GIFT GUIDE: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

FOR STYLISH FRIENDS
Photo Courtesy of Jayson Home and Garden
If you love hobnail and mercury glass, this is the gift! The vase and urn shape look great with tall arrangements or anchoring the ends of a mantel. Shop around at Jayson Home and Garden


FOR THE GARDENER


Clip and prune with these English Pretty Useful clippers and gardening tools from England's Wild and Wolf. The handles are covered in William Morris fabric patterns. Oh so Merchant Ivory British!Wild and Wolf

FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER


For the interior designer that loves animals, these aged hogs are just the thing!
Chelsea Textiles has achieved a lived in appealing finish range for their furniture, good thing they are now doing decorative accessories with the same great patina. These little piggies have gone to market, from Chelsea Textiles

FOR THE DOG LOVER


After taking the graphic world by storm ten years ago with his cut out collage people doing chic things on stationery, R. Nichols has finally branched out onto other surfaces! These mugs are adorable, get them for all your coffee drinking friends at R. Nichols


FOR THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY


For the hostess who drinks the mostest and needs some beauty sleep, these peeper keepers from Kerry Cassill let you snooze in style, from Kerry Cassill


FOR THE FESTIVE CHRISTMAS ENTHUSIAST

Photo Courtesy of Emma Bridgewater
Take a moment to relax over a cuppa with the perfect teapot from Emma Bridgewater. A holly pattern could not be more festive!
Import it from Emma Bridgewater

FOR THE BIBLIOPHILE


Hold magazines and books with flair by using these flexible rubber Buddha bookends that are attached and expand the more you put in them. Wise Buddha will guide you to make the most erudite reading selections. Get yours to give and keep one for yourself, from Kikkerland where you can find a store near you

FOR THE LAPTOP LOVING TECHIE


So you know someone this is perfect for: those always upgrading their gear for the newest ipod, the tiniest camera, the sleekest cell phone. Keep plugged in with this USB Man. It also fits nicely into a stocking. Get yours from Kikkerland

FOR THE SIBLING THAT NEEDS A LIFECOACH


Photo Courtesy of Red Envelope
Forget the lifecoach, get a Year of Journals instead. Write it out. Each month you can make a to do list, stay on target and get it done. Don't forget about your hopes and dreams while you are at it! Start journaling with these bright Thai silk books from Red Envelope

FOR THE SERIAL STATIONERY COLLECTOR

Photo Courtesy of Felix Doolittle
When you loan out your Billy Baldwin collection to a friend redoing their house, you kinda want to get it back. Keep track of your books with handpainted personalized bookplate designs from Felix Doolittle

FOR THE SPA GOER


The newest craze in spa therapy is now available for home use!! The kit will offer a new and eco-conscious way to destress with body heat therapy and bring the spa experience home. The shell stays hot because of a special theraputic teabag that is inserted into the shells. They are sold through the wonderful spas listed above.

DECORATE YOUR TREE HANG THE STOCKINGS WITH FLAIR

Photo Courtesy of Cody Foster and Company
Mercury glass balls, pastels silvered in ice cream colors and tinsel are not the traditional holiday colors, but add a nice glow by the fire.


Photo Courtesy of Cody Foster
Vintage decorations and glitter with the patina of age bring charm and character to your home. Check out other character laden decorations at Cody Foster and Company

Photo Courtesy of Jamali Garden
Red berries look great on the tree. Faux branches are malleable and tuck into branches well. Drape them off your mantel, and tie sprigs into bows on gifts. Available through Jamali Garden

Photo Courtesy of Anthropologie
Bright and handmade, this folkloric chic stocking takes your mantel to the old country. From
Anthropologie, where their holiday mix celebrates handmade, unique materials in a global way.

