STYLEBEAT

HILLARY THOMAS DESIGNS COMES TO THE NY GIFT SHOW

2012-01-28T07:30:00.002-05:00

Photos courtesy of Chic Shop
Gutsy and glam, Hillary Thomas Designs finials, found at her LA-based Chic Shop will be making their New York debut at the Gift Show. Sunny Brentwood, California dwellers designer Hillary Thomas and partner Clara Hendon will also be showing their cane lampshades, 80's essential My Boyfriend's Back Initial Bed Pillows and signature candles. Add a pop of color to dress up lamps by adding their brightly colored finials and shades. Head to Pier 92, Booth 32010 and tell them Stylebeat sent you!

Vibrantly colored semi precious stone finials from the Rock N Rolla collection

You remember these!

NEWS AND DEBUTS: 2012 SPRING NY GIFT SHOW

2012-01-27T07:30:00.001-05:00

Feeling the need for faux? Karen Robertson Collection is launching a new collection of decorative accessories with tortoise shell finishes, all done to resemble the real thing, a Victorian-era specialty. Choose from rich brown mottled mirrors, boxes, obelisks or egg-shaped finials, all in the faux finish.

Soaring upward, a stately pair of obelisks on a mantle could be just what you have been looking for.

On a desk or a bookshelf, this box will never go empty.

MEG BRAFF DESIGNS WALLPAPER SALE THIS FRIDAY

2012-01-25T07:30:00.000-05:00

If you missed Meg Braff's vibrant wallpapers and vintage finds on One Kings Lane recently, you are in luck, as she is offering tons more vintage and fab retro papers this Friday on Long Island. If you are in the tri state area, check it out, there will be literally hundreds of rolls to choose from!
9am-4pm
250 Piping Rock Road
Locust Valley LI
For more information call: (516) 801-4939

Arbour- Sand on White

Brighton Your Pavillion- Jungle on White

Meadow Reed- Coral on White

OOMPH SNEAK PEAK: GREAT GIFT SHOW INTRODUCTIONS

2012-01-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

I always look forward to seeing new introductions at the New York Gift Show. The show is just around the corner and here is a look at one of my favorite brands and Stylebeat Sponsors, Oomph. Each season they introduce something creative and colorful to get excited about, and this winter is no exception. Taking their cue from their favorite destinations, I am sure you will love this launch as much as I do.

Photos courtesy of Oomph
A variety of juicy high gloss colors and grasscloth options make choosing a finish a challenge.

The Hobe Sound Coffee Table has a fun wavy edge.

The Charleston Coffee Table with a detailed edge takes its cue from American antiques of yore.

The Charleston Side Table in a zesty red has a lower shelf for extra storage.

The Charleston Mirror is a modern day version of a classic American antique form.

My favorite! The Scalloped Slipper chair with curved back and undulating upholstered base is perfection. A personality chair to be sure.

MAKE A DAZZLING STATEMENT: TONY DUQUETTE FOR COACH

2012-01-20T07:30:00.002-05:00

The just - launched collection of gems by Tony Duquette for Coach are fantastic with a capital F. Gutsy and bold, the designs are based on the iconic over sized classics yet well translated for frequent wear with signature Duquette elements. With a more is more approach, he was fearless with his creations. If you love estate jewelry, this tightly edited collection is for you. I have chosen some razzle-dazzle standouts I think you will fall for as much as I have.
Mixing semi precious stones, crystals, enamel and gold in a glam old-world way, the capsule collection is sure to go fast. It arrives in Coach stores February 1st, but is available online now.

Photos courtesy of Coach
Grab it! Red satin serves as the backdrop for this jewel-encrusted clutch. A field of flowers in varied crystal and semi-precious stones down the front is both charming and decadent.

The showstopper Duchess Bib Necklace with pale purple and green stones in 3 curving rows is ladylike, lovely and alluring.

The Hinged Starburst bracelet in teal enamel with the distinctive Duquette lozenge pattern and robust starburst detail is a piece I have my eye on.

Charmed, I'm sure. Eight starburst charms in malachite, lapis lazuli and crystals suspended from a chain link bracelet.

