Holiday hosting and go-to gifts with Stephanie

Posted by: Coral & Tusk

Sip and set the scene for an easy holiday get together with founder and designer Stephanie Housley.

Coral & Tusk:

Do you go for a theme with your entertainment and linens?

Stephanie Housley: Yes! I love the opportunity to set the table with our linens, and since we have so many different designs relevant to time of year and holiday, I love choosing an appropriate theme to coordinate with what is going on seasonally.

Table set with Paradise Garden, champagne coupes and cheeses

Photo by Rinne Allen

C&T: What’s on your ultimate cheese plate?

SH: Not cheese these days since I went dairy-free (although Miyoko's makes good alternatives)! But I do love an appetizer! I love deviled eggs the most. Olives (green- like I love Castelvetrano olives), nuts (I am super into chili lime cashews at the moment), crackers (partial to Raincoast Crisps) fruit (cherries or jam) and these quinoa cakes: https://www.101cookbooks.com/quinoa-patties/

Stephanie and Chris preparing a cheese plate

overhead view of wooden tray with various cheese, olives, and spreaders

C&T: What drinks are you serving?

SH: My favorite drink is in Brooklyn from Walter Foods, called a fig sidecar, with fig syrup, aged rum and lemon juice. Here's the closest recipe I've found: https://cocktailsdistilled.com/recipe/fig-sidecar/ Then we might also have wine, Champagne, and some non-alcoholic drinks, like Athletic beers which actually taste like the real thing.

Coffee is always a nice option if your party is on the later side!

Playful cats embroidered cocktail napkin, mug and bowl of cherries

Photo by Rinne Allen

C&T: Tell us about a favorite gift you've received, and why?

SH: I like having very few things and having those things mean something---- that they have a history or a story, that they exude some feeling of being intentionally made. A gift that signifies a special time or place, shared with family and friends, has the ability to bring back my favorite memories in a joyful and meaningful way!

C&T: What are you gifting from the Coral & Tusk fall/winter line this year?

SH: I will certainly be gifting lots of Christmassy items to friends and neighbors- depending on the occasion.

I just dropped off some homemade pumpkin bread to a neighbor in this guy, it's a great holiday decor piece to keep afterward: Felt Sleigh

Here is my holiday shortlist:

Feathers Tissue Box Cover, Cardinal of Hope, Christmas Flowers Wreath, Santas Nice List Wine Bag, Fox with Mushrooms Wine Bag

and this tea towel pairing:

Bunny with Mushrooms Tea Towel, Maidenhair Fern Tea Towel

stephanie gift guide