- Design Inspo
Aerin Lauder & Tory Burch’s Picks of 10 Best Gifts for A New Home
There is a lot that goes into moving into a new home. To mark this special occasion, which is usually a labor of love and the result of love -traditionally, a new home meant newlywed – a novel home dweller generally hosts an open house or invites friends and family over to share in the delight at their new digs. And those lucky few called in for an early look usually come with a gift in tow.
There is a lot that goes into moving into a new home. To mark this special occasion, which is usually a labor of love and the result of love -traditionally, a new home meant newlywed – a novel home dweller generally hosts an open house or invites friends and family over to share in the delight at their new digs. And those lucky few called in for an early look usually come with a gift in tow.
It’s thought this practice dates back to the Middle Ages as the word dates back to the 16th century. Some believe the tradition stemmed from the old French tradition when builders of a new home gathered for a celebratory meal at which the final touch was placed on the house – a hook over the hearth to hold the cooking pot that would make this symbolic meal. Others are certain it has roots in Russian, German, and Jewish culture where the community would bless the house with meaningful gifts.
Ideally, not only a home blessing but a tradition designed to ward off evil spirits and let only goodness and light enter the home, the gifts had specific meaning. For example, a gift of bread meant that no one knew hunger; wine wielded the same power to stave off a lifetime of thirst; wood signaled warmth and stability; a broom was meant to symbolize a clean home free of evil spirits. Of course, one of the best gifts for a new home that reigns supreme today- candles, to light the home through even the darkest of days.
Choosing the best gift for a new home can be tricky. Here, our editors have scoured the market to cultivate the most thoughtful and unique list of gifts for a new home. To offer some of their home styling perfection and gifting acumen, iconic American designers Aerin Lauder and Tory Burch have offered their impeccably-curated suggestions on the perfect housewarming gift. In every case, the gift will always remind the new homeowner of the special connection between them, their home, and each guest.
1/10
“I always gift our classic shagreen frame in cream as a housewarming gift. There is nothing more personal and inviting than living in a home surrounded by memories.”
– Aerin
Aerin
Classic Shagreen 5X7 Frame
$325.00
2/10
“There’s something about green — celadon, forest, kelly, a hint of lime… It’s a classic color in its many shades. The Spongeware pitcher is one of my favorite housewarming gifts; it adds a brightness to any table and works year-round. Perfect to use for a summer lunch with fresh flowers, I add in a few ceramic animals, amid low plants. Best not to show up or stay the weekend empty-handed.”
– Tory
tory burch
spongeware pitcher
$98.00
3/10
As the expression goes, kill two birds with one stone. While candles are traditional, bluebirds were thought to bring happiness and good luck to a home. This modern idea of a birdcage rendered in, appropriately, a blue shade of crystal, has a metal swing cradling the candle to create a sense of movement that produces a flickering dance within the vessel when the wick is lit.
SAINT LOUIS CRYSTAL
EN CAGE 2 CANDLE HOLDER
$1650.00
4/10
These divinely chic stacking trays made from ivory leather, chrome, and Arca Horn make for one of the best new home gifts. This particular type of horn was named in 1958 for the Italian process of turning buffalo horn into a malleable substance. The gift of these serving trays means guests will always enjoy pre-dinner drinks and nibbles chez toi and in impeccable style.
Arca horn
serving tray in horn and ivory
$1705.00
5/10
There is always another photo to add to a picture frame, which, despite the rise of digital imagery, remains the most sentimental way to recall life’s special moments. Easy to pair with any décor, this “intrecciato” handmade leather frames from Italy hold any memory dear and makes for one of the best gifts for a new home.
RIVIERE ITALY
TAUPE WOVEN LEATHER FRAME
$738-792
6/10
The design experts at Nest Casa know that France’s iconic Saint Louis crystal is glassware’s gold standard. It’s a gift for a new home that will make hosting guests a most memorable experience. As you can never have too much wine, you can also never have too many places to decant it. This round decanter, inspired by the French Moselle Forest, brings a rarified touch of nature to your table.
Saint-Louis Crystal
Folia Round Decanter
$850.00
7/10
The hearth was the center of the home in days past, but even the modern-day home looks to recreate a warm and cozy spot for gathering. Enter the family room couch. Adding a bit of fun is this perfect gift for a new home, a multi-color embroidered chevron blanket finished with a dynamic fringe edging. Created by one of Italy’s most prominent design families, the Missoni’s, this throw will keep your guests or family comfortable and smiling. When not in use, its graphic color scheme will inject a sense of high style to any room in a new home.
Missoni Home
Vladimiro Throw
$1208.00