Just like the fabulous starburst Duquette light fixture for Remains, the pendant Starburst necklace has glittering gilded rays.

A gobstopper - sized cocktail ring with a faceted Malachite stone in the Empire ring will make those that don't scoop it up green with envy.

I love when cuffs have a lot going on, like in the Sunburst cuff that layers flowers and sunbursts with gen centers.

The Bouquet ring with a tight cluster of jeweled flowers is not for the timid.

New Spike Necklace goes for the gold for those that want to look fierce.

HONORING MY DAD

2012-01-19T07:30:00.004-05:00

Amanda, Dad and me with bluefish at Great Point on Nantucket, circa 1979

On February 12th, I am participating in a fundraising event to benefit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Called Cycle for Survival, it is a day long spin relay event at Equinox that supports cancer research. I cycle with pride to honor my dad, Robert Marcantonio, who was a MSKCC patient. My dad had a brain tumor and 2 surgeries at Memorial. The doctors and nurses there are just awe inspiring in their dedication and level of care. It has been 18 years since he passed away, and I think of him daily, so this ride is especially meaningful for me. I think it will make him happy to know that I am doing something to give back.
Join me in the fight against cancer, as sadly, it has touched most of our lives. Friends have been so amazing in supporting this event, if you want to contribute, visit my page here.
And go Team Gear Up 2 Fight Cancer!

A STYLISH WAY TO SAY THANK YOU: TORY BURCH DOES STATIONERY

2012-01-18T07:30:00.001-05:00

Photos courtesy of Tory Burch
Designed in the spirit of great French papermaker G. Lalo, Tory Burch has come out with writing cards that look as though they come from a seasoned stationery source. Dream of exotic locales or write a missive from them on these engraved cards that come twelve to a box. A billowing striped hammock, in four different colors, sits centered on an ecru card with brightly colored tissue lining. What a great way to correspond with class. They are available at Tory Burch boutiques and through their website.

A line drawing of the new Madison Avenue flagship on on the cover of the orange paper box.

hot pink

navy blue

mustard yellow

PILLOW TALK: MALCOLM JAMES KUTNER FOR FORTUNY FABRICS

2012-01-17T07:30:00.003-05:00

I love a good collaboration, especially when it includes Fortuny's sublime textiles. Malcolm James Kutner, a New York - based interior designer was recently asked to create a capsule collection of pillows with the esteemed Venetian fabric company. Using intricate patterns in a pastel palette with inset borders, Kutner's pillows would be at home in a warm climate as well as a city setting. The pillows are available at the Fortuny showroom on the 16th floor of the D and D Building, suite 1632.
Fortuny's subtle patterns, gradation in tone and vibrant palette make them true works of art. In order to protect the magic formula that achieves their gorgeous designs, Fortuny does not allow anyone outside the company to visit their mills. Their secret technique remains a mystery, making their designs even more covetable.

Yellow, pale pink and an earthy green pillows

My favorites

Pastel perfection

IT'S SALE TIME! PORTHAULT PRINTS AWAIT

2012-01-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

Need a joyous burst of zebra stripes, Mimosa sprigs, Sweet Pea bunches or peacock feathers to perk up blustery winter blues?
Take 40%-80% off poppy printed bed linens, table linens and more at D. Porthault's semi-annual sale. Visit the store from January 16th through February 4th or check out the assortment on their website. I have a hard time staying away, so you may see me perusing the bins next to you.

Visit prints charming:
10AM to 6PM
470 Park Avenue @ 58TH STREET
New York City
212.688.1660

SALE TIME @ BUNNY WILLIAMS' TREILLAGE

2012-01-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

If Santa didn't give you everything you wanted under the tree, head over to Bunny Williams' Treillage for their winter sale that runs till January 20th at:
418 E. 75th St., NYC 10021
Monday – Friday 10:00 - 6:00
212-535-2288

1015 Lexington Ave., NYC 10021
Monday – Friday 10:00 - 6:00 & Saturday 11:00 - 5:00
212-988-8800

Here are some yummy things I uncovered on my recent trip over to Lex:

Silvered hurricanes with Greek key borders and vases

The scene when you walk in

A standout chandelier with leaves of burnished metal

A pair of light Swedish side chairs

A chic little green marble tabouret table is the perfect spot to place a cocktail! Don't you need one?

