07.01.2019

Woods Grove Is The Gift Shop With The Most For Your Host

Chris DiChiaro and Robby Schnall have a leg up on the neighborhood competition before they even open their shop for the day: Because Woods Grove opens at 10 am (an hour earlier than anything else around), it’s often the de facto shop of its kind for greeting cards and last-minute gifts. If we were looking for a host or hostess gift (as all thoughtful houseguests should), this would be reason enough to pop in — but the selection, which they call “unique, special and obscure” is impressive and expansive, too.

The guys met twenty years ago as assistant buyers at Lord & Taylor, and together they tripled the business. Since then, they’ve done stints at a maternity and baby store (that would be Chris) and at Saks Off Fifth (Robby), among other projects. Their friendship is natural and infectious, and they balance one another out in ways that make a business successful. “Chris has amazing taste in vintage, and I curate,” Robby said.

Are you invited to spend the weekend in a friend’s summer house? Lucky you. Here’s what to bring so you get invited back:

Enamelware — Splatter-painted serveware has made a comeback, and a piece from the shop’s Crow Canyon offerings in Americana colors are a great starter item.

Turkish towels — These all-purpose (Beach towel! Picnic blanket! Bath sheet!) linens are a lovely option that come in every color.

Air plants (in magnetic wooden mini vases!) — Air plants require very little care, making them ideal for weekend homeowners. Plus the wooden vases work alone or attached to the fridge (or another metal surface).

Food puzzles — Get the pizza, gummy bear, pickle, pretzel or French fries Areaware Little Puzzle Thing for your host’s kid(s)… we promise the adults will be putting it together after they go to sleep.

Wine stoppers — Your dog-loving, wine-drinking friend will be obsessed with this die-cast Frenchie bottle stopper from Iron & Glory.