Jenah Barry, Retail Manager of The Shop at Wave Hill, brings to the position the sensibilities of artist and floral designer.
Working on Wave Hill House’s decorations for the winter season has been such a pleasure. It was inspiring working with greens and berries cut directly from our magnificent gardens. I love how the designs directly reference the grounds and the change in seasons! Collaborating closely with a talented team, including Laurel Rimmer, Marilyn Young and gardeners Brian McGowan, Syretha Brooks, Susannah Strazzera and Jennifer Shovlin, among many others, was a true delight. It was particularly special to grace Wave Hill House with its first holiday finery since renovations of the house were completed this past summer.
While we were hard at work, Marilyn commented that one of the things that she loves best about the winter is how the bare branches of the trees reveal “where the birds live.” This poetic thought was the inspiration for the Amaryllis ‘nest’ planters you’ll find on the windowsills of Armor Hall. Inspired by this, I thought to jot down my favorite merchandise for ‘cocooning’ this season. In winter, I find myself spending more time indoors pottering around and decorating my own little ‘nest’. I hope you enjoy these suggestions for seasonal household luxuries:
Master framer David Frye’s picture frames are inspired by the American painter Thomas Eakins’ gilded chestnut frames. Combining classic elegance with contemporary form, Frye’s frames are finely crafted in American chestnut, a truly precious wood, with pure gold leaf. They are available in standard sizes and make a special gift for with a favorite family photograph.
I love growing bulbs indoors in the winter. ‘Chocolate Amaryllis’ grow kits by Potting Shed Creations are my go-to gift this season: elegant ‘hat box’ packaging made from eco-friendly bamboo becomes a contemporary planter, with everything you need to grow one of my favorite Amaryllis varieties—a beautiful , burgundy-black that is an opulent hue for the season. We also have loose bulbs in stock, in the same varieties that our gardeners are planting on our grounds!
Judy Jackson’s elegant stoneware collection, handcrafted in New York, is beloved by Wave Hill Members and our own staff. This season, we have a lovely collection of budvases that are perfect on their own with a single beautiful specimen, or grouped to create a larger centerpiece.
Take Wave Hill home with you: A selection of seasonal plants and terrariums inspired by Wave Hill House makes for perfect holiday décor.
Sweet Petula’s luxurious shea butter moisturizing soap, beautifully packaged in botanical wrap, comes in natural fragrances like ‘sweet pea and clover’, ‘ narcissus’, ‘sea salt and lavender’, ‘white gardenia, ‘rosehip and cardamom’, ‘fig leaf’, ‘garden rose’ and ‘vintage peony’. Keep these in mind as pick-up gifts, or as a treat for yourself. Plan on a languid, fragrant bath on a cold winter’s day, and add a fragrant candle for pure indulgence.
Birch-bark napkin rings, picture frames, hostess sets and vases make for a festive table for seasonal celebrations.
Anokhi’s beautiful table linens are block-printed by hand in a selection of prints inspired by nature, such as ‘Winter berry’ and ‘Starry sky’. A handcrafted pitcher by ceramicist Frances Palmer completes the look. it is showcased here with a Creative Women’s organic, cotton scatter cushion. Its fluid lines recall rivers and landscapes.
The tradition of bringing nature indoors with a Christmas tree is symbolic, and we have a delightful selection of holiday ornaments to enhance your tree, including pewter leaf ornaments by Silver Seasons, polka- dotted iceskates by Maileg and charming felted acorn ornaments by local artist Marielle Escalante.
Enjoy cocooning with these lovely gifts, and when you venture out, do visit us at Wave Hill. Winter in our gardens is truly breathtaking. With the first snow blanketing our grounds this week, creating a magical winter landscape, I wish you all a very happy, festive season!