STYLISH GIFTS: FOR THOSE WITH A WILD STREAK

Animals have such presence. Make them presents, in their many varied forms. From feathers to horn, animal prints to zebra stripes, any time of year is a good time for the wild side. Every few years, animal prints come back into favor, and for good reason. When used right, (i.e. sparingly) their impact is memorable. For those that appreciate this lively look, here are gifts to enthrall.

Photo courtesy of Dransfield and Ross

Don't ruffle your feathers, look at them on Dransfield and Ross's chic convex mirror.

Photo courtesy of Natural Curiosities

Bring wonderous creatures into interiors with this stately elephant print from Natural Curiosities.

 Photo courtesy of Jayson Home

Having fresh flowers around makes everything look better, so why not add an interesting vase to a friend's collection? This rustic double horn version from Jayson Home has room for two small arrangements.

Photo courtesy of Branca

Urban and country dwellers can enjoy a bit of alpine style with Alessandra Branca's striking red and brown embroidered Stag's Head Cocktail Napkins, sold in a set of six.

Photo courtesy of Tozai

A Zebra hide rug real or faux adds a worldly wise exoticism to an interior.  I found this wonderful eco friendly printed canvas version designed by the talented Dransfield and Ross boys for Tozai. Trimmed in felt, it makes a chic addition to any area that needs a bit of pattern.

Photo courtesy of Jen Going

For the gal that loves blue and white, Jen Going's cobalt blue and white Zebra Pillow with contrast blue trim.

Photo courtesy of Asha

Malachite gives me wanderlust for the great African game reserve camps and chic safari style. Slide necklaces were so popular in the 70's, I am glad Asha is bringing them back, her design Isabel is a quatrefoil pendant featuring malachite in the center.

Photo courtesy of Kayce Hughes

I don't tend to wear a lot of leopard, I have 2 pairs of shoes, Belgians and Stubbs and Wooton, that have carried me through the trend resurgence over the past 10 years. Maybe its time to add a tiny bit more, with Kayce Hughes clutches trimmed in a bright hue. I like the subtle contrast and classic shape.

 Photo courtesy of Pologeorgis

Here is another way to inject a bit of leopard into your evening wardrobe without going overboard- a little Rabbit Fur Stole from Pologeorgis resembles the real thing but with a gentler price.

Photo courtesy of Iomoi
With a Cheetah spot border, the handsome leather and canvas monogram tote from Iomoi is a perfect bag for running around town. 

Photo courtesy of Sugar Paper

Mixing a gold foil printed liner  in a small leopard spot pattern and a hot pink border, letterpress cards from LA's Sugar Paper have pizazz.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren

It is hard to resist a gift that helps with organization. Ralph Lauren Home's swanky leather and leopard printed letter holder assists in keeping desk clutter to a minimum.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Paul

Butterflies have been in style for some time now, and every time they get prettier. Elevating melamine, Thomas Paul's oval tray looks elegant but can go rough and tumble outdoors.

NATURE'S BOUNTY: FALL FOLIAGE

Photo courtesy of Tozai

Behold, they're gold! To add shimmer and individuality to the dining or side table, try bringing in some leaves that will last. Made of brass, these highly detailed versions of the real thing from Tozai will never dry up, and they add just the right amount of gold gleam without going Hermitage- style Russian. Gardeners will be agog at how lifelike the Lotus, Gloxinia, Rhubarb, Sassafras, Butterfly Bush, Tobacco, Calla Lily, Papaya, Chrysanthemum, and Mimosa leaves look, and will appreciate the fact that they are not as steep an investment as the fancier sterling silver or gold dipped leaves found at Buccellati and William Yeoward.

