Editorial

Seasonal Shopping AccorDing to the Stars

Originally printed in The Lakeville journal Holiday Gift Guide 2020, November, 2020.

Greetings, gift givers! In writing for this year’s Gift Guide, I’m glad to say some things are business as usual. I’ll still say the best holiday shopping can be found locally. I’ll still claim that what this season does best is highlight what wonderful stores we have around us in the countryside. I will still recall all the occasions when friends visiting from New York City marveled at the beautiful, well-crafted gifts found in such a rural place — including the tasteful wrapping paper at Salisbury Pharmacy on Main Street in Salisbury, Conn.

But nothing can be completely business as usual this year.

So here’s the hard part: What does anyone need? The strangest part of this pandemic may be how little you now know about the people you used to see every day. Now they’re email buddies or Zoom book club buddies.

Luckily, there’s an old system in place for guessing your friends’ personal tastes. Let Hellenistic divination be your personal shopper… Let the stars guide your gift-giving plans. I’m getting a message from the future… It says you’re going to need more ribbon.

ARIES — Aries was already restless in quarantine back in March. They thrive on excitement and living large. Did you know the home goods store Privet House in New Preston, Conn., also has an amazing collection of vintage books? Think titles that scream glamour, like “The Grand Dames” or “The Very Rich,” and biographies of big lives like Gloria Vanderbilt.

TAURUS — Snuggly Taurus has got to be comfortable. They were the first ones in their cozy clothes making bread. Why not register them for the 2021 CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) from Adamah Farm in Fall Village, Conn.? They’ll get a weekly share of locally grown produce sure to inspire lots of cooking at home.

GEMINI — Your Gemini friend will admit how hard they are to shop for — they love to be the first to know about anything. While they’re busy finding unique gifts for all, arm your Gemini with a bright, floral-printed face mask from the Salisbury-based artisan craft company Allegra and Luca.

CANCER — Oh Cancer, this year has been tough. They just want everyone to be alright. What they’ll appreciate is the gift of giving back. Make a donation to one of the local food pantries, like The Corner Food Pantry in Lakeville, Conn., or Fishes and Loaves Pantry in North Canaan, Conn.

VIRGO — Understatement: Virgo is a bit of a perfectionist. They love order, style, and having the best. Give them the Architectural Digest-look at 100 Main Street in Fall Village with beautiful dinner sets from ceramic designer Christopher Spitzmiller.

LIBRA — Libras love exploring all points of views. Kent-based photographer Jeannette Montgomery Barron and “Call Me By Your Name” author André Aciman have collaborated in their new book “Roman Hours.” A conversation between two artists is the perfect balancing act for Libra. Reserve a copy at House of Books in Kent.

SCORPIO — Secretive Scorpio might be loving staying home, especially with all their exclusive friends: their plants. Honeychurch Home in Salisbury has a fantastic collection of beautifully glazed pots ready to turn a home into a jungle.

SAGITTARIUS — Sag misses all the things they used to do. They’ve already texted all their friends saying, “Remember Paris?” Give them the gift of their memories. Michael Trapp’s design store in Cornwall, Conn., has gilt antique frames for hanging your travel old photos like they’re in a museum.

CAPRICORN — Busy Capricorns throw themselves into work. Now that home is their office, keep them organized by heading to Charlotte Taylor in Millerton, N.Y., where desk accessories like to-do lists are bursting with charm.

AQUARIUS — Aquarius will always find their sanctuary. They thrive in meditation. Help add to their peaceful quarantine. Plain Goods in New Preston carries luxurious candles from Flamingo Estate. Trust me, get the Roma Heirloom Tomato candle. The scent of tomato on the vine is heaven.

PISCES — So many emotions for Pisces, such a hard year. Sooth your friend with a delicious carrot cake from Sweet William’s Coffee Shop and Bakery in Salisbury (the carrot cake is so good) paired with the perfect dessert wine from Salisbury Wines.