Podcast Summary: Dear Alice | Interior Design

Episode: Best Holiday Gifts for the Home
Date: November 6, 2025
Hosts: Jessica Bennett (B), Suzanne Hall (C), Corey (A)

Overview

In this festive episode, the Dear Alice team—Jessica, Suzanne, and Corey—unleash their annual guide to the best holiday gifts for the home. Sharing their designer-inspired insights and heartfelt stories, they walk listeners through their top picks for meaningful, beautiful, and functional presents. If you're searching for inspiration beyond the ordinary gift card, this episode is a treasure trove of creative ideas, practical recommendations, and charming moments—all seasoned with the hosts' signature wit and warmth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Art of Gift Giving (00:00–09:52)

• Thoughtfulness wins: The hosts highlight that great gifts come from memories, emotions, and the awareness of recipients’ subtle hints dropped throughout the year.
  • “There's a layering of thoughtfulness and ideas and emotions that go into great gift giving.” (B, 01:05)
  • "If you're not a good gift giver yourself, just marry one." (A, 01:21)
• Making memories tangible: Gifts that immortalize shared moments, such as framed photographs or written memories, top their lists for long-lasting impact.
• Gifting as an ongoing journey: The best gifts aren't just random selections; they're about paying attention—“if they say something six months before, you're like, noted.” (C, 01:11)

2. Top Holiday Gift Picks for the Home (09:52–32:40)

a) Bubble Dish (09:53–12:34)

• Versatile, joyful, stylish; used as:
  • Coaster
  • Catchall for rings, drops, and lip gloss
  • Ashtray
  • Party favor and stocking stuffer
• Great price point, looks vintage: “It could go in your daughters-in-law's stocking... It's just really joyful and happy and beautiful and looks vintage.” (B, 11:01)
• Popular across generations—even “Provo Grandmas” stock up for easy gifting.

b) Crystal Picture Frames & Memory Gifts (12:34–13:31)

• Several types: Orb Frame, Beveled Edge, Crystal Column
• For commemorating loved ones, past and present:
  • “Memories make a really great gift because it's this evidence that we've lived.” (B, 04:48)
  • Suggests including a handwritten note as a placeholder
• Adaptable: fit for photos, love notes, invitations, or even small paintings.

c) Curiosities Collection (13:31–16:41)

• Miniature objects for styling and symbolism (brass egg, princess hand, angel wing)
• Designed to punctuate home styling, add personality, or act as conversation starters:
  • “We even have little descriptions... to say what the object will bring the gift giver in their life.” (B, 13:56)
• Easy, meaningful gifting for those “who have everything” (gold bars, anyone?)

d) Foot Dish & Clawfoot Tray (16:14–16:39)

• Versatile for organizing jewelry, candy, candles, coins, or tiny toys.
• Makes clutter look curated: “It elevates it and corrals it and suddenly it makes it look like display instead of garbage.” (B, 16:33)

e) Darlene Marble Display (Necklace Holder) (16:41–17:48)

• A marble “neck” for displaying necklaces, suitable for all genders.
• Sets off jewelry beautifully (especially black marble with chains).

f) Walnut Book Cradle (19:08–20:37)

• Elegant way to display and enjoy loved books or art volumes.
• Gift idea: pair with a meaningful book and perhaps a personal artifact.
• “It’s just such a beautiful way... to display her loves.” (C, 20:16)

g) Grand Marble Footed Tray (20:44–22:29)

• Functional and chic for kitchens, bathrooms, or vanities:
  • Corrals soap, lotion, perfume, or kids’ bathroom essentials.
• Lifts items for easy cleaning: “There’s no like water getting stuck under a flat marble surface. I love this thing.” (C, 21:24)

h) Milo Brass Easel (22:29–24:52)

• Stylish display for records, recipe books, art, or photographs.
• Heavy and sturdy with playful design: "I've never looked smarter than that cradle." (B, 20:38)

i) Glass Cloche and Crystal Candlesticks (24:53–27:03)

