WHIMSY AND WONDER: LINEA CARTA'S A-Z ALPHABET CANAPE PLATES FOR ANTHROPOLOGIE EXUDE NOSTALGIC APPEAL

Berkeley, CA-based Linea Carte makes charming notecards with loopy calligraphy and images of sweet things like zebras and ocean dwellers painted in watercolor. Dina Piyari, the designer behind the line, recently created an exclusive collection of small canape plates for Anthropologie, complete with the letters of the alphabet paired with everything from animals to sea creatures and varied joyous motifs. The stoneware plates, made from a vintage mold, have a wonderful retro feel, providing their nostalgic appeal. Hang them on the wall of a nursery or use them for tea time, either way, they add a touch of whimsy and wonder.

Photos courtesy of Anthropologie
The plates from A-Z

Each one is cuter than the next, but grouped by animal or theme, they could also be hung as a monogram

The story book quality of the design makes them look like the pages of a book that came to life

The anchor is wonderful-

STYLEBEST: CHINA WITH HEART: ART FOR YOUR TABLE FROM GRAFFITI ARTIST MR. BRAINWASH

Photo courtesy of Barneys New York

Have you seen the amazing documentary film, Exit Through The Gift Shop? Its a fabulous look at the secret world of street art, created under the cover of darkness by a set of scrappy indie and daring set of renegades. The film, released in 2010,  really focuses on master graffiti artist the elusive star Banksy, but explores the artistic blossoming of another type of celebrity, the marketing machine, Thierry Guetta, or, Mr. Brainwash. Pushing the boundaries of what is art and why, the film tracks the LA-based Frenchman, showing his evolution from watcher to doer, as he becomes part of the scene he is covering as an obsessive amateur filmmaker. Mr. Brainwash is a creation spurred on by Banksy, and his Warholian tendencies have led him to create pieces in other mediums, such as a collection of bone china for the forward thinking English heritage brand, 1882 Ltd. I love the splatter heart design of Fragile Hearts, centered on an all white plate for maximum impact. You can find this, and additional pieces at Barneys. They are fun to serve dessert on, or chocolates, with their dark contrast.

NY NOW GIFT SHOW GREATS: HARMONY IN CHAOS- THE BOLD ECLECTIC MIXED PRINTS FROM AUSTRALIA'S BONNIE AND NEIL

The designs from Australian newcomers, designers and partners Bonnie Ashley and Neil Downie are carefree and fun. Sun-saturated bright prints with an artisanal touch are inspired by the flora and fauna of their native lands.  The duo, Bonnie and Neil combines Ashley's floral arranging skills with Downie's love of Australian culture, and  provides a fresh take on hand screen printing and watercolor prints with just the right dose of playfulness that comes across in their pillows, bedding, kitchen towels and ceramics. Well-known through Australia and Europe since they began in 2010, they are poised to make a big impact here. You can find their designs at Anthropologie and additional small boutiques.

Mix and match florals and geometrics with pop.

A stack of more pillows in saturated brights.

A wide array of kitchen towels feature painted geometric patterns and digitized floral motifs

Watercolor splatter plate in black and white

Watercolor splatter plate in blue and white

And my favorite, the pink and white

Check pillow in coral

Big Waves in orange

Watercolor in orange

Daintree in orange

Porcelain in orange

Stripe in orange

Major Mitchell in orange

Big Waves floor cushion in pink

Garden Flora floor cushion in garden

Check floor cushion in lilac

GO FLY A KITE: WHIMSICAL SHIP KITES FOR SUMMER DAYS BY THE SEA

Photos courtesy of Haptic Lab

Dreaming of warm weather activities?  These kites will transport you to somewhere warm.

 The grande dame, the Ship of Theseus of indigo nylon with painted details

For a little escapism during what is turning out to be the snowiest NYC winter on record, I thought I would show these fabulous hand-crafted kites from Haptic Lab.  Made with Balinese artisans of nylon and bamboo, each highly-detailed ship kite looks as beautiful against the blue sky as it would sailing the seas. The Brooklyn-based company, started by trained architect Emily Fisher, has been funded by Kickstarter, and combines cutting edge technology with craft.

The kite in flame

in canary yellow

in Azure blue

NY NOW GIFT SHOW GREATS: GRAPHIC GEOMETRIC MOMENTS

As I peruse the Gift Show, now called New York Now, I am struck by how many throws and cutting boards I am seeing. As random as that sounds, I guess it is because staying cozy and entertaining at home are still very popular activities. So stay in and nest. With more snow coming, it might be just what the Dr. ordered.

 Photos courtesy of Bower

Shape Boards, reversible wooden cutting boards from New York-based company Bower, have a graphic 3D pop of geometric color (painted in non-toxic paint) on one side and solid wood on the back and can be hung from the wall when not in use.

 For easy hanging, they have created instant art.

I am so taken with this version in red and turquoise. These have cool museum store written all over them, so I hope the curators of cool see them. 

Brooklyn-based artist Kim Tyler has created special throws with strong graphic elements as appealing as modern art. Inspired by the works of Bauhaus masters Anni and Josef Albers as well as Elsworth Kelly, the linear designs on soft goods has an artistic appeal.  Squares 1 above, of a boucle wool yarn and polymide for give, features a black and blue design against a grey ground.

