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By the Christmas tree with three savvy celebrities

Interviews

By the Christmas tree with three savvy celebrities

Out of gift ideas? Three inspiring personalities let us in on their favourites so you can spoil your loved ones (and maybe even yourself) over the holidays.

Published on December 11, 2024

Say goodbye to predictable, ho-hum gift ideas. Vincent Dion-Lavallée, Catherine St-Laurent and Anaïs Lebrun have been kind enough to reveal their best picks to help you steal the show this festive season. Whether you’re looking for something original, delicious or simply unforgettable, we’ve got you covered with ideas to finish up your shopping in style!

 The Au Pied de Cochon sous-chef and the creative expert behind Cabane d’à Côté, Vincent has the ability to transform a meal into an unforgettable memory. Between local treats, flowers and carefully curated accessories, you’ll know how to charm all your loved ones’ senses.

Offer a piece of Montreal craftsmanship with an understated, modern design, perfect for warming hearts (and hands) while preparing a festive evening.

For Vincent, this champagne is the best partner for cooking over the holidays. “It’s good, it’s dry, it’s expressive, and it’s perfect for those who are cooking.”

Fans of Italian cuisine and satisfying dishes, welcome into Elena Faita’s kitchen. Vincent makes “the gnocchi in gorgonzola sauce on page 108. For me, it’s the best kind of pasta—simple, with plenty of character.” (in French only)

Your friend recently bought themselves a cocktail kit? “This book highlights products from Quebec distilleries, like Crème de Menthe Eva, and includes fast, simple recipes.”

For those who like to take out their fancy glassware to cheers with style and elegance, Alambika has what you need for every type of beverage.

This luscious maple cream is proudly made in Quebec and offers a healthy dose of comfort you’re sure to love. “Served on the rocks, in a boozy coffee or in a cocktail, it’s the fave product of the new year.”

Flowers, like the superb holiday collection from this boutique, are great gifts in winter, too. Or if you’re entertaining, as Vincent says. “As a table centrepiece, it makes all the difference.”

Known for her dazzling talent on-screen in Tu dors Nicole and District 31, Catherine is a pro at captivating an audience… and her guests! A fervent fan of fashion, food and travel, she takes us behind the scenes of her shopping to entertain with flair and celebrate the holidays with elegance.

The catch of the day to dress up your table. For Catherine, “these cute little cocktail napkins are the perfect hostess gift if I invite you to dine at my place!”

No shaker required. A glass and ice cubes are the only things you’ll need to savour this sublime, lively tasting cocktail created using spirits from Quebec.

This gentian-based aperitif has a touch of bitterness and comforting notes that’ll add some warmth to a cold winter evening. “I had the opportunity to visit the Menaud distillery in Charlevoix this summer, and I was blown away by the quality of the products and attention to detail.”

Perfect for the person who thinks about cooking night and day or to charm your guests with flavours from this romantic place. “This book is fantastic and will make your mouth water! You’ll immediately want to buy a plane ticket to the place where The Godfather has its origin.”

Do you know someone who’s come back from London and dreams only of returning? Take your taste buds on a journey thanks to these recipes from simple, distinguished restaurants, which has the added bonus of being much less expensive than a plane ticket.

According to Catherine, “this book is the bible on modern cuisine. If you’re interested in cooking but not sure where to start, you MUST get this book!” Maybe for a young adult who’s just left the nest?

Your loved ones deserve the best, and food is so much more appetizing when it’s served on a ceramic platter as lovely as this one.

Anaïs Lebrun's top picks

Anaïs grew up in a world where wine is so much more than a beverage—it’s a passion handed down from father to daughter. A sommelier at Jellyfish, her mission is to make wine unpretentious and accessible to everyone. What’s more,  her suggestions  (in French only) are just as appealing to curious sippers as they are to the biggest wine lovers.

To entertain well, you have to be properly equipped. And everyone knows it’s best not to serve wine in a coffee cup! In her opinion, “having the right glass for the right grape makes the experience all the more memorable.” A pretty carafe is also the type of gift that’s always on point.

It just so happens, the taste of this more aged wine is enhanced if you pour it into a carafe, wherein lies the importance of having the right tools. Anaïs likes this wine for its price and its “secondary (wood, spices) and tertiary aromas (forest floor, mushrooms, leather).”

This book is a complete guide to organic wines, from production to tasting, and includes a selection of vintages. According to Anaïs, “it’s easy to follow even if you don’t know much about winemaking!” (in French only)

Michel Tolmer illustrates wine with beauty and originality. If one of your loved ones has as refined a palate as Anaïs for art and wine, this will be just the thing.

If you’re looking for a sparkling wine with a vibrant, mineral taste, here’s one born of traditional production methods that lends itself well to both appetizers and desserts. “It has a very powerful aroma, but a subtle mouthfeel—and it isn’t overwhelming.” With it, Anaïs loves Miett classic chips, a Quebec product she can’t get enough of.

There’s nothing like a quality champagne to accompany the bubbliness of festive celebrations. With its notes of pear, flint, apricot, pastry, and green apple, “it’s an experience I wish all champagne lovers can have.” 

Ice bucket (and why not an ice bag!)

A very practical gift when entertaining! “It may not seem that useful until you have guests that bring a room-temperature bottle. Pro tip: Put salt in the water with the ice cubes—it’ll get colder much faster!”

Find their suggestions here

For even more ideas, check out our holiday gift guide.

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