Sarah Andrew’s Holiday Gift List
We are honoured to share this very special gift wish list curated by Sarah Andrews. She started her professional life as a scientist, and with further academic studies in design, her unusual background gives her a unique approach to the subject. She turns her curious and analytical eye to interiors, dissecting them to discover what does – and doesn’t – work, and has the ability and experience to transform them.
Sarah has developed - The Hosting Masterclass - a series of highly successful in-person and online masterclasses and workshops that have been attended by thousands of students, who have been encouraged by her emphasis on individuality and diverse beauty, as well as her nurturing manner and ongoing interest in their work. In turn, these students have gone on to dominate the covers and pages of Australian design magazines. In a recent ‘Dream Stays’ edition of Country Style, for instance, ten of 15 houses featured belonged to Sarah’s students, as well as listing her and her school as the expert in the field.
Her first book, Principles of Style (2021), which highlights elements of her design system, was an international success. She is currently working on her new show based around renovating one of her properties per season – a farm, a church and a hunting lodge. She is also about to launch her own podcast and is working on a number of book and interior projects.
Her properties, her schools, her book and her work has quickly gained cult status and worldwide recognition. She lives in a remote part of Tasmania on the sea, but travels globally almost constantly. She can be found online at @thehostingmasterclass, @sarahandrews.co and @captainsrest.
Here is a list of Sarah’s favourite holiday gift items
1. Gift a book
A book is such an intimate gift. Icelandic people have a beautiful word. Jólabókaflóðið (roughly, “flood of books”), on Christmas eve family and friends, gift books to each other and then settle in to read. My idea of a great night. Here are three of my current favorite books that I gift often. The Cost of Living by Deborah Levy, Consolations of the Forest by Sylvain Tesson, and The Unlikely Voyage of Jack De Craw by A. J. Mackinnon. For those who love Tinkering with their spaces, my book - Principles of Style is a timeless must-have classic.
€20 to €35
2. Fujifilm Instax Wide Camera
Instant pictures you watch develop in your hands are true magic for young and old alike. I adore mine and use it more than any other I own. The wide version gives a big enough image to enjoy as you used to in the days of Polaroid. Make sure you include a pack or two of film to play on Christmas Day. Get it here.
€175
3. Dasher & Fisher Meadow Gin
A bottle of something surprising someone may not have brought for themselves is always such a loved gift. I'm not a huge drinker, I think I used up my quota in my 20s — but a dear friend of mine poured me this neat a few years back and now I give it to everyone. It is truly like drinking a spring meadow, just thinking about it now I feel so delighted! You can get it here, and also send a bottle directly as a gift which is handy.
€87
4. Needlework Kits for Beginners
My partner's mother gifted me this kit for Christmas last year, and it sparked a deep love affair with needlework. It's brought space for enforced calm and reflection in my life where I have desperately needed it, as opening a door into more complex forms of surface embroidery and pattern making which make me so deeply happy. The Crewel Work Company have so many lovely kits to choose from, which include instructions and everything your lucky giftee needs to get started.
€23 and up
5. Gift Intention
I adore the world of Ussi Designs. Their Supra cards are loosely based on Jungian psychology, and are used as a daily, weekly or monthly meditation on how we relate to the world around us. I keep these on my desk, and when I need a little direction I pull a card at random and place it on a Flynn Home card ledge to provide a little guidance. The pair make such an intentional gift.
€20 and €45
6. Rose Oil
The one product I use day and night wherever I might be is Jurlique Rose Oil. A little across my chest and up my arms, and I feel myself again. It was gifted to me years back, and it took me by surprise. A beautiful blend of rose, chamomile and calendula which I've never found anywhere else. I'm addicted to this stuff and always keep a supply to ensure I never run out!
€65
7. Grounded Pleasures
A student of mine, wonderful people AND the BEST drinking chocolate on the planet. Oh my word, you'll have to trust me on this one. They do lovely gift boxes which make the best stocking stuffers and simple but generous small gifts for those you appreciate in your life, which reminds me I must order a few for all my neighbours — I hope they are not reading this!
€35 to €76
8. Give a New Start.
I run two schools, The Hosting Masterclass for those interested in or currently hosting a home one day, and Principles of Styling and Storytelling for those looking to take a new path with their home or business. Both have drastically altered the lives and futures of 1000's around the world.. You can gift either of these two schools to anyone you love around the world in an online version of our class, or if they are in Australia — we have a Face to Face Masterclass in Tasmania coming up in March which we can organise a gift voucher for.
Price on application
9. Puzzles
My brain loves puzzles, and I don't feel like I am on holiday if I'm not horizontal putting numbers or words little boxes. Cain' Jawbone is such a great gift. In 1934, the Observer's cryptic crossword compiler, Edward Powys Mathers (aka Torquemada), released a novel that was simultaneously a murder mystery AND and the difficult literary puzzle ever written. It's absolute genius - you cut out the pages to solve the murders... You're giftee does not need to know this but since 1934 only three people have ever solved the mystery, but trust me on this, it's great fun! I'm gifting it to my partner this year and can't wait to watch on as she becomes utterly obsessed and maddened!
€23
10. Time.
Nothing is more valuable in this world than time. We only have so much of it, and to give it is so tender. For those I dearly love around the planet, I love to send Voice Memos on Whatsapp about what I've been up to, what I'm reading or watching, what I'm thinking. And ask about how they are and retell the stories about funny memories I have with my loved one. If you have a little stage fright I also love to send playlists as a gift. It's such a delicate gift. If you're stuck, start with mine and then save what you love. There is a share button to send it on.
Free
