“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.”



