Happy Fourth of July: Celebrate With Red, White & Blue

Are you ready for the big weekend? I’m not. I haven’t even been to the grocery store. And you’d scream in horror if you saw my terrace right now. Sigh.

Where’s that clone of mine? I had her locked in the downstairs coat closet last time I checked. But she’s pretty smart and manages to sneak out. I’ll have to check Hugh Jackman’s trailer. Read More…

The Best Christmas Ornaments

The thing I like about Christmas ornaments is the memories associated with them. There are those we made in childhood. Some our own children made. Special gifts from special friends. Each year those memories are newly discovered.

Give an ornament and you’ll be giving a memory as well. Here are some of my favorites.

Are you a Christmas angel person or a Christmas star person? I love this angel from Clarissa Hulse (about $50.00). Her shop is in the UK. The Presepe Collection, from Alessi is adorable. You can add to the collection each year. It’s my kind of manger (at Unica Home at various prices).

These glass ornaments, designed by Klaus Haapaniemi for iitala ($18.00 for 2) are intricately painted with a peacock and an owl. You can find them at FinnStyle. Peace and love? We need those in abundance. Jonathan Adler’s gift set ($48.00) will shake your tree.

DH Gift Ideas For A Beach Cottage

It may be cold in some parts of the world, but it’s summer in others. And as sure as day follows night, I’ll soon be shouting, “surf’s up!” at Chum Bucket. Which means that it’s always the season for a beach cottage gift.

My current favorite are these glass nests created by Heather Palmer. They come in four sizes and three colors. The small size retails for $60.00 at Maxwell Silver.

Here are a few other suggestions. First, the always wonderful Hable Construction. Check out their pillows and this photo frame ($65.00). They also make great Christmas stockings.

Next up are these glasses from Cat Studio. They make vacation-themed pillows and glasses that are lots of fun. These are from Tabula Tua. A set of four sells for $48.00.

Finally, a classic Mediterraneo bowl designed by Emma Silvestri for Alessi. Find it at Unica Home ($75.00 for the small size).