Eat your veggies!

Entertaining soon?

A rainbow of vintage Indian textile throws

Small Japanese lacquer trays elevate objects to create multiple surfaces for display on a table

Decorative spheres and a small metal side table are on an antique round hall table

Decorative objets...

An entire etagere filled with vessels that can be used for flowers or storing stuff

TROPICS BOUND: GONE FISHING

2012-01-12T07:30:00.001-05:00

These bright fish prints made by Rhode Island-based artist and store owner, Susan O'Donnell Kearney make me think of warm summer days. Made in a traditional thousand year old Japanese Gyotaku technique, it was a way fisherman could record the exact size and species of the fish they had caught. Called Nantucket Gyotaku, each print is an original one of a kind piece, hand-painted from real fish onto Japanese rice paper, canvas or linen. The prints, also customizable, capture the detail of the real deal in a way few techniques can, and the vibrant papers they are printed on bring a nautical appeal indoors. Perfect for warmer climes, the prints would look right at home in tropical interiors. They are available in Susan's Bristol, Rhode Island-based shop, Sue Casa, as well as a host of other chic boutiques.

UP- AND- COMERS AND ESTABLISHMENT MINGLE ON THE NEW AD 100

2012-01-11T07:30:00.002-05:00

Photo courtesy of Architectural Digest

Calling their work "imaginative, intelligent, and inspiring" Architectural Digest recently came out with their list of AD100: The Top Talents in Architecture and Interior Design. Many on it are the usual suspects that do consistently great work, but some you may not know as well.
Margaret Russel has injected a much-needed breath of fresh air, and talent into the list. By highlighting design standouts, many of the designers listed here will experience an uptick in new client calls, and hopefully, a full, rich career ahead. All designers work incredibly hard, and it is great to see the addition of talent that opens the door for an entirely new generation that is well on their way. It's always nice to be acknowledged. So, who do you think should be on next year's list?

Here are some additions I was pleased to see:

Los Angeles-based Alexandra and Michael Misczynski, the married due of Atelier AM create understated, stylish homes

Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller, another husband and wife team, of New York's Carrier and Company. They create fresh interiors that mix rustic and fine antiques with visually appealing unique fabrics

LA's lifestyle maven and shop owner, Kelly Wearstler

Madeline Stuart, the LA-based furniture and interior designer who fuses modern style and traditional beauty

Fantastical, glamorous color-filled interiors define Miles Redd's interiors

New York-based internationally inspired Muriel Brandolini, a genius at eclectic, European-tinged, art-filled playful interiors

Classic yet constantly inventive Brit designer Nicky Haslam/NH Interiors, who injects personality into everything he does

Bold interiors give Richard Mishaan's layered spaces a well deserved spot on the list

Mix masters Robin Standefer and husband Stephen Alesch of Roman and Williams of NYC are hot hot hot and love to pair brass and wood

Stephen Gambrel of NYC has a chic take on comfort, with crisp lines and pops of unexpected colors

Atlanta's Suzanne Kasler, who can do inviting luxe cabins and grand country homes with equal warmth
and sophistication

Suzanne Rheinstein, the reigning classicist of LA and owner of iconic LA antique-filled shop, Hollyhock

TEAL STILL LOOKS TERRIFIC

2012-01-10T07:30:00.003-05:00

Call it teal or call it peacock blue, but this shade of blue is still shining through. A hit of the color against red is especially alluring, but it also looks great all on its own, alone. Be on the lookout for major brights come spring, this will ease you in to the intense colors to come.

Photo courtesy of Dransfield and Ross
Tiny and nimble, the Go To Telephone Table from Dransfield and Ross can serve at your side in a jiffy.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler
A high gloss teal finish and gold pattern with a deco feel on Jonathan Adler's porcelain Hera Vase looks luxe.

Photo courtesy of Colleen and Company
The new India-inspired Raj Lantern from Colleen and Company mixes teal and emerald green, a color combination I just love.
Photo courtesy of Madeline Weinrib
The Carlotta Rug, with a border of mini turrets from Madeline Weinrib uses the shade of blue as a contrast to the white ground.

