Altamura Pizza owner finds Hinsdale stores loaded with great gift ideas for family, friends
Carmela St. John thinks her friend, Jen, would love this pleather jacket from Meredith Jaye. (Jim Slonoff photos)
This pair of cut crystal wine goblets from The Courtyard upscale consignment shop will find a new home with the St. Johns. They'll make a great addition to husband Steve's collection.
The most special part of Christmas for Carmela St. John is the Christmas Eve procession with the baby Jesus for the crèche. The youngest child carries the baby as family members walk through the house singing "Tu Scendi Dalle Stella," a tradition St. John has participated in since her childhood in Italy.
"Baby Jesus doesn't get put into the nativity until midnight," St. John said.
Earlier that evening, the family enjoys the traditional feast of the seven fishes for Christmas Eve dinner, the star of which is the salted cod that has been soaked for a week and then sautéed with olive, garlic, onions and tomatoes until it falls apart.
"That's like my favorite thing," she said.
In the days prior to the holiday, St. John will be busy filling orders at Altamura Pizza, which she owns with husband Steve. She took some time out this week for a trip through town, visiting 13 stores to find the perfect gift ideas for family and friends. Here's what she found.
• a pair of Neiman Marcus Bavarian cut crystal wine goblets will be waiting under the tree Christmas morning for husband Steve, who handles the bartending duties at home.
"For the holidays, these would be perfect to add to his collection," St. John said. $95, The Courtyard
• friend Jen will look great in a B. Coature blue wash pleather jacket. "She's very stylish and a little edgy and you can dress it up or dress it down," St. John said. $79, Meredith Jaye
• Gracie will enjoy this glass Italy ornament from her "Auntie" Carm. "She's obsessed with Italy now," St. John said. $44.95, Yankee Peddler
• son Nicolas is traveling to Spain to visit his girlfriend, Claudia, and his mom will send him with a black lace and fringe maxi dress from PatBo to wear when they go out on New Year's Eve. "Nicolas is paying for half of that!" she added with a laugh. $1,400, Red e Mas
• St. John will have friends Renee and Chris and Jovanka and their families and her own family gathered at the dining room table for Christmas dinner. A new Darlana medium linear lantern in a bronze finish will set just the right mood. $1,149 Visual Comfort
• son Louis surely will find just the right spot to hang "Chicago Dusk," a 36" by 72" oil on canvas painting by Miles Chumley. "I love abstract art. I love the fact that it's the city of Chicago. He's about to buy his own place," St. John said. $9,500, Acquisitions of Fine Art
• an Italian leather navy basket weave visor with gold trim and a dri-weave interior from Fenix Sportier will look great on friend Lynne as she battles opponents on the pickleball court. $149, Game Set
• son Nicolas will be stylishly warm in a quilted traveler vest in navy. $228, J McLaughlin
• St. John will grab a bottle of flavored imported olive oil and important truffle and porcini mushroom spread, packaged beautifully on a wooden serving board, from her own shop as a wonderful hostess gift for any parties she attends. $90, Altamura
• friend Kim will be able to add a very sparkly pop of color to her holiday outfits with a Whiting & Davis wine crystal hobo bag. $395, Sweet William
• a Channel logo glass tray will look great on a table in Auntie Sharon's new place. $98, Marabella
• spectacular diamond emerald-cut earrings, at one carat each, set in 18 carat white gold are a wonderful way to thank mom Betty for everything. "She will love them," St. John said. $15,700, Browning & Sons
