NEW YEAR'S EVE: RING IT IN RIGHT

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!

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

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!

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

WELL GUIDED: GIFTS GALORE

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.