This year, many of us are seeing the holidays with fresh eyes—a chance to get back to the traditions that bind, bless, and bliss us out. Gift giving is central to this season of showing our love, and what better way to do it than shopping locally—simultaneously thanking the vendors and craftsmen in our neighborhoods for all they do to enrich Litchfield County’s way of life. SPONSORED POST.
By Brandee Gilmore / Photos by Tony Vengrove
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
C.P. Farmhouse offers high-quality Amish-made furniture, and curates an array of farmhouse home décor to amplify the beauty of any home. This family-owned and operated treasure also offers locally made items like soaps, lotions, candles, and pottery. Simplify your holiday shopping with a clever and beautiful dough bowl candle—once the candle flames out, it leaves behind a decorative bowl… the perfect two-in-one gift! $34-59.
C.P. FARMHOUSE 23 West Street, Litchfield
860-361-9355 cpfarmhouse.com @cpfarmhouse
PACKAGES TIED UP WITH RIBBON
You’ve got the gifts, but not another minute to spend wrapping them. D.K. Schulman Design will save you the stress, boldly and beautifully dolling up your gifts with their exclusive wrapping papers. (They’re also poised to save you on last-minute gifts, with a shop full of ‘things we don’t need but want’.) Gift wrapping prices on request.
D.K. SCHULMAN DESIGN 15 East Shore Road, New Preston
860-868-4300 dkschulmandesign.com @dkschulmandesign
A SENTIMENTAL FEELING
If you need a gift that imparts whimsy, authenticity, or vintage charm, Washington Curated will have it. Their collection features the work of local makers and artisans, women entrepreneurs, along with antique and up-cycled homewares and gifts. They carry everything from stocking stuffers to pillows, throws, unique and funny gifts, eatables, and vintage homewares. $5-150.
WASHINGTON CURATED 13 River Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0800 washingtoncurated.com @washingtoncurated
THE FUN I’VE MISSED
Raise a glass! It has been a long time since we were able to gather for the holidays! The JoannaJohn Collection will help you steal the show with our one-of-a-kind, imaginative and alluring wardrobe ensembles and a showcase of vintage jewels. Here you will find extraordinary gifts that are memorable for all the loved ones on your list. Come alive this holiday season and visit us in Woodbury, we know you will appreciate the difference!
THE JOANNAJOHN COLLECTION 073 Main Street South, Woodbury
203-266-4800 thejoannajohncollection.com @thejoannajohncollection
BETTER NOT POUT
This is the time to give, and give generously. Go big with a Clear + Brilliant® laser skin treatment, or Botox® Cosmetic treatment from LaFrance Medical Aesthetics. You can gift either treatment (or both) confidently—LaFrance was voted the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botox® in Litchfield County, and Hollywood celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore have trusted their famous faces to Clear + Brilliant® laser treatments. Mention this ad and receive a complimentary Alastin Holiday Glam Bag with a $500 gift card purchase (Value $144).
LAFRANCE MEDICAL AESTHETICS 10 Titus Road, Washington Depot & 72 Pine Street, Bristol
860-845-8296 lafrancemed.com @lafrancemed
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
Your frames define you, and Friedrich’s Optik takes its 200-year-old tradition of creating distinctive eyewear seriously. A generous gift of handcrafted, natural buffalo horn eyeglasses, can’t and won’t be overlooked by your recipient. Clients are integral to the process, first selecting the horn and the frame shape from a range of styles and colors. Before their eyes, the lenses are cut and the frames are handcrafted. Eyewear is personal, and at Friedrich’s Optik, so is the process. Starting at $1250.
FRIEDRICH’S OPTIK 2 Green Hill Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0724 friedrichsoptik.com @friedrichsoptik
BROWS THAT WOW
New this holiday season, Pilar BLLaC, a local brand aimed at making eyebrows an everyday part of makeup routines, launched a line of brow-defining products. Their custom-designed Brow Taming Brush works with the brand’s Brow Taming Spray, followed by their Better Brow Powder, available in four shades (Auburn, Grey, Medium/Dark, and Blonde/Light) applied with their exclusive Better Brow Powder Brush. The kit’s easy to use and great for anyone on your list who wants gorgeous brows every day!
