Time to come out of hiding!

I wanted to wait until I had both yarn and pattern before I posted anything...but one is taking longer than the other....and I certainly don't want to be put on "the banned list" for next year.

I've heard from both pals and have the yarn picked out for my recipient (Debbie Bliss aspaca silk dk), but am still toying with the stitch pattern to use.

Cables or lace? Cables and lace? flora or pretzels... Should I make what I would like?
oh so many choices!