HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE MODERN MAN

In the second edition of the Holiday Gift Guide, we present to you the guide for The Modern Man. Fun, stylish, and useful gifts ideas that should please at least one or two of the men on your holiday list.  

1. The Bike Shelf- $299 

2. Mod Tablet Air, Toffee Tan, iPad Air- $290

3. Twill Weekender- $95

4. Minimalistic Two Key Bottle Opener- $48

5. Modern World Map Print- $28.50

6. Van's Era Shoes- $55

7. Super America Havana Masterica Sunglasses- $197

8. Teranishi Indigo Wallet- $145

9. Dopp Kit- $35

10. Travel Cribbage- $45

11. Solar and Crank Emergency Radio- $31.99 

12. Daniel Wellington Classic St. Andrews Watch- $250 

13. Paddle Strop Razor Kit- $249

14. Norse X Hectra Ivgar Gloves- $145

15. Cereal Magazine, one issue-$14.20, year subscription- $49.99

16. Trusco Delux Tool Box- $110

17. Fleeced-lined Lodge Moccasins- $50

18. Pipe Tobacco, Leather or Gin Fizz Soy Candle- $20.90

19. Canvas Flask- $16

20. Raglan Varsity Jacket, Navy/Midnight- $356.25

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE HOST

We are bombarded with Holiday Gift Guides at this time of year, and I know it can be overwhelming. So please take this package of curated goods as a form of inspiration, not because we must give, but because it's the time of year to appreciate the significant people in our lives (that we may not take the time to appreciate on the daily).

For the next couple of weeks I will be delivering Holiday Gift Guides which will include something for just about everyone in your life- a gift from me to you. Today, we kick it off with the Holiday Gift Guide For The Host. Here are some thoughtful ideas to leave with your gracious hosts this holiday season.  

1. Gold Wool Felt Coasters, White Confetti Pattern, set of four, $26

2. Acacia Cube Napkin Rings, set of four, $20

3. Rosemary Lemon Cutting Board Oil, $16

4. Fort Standard Crest Solid Brass Bottle Opener, $60

5. Oaxifornia Mortar and Pestles, Molcajete and Granite Stone, $45-$75

6. Societe Original Maple Syrup, Made in Montreal, $42

7. Neutral Salt and Pepper Grinder Set, $59.95

8. Handprinted Art Deco Holiday Ornaments, $22

9. Handcrafted Arrow Walnut & Maple Serving Board, small, $42

10. Mason Soy Candle w/ Hand Stamped Muslim Bag,  $20

11. Handmade Pinstripe Tea Towels Set, 100% Cotton, profit goes to charity, $50

12. Table Tiles, Beach Veneer and Cork, set of six, $15

13. Triangle Dinner Bell, Steel, $60

14.  Recycled Cotton Notecard, set of twelve, black + white, $14 

15. Gather Journal: Issue 4, Fall/Winter, one issue $19.99, a year subscription $35

16. Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, $39

Every item has been carefully chosen and given the Salad Days stamp of approval.  

THE "IT" PLANTS OF HOME DECOR

When it comes to home decor and plants, there are a few bonafide hip (or "hipster") plants on the scene. These plants have earned their cred on blogs, Pinterest, and in the likes of various decor editorials. Along with macrame plant hangers, atriums, and other vessels, all things plants seem to be trending.

I jumped on the plant bandwagon a couple of years ago. Cheap and cheerful, they began to infiltrate our home, bringing a spot of colour and warmth to our glowing white backdrop. The intention to spruce up the place with a few plants here and there manifested itself into a full blown obsession. But now with a home that feels more complete, lively, and vibrant than ever - so be it! 

Currently, these are The "IT" Plants Of Home Decor and some easy "how to" care tips, below: 

1. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree: 

Personality Trait: "Queen Bee", Luxurious 

Care Tips: Light- Bright, indirect light (lot's of light, but no sunbeams on the plant). Water- Thoroughly water and allow top inch to dry before watering again.

2. Snake Plant: 

Personality Trait: Strong, Independent 

Care Tips: Light- Thrives in bright light, to full sun. Will tolerate low light. Water- Water and allow to dry before watering again. Water just enough to moisten the soil, do not drench. Water along the edged of the pot, away from the centre of plant to avoid rotting at the base. 

3. Rubber Plant: 

Personality Trait: Stylish, Elegant 

Care Tips: Light- Bright, indirect light. Ideally by a window with sheer curtains. Water- Keep moist during it's growing season, Spring/Summer. Water very sparingly during it's dormant season, Winter. Otherwise, it will drop leaves.  

4. String of Pearls: 

Personality Trait: Conversation starter , Calming 

Care Tips: Light- Thrives in bright light, to full sun. Water and allow to dry before watering again. This plant retains water in it's little beads. Be careful to over water, as this can lead to root rot. Mist weekly. NOTE: This plant is considered to be slightly toxic and should be hung out of children's and pets reach.

5. Cactus (any Cactus): 

Personality Trait: Exotic, Daring 

Care Tips: Light- Bright light, to full sun. Water- Water every other week and allow to dry before watering again. NOTE: light and watering tips vary from cactus to cactus. Read up on your chosen cactus for more accurate care tips.   

6. ZZ Plant: 

Personality Trait: Purifying, Energizing 

Care Tips: Light- Bright, indirect light to low light. Water- Loves to be forgotten. Water and allow to dry before watering again.  

7. Chinese Money Plant: 

Personality Trait: Quirky, Sweet, Charismatic 

Care Tips: Light- Bright, indirect light. Water- Drench and allow to dry before watering again. Keep soil well drained.  Mist weekly.  

8. Cheese Plant: (on right) 

Personality trait: Sexy, Confident 

Care Tips: Light- Bight, indirect light. Water- Thoroughly water and allow to dry before watering again. 

cover photo: stylebyemilyhenderson.com