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

FOR THE WRITE REASONS

At this time of year, you get the nagging feeling that the thank you notes you need to send out for the summer fun, showers and parties may be a bit overdue. If that is the case, I will make your life easier by guiding you to some new stationery that sends a message.

Photo Courtesy of Elum
Swank. A stylish box sits neatly awaiting you. Contents are influenced by vintage wallpaper patterns and their very presence in the mailbox makes the US postal service look better. Find it at Elum Designs


Jonathan Wright and Company of Los Angeles has been a big part of the momentum for classic revivals. His cursive, scroll work and botanicals in the English tradition are a welcome addition to the paper realm. Deemed Extravagant Postage, this Ready-to-Mail series has affixed stamps with American historical objects on them. For those who embrace the charms of the past, these are perfect for antiquarians. To order call 888-931-1710.


Photo Courtesy of Boatman Geller
Photo Courtesy of Boatman Geller
Classic basics in punchy colors are nice to have on hand when jotting a thank you. The calling cards and stickers are also worth a look at Boatman Geller

Photo Courtesy of Blue Ribbon Design
Letterpress note cards from Blue Ribbon Design take inspiration from classic Victorian flourishes. The soft pastels and charming detail are girly and sweet. See the range at Blue Ribbon Design

Photo Courtesy of Blue Ribbon Design
The Chinoiserie Folio comes with 8 letterpress cards and envelopes in a pretty pale blue. The geometric pattern against the soft overall floral is what really makes this special.

Photo Courtesy of Apiary
Photo Courtesy of Apiary
Photo Courtesy of Apiary
Flocking, outsize damask pattern and modern font make this option new. The stellar combination and contrast colors will not get lost in the mail!


Photos Courtesy of Sharp and Sally
Former editor Sarah Sharp has a graphic eye. Pretty color combinations like celadon
and chocolate are evergreen. Embrace your Preppy Handbook side, at Sharp and Sally



Photo Courtesy of Albertine Press
If you went to visit friends that live near a national park send them this cute take on their cities favorite public space. This letterpress woodblock style can be found at Albertine Press


Photos Courtesy of Charles Fradin Home
Furniture designer Charles Fradin has always found inspiration from growing up in New England. The comfortable luxury he designs is now imparted in writing paper. The wood boxes with sliding lids conceal a beautiful array of designs and small insignias. A classic weather vane, old typewriter and lighthouse evoke a genteel era where writing was an essential part of staying in touch. Make a swell statement with these, found at Charles Fradin Home