Pauline’s Favorite Things 2024

The wait is over! Pauline Parry, Author, Owner and Founder of Good Gracious! Events, unveils her much-anticipated annual holiday gift guide. Pauline’s Favorite Things 2024 is a stunning selection personally curated by the ultimate style and entertainment maven.

Prepare to take your gifting to the next level—whether you’re delighting loved ones or indulging yourself in celebration of another fabulous year!

Presenting 10 items that have been my personal favorites—worn, adored, and gifted—throughout the year. I trust these recommendations will assist you in navigating your holiday shopping list. Enjoy!

For the baker or cook who has everything, the Baker’s Dozen Wooden Spoons by Sir Madam from Hawkins New York is a gift as thoughtful as it is beautiful. This set of 13 hand-carved beechwood spoons, each unique in shape and size, brings artistry and functionality to your kitchen. Perfect for stirring, scooping, or serving, these spoons work harmoniously with ceramic cookware and look stunning displayed in a jug on your countertop. Handcrafted in India, they add a touch of natural elegance to any culinary space, making them a perfect gift for the creative chef in your life.

For my upcoming New Year’s trip to NYC, I’m turning to my new favorite Chanel White and Black Sneakers, crafted from mesh, suede, and grained calfskin. Perfect for those who know my signature color palette—black, white, grey, and silver metallic—these sneakers embody effortless sophistication with a sporty twist.

Chanel has always been my inspiration, and when asked to describe the Good Gracious! brand, I often say we are the look of Chanel with the kick of Nike. These sneakers are the perfect reflection of that ethos: timeless, versatile and ready for the streets of New York!

Kenneth Hahn Park has been my go-to this year in my quest to stay healthy and fit. I absolutely LOVE the 360° views of the city—it’s a breathtaking experience. There’s something so freeing about taking deep breaths of fresh air, finding clarity of mind, and enjoying nature, all in the heart of the city. Tucked away in the Baldwin Hills of Los Angeles, this secret gem spans 387 acres of protected parkland, offering a peaceful escape amidst my bustling life.

There are red lipsticks, and then there’s Fabulous Kiss by Carolina Herrera in the shade Red Caroline—a truly exceptional red velvet lipstick. My husband says it reminds him of the red lipstick I wore when he “fell in love” with me! This satin lipstick delivers intense, smooth color in one silky swipe, offering up to eight hours of hydration and six hours of high-impact color. It’s the perfect pop of red—trust me, I’ve practically tried them all!

Pop Daddy Snacks are a small, family-owned business that specializes in crafting bold, small-batch snacks. Once I discovered their pretzels, it was love at first bite! Their lineup includes unique and flavorful options like Thai Honey Curry and Dill Pickle, but my personal favorites are the Smoked Gouda and Garlic Parmesan. When I’m craving a salty snack, these pretzels paired with a glass of red wine are my go-to—a perfect alternative to sea salt kettle chips.

Who’s making aprons?

With a sleek design, featuring Japanese canvas and removeable straps, Jennie’s aprons are all one of a kind (sometimes two). A little longer than the average apron, these wearable art pieces are divine for the holiday host. Custom orders welcome. Aprons start at $75.00 All straps come off to avoid tangles in the dryer! Full and half available.

Email to order at Jbcook4me@me.com

Tom Bergin’s, the oldest Irish pub in Los Angeles since 1936, has become my local favorite this year. Located off Fairfax, it’s a true neighborhood gem with a welcoming vibe. This iconic spot serves up delicious chicken wings, classic fish and chips and crafts a mean cocktail—especially their fabulous Irish coffees. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in a bit of LA history!

Joanna and Chip Gaines have been an inspiration in home decorating, and I LOVE these vintage glass ornaments as special gifts. These ornaments feature unique and playful designs, including shapes like a truck with a tree on top, golf clubs, and a pie, among others. Magnolia is in pursuit of inspiring a love for home and the moments it holds, and these timeless ornaments beautifully capture that spirit. They’ll add elegance to your Christmas tree, year after year.

The dream of having a Savory Pie online shop named after my grandson is getting closer, with the possibility of a flagship store here in Los Angeles. For now, you can order and pick up from our Good Gracious! kitchen. We offer large pies, snack pies and dangerously delicious tiny pies that are so easy to eat—you can pop one in your mouth and before you know it, you’ve had more! These mini pies come with mouthwatering fillings like chicken salsa verde, beef red wine, mushroom white bean and curried chicken vegetable. A perfect hostess gift for the holiday parties you attend this season.

Every now and then, you come across a red wine that perfectly suits your palate—Aleksander Wine was that discovery for me. I first tried it after meeting Lakers legend and NBA champion Sasha Vujačić. His family’s story is as inspiring as their wine: after Sasha (short for Aleksander) was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004, his family—mother Sena, brother Al, and sister Nina—relocated from Slovenia to California. Together, they pursued a dream of crafting exceptional wine, leading to the creation of their Merlot-dominant red. It’s a beautiful blend of Old-World elegance with California roots. I admire their entrepreneurial journey, and their boutique wines are truly remarkable. Plus, any excuse to visit Paso Robles is a good one!

And last but not least, I’ll leave you with a little trivia about the things I’ve been loving in excess year after year—hopefully, it’ll offer some inspiration for your gifting list!

Until next year,

Pauline’s Favorite Things 2024

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