HO HO IT IS TIME TO SHOP: WHERE TO HIT IN BOSTON

Hudson carries some great brands: Oly, Verellen, Shine lighting and casegoods, Dermond Peterson pillows, Kobo and Seda France candles, spicy chocolates from Cowgirl Chocolates in Idaho, pillow, totes and jewelry from PatchNYC and a custom line of pillows and re-upholstered vintage furniture By Hudson.

Says store owner Jill, "If i'm not buying at the gift shows, you can always find me in the summer at Brimfield Antiques Fair, or taking road trips to Maine or Western Mass. I like looking for vintage pieces but fun, old pieces that speak to me! Hopefully one day, I can start traveling a bit further away (perhaps in the french countryside) but really what i want to do is go to the 20 mile flea market down south!"

It is a must visit for those on the gift hunt in Boston:
HUDSON
PURVEYOR OF FINE HOME FURNISHINGS AND ACCESSORIES
312 Shawmut Avenue
Boston, MA 02118
t: 617.292.0900
f: 617.292.0901

All photos courtesy of Hudson

CONVERSATION PIECES: SET THE TABLE WITH WIT

Photo Courtesy of Watts Contemporaries
Leave it to the British to create such a stunning Bloomsbury reminiscent pattern. For this the Kinnersley pattern, the inspiration is drawn from wallpaper drawings by George Frederick Bodley 1827 - 1907; first chairman of Watts & Co in 1874. The rich turquoise and red of the floral pattern on fine bone china are striking. From Watts Contemporaries, the new design house carrying on the Watts 130 year old history.

Photo Courtesy of Eloquent Ink
This Carp Platter from Eloquent Ink is so interesting to look at you might want to hang it on a wall. The detail captured in black and white makes this piece a beautiful one.

Photo Courtesy of Watts Contemporaries
Drawing inspiration from glasses created in Florence during the Renaissance, these updated stems from Watts Contemporaries are similar in silhouette only--the brilliant turquoise reflects the current color in stemware trend. Order yours online from Watts Contemporaries

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN- THE LATEST BOOK FROM NINA CAMPBELL

Photo by Paul Ryan


Nina Campbell is a truly modern British Interior Designer. She combines an artful mix of colorful fabric and furniture silhouettes, making each room come to life. Always done with a touch of whimsy, which Nina herself knows a thing or two about that. Never seen without her trademark rose heart shaped glasses, her sense of fun immediately comes across. You will get an opportunity to be amazed by her as she introduces her third interior design book, Elements of Design: Elegant Wisdom That Works For Every Room In Your Home published by CICO Books. Brightly colored cut crystal, a colorful velvet stripe on a sofa, a well placed seating area-- these are elements that Nina incorporates that essential to creating a dynamic, comfortable room. Some eye catching sparkle and a vividly colored upholstered piece give the eye focal points around a room. There is no shortage of stunning examples in this book. For those that think bullion fringe and trim are over, Nina will show you inventive ways to incorporate it into a space providing a visual surprise.

Too bad Nina could not bring her Mini Cooper painted in pink hearts from London to park in front of Rizzoli! Come see this forward thinking dynamic designer in action and get a signed copy:

Date: Wednesday, November 28
Time: 5:30-7:00 pm
Location: Rizzoli Bookstore, 31 W. 57th Street (between 5-6th Avenues)

Then, head to the Nina renovated Campbell Apartment at Grand Central for a nightcap. No relation between the two Campbell's, just kismet!

THE END OF AN ERA: HOUSE AND GARDEN MAGAZINE FOLDS

Conde Nast Publishing announced today that it is closing its publication, House and Garden Magazine after 106 years. House and Garden had its unique take on the design industry and I for one will miss it.

FALLING LEAVES BRING AUTUMNAL BLISS OUTSIDE: ADD SOME INSIDE

Since fall is now upon us, add some style elements to update your home for the new season. Earthy hues, natural materials and items that have a worn patina of age will add warmth and texture to your cozy home.

