is always on my personal gift guides.
Lifestyle blogger and mama-to-be Natalie Keinan, of The Fashion Hour, spills on her gifting essentials for new and expectant moms!
Tell us about your home, and your personal decor aesthetic!
My personal decor aesthetic has definitely evolved over the years! We just moved into our new home build (#CasaKeinan) a few months ago and are still getting settled (having a baby right after moving in will put some design projects on the back burner) but I think our home has an elevated boho feel to it. I am a neutrals lover and fan of clean lines and natural elements. Lots of wood, rattan, dried flowers. This space is much larger than our last house so I have definitely been taking my time decorating!
The openness of it is probably what I love most. The kitchen, dining and living room are all open to one another and look out to the backyard which I love. I feel like even if we’re all doing different things we’re still connected because we’re together in the same room! I have been sharing updates on my blog and Instagram as we decorate!
What are you looking forward to the most about the holiday season this year? And what are you looking forward to doing with your little ones to celebrate?
Definitely starting new traditions and just being together as a family. My husband is Israeli so we celebrate Jewish and American holidays. We joke that it’s always a holiday in our house! Now that our oldest daughter, Mila, is 3 I’m excited to teach her more about the holidays and do more activities with her like baking and decorating cookies, have her help me decorate the tree, make hot chocolate, etc. I think she’s finally getting the grasp of what Santa is all about so I’m excited to have her write her first letter to him and really be excited about Christmas morning.
Any tips on making things merry given that holiday celebrations are going to look a little different this year?
Absolutely! As hard as this year has been on so many, I think it is still so important to find joy in each day and be grateful for what we have. We normally have a big Christmas Eve party at my parents house with Cuban food but instead of being sad that won’t be happening, I’m excited to spend the holidays cozied up at home with my husband and little girls.
We decorated the house and have plans to do everything from baking cookies to wearing matching pajamas and watching a Christmas movie together and I’m even planning a night we get dressed up just because! I find myself cherishing the simplest moments at home the most and am looking forward to creating more memories with my family.
How do you approach gift shopping and staying organized about all the gifts you’re planning to give?
I wish I could give you a good answer! I spend so much time helping others find gifts and always end up being so last-minute on the actual gifts I purchase myself! I am a big believer in meaningful and thoughtful gifts and that a higher price tag doesn’t always mean better. I try to set a budget and take advantage of sales without compromising value and what I think that person would truly appreciate.
You’ve curated our “For the New Mama” gift guide–what does that mean to you? As a new mom yourself, what type of products do you love and why?
I am thrilled to share this gift guide that is full of must-have items and thoughtful gift ideas for any new mom out there. Becoming a mother is such an overwhelming and beautiful thing and I was reminded of how special (and exhausting) the newborn stage is with our second daughter, Dylan, we had in September. So much of that newborn stage is spent snuggled up in bed or rocking away in a chair which is why I made sure to include the glider we use (it rocks, swivels and has a charger) along with a nursing pillow that has amazing reviews.
I think the Stokke high chair is a great gift because it adjust to all ages, the play kitchen is something your baby will enjoy for years and this white and natural looking one is so simple it’s sure to match any decor! I also love the tent for a cute reading spot, the wooden toy bin for an aesthetically pleasing storage solution and this plush polar bear is sure to put a smile on any baby’s face. I could go on and on about each piece but hopefully everyone will find something they love!
Jewelry designer and business-owner Nicola Bathie McLaughlin is sharing her favorite treasures for the woman who does it all!
Tell us about your home, and your personal decor aesthetic!
Our home is a fairly traditional brick home, nestled inside a dozen oak trees. It’s filled with light and has been the perfect home to start a family in. In my home, and my personal design aesthetic, I love traditional pieces of furniture mixed with soft, clean colors. A transitional mix.
What are you looking forward to the most about the holiday season this year?
Christmas nostalgia. I love living through my daughters, watching them in complete awe of decorations and lights. It is so whimsical and joyful.
Any tips on making things merry given that holiday celebrations are going to look a little different this year?
We decided we are going to start new traditions for our family. My husband, through quarantine, started cooking…and I found out he is quite the cook! So this year, we are going to start the tradition of baking and cooking.
How do you approach gift shopping and staying organized about all the gifts you’re planning to give?
I truly love giving gifts. I start early and I love to find unique things. I keep them in a closet and unwrapped until I have something for everyone!
You’ve curated our “For the Woman Who Does it All” gift guide–what does that mean to you? As a multi-tasking modern woman, what type of products do you love and why?
First, I am so honored! Second, I loved this curated gift guide because it really is curated for all woman. It has a bit of whimsy, a bit of freshness, a lot of practicality, and it is all beautiful. of course I love things to be beautiful, and while I am not stickler to making everything in my home completely childproof and spill proof, I do like things to be practical.
Lifestyle content creator and photographer Ana Lineres, of Ana New York, is sharing her top gift picks for the Jetsetter in your life!
Tell us about your home, and your personal decor aesthetic!
Now that we are spending time by the beach, my style has changed a lot when it comes to soothing color palettes and more of a minimal boho aesthetic. Neutrals and a mix of textures with a spark of Parisian vibes is what I’ve been working with since we moved into our new abode.
What are you looking forward to the most about the holiday season this year?
Finishing some decorations and fully unpacking from our move. It’s taken me so long to feel settled trying to juggle work shoots, homeschooling and just this year in general. But the comfort of having our new space as a canvas for shoots has been the most exciting now that I shoot for most of my clients at home since we can’t travel to Europe. It’s been all about recreating all my favorite places at home, shopping props and decor, I’ve loved it!
As someone who loves to travel, any tips on making a quarantine holiday stay-cation feel fun and special?
Before becoming a full time photographer, I used to work at Ralph Lauren Home for many years sourcing products with manufacturers around the globe and being home during this year has put to test my skills of thrift shopping online and finding some pieces that I can work with for client shoots. It’s also forced me to discover pieces I already own and make the best use out of them.
How do you approach gift shopping and staying organized about all the gifts you’re planning to give?
Gift guides have been my to-go source to finding the best stuff! I love the array of products on your website as it covers so many styles and makes it easier for me to pick from when we get so busy approaching the holiday deadlines. I sadly won’t be able to see my family this year so I’m mailing some special presents to my mum and trying to keep my list of gifts short and meaningful in times that we will be missing being home.
You’re curating our “for the jet-setter” gift guide–what does that mean to you? When shopping for other jet-setters, what type of products do you love and why?
I approached this guide with the mindset of someone who is on the go and wants to shop for pieces/accessories that are chic and functional yet elegant and elevated. I wanted to give a sense of belonging with pieces that bring back memories and that remind you of places you’ve traveled before and miss going back to.
Need design help? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you truly love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
Need design help? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you truly love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
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