I am so in love with this Carlson Etagere from William Sonoma Home! If only I had the space for it I would get 2 for all my design books (and china). Of course, if someone at WSH wants to cut me a huge deal I could definitely MAKE room! *wink wink, nudge nudge*
The details are just gorgeous, like these feet, gilded accents and worn ebonized wood finish.
They're on sale now, so make me a very happy little blogger and buy a pair for yourself and send me pictures!
Designed in 1994, this chandelier designed by Ingo Maurer is literally made up of many pieces of broken china. It was named Porca Miseria, literally Italian for 'dirty miserable pig' or a slang cuss for 'what bad luck' (not to be used in polite company!) I'd be saying the same thing if all my dishes broke! Ingo meant the piece as a revolt against all of the slick and modern design coming out of Italy in the mid 90s, hence the name. 
One was commissioned for the blue dining room at Waddesdon Manor by Lord Rothschild. I think the chandelier is the perfect counterpoint to the beauty of the blue dining room -don't you? It's rather modern but still sort of rococo; just the breathe of fresh air the elegant room needed.
I'm coveting these St Louis crystal tumblers and glasses featured in Classic Entertaining I mentioned on Wednesday. I never really liked colored crystal-but a large portion of this book is devoted to them. I think I appreciate them more in a rainbow spectrum such as this and not matched. I'm rethinking in COLOR
Scented candles are always a terrific gift. I recommend 'Cleopatra' by Tocca or Pied a terre by Ralph Lauren. Both are in such pretty boxes you don't even need to wrap them!
As a splurge -who wouldn't love this Italian giltwood Chinese Chippendale Mirror from Coleen and company? It's a steal at only $1800
A bit more affordable but just as glamorous is this fornasetti tray, perfect for the hostess who enjoys a game of cards - found on EBAY.
For the foreign film buff, I would recommend Not on the Lips
with Audrey Tautou - a super fun musical comedy.
This malachite box from Coleen & Co. is really fabulous -anything malachite is just a perfect gift this season. At $475 this is a luxury item, but you can find less expensive versions. This would be great on a coffee table or nightstand to hold little odds & ends.
This antique wedgewood jasperware vase in my favorite cobalt color would make my heart flutter, also from ebay.
album by French first lady Carla Bruni would be great for any music lover!
I know tartans have been very popular lately but they've always been part of my life ( even my alma mater's mascot is a tartan plaid! seriously). Growing up we were very 'American 'and not very in touch with my Scottish heritage -but there was always an abundance of tartan plaids around especially at my grandparents. Maybe because of that I always associate them with Christmastime. 
Guess what I got at the post office today?? 
Bette Davis STAMPS!! What a great way to glamourize your mail! I believe this photograph they used is from 'All about Eve' -one of my favorite movies! Run out and buy yours today!