Photo courtesy of Bungalow 5
The richly hued glaze on Bungalow 5's Manila zig zag column lamp adds an interesting shape to an end table or nightstand.

Photo courtesy of Cococozy
The Quatrefoil Pillow of printed linen from Cocozy has an interlocking pattern for punch.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie
Anthropologie's Fleece Flounce Throw in an electric teal is fuzzy and fabulous.

DINING IN THE ROUND

2012-01-09T07:30:00.001-05:00

Round dining tables promote easy conversation and provide a cozy setting to gather your friends. Eating elbow to elbow and being able to see those that gather at your table can be utterly transforming after owning a rectangular or square dining table, you can actually mingle. Not only that, a round table can work double duty to provide a work space, and you can stack it with books a la center hall table when not entertaining. Try it, you will like it.

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Textiles
With handy pull out chairs, this round table from Chelsea Textiles adds some mid-century modern and space saving style.

Photo courtesy of Horchow
With a giant ball pedestal and minimal detail, this is a table to love. Vanguard's Prudence Dining Table through Horchow proves that less is more. Add chairs with personality and color to punch it up.

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel
With it's cherry red powder coat finish and clean linear base, the Walker II Round Dining Table from Crate and Barrel is feisty and fabulous.

Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair
A white finish, faux limestone pedestal and solid ash plank top on the Campagne Dining Table by Hickory Chair takes its cue from great British garden tables of the past.

Savannah Table from Oomph mixes materials to great effect. A stone base and glossy lacquered wooden top work in tandem, as if a garden table made its way into the dining room.

Photo courtesy of Global Views
Global Views has an American oak light wood table that tones down and tames industrial chic with a studded metal band at the apron and base.

A zinc top and substantial raw wooden base in Noir's dining table has repro rusticity.

Sarreid's metal table with clean lines is a modern option that would mix well with vintage chairs.

The Powell Side Table from World's Away works for tete a tete dining.

The Pascall Table from Arteriors puts a new spin on a vintage feel with turned gilded metal base and glass top.

Century's mahogany dining table with octagonal base is a good option when an antique version cannot be found.

Photo courtesy of Beeline Home
Beeline's Black Beauty table stands out with ebony and ivory detailing. I love this piece.

Photo courtesy of Noir
The Taylor Table by Noir of wide oak planks is a basic that will be around always.

Photo courtesy of Century
With a wonderful star base, Century Furniture's Salem Dining Table in a warm, dark wood would work well in a country kitchen.

ROOM 125: ART WITH PRESENCE

2012-01-06T07:30:00.001-05:00

With a limited run of 175 prints, Room 125 is artwork born from a love of decorative objects and antiquities. I discovered them at their High Point debut, and it was worth the jaunt down an otherwise lackluster row of vendors. With their large scale, dramatic impact and single subject matter, the framed presence on your wall will transform a grouping of art into a gallery- worthy selection.

Their prints and photos cover a wide range of topics to create totally unique feel.

Prints are available framed or unframed, and come in rolls tagged with calligraphy printed labels. Nice detail.

For the sporty, the 19th Century Shuttlecock with it's highly detailed feathers is a favorite. Got a game room?

The 18th Century Elephant in a dyptich is hand engraved with richly detailed color. The wise one is larger than life.

Porcelain Pattern with deep reds, indigo blues and sea green is available with a raw reclaimed wood frame or a gilt version.

The 18th Century porcelain white Intaglio of a woman's visage is available as shown with a white shadowbox or reclaimed plank frame.

An Antique French Chair in a watercolor looks just right in a more rustic frame.

RISING TO THE TOP: NICKY RISING MOVES TO MELROSE

2012-01-04T07:30:00.003-05:00

Nicky Rising and her eponymous showroom have a new home a few doors down from Urth Cafe in the design mecca that is West Hollywood at 8625 Melrose Avenue. I loved visiting her space recently, where boutique fabric lines Mally Skok, Plumwich, Tulu Textiles, Katherine Rally, Chapas Textiles, and De Gournay papers are joined by Carleton V in an artful mix of vintage finds and punchy fabrics. Next time you are in LA, drop in to visit Nicky where you are likely to run into a designer you know!

