Frankly, when I’m having a little bit of a bad day, there’s nothing like taking a look at my secret stash to lift my spirits and remind me of good things to come. Do you ever see a lovely item you know would make the perfect gift? Whether or not I know who I’ll give it to, I pick up that item then and there, and go shopping in my own closet later, when it’s someone’s birthday!

My kids knew never to go rummaging through my closet. They knew I’d tuck away birthday and holiday gifts for them throughout the year, along with potential gifts for Roy, or maybe items with roosters for my sisters. (When my kids were little, I also had a treasure shelf with goodies for a rainy day.)

I’ve been asked what’s in my present closet. Of course, there’s some lovely pottery, as well as things like a small cashmere scarf, a rose gold folder, some beautiful beach towels from Mexico, and a little pouch. I get my favorites in multiples, because when I find something fantastic, I assume everyone I know will want one! If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably noticed I’m a gift enthusiast. I love finding ways to give things away!

At this time of year, my present closet gradually begins to expand into a room. As I’ve advised anyone who loves the nocrumbsleft pottery collection, I begin ordering the pieces I want in August to ensure that each and every one arrives on time. Currently we’re unwrapping them, and it’s so much fun! Everybody on the team picks out a piece they love, as part of their holiday gift. I also love to gift the people who make a difference in my life, like my fishmonger, my hair stylist, and my butcher. It’s simply my favorite way to show my gratitude.

Which piece do I love the most? Of course, there’s the Roy Bowl. I love to use one instead of a plate. It has room for a serving of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, a vegetable, and a salad. And it’s always perfect for pasta. 

I’m crazy about our beautiful new Fernanda Pitcher. It lends itself to creative expression. It’s perfect as a utensil holder, vase, as decor on your buffet or bar, or, of course, as a water pitcher. Its femininity adds something special to any setting.

The Nesting Bundle was born when we made larger and smaller sizes of our very first piece, the Marinated Onion Bowl. It looks stunning in the new Black Ombre holiday glaze. The team is crazy about it. The Nesting Bundle is certainly a bit of an investment, but I love my kitchen jewelry!

The Uncle Buddy Bowl is sort of—as Molly says—the Goldilocks of bowls. It was created because we love the Fred Bowl for meal prep or a snack, but people requested one in the same shape but a bit larger to use for serving. I could go on and on because, quite frankly, I love every piece! But when pressed, these are my five favorites.