TRUE NORTH

Photo courtesy of Tozai

With the 2012 America's Cup World Series races coming to Newport this weekend, the East Coast will be all aflutter with nautical fever.  The legendary sailing race is in it's 34th year, and with that history comes tales of scandal, intrigue and fierce competitiveness. The sleek whisper-light crazy fast catamarans vie for "a perpetual challenge cup for friendly competition between nations,"and since 1851 the trophy has resided with The New York Yacht Club. Often referred to as the oldest trophy in sport, Narragansett Bay welcomes the Dark n' Stormy-swilling crew and their fans. All this talk of the ocean got me thinking about fun ways to bring nautical style home. Then I remembered a jaunty side table I saw from the new Dransfield and Ross collection for Tozai. With a rope base and working compass, it is the perfect accessory - meets - table. A twofer! And, you will always find your true north.

PAINTERLY PIZAZZ

Reminiscent of Jackson Pollock's iconic, out sized drip paintings, a new crop of painterly inspiration is emerging.  The abstract surface pattern, trending on fabrics as well as ceramics, is appreciated as much for its randomness as it is for its hand - created feel. Adding an energetic zing, splatter can kick it up a notch when pattern is called for.

Pierre Frey's Leo, named after the large scale canvas painter captures the artist's hand with slashes and drops of paint.

There is also a striking black and white combination that prefer the strong contrast.

A ceramic dish from Mrs. Howard has spatter, brushstrokes and dashes.

Beeline Home's newest lamp, The Spatter, with splashy blue glazes covering the entire white ceramic form.

Dransfield and Ross debited their new Tozai Home collection at High Point that featured a classic Louis Chair covered in a mad splash of black and white splatter paint. The natural cotton fabric the paint is applied to looks just like a Pollock canvas.

Bunching cubes also get the paint treatment.

Vaughan Design took the classic amphora shape of the Aegina Vase and added a dynamic spatter and brushstroke glaze to the ceramic lamp.

Providing a casual rustic feel, porcelain coated enamel pieces in spatterware from Crow Canyon are popular for picnics. 

NATURAL INSTINCTS: MORE GIFT SHOW GREATS

This winter, the natural world will inspire you from the great outdoors to the adorable animals found there. One thing I know for sure-- antlers hung in groupings is still a trend I'm seeing and it is not going away. The rustic look is everywhere, in aged finishes, handmade details and darker metals that capture the beauty that comes from age and wear. French country is making a comeback, as I saw tons of great baskets, striped linens and Louis XV cerused furniture. Animals of all kinds added a veritable zoo to the mix. Bringing the natural world inside, designers are still working with botanical themes and celebrating the personality and imperfections of animals life, flora and fauna.

Perhaps the walls in your game room need some filling. Cody Foster created papier mache animal heads. A way to get the look without taxidermy.

Driftwood deer heads add character to a rustic holiday from Roost.

For a more refined version, highly detailed ceramic deer, antelope and rhinos in crisp white contrast are hung against on grey wall at Tozai.

You may find these intriguing if all things dark and brooding appeal to you. Bird feet candlesticks from Vagabond Vintage.

Laura Zindel Ceramic vases and bird plates rely on beauty of objects found in nature. Capturing the randomness and natural beauty of vegetables, chickens and feathers, her black and white palette is artistic and serene.

Schools of lifelike fish pass across the surface of Caskata's pewter and ceramic plates.

Adorable brush woodland creature ornaments from Roost will bring the forest to your tree.

Shake it off! How fun is this recycled paper shred dog? Roost captured the sweetness of this breed.

Scary bottle openers to make Halloween a fright, from Homart.

Jonathan Adler's playful brass sculpture of a hippo has personality plus. The marble base takes it to the level of high art.

Sculptural hinged wooden animal boxes by Karl Zahnat at Areaware are more for the kids, but their nostalgic retro Swedish feel is can be appreciated by all ages.

Grand Prix showjumping took center stage at Two's Company. Want to create your own tack room? Now you can! Two's always goes to town, styling their booth with the most superb attention to detail.

Blue and white transferware and a bridle help tell the equestrian story.