Host Gifts

Pretty enough to hang on a wall, but tough enough to be put to work, these super glamorous, modestly priced cutting boards feature various images by American social scene photographer Slim Aarons, whose stylized shots of celebs and socialites living the good life graced the pages of Life and Town and Country in the latter half of the 20th century. This is just one option of many gorgeous items at interior designer Alexandra Slote’s upscale, pop-up shop, Alex and Company, which is open for the holiday season in Beacon Hill. Like what you see? Visit Slote’s shop in Osterville on Cape Cod for more of her elegant but playful approach to design.

✽Where to find: Alex & Co. Pop Up, 70 Charles St.

MATSU HANDCRAFTED CANDLES

At Matsu, owner Dava Muramatsu’s sensual jewel box of a boutique, you’ll find a curated selection of artisan-crafted products, including clothing, glassware, dinnerware, linens, and more, sourced from Muramatsu’s favorite artists in Japan, France, and Italy. The goods are grand, and everything here meets our criteria for unique, distinctive gifts, so you can’t go wrong. Matsu’s line of candles is a luxurious choice made locally for the designer herself, with a Japanese theme, and irresistible scents you won’t find elsewhere (ginger, rose, and quince is just one combination).

✽Where to find: Matsu, 76 Charles St.

LOUIS SEL GOURMET FRENCH SEA SALT

Everyone knows and loves Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill, and on any given

day, it seems like at least half the neighborhood has dropped in to chat with owner Jennifer Hill and her friendly, knowledgeable staff. Blackstone’s specializes in cutting-edge knives and kitchenware, but this is also a gift store par excellence with an enormous range of items to choose from. You’ll delight in the discoveries you make here, from glittering crystal bracelets to Boston’s biggest selection of decorative dinner napkins. Louis Sel’s sea salts are an exquisite offering for any host or hostess. They’re harvested by hand from the Guerande salt marches in Brittany, France, and flavor any food with subtle notes of sea and air.

✽Where to find: Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill, 40 Charles St.

SILVER BIRDS

Shopping for antiques in Boston doesn’t have to be daunting. At her vibrant store, owner Laura Cousineau offers an eclectic and affordable mix of

antique and vintage items in a bright and cheerful space. Named after the popular British sitcom, the store has been a Beacon Hill fixture since 1992. There’s also modern home décor and works by contemporary New England artists. There are plenty of smaller pieces suitable for gifts, like these charming silver birds, which attract and delight the eye, and look perfect on a dinner table or mantlepiece.

✽Where to find: Upstairs Downstairs Home, 69 Charles St.

HANDPAINTED ORNAMENTS

Artist Sitka and interior designer Helaine Simon Gulergun created Sitka Home to share their mutual love of fine art with others. In this art gallery and home décor store, you’ll find one-of-a-kind oil paintings and objets d’art to fall in love with. Several of Sitka’s vivid, striking canvases capture Back Bay’s streets and scenes, while Helaine’s inspired decor selections will make you want to quit your day job and start a new career as an artist. These miniature paintings on tiny easels are unique, and multiple ones can be strung together for a beautiful effect.

✽Where to find: Sitka Home Art Gallery, 160 Newbury St.