Beep beep. Nicky zooms around town in a pale blue VW convertible. How she got this spot in front of her showroom I'll never know...

The fabric wings include Carleton V, in their new home with Nicky. They have migrated to the street from the PDC, who follow them?

Mally Skok, Katherine Rally, Plumwich and Tulu Textiles hang all in a row.

A hand-painted De Gourney paper with a pink ground looks great with a famille verte porcelain lamp.

Mixing styles, a bone inlaid dresser from India with a pair of figurine lamps on it and a decadent gilded mirror.

An elaborate mirror hangs against a De Gournay hand-painted paper.

A chair stacked high with vintage suzani's. Nicky loves so much she is reluctant to sell them!

Stacks of fabrics and pillows in front of the sample window are a feast for the eyes.

Here is a closer look at some Tulu prints from Istanbul:

A vibrant watercolor stripe, Doris.

Melvin in hot pink on black was an instant favorite.

Lola in apricot has a tiny black dotted line resembling an embroidery stitch.

In a blue as rich and varied as the sea.

Pascal's round medallions in fun colors is incredibly unique.

Do you recognize Stella in red from Jeffrey Bilhuber's newest tome? It is hot, hot, hot.

I want you Alvin in Pink.

Jubilant prints all in a row.

The navy ground makes Mahmut in pink extra alluring.

OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK

2012-01-02T07:30:00.002-05:00

Photo courtesy of Studio on Fire

Resolutions are a tricky thing. Some are kept, some are as fleeting as the wind. Someone I friended posted this 3 item list on Facebook last year, and I took a shine to it. Perhaps, rather than setting out to conquer a 20 item long resolution list, this might strike your fancy.

Three Simple Rules in Life:

1. If you do not GO after what you want, you will never have it.
2. If you do not ASK, the answer will always be NO.
3. If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place.

It just feels a bit more manageable and less resolution-y, right?

NEW YEAR'S EVE: RING IT IN RIGHT

2011-12-30T07:30:00.000-05:00

With New Year's eve around the corner, you may be finding you need some festive touches to ring it in right. If you are entertaining at home, here are some picks that will make your bar a standout and your party a smashing success.

FOR HER:
Photo courtesy of Kate Spade
Add a little something sweet to your New Year's get up with this darling Cha Cha Chocolate clutch by Kate Spade.

FOR HIM:
Photo courtesy of Smathers and Branson
Stand out from a sea of penguins with Smathers and Branson's jaunty Needlepoint Cummerbund. People will think it took ages to make. It will be our secret.

Photo Courtesy of The New Traditionalists
Many a great party has been given by the makers of this bar cart. With ample room for glasses, bottles, bar towels and a prep surface, you are in like flynn with The New Traditionalists' Black Walnut Bar Cart No. One. It is a world unto itself.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie
With mid-century modern lines and vintage appeal, the walnut and brass Beresford Bar Cart from Anthropologie has clean lines to show off your hip barware collection.

Photo courtesy of Pier 1
Mr. Penquin from Pier 1 will keep your ice and your bar cool.

Photo courtesy of World Market
Every party has to have some nuts. Mixed nuts that is. World Market has you covered with their 50's packaging on their Cocktail Mix.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler
Protect your precious coffee table with Jonathan Adler's fanciful Jet Set Coasters. They are a great vacation location conversation starter.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn
Add a festive glow with Pottery Barn Addison Candle holders that have a little shelf to show off sparkly things. Try placing them down the center of a long table- the varying heights will look especially theatrical.
Photo courtesy of Serena and Lily
Hurricane's filled with glowing candles are a nice way to greet guests in the entry way, try placing them on a console or center hall table to set the shimmery, warm tone of the evening. Serena and Lily have delicate looking faceted glass trimmed in metal hurricanes that you will want to use all year long.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn
I have a top hat champagne bucket and I love it. Reminiscent of the classic silver beauties from the 1940's, this version from Pottery Barn is oh-so-dapper. A little Bing Crosby crooning in the background would be a nice touch.

