2013 GIFT GUIDE: ENTERTAINING ESSENTIALS

There are some things you would never buy for yourself, but you know your friends or family would really appreciate the thought.  When it comes to entertaining details, it can take ages to build up a collection of wonderful vintage bar accessories, or find glasses that are pretty to look at and comfortable to hold.     So be a thoughtful gift giver, and give something unexpected that will be used and enjoyed time and time again. Cheers.

Photo courtesy of Serena and Lilly

Some people are the life of the party. Others, prefer to remain in the shadows, and would rather spend a quiet moment catching up with friends. Why not encourage that with a zippy new game for them to play, with a Serena and Lily Signature Backgammon Set?

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

Store trinkets or cut lemons on the bar in Jonathan Adler's swirly blue and white malachite-edged box topped with a gold-backed pagoda.

Photo courtesy of Moma

Capturing classic surrealist Magritte paintings, these brightly colored melamine plates at Moma Store are a cheerful addition to the table that can expose children to seminal art from an early age, or, help you start your collection.

Photo courtesy of Billy Cotton

A faceted design makes Billy Cotton's new stemless wine glasses comfortable in the hand. The price, makes them easier on the wallet. 

Photo courtesy of Simon Pearce

By mixing antique decanters with beautiful newer pieces, a bar can have a bit of soul. There are s many interesting gin and tequila bottles being designed these days, so pairing them with these classic, hand-blown glass  lidded decanters from Simon Pearce keeps everything swellegant.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn
I like the rustic design of Pottery Barn's Mack Cocktail Shaker, it has a great 1940's retro vibe. 

Photo courtesy of Tiffany

My love of Elsa Peretti's designs knows no bounds. Every drink will look better when swirled with Tiffany's Padova spoon, complete with sinewy curved loop handle.

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Those that look forward to the arrival of cocktail hour will embrace Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Tonic, made in small batches to mix with sparkling water for a customized cocktail experience. Find it at Crate and Barrel.

Photo courtesy of Barneys

A glommed up version of the real thing, Carl Aubock's exquisitely designed brass Horse Shoe Bottle Opener from Barneys will be a welcome and handsome addition for the artisan ale bunch.

NAUTICAL NECESSITIES FOR A SUMMER BY THE SEA

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Sometimes I come across something that is just so adorable I instantly want it and am transported to the environment in which it would work perfectly. Such is the case with this useful two-tiered Anchor Stand from Pottery Barn. Available online, it is well-suited to ocean settings to use as a bar station or to place in a bathroom to hold extra hand towels and accessories. I love it. I guess I will have to buy it to give as a house guest present this summer, because I need someone to benefit from its perfect form and function in the proper locale. I suggest you do the same, cause it is pretty darn cute.

Photos courtesy of Kim Seybert
While I was hunting for nautical themed entertaining ideas, I discovered this new pattern, All Aboard, from Kim Seybert. Her embroidered theme napkins never disappoint, and this could not be any cuter for boat-bound parties.

If it's just cocktails, set a stack of these bar side next to the Dark and Stormy Ginger Beer. Available at Kim Seybert. Very swank. But you may need a real one if someone falls overboard.

Photos courtesy of Pomegranate 
Elevate BBQ and Lobster dinners with Pomegranate's hand-blocked Ahoy placemats, festooned with mini anchors.

 

 Ahoy napkins mix well with solid navy or stripes, have fun mixing it up for a more varied pattern play.

NOTICED: AN OWL INVASION

With cute visages and wise reputation, the owl is the go-to bird of choice these days. From feather festooned ornaments to hand painted dinnerware, their tell-tale silhouette, large eyes and unique feathers are open to a variety of creative interpretations.  These noble, winged creatures gained their image of being scholarly because of their extremely good night vision. They can be cute and fuzzy or wise and serene, and there is a bevy of character in their round little faces. If you give a hoot, there is a feathered friend you will come to adore.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Resting on a single branch, Hedwig the white Snow Owl from Anthropologie gives off a warm vibe.

Photo courtesy of World Market

Need a glitzy mod owl for your yuletide? World Market's Metal Owl ornaments resemble vintage jewelry, pick silver or gold.

West Elm's Black and White Owl Ornament with gazing eyes and a speckled coat.

Sparkly and blue, the Glimmer Glass Owl from Anthro adds a glow to the tree.

With bark and twine and feathers around his eyes, The diminutive Nature Nursery Owl has his peepers trained on you. From Anthro.

If he was alive, I would consider adopting him. Fuzzy wuzzy, The Tussled Feather Owl at Anthro is all personality.

Combining tiny twigs and pieces of bark, Anthro's  Sprig and Spruce Owl sits on alert.

A folksy hand painted clay pitcher in the shape of an owl from Anthropologie.

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Wide eyed and vibrating with wisdom, Urban Outfitter's Owl Cooke Jar is just as good as his vintage counterparts.

Covering the entire surface area of the plate, Owl Dessert Plates from West Elm have hand done artistic flair.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

Shake up the table with Jonathan Adler's  all white ceramic Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Whenever I see a vintage version of an owl lidded box like this,  I want to scoop it up. This pretty lidded Pottery Barn Owl Cloisonne Box lined in blue enamel has a Japanese influence. 

Keep books organized in wise style with Z Gallerie's split-personality White Owl Bookends in polyresin.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Strong

An owl sits in the shadow of the moon on Mrs. Strong's note card.

