“Blue Ribbon Baking Championship” judge Sandra Lee is known as “Aunt Sandy Claus” around the holidays, because she gets her jollies by showering loved ones with gifts and good cheer. The Emmy-winning TV star — famous for her previous “Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee” show, which ran for 15 seasons on the Food Network — is also a best-selling author with 27 books (including cookbooks, a memoir and novel) under her apron.
The famed tablescape artist just wrapped three holiday specials on QVC and was recently appointed to The National Council on White House History. The entertaining expert can even make fruit cake desirable. “My recipe takes almost a week to create,” Lee, 58, explains to Alexa. “It’s the most melt-in-your-mouth delicious thing. Even fruit cake haters love it.”
Lee, who is engaged to actor Ben Youcef, is all for homemade presents with heartfelt handwritten notes. “Beautiful jars filled with flavored vodkas, infused olive oils or Epsom bath salts sprinkled with lavender oil make for inexpensive, yet luxe, gifts,” she says. But if shopping is more your style, here are a few presents the domestic goddess recommends for your nice list, plus one naughty surprise.
FAVORITE FRAGRANCES: Christian Louboutin Loubiworld Fragrance Scent Library (set of 10 4 ml vials)
“Christian Louboutin has created the gift everyone will love to open, a mix of feminine and masculine scents. The variety is second to none and sure to please everyone.”
FAVORITE FESTIVE FIND: Fortnum & Mason Merry Maker Gift Basket (with preserves, truffles, sweets and tea)
“I have tasted everything in this basket and it’s all delicious and worthy of gifting.”
FAVORITE COUP DE GRÂCE: Estelle Colored Glass Champagne Stemware (set of six)
“Given alone or with a bottle of Champagne, these coupes will be a favorite year-round.” Champagne stemware (set of six)
FAVORITE FIXTURE: Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Thumbprint Dish
“A gorgeous gift to adorn any tabletop! It’s a polished piece to add to any collection, and you can use it anywhere, for anything, or simply by itself.”
FAVORITE FROCK: Naked Cashmere Katerina Cashmere Kaftan
“Chic, elegant, luxurious are the only ways to describe this loungewear. It’s beautiful in front of the fireplace or TV and equally exceptional when paired with a slip and heels for a night on the town.”
FAVORITE FRACTALS: Z Gallerie Quartz Crystal Tealight
“I bought my friend the larger version and when her 14-year-old daughter tried to take it to her bedroom, I knew she needed her own mini version. This is the perfect size and price.”
FAVORITE WICK: Tom Ford F–king Fabulous Candle
“This candle is fabulous for the fun and funny friend that just gets it.”
FAVORITE HOLIDAY ALBUM: Kelly Clarkson “Wrapped in Red” on Red Vinyl
“OMG! Kelly Clarkson has the voice of an angel. This red vinyl album is a must-have collector’s item, a gift of music that’s also a beautiful decor item.”
FAVORITE FORMULA: The Outset Luxe Moisture Set
“The perfect skin can be had by all thanks to Scarlett Johansson. This opulent-yet-affordable duo is flawlessly formulated.”
FAVORITE BRAIN FREEZE: McConnell’s Pint of the Month 3-Month Ice Cream Membership (4 pints per month)
“The world’s favorite ice cream can be gifted monthly. Flavorful, decadent and delectable — this ice cream is a delight.”
FAVORITE TOP: Beautiful by Lawrence Zarian The Joy Blouse
“The first time I saw this blouse, I grabbed it right off the rack for myself. It’s a timeless piece that will be stylish now and in decades to come.”
FAVORITE FAUX: Beautiful by Lawrence Zarian Faux-Leather Skirt
“This skirt is flawless in the way that it falls and the way that it moves. Whether you’re wearing heels or boots, it is perfect in any weather.”
FAVORITE FLOWER HOLDER: Diane Keaton + Hudson Grace Modern Dot Ceramic Centerpiece
“An ice bucket worthy of a centerpiece, this dual use showstopper from Diane Keaton is smart and sophisticated in winter and in summer.”
FAVORITE FOOTWEAR: Manitobah Street Moc Moccasins
“I have these in every color. They are cozy and comfy, a gift you’ll want for yourself and the ones you love the most.”
FAVORITE FEELS: Stripes Feeling Myself Intimate Hydrating Gel + Intimate Play Oil
“Naomi Watts, you’re brilliant! For the fun and feisty, this risqué gift set may seem a little racy, but even the most gentile recipient will find utter joy in this present.”
FAVORITE NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURE: Goop Double-Sided Wand Vibrator
“It’s a Gwyneth Paltrow-endorsed Goop best seller, and is pure ecstasy. Exquisitely designed, it’s the perfect naughty gift for the nicest person in your life.”