Rectangles B, made of a heavy weight Italian wool and cashmere blend looks as alluring as a wall hanging as it does on a sofa back.

Photo courtesy of Johanna Howard

Johanna Howard, her first time out at the gift show as new designer created these wonderfully soft woven Alpaca throws.  Called Stockholm, the triangular design is bound by a thick stripe edge.

 Photo courtesy of Zuzunaga

Made to resemble pixels, British company Zuzunaga takes its inspiration from the digital age. From the Bitmap Collection of cotton and nylon knit throws, Labrynth is shown in deep orange with turquoise.

 Barcelona, another intricately patterned pixel-inspired pattern. I love their modern sensibility translated into an age old craft.

From the hand woven collection, the bright multicolored Squares throw is made in Spain out of 100% ecological Merino Wool.

The red marled color and deep green border on the Feeling Throw remind me of a watermelon.

STYLEBEST- A LITTLE LOCAL COLOR: INDEGO AFRICAN BASKETS

I love a good pop of bright color, pretty much anywhere.  A shot of color adds a bright ray of sunshine to a room needing a lift. All of January has been a deep freeze, so it makes me like it even more. Decorative accessories like bowls and trays are an easy way to inject a room with a shot of uplifting color.  Woven by skilled women in Rwanda, Africa, Indego artisan baskets have a wonderful graphic geometric pattern, painstakingly woven out of fine threads of dyed plant material. The effect is smile-inducing, making an age-old traditional craft modern and fair trade in today's color palette.

Photos courtesy of Indego 

Burst Plateau Basket in red white and blue.

Color The World Platter with handles makes it great for cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres.

Orange Burst Plateau Basket paired with a zesty teal 

Olive Burst, in a chic olive drab and cream combo

RAISE A GLASS AND TOAST WITH APLOMB

Photo courtesy of Brooks Brothers

I have heard that Toastmasters, a national organization centered around the art of public speaking, is having a rise in memberships as of late. Henry Alford's well-written article in the New York Times Style Section put the topic squarely in the spotlight a few days ago, and with New Year's Eve fast approaching, I thought it would be a good time to focus on what can be a time filled with dread and fear-- the Toast. I first learned about the organization from a friend with polished social and oratory skills, I was surprised to hear he was participating in the art of toast-making  skills. But the more I think about it, I too would like to improve my toasts, and learn secrets to getting up and making a memorable homages to a guest of honor.  There is nothing as good as a heartfelt and funny toast to set the tone of an evening. But there is nothing worse than sitting down and feeling like your words went over like a lead balloon. Before I take that Toastmasters step, perhaps I will read up on the craft, and pick up a copy of the Brooks Brothers A Gentleman's Guide To Toasts and Tributes book, written by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis. If someone dear to you gets sweaty palms and palpitations at the thought of getting up to speak in front of others, this book could ease the pain of what should be a festive glass-raising moment.  The second half of the book touches on correspondence, so it provides indispensable advice on how to be gracious and show appreciation and can be of use to gals and guys. It might provide some helpful for the next time you are on the spot.

CELERIE KEMBLE AND BRONSON VAN WYCK CREATE A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH THEIR UPTOWN HOLIDAY WORKSHOP POP UP

Taking over the ground floor of an Upper East Side townhouse, interior designer Celerie Kemble and event planner extraordinaire, Bronson Van Wyck  have joined creative forces to create a winter wonderland, complete with lavishly decorated Christmas trees, swag of greenery, twinkling lights and gifts galore. After taking over a smaller downtown location at Overbey and Dunn last year (which I covered here), the longtime friends have moved uptown to a larger space, showcasing all things festive and bright in a residential setting. Against a backdrop of tartan-covered and bright red walls, the duo have a wide ranging assortment of gifts on display in a living room and dining room setting, graciously welcoming you with everything from bar essentials to decorative accessories. The pop-up also provided a fitting atmosphere to showcase Celerie's new Henredon furniture and Maitland Smith accessories collection, which  is mixed in with vintage pieces, and tons of seasonally appropriate taxidermy.  Head to 19 East 75th Street, right off Madison for some elegant decorating ideas and yuletide shopping, open until December 24th. The Elves await your arrival. If you are not in New York, you can find their assortment online at The Holiday Workshop.

A red entry, festooned with swags of greenery.

Black and white tartan covers the walls in the living room, alongside framed art and mounted animal heads. Let's not forget the over the top tree complete with Turtle Doves, which Van Wyck's Elves can install fully decorated for you if you reside in the New York area. Proceeds from the tree sales go to The East Harlem School.

A settee is surrounded a geometric black and gold etageres from Celerie's collection, teeming with shiny gifts and goodies.

A sideboard holds barware, plaid napkins and vintage silver serving pieces.

A closer look at the well-stocked shelves, where a fox holds court. There is no shortage of decanters and bar glassware here.

A silver Spaniel sits next to a rock crystal votive keeping things sparkly.

More great barware to tempt.

An assortment of mixers specially created by Bronson for his provisions brand, Arrowood Farms.

A vintage-inspired cool 60's pendant light glows over the dining table set with more of her furniture designs.

Even the tiny powder room is gussied up in red and black tartan and a small decorative mirror of her design.