VISIT WITH NATHAN TURNER @ POTTERY BARN NYC WITH HIS NEW BOOK IN TOW

 Photo courtesy ofAbrams

Come out to celebrate LA-based interior designer and thrower of cozy parties Nathan Turner's new book, American Style: Classic Design and Effortless Entertaining at Pottery Barn this Tuesday, October 9th. Chat with fellow hosts Mario Buatta, Milly de Cabrol, Chiara de Rege and Celerie Kemble, check out Nathan Turner's PB entertaining picks, have him sign his new laid-back living tome, and get the chance to win a $500 gift card. Sounds like a pretty good evening to me. RSVP to newyorkrsvp@potterybarn.com. Hope to see you there! There being Pottery Barn at 1965 Broadway at 67th Street.

SUMMER: LET'S GET IT STARTED!

Glorious weather this past Memorial Day Weekend has helped charge a clear path straight to summer. Here are some goodies to help you get ready to live outside and entertain like you mean it. 

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

I have always wanted one of these to help channel my island side. Pottery Barn knocks it out of the park with their Raffia Round Umbrella, it is a charmer.  It will make you shout, "Paradise now!"

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel

If you need some sunny prints in le jardin, try adding Crate and Barrel's jazzy

Marimekko Appelsiini Caliente Umbrella for some heat shade.

 Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs

I love the look of lush ferns in Ballard Designs Scalloped Square Planter, it also comes in a round version.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Water your flowers with Anthropologie's Mr. Snail Pail to add some character to the task.

Photo courtesy of Terrain

Instead of climbing a tree, swing in one. The Original Tree Swing from Terrain is like the old T-Bar lifts from skiing, but it's nothing a few Dark N' Stormies won't help you get over.

Photo courtesy of Wisteria

I have been eyeing these iznik patterned melamine  Wisteria plates for awhile now, I really think they are great.  Plus, if you order something from Wisteria up until May 31st,  they have an offer where they will throw in a set of 4!

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Bring a little bit of the French seaside to your outdoor entertaining with West Elm's wrapped Woven Pitchers. Be prepared for the raffia to get a little worn, the glass does not come out of the surround, so buy an extra to have just in case. They're on sale!

Photo courtesy of World Market

If you prefer a more muted color palette, then check out these beautiful soft colors in the Palampore Placemats from World Market.

Photo courtesy of World Market

If pillows are what you need, these outdoor ready Indonesian Fruit stunners at World Market are bright and cheery adding a touch of the exotic.

Photo courtesy of Pier 1

A right - sized fan chair from Pier 1 means you won't feel like Lilly Tomlin sitting in one!

Photo courtesy of CB2

Shed a little light inside or out with hammered brass teardrop Ous Hanging Tealights from CB2. They cast a party-ready glow.

Photo courtesy of Z Gallerie

For a more trad option, there is this Z Gallerie Malaga Lantern that is inspired by a classic English lantern. It would work well lining a pathway. 

THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

Whether using them to kick back and relax or as a coffee table, ottomans always come to the rescue. No matter what your style, there is an ottoman out there to fit your needs. Go luxe with leather or ethnic global with dhurrie- it's ottomania!

Photo courtesy of Horchow
These are so fun I want them all! Exclusively for Horchow, the Kilim Footstools are covered in a patchwork of Indian textiles dyed in rich hues.

The Chakki Ottoman from Serena and Lily has an intricately carved base and upholstery can be in one of 12 fabric choices.

Photo courtesy of Gabby's
From the moment I first saw this Gabby's Bellamy Ottoman, I have wanted it. Completely upholstered with tufting, the lines are just right and the size is ultra versatile.

Photo courtesy of Anthropology
Mixing warm wood and honey - colored leather, the Rhys ottoman from Anthropology gets better with wear and matches a variety of chair styles. Rather than trekking to England to find this at an antique store, you can get it at Anthro.
Photo courtesy of Elite Leather
Luxe leather surrounds this Moroccan inflected Candemir ottoman from Nathan Turner for Elite Leather. I think loden green is such a rich color that incorporates well with neutrals.

Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs
Little and lovely, Ballard Designs Delamere Footrest with British Colonial details is smart great for smaller spaces.

Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair
With an attached box edge cushion, this low Warner ottoman from Hickory Chair is comfy and refined. The small casters make moving it around a snap.

Photo courtesy of Bee Line
Multi functional pieces are always handy, like this Beeline Home Tray Chic ottoman by Bunny Williams with a built-in tray.

Photo courtesy of Baker
Some ottomans look great in pairs, like the Bamboo Ottoman from Baker. It is elevated, and the decorative frame has a lightness to it.

Photo courtesy of Lee Industries
An ottoman with a bobbin leg is classic and timeless. Covered in this cheery pink, you will have this piece forever. From Lee Industries.

Photo courtesy of Noir
Burlap with nailheads- chic! Noir's round Bullseye Ottoman with a circular nailhead pattern can serve as a table or footrest and look great while doing it.


Photo courtesy of West Elm
A dhurrie covered ottoman with turned white legs is sturdy and chic in the gray and white combo. From West Elm as a limited edition.

The Savannah Ottoman from Pottery Barn has a tailored kick pleat skirt. Carved legs on casters make it easy to move around.