Photo Courtesy of Unica Home
This is the best doormat since Target did their Happy Inside mat. Designed by Ed Annink in 2002 for Droog Design, it is finally available stateside. Pick up yours at Unica Home


Acorn Bird feeder from Plow and Hearth adds some rustic charm to your garden. There is a retro homey feeling to this feeder. Find it at Plow and Hearth

Photo Courtesy of Boussac
Falling leaves everywhere! Boussac's Scandale in this rich red color would make a great throw pillow. Look at their other fabrics you can get through your decorator at Boussac

Photo Courtesy of Peter Dunham
Fig Leaf, a Peter Dunham Design is used here in one of his projects to great effect. The two-tone leaves bring the outside in, with a graphic sensibility. I have also seen it used on outdoor furniture on a loggia--such fun!
Check out the other fabrics, some of which are ethnic chic, at Peter Dunham Stay tuned for Peter's latest design venture Hollywood at Home, a shop that will carry antiques, lighting, furniture and fabrics on 636 North Almont Drive in Los Angeles!! Grand opening November 1st, 2007.



Adding fall tip towels to the powder room welcome guests with whimsy. The classic L.L. Bean boots on a hand towel, perfect! From Lady Clare


Charlotte Moss launched her china pattern this year with American company Pickard, capturing garden elements in her seasonless lattice pattern. Check it out at her shop along with other decorating and entertaining goodies, Charlotte Moss


Photos Courtesy of Gien
Rambouillet, the charming Faience woodland hand painted pattern from Gien, is a seasonal favorite for those who love game and the wild. The chocolate patterned background looks great with wood handled flatware and other creamware pieces. Available at Table Ideas

Photo Courtesy of Kim Seybert
Hobnail glasses hark back to early Americana. This chic updated version from napkin ring and placemat trendsetter Kim Seybert looks fabulous on a traditional table. The teal blue is a great, rich shade that looks great with other jewel tones. See Kim's fashionable table accessories at Kim Seybert, her materials, patterns and shapes are inspired by the runway and are always innovative.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Aram
Twigware Forest Leaf Collection flatware is a fall favorite among editors, it looks great with so many china patterns. The delicate branch handles and handmade detailing add to the patterns uniqueness. See all of Michael's artistic pieces at Michael Aram

Photo Courtesy of Baker
The Laura Kirar Collection Lattice Throw plays on a geo pattern, in rich fall colors. Get yours at Kohler, and while you are there look at the lush materials she has used for her Baker line



Photo Courtesy of Ankasa
This yummy throw with lattice weave is sumptuous with the suede border. Better to wrap yourself in, from Ankasa

Photo Courtesy of Homart
Strike up a fire with these sophisticated wallpaper patterned matches. They will look great on the mantle, from Aero Home

Photo Courtesy of William Sonoma Home
Provencal bedding from Williams Sonoma's new bedding collection will have you jumping out of bed this saturday morning to spend the day making ratatouille and coq au vin! So authentique! Make your bedroom tres francais and purchase it at Williams Sonoma Home

STYLEMAKERS AT WORK

So what does it take to stay organized, have a nice workspace and keep the creative ideas flowing? The designers and stylemakers shown below will leave you inspired.

Photo Courtesy of Joe Nye
Elegant, cozy and refined workspace cum library make work seem lighter and more enjoyable. LA decorator Joe Nye is a master at this and his projects bring old and new together to create a fresh vibrant look. He always injects the personalities of his clients in his interiors. This room was created for the House Beautiful Showhouse in LA last year. Aren't showhouses the ideal client! Look at the full selection of eye candy at Joe Nye Inc.


Photo Courtesy of Alessandra Branca
Alessandra Branca of Chicago and NYC know the power of picking a punchy palette. Red, black and white here mean crisp and strong. Her signature power red (which I owe to her Roman heritage!) is energized by selected ebony and ivory antique pieces to accentuate the colors chosen.