Photo courtesy of CB2
Whip up a pitcher of martini's in this chemistry set -sleek number to get the party started. Beaker Glass Pitcher from CB2.

Photo courtesy of West Elm
Deal alert! This soiree ready champagne coup from West Elm adds a bit of glamour with it's silver banded edge. They look ritzy and with the money you save you can spend your cache on champers to fill it.

Photo courtesy of Iomoi
If you reside in a cold climate, the Winter Monkeys Tray from Iomoi will warm your heart and take the snap out of the cold. I want a cozy holiday sweater like that...

FESTIVE FLAIR: HAVE A VERY MERRY!

2011-12-25T07:30:00.002-05:00

Photo courtesy of Meri Meri

Just about everything Meri Meri makes just oozes with cuteness. From place cards to wrap they have Holiday down. Who wouldn't want to see a reindeer and Santa with a gift as they sat down to roast beast at Christmas dinner?!

Wishing you warm and wonderful holidays.

NO TINSEL NECESSARY

2011-12-24T07:30:00.001-05:00

Photo courtesy of Tops Malibu

With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season upon us, one of my favorite parts of the holiday season are the festive decorations. This sweet little flag swag from Tops Malibu would look nice strung across a doorway or mantel. It's classic font, flags and twine say holiday without tinsel or tacky.

MAKE IT HAPPEN IN 2012, WRITE IT DOWN!

2011-12-21T07:30:00.003-05:00

Time, as they say, waits for no one. This is why it is best to make the most of every minute of the day, write everything down, and check things off your list as you go. Ha! Like that really happens. Maybe in a perfect world. Well, we can all kick off the New Year with a bang and try. Here are some calendars to help you make every minute count. Let me know how that works out for you.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Boddington
If you live to be Inspector Clouseau's American counterpart, perhaps Mr. Boddington's Criminels du Monde Calendar will help you to be a better sleuth.

Photo courtesy of Linda and Harriet

I can't help it, I just love what Linda and Harriet create, their letterpress papers are so creative and unique. Their new calendar is filled with patterned pages that do double duty as postcards!

Photo courtesy of Cavallini and Co
Horticulturalists will appreciate the lush blooms on Cavallini's Botanica Calendar. They capture a botanical bounty that will seem like a fresh bouquet every month. Through Calendars.com.

Photo courtesy of Kate Spade
What does the coming year hold for you? What's in the cards? Kate Spade's graphic wall calendar of punchy fashion and lifestyle shots will keep you in the red.

Photo courtesy of Connor Paper
With tentacles too numerous to count, this Connor hand - stamped golden Octopus Calendar will change color depending upon the season. The sheer amount of tentacles and the fact that you can see them all still has me awe-struck.

Photo courtesy of Dempsey and Carroll
Engraved gilded script lavishly enhances Dempsey and Carroll's desktop easel calendar. It adds a bit of formality and is a great gift for a work friend to use at the office.

Photo courtesy of Thornwillow Press Historic designs figure prominently in the Thornwillow Press version of the easel calendar. Their motifs are perfect for those that appreciate the past while moving forward.

Photo courtesy of The Printery
The Printery has engraved gold motifs from pagodas to fish and their easel is nickel.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Strong
You can't go wrong with a classic like this on your desk. Mrs. Strong's easel and calendar pages will keep you counting the days on posh papers with beautifully engraved motifs.

Photo courtesy of Paper Source

Hand blocked designs with old school charm like this happy octopus with school of fish make the Paper Source Art Grid Calendar a darling choice.

Photo courtesy of Snow and Graham
Snow and Graham's calendar has lots of space to write away, plus their flowery designs and bright colors are cheery.

DON'T BE A GRINCH THIS CHRISTMAS

2011-12-20T07:30:00.001-05:00

WELL GUIDED: GIFTS GALORE

2011-12-16T07:30:00.002-05:00

This year, I searched high and low to find great gifts that will make you smile, add a dash of color, and bring joy to those that you love and appreciate. Just remember this: It's the most wonderful time of the year.
Happy Shopping!

Waylande Gregory makes little porcelain painted trinket dishes that look like M & M's all in a row. I would like one of each please!

