Photos by David O. Marlow / The Santa Fe Catalogue®

SAINTLY SINS
For some, eating chocolate is considered a sin, and for others the act is akin to a religious experience. But chocolate shop Todos Santos, located in Santa Fe’s 18th-century Sena Plaza Courtyard, takes it a step further. The saints come marching onto the display shelves at this 400-square-foot boutique, as self-taught chocolatier and owner Hayward Simoneaux creates chocolate santos, milagros and boxes of “after-dinner saints,” among other delicious treats. His signature designs are the santos and milagros that he coats with edible silver or gold leaf, as pictured above. Chocolates containing sea salt or chile also are popular, he notes. In addition, you’ll find imported goodies such as marzipan, lollipops, nougat and caramels, and truffles and chocolate bars by Dolfin, Recchiuti and Valrhona.
 
For a pilgrimage to this sweet spot, visit 125 E. Palace Ave., Suite 31. To learn more about the shop, call (505) 982-3855.

MADE WITH LOVE
Sometimes the best gift is the one that is handmade specifically for you, whether it is a simple drawing from a child or a quilt from your mother. At French General in Holly-wood, Calif., it’s all about turning on the creative switch and making something special from scratch. Offering so-called notions—kits filled with beads, ribbons, buttons, glitter and more—owner Kaari Meng encourages customers to create scrapbooks, jewelry, gift wrapping, frames, garlands and whatever else they can imagine.
 
Notions aside, other treasures abound at this 1,500-square-foot shop. Meng travels to France every year to pick up vintage textiles, and she carries her own line of fabrics as well. “We work with products and materials we love,” she says. In addition to bedding, napkins, tablecloths, curtains and pillows, Francophiles will find stationery, home accessories and body-care products. Pictured here is the counter area, which is stocked with ribbons, scissors and heart-shaped lavender pillows.

To learn more, stop by French General at 1621 Vista Del Mar Ave., call (323) 462-0818, or go to frenchgeneral.com on the Web.

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GOLD STANDARD
If you are looking for “favorite things” to give as holiday gifts, Forty Five Ten in Dallas is a terrific destination—after all, the store counts Oprah among its clientele. With areas for home decor, fashion, accessories, jewelry and body-care products, the 8,000-square-foot space offers a boutique feel. And if you happen to shop till you drop, the T Room—Forty Five Ten’s very own cafe—is on-site for a quick pick-me-up.
 
The owners incorporate wares by “home-grown” Texas designers, and they also bring in products exclusive to the store. Among discoveries in the home-decor section are furniture, tabletop items, linens, pillows and bedding from manufacturers that include Anna Sova Luxury Organics, Jan Barboglio, John Derian, Kelly Hoppen Linens, Matouk, Match Pewter and Sferra Bros.

Pictured here is the Bel-Air 18-karat hand-painted 24-inch-round platter by Vellum. Made in Italy, the luxe ceramic piece is available in a gold or copper finish.

To see more products, visit 4510 McKinney Ave. For other details, go online to fortyfiveten.com, or call (214) 559-4510.