A Few of My Favourite Things...

In the grand tradition of Oprah Winfrey's holiday histrionics, I cannot resist sharing some of my favourite things this year. Watching Oprah's Favorite Things episode was a gift in itself: all those somersaults, backflips and tears of joy! Sadly, I am not a billionaire and cannot afford to give each of you a sample of my picks, but if I could, these are the items I would be showering upon you. If there is someone on your Christmas shopping list you haven't crossed off yet, please consider the following gift ideas. I've divided them into brand categories - all of my favourite vendors! Happy browsing!

Naturally, we'll start with the Queen of Good Things! There was so much to choose from in Martha's vast and diverse collections, but I tried to think of the quintessential "Martha gifts" for a blossoming new fan of the brand: something classically Martha, something useful.

From Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Classic Band Grey dinnerware set (Martha Stewart Collection); Cake Stands (Martha Stewart Collection); Set of Five Ceramic Mixing Bowls (Martha Stewart Collection); Enameled Cast-Iron Round Casseroles (Martha Stewart Collection); Set of 24 Glitter Viles (Martha Stewart Crafts and Michaels); Martha Stewart Food Glossaries 2013 Calendar (Amazon.com and Book Stores); Martha Stewart's Cooking School (Amazon and Book Stores): Martha Stewart's Handmade Holiday Crafts (Amazon and Book Stores); Martha Stewart Living subscription - print or for iPad.

In case you have not yet heard, Brent and Josh were the winners of this year's season of The Amazing Race! I am out-of-control happy for these two intrepid young entrepreneurs who are not only my friends but an inspiration to me. Their brand (Beekman 1802) has some absolutely beautiful, handcrafted artisinal products, straight from the little town of Sharon Springs, New York. From cakes to cheeses, spreads to dressings, they have your pantry covered. And if it's beauty products you're looking for, they have essentially cornered the local market on all-natural, handmade products, many of which are made using the goat dairy and botanical extracts from their farm.

From Top to Bottom, Left to Right: A great selection of holiday goods awaits you at Beekman1802.com or at their store in Sharon Springs, Beekman 1802 Merchantile; Graphic Greens Door Wreath; Delux 'Tis The Season Collection Beauty Products in a handmade wooden box with the Beekman 1802 logo; Beekman 1802 Tea For Two Bundle with two enamelware mugs and a jar of Lemon Cream Honey; Victorian Paper Horns, which can be used instead of stockings to hold small gifts. Shop Beekman1802.com

I would be remiss if I did not mention my favourite store of all! (Yes, it's where I work but that does not mean I am biased! Being surrounded by beautiful things all day is truly good for the soul and Anthropologie delivers beauty in spades.) From Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Farmers Market Berry Baskets made of glazed ceramic in bright colours or subtle neutrals - a must-have! (Martha has them!); Monogram Mr. Mugs; Monogram Mrs. Mugs; Ceramic Cake Dome by Molly Hatch; Half-Dozen Egg Crate made of glazed ceramic in bright colours; A Real Hoot Cookie Jar; Anjou Cookie Jar; 3-D Toile Full Apron; Chalet Candle Tin in Mulled Wine. Shop Anthropologie.com

When it comes to books, I'm really choosy. I go for the beautiful collectibles rather than the paperbacks. These volumes are essentials for book lovers who adore design, architecture, cooking and fashion.

From Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Maggie's Harvest is a beautiful collection of 350 recipes by Australian cook Maggie Beer. It is part memoir, part cookbook with beautiful design details such as a hand-embroidered cover; Baked Elements by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito offers 75 recipes using only 10 of their best-loved ingredients. It is inventive and beautiful and practical. Therefore, I love it. The Stylist's Guide to NYC by Sibella Court is a must for anyone who travels to Manhattan for design inspiration. Hundreds of stores and vendors are listed, mostly the tucked-away gems that are never featured in any typical tourist's guidebook. The Houses of Veranda by Lisa Newsom is a beautiful collection of interiors originally featured in Veranda magazine. It was one of my favourite releases this year. The Great American House by architect Gil Schafer III will play well with admirers of Martha Stewart's homes. Clean, classic lines and a blend of tradition and modernity are the hallmarks of the homes in this beautiful tome;

La Maison by Koto Bolofo is a collection of eleven volumes of photographs that beautifully render the design principles and aesthetics of the House of Hermes. Packaged in a signature orange case, each slim volume traces a different element of the Hermes brand, from leather to fragrance to equine anatomy. A Living Space by Kit Kemp is another of my favourite offerings this year. Filled with gorgeous photographs of interiors that defy rigid design rules, the book aims to empower a sense of lightheartedness by mixing patterns, embracing colour and living with the objects you love. Shop Amazon.com