Photo courtesy of Michelle Nussbaumer
Glama alert! Interior designer Michelle Nussbaumer knows big rocks, she lives in Texas. This killer brass stone-encrusted Rock Candy box can be ordered custom and is sure to wow. Find it in her storefront on Dering Hall.

Photo courtesy of Iomoi
Get festive in Iomoi's jazzy Muffie Linen Loafers, perfect for the Palm Beach, Bermuda Newport triangle. I just added these to my list.

Writing paper in Quadrille's now iconic graphic patterns on heavy card stock with colored borders are extra luxe. They are available through their showrooms, call (212) 753- 2995 to order.

Photo courtesy of Wisteria
Deal of the century: linen monogrammed cocktail napkins from Wisteria are 6 for $12!

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder
If you are like me and can't get enough of C. Wonder, share it with your friends by giving this set of Ikat Nesting Bowls.

Photo courtesy of Gilt Home
For the art fiend, check out the great collection of modern op art prints Martha Angus has created just for Gilt Home.

Photo courtesy of Kate Spade
Game time is on! Bold Dominos by Kate Spade makes game night with friends more fun.

Photo courtesy of Roberta Roller Rabbit
If you know someone that needs some organization in their life, these canvas printed bins from Roberta Roller Rabbit can help.

Photo courtesy of Catbird
I have shown this before because I think it is the best flask ever-- Three Sheets To The Wind says it all. You can find it at Catbird Studio.

Photo courtesy of Horchow
Girls on the go gotta have City Slips from Horchow, the foldable travel ballet slippers in bright leather. The constant traveler needs these!

Photo courtesy of Land's End
Dogs everywhere will be thrilled that they too can now have a classic fisherman's sweater. Land's End has a hand knit wool version you will love.

Photo courtesy of Land's End
OK, so I have a thing for needlepoint. Now your ipad can look snazzy with a chic Land's End bordered and monogrammed case. And it's on sale!

Photo courtesy of Natural Curiousities
This Natural Curiousities Galini Rose print is like getting sent fresh flowers every day. The bold botanical is a striking addition to any art collection.

Photos courtesy of Bose
If you take your music seriously, Bose has this portable speaker to sync with your iphone or ipad. It is a modern day boombox, for the sleek design set. You can get bright case for it to travel safely.

Photo courtesy of Hollyhock
Everyone looks better by the warm glow of candlelight. This hurricane from Hollyhock ,made of hand blown glass,is available with bases painted in Farrow and Ball colors. The great thing is the taper candle is protected and lasts much longer than a votive does. So you get pragmatic beauty here, something Suzanne Rheinstein does oh-so-well.

Shagreen clutches from Vivo all in a row- how on earth do you decide what color is best? One for each day of the week?

Photo courtesy of Mecox Gardens
Mecox Gardens' Vintage Dolphin Bookends will add a bit of golden shimmer to a bibliophile's library.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder
Make every precious moment count with C. Wonder's nickel plated desk clock. A well designed take on a classic.

Photo courtesy of John Robshaw
For the digitally tethered, tote a laptop in style with John Robshaw's cheery Pomegranate Laptop Bag. The perfect travel companion.

Photo courtesy of Sister Parish
Belly up to the bar and serve up icy cool cocktails with Sister Parish Designs Home Collection patterned ice bucket.

Photo courtesy of West Elm
West Elm monogrammable hand blocked cotton cosmetic bags in narrow stripes and graphic geo patterns make taking your makeup to the gym chic.

Photo courtesy of Michael Devine
If you love Michael Divine's hand-printed fabrics then you will love his trays. His Charlotte pattern in blue and white adorns a plastic cased Ottoman tray you can use as a bar or for breakfast in bed.
Photo courtesy of Robyn Brooks
Rich jewel tones of stingray disks hang from a gold chain link bracelet in Robyn Brooks's updated charm bracelet, the Meng. I have the necklace version, and I sure would enjoy the bracelet!

Photo courtesy of Julia B.
Julia B.'s Paris linen mats and napkins with an applique necklace border in make any china pattern the star.

