Ask the Expert: Gift-Buying Tips from Ben Watson of Herman Miller

What’s your favorite kind of towel? 

For the bath: 100 percent linen from Fog Linen. It is quick to dry and so great on the skin. For the kitchen: Garnier-Thiebaut makes cotton damask towels in their old-school French mill—endless mixes of wonky patterns and great colors.

What is the best design book to give as a gift?

How to See: A Guide to Reading Our Man-Made Environment, by George Nelson (Little, Brown and Co., 1979).

What’s your go-to host gift? 

Bubbly. A Ruhlmann Crémant d’Alsace or a nice prosecco. Either is a great alternative to champagne.

What is your go-to kitchen appliance?

My Rocket espresso machine. A perfect shot every morning. Rocket R58 V2 Espresso Machine by Rocket Espresso Milano, from $2,700.
rocket-espresso.com

What’s the best wedding present you’ve given or received?

Cash. 

What would you give to a recent college graduate?

I offer my graduating nieces and nephews the Herman Miller chair of their choice.