PILAR BLLAC BEAUTY STUDIO 8.5 Titus Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0488 pilarbllac.com @pilarbllac
MERRY AND BRIGHT
In the capable hands of Byrde + the b stylists, barbers, aestheticians, and nail techs, your lucky recipient will settle into a cocoon of happiness, beauty, and relaxation. Choose from makeovers, makeunders, anti-aging facials, brows, facial acupuncture, hot shaves, relaxing pedicures, manicures—all things beauty—give Jessie a call to set up the gift of the year. $55-500.
BYRDE + THE B 10 Titus Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0422 byrdeandtheb.com @byrdeandtheb
CUP OF CHEER
In addition to their regular spirits and branded merchandise, Litchfield Distillery’s special limited release for this holiday season is a Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon. They’ve rested their Connecticut grown, 4-year bourbon whiskey for an additional two years in sherry barrels procured from a bodega in Jerez, Spain. It’s full of robust vanilla flavor, with subtle prune and stone fruit notes on the nose and palette. That satisfying sip follows with a long, smooth finish. The bottle comes ready for gifting, set in a unique wood box with two rocks glasses. $89.99. Open seven days a week.
LITCHFIELD DISTILLERY 569 Bantam Road, Litchfield
860-361-6503 litchfielddistillery.com @litchfielddistillery
ON THE REV LIMITER
Today’s high-end sports cars are so good, so capable, there’s simply no way to explore their limits on the street. Owners of such cars often can’t resist the opportunity to drive them as they’re meant to be driven. The Lime Rock Drivers Club offers a ticket-free opportunity to drive without speed limits. To maximize the experience, members receive four hours of on-track, in-car, and right seat professional coach guidance. Track days start at $750, and include full hospitality for two.
LIME ROCK DRIVERS CLUB 497 Lime Rock Road, Lakeville
860-435-5000 ext.104 limerockclub.com @limerockclub
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
A holiday basket is absolute perfection when it’s stocked with specialty items from Blueprint CT Kitchen. Grab one of their ready-made baskets overflowing with taste and style, or take the time to carefully create your own. Choose from sumptuous gourmet offerings, fine chocolates & confections, teas, cocktail/mocktail mixes, handmade textiles, items by local artisans, and kitchen gadgets galore. Spread the peace and joy from Blueprint CT Kitchen! From $125. Free delivery within Litchfield County. Shipping available; leave extra time.
BLUEPRINT CT KITCHEN 43 West Street, Litchfield
860-361-6789 shopblueprintct.com @shopblueprintct
NICE AND ROSY
Does your darling want to refresh his/her cosmetic collection? The Lulu Face Company will help them wade through their makeup bag to decide what is working, and what to toss. They’ll make suggestions on how to utilize the ‘keepers,’ and make recommendations for rounding out the collection. They can also create a ‘custom palette’ with your recipient! $125 per session (session fee waived with $250 purchase). Receive 15% off all purchases.
THE LULU FACE COMPANY 7 North Street, Litchfield
860-205-2539 lulufaceco.com @lulufaceco
HAPPY SPALIDAYS
The Spa at Litchfield Hills serves up a world-class spa experience without the trouble of traveling far from home. This season, they’re offering a limited edition package—the perfect holiday treat for the spa lover in your life. The ‘Spaliday in the Hills’ features a 50-minute Cause+Medic CBD Massage, OSEA Organic Spa Facial, Spa Pedicure, and Spa Manicure. $395. Shop gift cards online, by phone, or in-store. Curbside pickup and shipping available.
THE SPA AT LITCHFIELD HILLS 407A Bantam Road, Litchfield
860-567-8575 litchfield-spa.com @thespaatlitchfieldhills