Photo courtesy of Kate Spade
Give tea time some wit and whimsy with Kate Spade's Illustrated Tea Time Cup and Saucer. The painted watercolor details are ever so dainty.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn
Make a new home cozy with linen applique monogram pillows from Pottery Barn. The soft colors are easy to include in design schemes.

Photo courtesy of Leta Austin Foster
We had frames like this growing up- their handpainted details and patterns are decorative without being cloying. Leta Austin Foster understands these things, her Palm Beach boutique is a trove of gifts---
Photo courtesy of Ancient Industries
Keep baby occupied with a charming mobile of mice chasing cheese. Danish Modernism always looks sharp in nursery spaces, it adds some crisp pop. Available at Ancient Industries.

Photo courtesy of CS Post
I love the simplicity and elegance of this soapstone bowl through CS Post.

Photo courtesy of Waterworks
Waterworks recently launched their online store, where they have yummy artisan made things like this: the Hostess Gift Set that includes beautifully made linen towels, a scrub brush, natural sponge and Olive and Sage Hand Soap.

Photo courtesy of Serena and Lily
Kids will love this papier mache elephant with ebulient stripes a la Paul Smith found in India by Serena and Lily.

With a sweet watercolor of luscious fruit appearing on a monthly basis, your trips to the green market might become more inspired. From a favorite, Rifle Paper through Terrain.

Photo courtesy of Pinhole Press
Customize wine bottle labels from Pinhole Press for those who like to knock one (or three) back.

Photo courtesy of Serena and Lily
For the friend that covets a trip to an exotic escape, this Serena and Lily Bazaar Zanzibari Vintage Brass Camel Tray will keep them focused on making that trip happen.

Photo courtesy of Marigot
Cozy PJ's are the best! Marigot has adorable blockprint patterns with seahorses, starfish, octopus, coral and pineapple designs with contrast trim on super soft cotton.

Have a gourmand in you house? Salt from places far and wide has become quite the thing. A minimalist Glass jar containing pink sea salts from the Himilayas from Terrain could be just the thing.

Photo courtesy of Jetsetter
For the person that has everything the gift of travel is the way to go. Bon Voyage by Jetsetter is an inspiring travel guide as well as trip planner available at Gilt's Jetsetter. The lush photos and ideas will have you leaving on a jet plane in no time.

For those that entertain endlessly, why not get Treillage's gorgeous cauliflower handmade porcelain French tureen?

This handsome loden green leather studded box from Mr. Brown would be welcomed in any den.

Photo courtesy of Saks
Know someone beach bound over the holidays? A quirky Canvas Beach Tote by Anya Hindmarch at Saks provides a tromp l'oeil visual reminder of sun essentials.

WRAP IT UP I'LL TAKE IT

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Making presents look distinctive is not as hard as it looks. You can fancy up any gift in a jiffy with beautiful ribbon, a great tag, a sprig of something fresh like an herb or bloom, and a heartfelt message.

Photos courtesy of Paperfinger
Bryn at Paperfinger has your creative options covered. Her calligraphy printing makes everything you touch look super fancy and tres elegant. I have written about her font mastery before, when I showed her custom return address stamps. She has a knack for making the ordinary extraordinary.
Perhaps custom ribbon is what you fancy. Cheery red cotton ribbon with white font looks sharp, and will be the finishing touch for some printed wrapping paper. You get 25 yards per order, so the bow tying opportunities are endless.

Embellish a special gift with custom gift tags. They come in a set of 2o, and you can choose from a variety of elegant styles. If you don't use them all this season, you can use them for thoughtful gestures any time.

FEELING FESTIVE: SKIRTING THE TREE (ISSUE)

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If it is good enough for the White House, then it's good enough for you. Hang your stockings by the chimney with care, but don't neglect your tree-- shouldn't it have a pretty skirt? Arcadia Home has long been a magazine editor favorite, for their well-designed and well-made holiday creations. They use wool felt, embroidery and appliques to create family heirlooms for tomorrow. With dancing snowflakes, flying reindeer and lively Poinsettia's your tree will be dressed up in no time.

Poinsettia in red

Snowflake in red

Photos courtesy of Arcadia Home
Reindeer with Sleigh in red