The Insider’s Guide to Nutcracker Market, Houston’s Ultimate Luxe Christmas Shopping

It’s none to early to get your shopping list ready for Santa Baby, particularly with the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market opening its doors in just days. And you need not limit your wishes to cutesy tree ornaments, wreaths and kiddie clothes.

When the curtain goes up Wednesday night on the Preview Party at NRG Center, shoppers will find a wealth of high-end items for serious giving.

Of course, there will be the must-have Donne Di Domani marinara sauce and the outrageous display of holiday decorations from the  Paul Michael Company. But there will also be cashmeres, furs, diamonds and even an entry from the Longhorn Racing Academy. It’s a holiday shop-a-thon that runs through Sunday.

The Houston Ballet Guild, which puts on the shopping extravaganza each year, has provided PaperCity with an insider’s guide to the most fabulous offerings to be found in the vast pop-up mall of more than 280 merchants from across the country.

Peran & Scannell Jewelers holds special allure for Houston Ballet fans as Dawn Scannell has made Houston her home since joining the company in the mid-1980s. After rising to Principal Ballerina and eventually becoming Ballet Mistress, she completed her GIA Gemologist studies and joined specialist Shelley Peran in the creation of stunning high jewelry.

They specialize in bespoke engagement rings and wedding bands and other fancy jewelry ranging from $1,200 to $36,000.

Dubarry of Ireland introduces its famed brand of leather goods and clothing, its boots beloved since the company’s founding in 1936, yes, in Ireland. The smartly-designed, all-weather Galway Boot for both men and women is a rich contender in the Christmas giveaway.

The company has expended its inventory from boots to the full range of leather goods and Ireland-inspired fashions that will fit right in with adventures in Aspen, Beaver Creek and Big Sky.

Alpine Wine Design journeys in from Lakewood, Colorado, with its handsome collection of furnishings and accessories repurposed from retired wine barrells and shipping crates. The artisan-designed selection includes wine racks, of course; furniture; wall decor; lazy Susans and loads more.

The Longhorn Racing Academy offers the perfect gift for the man or woman who has everything, including a taste for race car driving. The folks from the San Marcos-based adventure will be on hand with gift cards for stints behind the wheel of such exotics as the Lamborghini Huracán, the Ferrari 488 GTB, the Porsche 911 GT3 and more.

Black Market Boots, specializing in Old Gringo boots of every style, brings its own playful, decorative touch to western footwear. Consider the sassy Alise with three layers of gold and silver fringe and the Mac Daddy handtooled in black, brass and red.

Rocki Gorman, a personal favorite, out of Santa Fe, New Mexico, brings in a stylish collection of turquoise, coral, luxury gemstone and sterling silver jewelry. The line includes highstyle, uber glamorous strings, bangles and baubles just right for everything from rodeo to summer in the Rockies.

Europa Designs brings to the market a posh selection of fur wraps, ponchos and coats with a contemporary fashion bent. This is not your mother’s mink. And some day really will be cold enough in Houston to make a purchase here a must. And, of course, for those ski vacations.

Other high-end merchants to look for include Taylor & Tessier out of Aspen Valley; Vincent Peach Jewelry specializing in modern pearls, diamonds, precious metals and handcrafted exotic leathers; Beyond Baroque featuring pavé diamonds, designer gemstone jewelry, fur vests and shawls; Houston’s Christina Greene one-of-a-kind artisan-crafted jewelry; Truly Yours cashmere ponchos, knitted blazers, sweaters and more.