• Multi-purpose cloches for candles (in clear, smoke, or spice amber).
• Crystal candlesticks as classic, heirloom-quality gifts—beloved by brides and entertainers.

j) Crystal Slab (27:03–29:02)

• Thick, clear, premium crystal rectangle for organizing sunglasses, beauty products, Legos, or jewelry.
• Adds “art gallery” vibe: “It almost makes like an area rug out of something.” (B/A, 28:38)

k) Alice Vanity Mirror (29:06–30:27)

• Specially designed for vanity height (for “torso tall” users).
• Marble base for stability; perfect for daily routines.

l) Odette Stool (Wood & Lucite) (30:27–32:39)

• Designed for closets, pantries, kids’ baths—chic, sturdy, and functional.
• Promotes safety and independence for kids helping in the kitchen or bath.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Gift Giving:
  • “If you're not a good gift giver yourself, just marry one.” (A, 01:21)
  • “Thoughtfulness. There's a layering of thoughtfulness and ideas and emotions that go into great gift giving.” (B, 01:05)
  • “It's this evidence that we've lived. It also is like, usually loved ones that are together.” (B, 04:48)
• On Their Favorite Gifts:
  • "My mom gave me...these really beautiful crystal orb picture frames...and it just brought me to tears." (B, 03:27)
  • "Books are such a beautiful gift." (C, 08:12)
• On Product Picks:
  • “The bubble dish has been wildly popular...you can buy a stack of these.” (B, 10:11)
  • “You’re not going to go wrong with this if you don’t know what to get that mother-in-law... Everybody’s gonna love this.” (B, 12:34)
  • “We believe in the little tiny object in styling. You need some little detail to punctuate a point.” (B, 13:31)
  • “You have a big dinosaur standing on top of the crystal slab...am I FAO Schwartz? I guess I am.” (B, 28:01)
• Practical Guidance:
  • "How thoughtful that you’re finding a way to elevate it for her... It's just so gorgeous." (B, 21:38)
  • "Gifts that immortalize a memory—those are the ones they cherish forever." (paraphrased theme)
• Humor & Banter:
  • "If you don't know what to get, just raid Grandma's bubble dish stash." (Paraphrased, 12:30)
  • "The heaviest one's always the best." (A, 28:51)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:26 – The art of great gift giving: mindful, emotional, and personal.
• 03:27–05:26 – Tear-jerking gift: Crystal frame with childhood photo and family story.
• 09:53–12:34 – Gift idea spotlight: Bubble dish and creative uses.
• 13:31–16:41 – Curiosities Collection and symbolic trinkets for styling.
• 16:41–17:48 – Darlene Marble Display for jewelry.
• 19:08–20:37 – Walnut Book Cradle: pairing books and artifacts for sentimental gifting.
• 20:44–22:29 – Grand Marble Footed Tray: function meets aesthetic in kitchen/bath.
• 22:29–24:52 – Milo Brass Easel and layered gifting ideas (albums, photos, art).
• 24:53–27:03 – Glass Cloche and Crystal Candlesticks for timeless, heirloom gifting.
• 27:03–29:02 – The crystal slab: multipurpose luxury for organizing.
• 29:06–30:27 – Alice Vanity Mirror: custom design meets daily use.
• 30:27–32:39 – Odette Stool: practical, stylish, safe for adults and children.
• 32:40–end – Closing encouragement and invitation to explore further gift guides on alehome.com.

Final Takeaway

The Dear Alice team delivers an inspiring, practical, and warmhearted guide to upgrading your holiday gifting with style and meaning. From crystal frames and curated curiosities to multitasking trays and heartwarming personal stories, their advice encourages listeners to focus on gifts that evoke memories, elevate routines, and speak to the recipient’s unique style. If you want to give a gift that will be truly treasured this season (and avoid another gift card to Texas Roadhouse), this episode is a delightful roadmap.

Find categorized gift guides and more at alehome.com
Submit podcast questions to Dear Alice, and happy gifting!