Photo Courtesy of Jane Leider
Haute Home bedding and linens company is designed and run by a former magazine editor. With that experience she has learned how to get things done! As she works from her home office on her current collection, her samples are within arms reach for easy reference. Her workspace is clean and uncluttered, allowing for her clean, elegant designs to stand out. Classic traditional with a pop of great color, her linen patterns, hand towels and gifts are worth ordering now, from Haute Home

The results of all this organization:
Photo Courtesy of Haute Home


Photo Courtesy of Iomoi
Iomoi paper and accessory designer Irene Chen's desk is brought to life with a few of her favorite things. Her fresh papergoods are classics with a modern take including paperweights, holiday package stickers and other adorableness through Iomoi


Photo Courtesy of West Elm
By now this lacquer Parson's Desk from West Elm is already a classic. Thank goodness they carry it over from season to season, West Elm



Photo Courtesy of Milling Road
If bamboo with red accents is your style, this desk has good storage and works well in trad interiors. From Kohler

Photo Courtesy of Bernhardt
Perhaps campaign style is more your thing. The Trestle Desk from the British Passages collection has the brass reinforced corners that I love, and plenty of surface area to work on. Find your local dealer at Bernhardt



Photo Courtesy of Oly Studio
Pair the Parsons Desk with the Sarah Side Chair from Oly and create a clean work space. Admire the endless great options for your home at Oly Studio


DESKTOP PIECES
Make your arrangement pretty with these key pieces:


A desk caddy, is a way to keep it all together and take it with you when you want to have a portable piece to take around with you. Marie Papier caddy from Motel Deluxe


A cup full of bamboo pens makes note taking easy. If you love bamboo, this is the site for you Bamboo 54


Photos Courtesy of Bamboo 54
Lest we forget the ladylike wastebasket. This piece, also from Bamboo 54 will also add some elegance to the powder room.



JOURNAL ENTRY:
Leave this journal on your nightstand to jot notes and stick it in your bag to take with you.




Photos above courtesy of Carrot and Stick
A color and pattern to match every fabric scheme in your home, at Carrot and Stick Press


Photo Courtesy of Cavallini & Co.
Yet another sweet bird! This world weary traveller is taking a moment to soak it all in. From Cavallini. They also make great wrapping for gifts in the same pattern.


Photo Courtesy of Elum
Scribe with a Moroccan vibe. Cutesy Empire journal covered in printed fabric will have you thinking globally acting locally. FInd matching stationery at Elum Designs


Photo Courtesy of Cotton Idea Studio
Delphine made this journal that is carried at Cotton Idea Studio, Mindy Gayer's charming Laguna Beach paper store and custom studio. This journal has a handmade touch and an elastic closure to keep business cards and small papers put. Adorable site design and product at Cotton Idea Studio



TECH ALERT:
If you are a phone person and want a written reminder to do something important, call it in to a special phone number, leave a massage and get an email reminder. Pretty clever from Jott. This is being beta tested so give it a whirl


AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT: RUSSEL + HAZEL
Photo Courtesy of Russell + Hazel
Staying organized should be a pleasant experience. Russell + Hazel is here to help. They entered the organizational category, um, defined it, with their brightly colored fabric-bound ring binders and notebooks. Then we started seeing their magazine storage boxes everywhere, because they were and still are the best. On trend colors (think chocolate with a pastel) make light work of desk work. Find a treasure trove of get it together goods at Russell + Hazel BTW, their materials start out as 100% post-consumer recycled content.

Photo Courtesy of Russell + Hazel
Avoid stacks of papers by sticking everything in a marked box.

Photo Courtesy of Russell + Hazel
Keep track of it all without loosing your head. A reminder never hurts.

Photo Courtesy of Russell+ Hazel
Classic yellow post it notes are not as fun as this bright Self-Adhesive Notes Set. Use them to tab magazine tears, mark catalog pages and on your laptop. No more boring.

Photo Courtesy of Russel+ Hazel
If you are not feeling the mix and match Jelly Belly look, perhaps monochromatic moments are more your thing. Fashion and home collide yet again. Be amazed at Russel + Hazel