Though I sometimes wonder if I lack enough sentimentality, the holiday season gets even me. Happiest of Decembers, everyone!

This month, I love these things:

Personalized Stationery

I’ve gone public with my love of real mail.

For letters, I make my own envelopes and use linen paper. For shorter notes—thank yous, thinking of yous, miss yous, love yous—personalized stationery printed on quality card stock with my name makes the real-mail process a treat. Recently, I ordered luxurious, gorgeous new notecards from Easton Place and LiluCards that have gotten me excited anew about the beauty and grace of sending real mail.

Teas and Tisanes

We’ve had a surprisingly snappy winter so far in Houston. Although rarely will you find me without tea in hand, these days I’ve consumed it more quickly than ever.

My go-to favorites of the moment include The Republic of Tea’s Milk Oolong (a long-time personal standard with a silky finish), Teavana’s Caramel Almond Amaretti Herbal Tea, and Village Tea Company’s Gentle Organic Lemon Ginger Green Tea. Each of these robust, spicy, nutty drinks can stand up to the chilliest of winter days (and nights).

Chocolat d’Arte

What better hostess gift than a box of handmade chocolates?

Chocolat d’Arte, the nom d’chocolat for Nancy Burke, provides custom-made frog and dog chocolates for my company, FrogDog; stopped by my Twin Flames Eigel Street office building with her chocolate truck on more than one occasion to serve after-lunch treats; and this year provided me with boxes of truffles as holiday-party hostess gifts. Luscious, lovely, and local.

What do you love this month?