The best of the bay
Whether you are looking for a hostess gift, housewarming gift, or something interesting for your own home, there are gifts of all sizes and budgets that suit you.
She may come from the entire pond, but British designer Sophie Allport has a large following here because of its clear graphics and playful design. Whether you are eating crabs or preparing for a festive feast, this one is perfect all year round. It can be purchased through Welcome Home Markets in Annapolis and Chestertown, Maryland, and online. Welcomehomemarkets.com
Oyster shell decoration, $10 each SVN.SMR (Cartonsville, Maryland)
Artist Jennie Berry created tiny artworks with oyster shells under the studio name SVN SMR. You can see her work on Instagram or find her work with other talented artists at the Annapolis Art League Gallery on West Street in historic Annapolis. annapolis-arts-alliance.com
Horn Point B&B Gift Card Inn (Annapolis, MD)
Gifts for those on the list who have everything...but this. Holiday gift cards can be used to enjoy a comfortable holiday in downtown Annapolis. The Inn at Horn Point offers unique and relaxing accommodations close to the most highly rated restaurants and attractions in Annapolis, Maryland. The gift card amount that meets your expectations is $50 and above. The resident hotel owner starts with the freshest local ingredients every day and carefully prepares a delicious breakfast. They have three rooms, which can provide a boutique and private guest experience. Easily buy online or over the phone. innathornpoint.com
Chesapeake blanket, $74.95 The Hickory Stick (Rock Hall, Maryland)
In your favorite place, spend comfortably in your favorite place! This large (52" x 62") wool blanket has a chart of the northern half of the bay, so you can map your route on the comfort of your sofa. thehikorystick.com
This caddy with a crustacean accent from Vagabond House shows off any service you provide. Extra points for the realistic details of the tin crab, from his tongs to his little beaded eyes. It can be purchased at locations such as Le Marché in Norfolk, Virginia. vagabondhouse.com
Gone Sailing Pillow, $39.99 Chesapeake Bay Goods (Baltimore, Maryland)
Well, it doesn't actually float, but the shape of the ring buoy makes this pillow stand out from the usual nautical array. This is just the tip of the iceberg for this Baltimore-based online retailer celebrating the Chesapeake Bay lifestyle. chesapeakebaygoods.com
Side table, $2,500 Herring Creek Furniture (California, Maryland)
Craftsman Rob Seltzer uses locally harvested wood and recycled materials in his one-of-a-kind works created in his studio/showroom in a century-old former mill in Saint Mary County, Maryland. herringcreekfurniture.com
Brass tripod, $76 Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg, Virginia)
The pineapple was a symbol of hospitality during the colonial era, and it still gives people a warm feeling today. This brass is a wonderful decoration on the dining table in any era. shop.colonialwilliamsburg.com
Bar glasses, $35 for a set of 4 Nancy Hammond Editions (Annapolis, Maryland)
Artist Nancy Hammond celebrates the bay in her paper-cut design. Her annual signature and numbered Annapolis poster are collectors’ items, and we think these glasses should be the same. The feature of this set is that the iconic black laboratory appears in many of her prints, but she has crabs, herons, etc. nancyhammondeditions.com
Tea towel, $20 The Wild Wander (Richmond, Virginia)
A beautifully illustrated guide to Old Dominion flora and fauna, printed on durable linen. She owns all 50 states, nautical design, food and beverages, etc., including towels, prints and stationery. Order online or find it at Red Barn Mercantile in Alexandria, Virginia. wildwanderco.com | redbarnmercantile.com
Thermos bottle and glass, $39.99 West Marine
The captain’s party set has a thermos to keep your wine cool (it can fill a whole bottle), and two sturdy glasses with lids to prevent the wine from spilling under any party conditions. Westmarine.com