Interior Designer Christine Gachot on The Thought That Counts

"I hope people take away the idea of being kind and thoughtful and showing up for each other. That is the sentiment of the book," Christine Gachot tells Phaidon.com.

"Yes, it is based around gift giving, but the true sentiment of the book, which I write a lot about, is to show up for the people around you. That's the best gift of all."

That’s a Wrap! What’s on the Outside Counts Too. Photography David Urbanke

Gachot’s debut book,  The Thought That Counts: A Guide to Gifting for Every Occasion, is a chic, joyful, and practical guide to giving written by one of the design world’s most stylish—and thoughtful—tastemakers. 

Gachot is best known as the cofounder of the celebrated studio GACHOT, renowned for creating seductive residential and luxury hospitality interiors. But among her friends and collaborators she is also the undisputed authority on the perfect gift.

A nice notebook and pen from a local stationer. Photography: David Urbanke

“We'd been asked many times to do a book on our breadth of work at Gachot,” Christine tells Phaidon.com. “But I had a very close friend and colleague who said, ‘I think you should do a book on gifting, it's really your super power.’”

“And I thought, yeah right, who's going to read that? Who wants to know that I think people should be thoughtful? So ridiculous. But I wrote a treatment for it and then one of my husband’s buddies asked me what I was up to, because I'm always up to something on the side."

"So I told him about it and he said, oh my God, Christine, I would buy that book. You actually are the best gift giver and you're so thoughtful and we all joke about it. Like, who do I always call? I call you. And he does, that's true. So it just came about very organically with a lot of encouragement from my editor at Phaidon.”

“I also think the name of the book The Thought That Counts is so simple yet perfect. We used it as a working title and it just stuck. It truly is just the thought that counts.”

For Christine, gifting is never a chore or a stressful, last-minute obligation. It’s a creative act, an opportunity to express gratitude, strengthen relationships, and bring genuine delight to someone else’s day. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: when giving feels joyful and inspired for the giver, it becomes unforgettable for the recipient.

A beautiful bouquet from a local florist or farmers market – or a few blooms snipped from your own garden! Photography: David Urbanke

In The Thought That Counts, Gachot reveals the secrets behind her gifting instincts through four inspiring sections designed to help readers transform the way they approach every occasion. 

In 'Christine’s Best Practices', she shares the mindset and habits that allow her to approach gifting with confidence, clarity, and creativity.

“One that I’ve embraced is the concept of the Monday Gift, a low-key gift or kind gesture for a loved one on an otherwise regular day, just because,” she says.

'Take It Personally' brings her philosophy to life through stories of gifts that were ingenious or emotionally resonant, drawn from Christine’s own experiences and those of a few of her friends. 

These anecdotes reveal how even the smallest gesture can become deeply meaningful when it’s given with intention.

Favorites for the Baby. Photography: David Urbanke

'Tried and True', meanwhile is a trove of gift ideas for every person, milestone, and budget. From timeless keepsakes to whimsical discoveries.

Finally, 'That’s a Wrap!' celebrates the finishing touch. With imaginative wrapping ideas and simple presentation tricks, Christine shows how the way a gift is given can elevate it from lovely to truly unforgettable. Each section comes to life with original photography by David Urbanke. But we can hear you asking, where did she get her gift for gifting?

Nothing Tricky About These Treats. Photography: David Urbanke

“I remember when my grandparents passed away, my mom handed me this box and I was like What’s in it?,” she tells Phaidon.com. “And in it was every letter that I had written to them since I was a young girl.”

“And it's gone from a store-bought Hallmark card, when I was younger, that I would pick out and write a little something in, to extensive letters that I write people now. I really believe in passing forward thoughtful behaviour. If you start to believe in those actions they translate into meaningful gestures in people's lives.” Does she have a memory of the first thing she herself was gifted?

Prosecco, olives and potato chips in a pretty package. Photography: David Urbanke

“Yes! Everybody gathered for Thanksgiving where my family grew up. And my grandfather Ed would take us to a department store or toy shop in the town, to pick out a doll or stuffed animal. He would do this with all the cousins, and it just was so joyful. I think that is probably one of the best gifts that I'd ever received just because of the moment. It wasn't the doll or the stuffed animal. It was the thought.” And the one piece of advice she’d offer anybody?

“Take the pressure off of yourself. Be prepared but have fun with it. I talk a lot about that in the book. I collect things throughout the year, during my travels, that I find special and that I'm sure will land somewhere with somebody who has the same taste. Maybe they couldn’t get to the art show or gallery exhibition I went to, so why not pick up a catalogue for them along the way, or things on your travels that you find special. I always have a fully stocked cabinet. My holiday gifts are done already!”

Get a copy of The Thought That Counts, here, and look out for our full interview with Christine Gachot in the coming weeks.