Sparkles, sequins make great gifts, but she found much more than jewelry and clothing
Even better than a pair of Air Jordans for Michelle Fisher's son Jack is David Ruggeri's "Red Jordans" painting from Virgil Catherine Gallery. (photos for The Hinsdalean by Jon Langham)
Fisher picked these warm winter hats for her three sisters - a red one for Kimmie, a white one for Samy and a sequined one for Becky - at Vintage Charm.
Michelle Fisher grew up the daughter of an auxiliary police officer and the granddaughter of a public works director. The two men passed along to her a strong work ethic and a commitment to service.
"The way to give back, the way to help your neighborhood is to serve," she said.
Her own service has come in the form of a two-year stint on the Hinsdale Plan Commission and a seat on the Hinsdale Village Board, to which she was elected in 2021.
The 10-year village resident and husband Fred are parents to Jack, 14, a freshman at Benet Academy; Chloe, 12, a sixth-grader at Clarendon Hills Middle School; and Colin, 6, a first-grader at Monroe.
One of her favorite parts of the holiday season is her family's gingerbread house decorating contest.
"There is no age restriction or anything," she said. "We save our candy from Halloween. Everything in the kitchen is fair game."
She credits her mom for starting the tradition - and for the amazing spirit she brings to the Christmas season. That was on Fisher's mind as she selected gifts for her mom, other family members and friends for the fourth and final installment of our holiday gift guide, this year featuring elected and appointed officials in town.
• A festive Santa wearing a gorgeous red velvet suit and holding a giant gingerbread man cookie and a bag full of treats - including a tiny gingerbread house - will delight Fisher's mom, Debbie. "She's all Christmas," Fisher said. Yankee Peddler, $119.95
• 14 karat gold cluster lab-grown diamond stud earrings will add some sparkle to holiday outfits worn by daughter Chloe and make her feel extra-special. Karat Jewelry Group, $450
• Any hostess would be happy to put out a charcuterie board featuring semi-soft and soft cheeses and premium cured meats paired with house-marinated olives and imported taralli crackers and seasonal flatbread. Altamura, $130 for medium tray (up to 10 people)
• Not every grandma could pull off a Retrofete fuschia beaded strapless dress with marabou feather trim, but Grandma JJ could. "She is on fire. She would wear this with some tight black leggings and have a night out on the town," Fisher said. redE mas, $698
• Aunt Annie, recovering from surgery in Boston, will be comforted by long-sleeved Laurence Tavernier navy 100-percent cotton pajamas and an extra fine merino wool reversible fringed throw in navy and gray. Yves D' Lorme, $375 for pajamas, $395 for throw
• Fisher headed right to a gun metal sequined Dorothy Schumacher dress, just the right thing for a holiday cocktail party. "I gravitate toward sequins," she said. "It's stunning." Sweet William, $580
• A cream-colored V-neck Dee Elly cardigan featuring sleeves embellished with pearls will keep Aunt Betty warm and looking good this holiday season. Alixandra Collections, $98
• A beautiful eight-pound boneless prime rib roast will be the highlight of a delicious holiday meal at the Fishers. Prime 'N' Tender, $40.98 a pound
• What to bring to a white elephant gift exchange with friends? An adorable plush elephant key chain with a mink pom and sparkly jeweled feet. Lepa Boutique, $75
• Fisher spent much of her childhood figure skating competitively, and she can't forget a gift for her host mom, Eileen, with whom she lived during high school so she could train in Cape Cod. "They took me in and were like my parents," Fisher said. She thinks Eileen will feel stylish in a L'Agence houndstooth blazer in red and tan with a snazzy gold button. Kelsey Resale Shop, $198
• Sisters Sami, Becky and Kimmie will love warm, fun pom hats all winter long. Vintage Charm, $24-$32
• Paintings featured as part of a "Games People Play" exhibit are perfect for Fisher's two sons. David Ruggeri's "Red Jordans" will look great hanging in Jack's room and Adam Umbach's "Joy" will make Colin smile. Virgil Catherine Gallery, $3,900 for "Red Jordans," $2,500 for "Joy"
