HOLIDAY GUIDE 2009: CHEERS!

You can almost never go wrong with barware gifts. After all, the sex appeal goes both ways and a bar should always be overflowing!
Your local vintage shop should have plenty of fun little sets to choose from, but so does Etsy! These two are my faves... especially the second ones. They would double so well as votives or small vases. numbered glasses set. $74. brass ice bucket. $48. silver old-fashioned glasses. $30.

2009 HOLIDAY GUIDE: WHAT I'M LOVING

It's hard to hunt for gifts without finding a few things to love for yourself! These picks are some of my favorites, but would, of course, make fabulous gifts too!
Those of you born in October can probably sympathize when I say it feels impossible to find jewelery with our birthstone (opal) that I actually want to wear. So when I found this piece by Winifred Grace (who will be in Seattle this weekend for a trunk show!!) I had to add it to my wishlist. pacific opal bracelet at winifred grace. $375.

One of my favorite gifts so far this year is this simple book - I think it's the perfect gift for a friend or family member who might be starting a new adventure or chapter in their life. And I love that it's only one line a day - that's about all I have time for before I crawl into bed at night!
one line a day book at amazon. $11.50

I think we all know how I feel about gold anything, so of course I was drawn to this blanket with its contrast of natural linen and bronzed satin trim. While this version is a bit more pricey, for those of you handy in the DIY category, I could see how this would be a simple project! striped linen blanket at patch nyc. $365.
And finally - a fun pick from one of my favorite new online shops! These have got to be the best shot glasses I have ever seen. Usually when I see sets with patterns, I like one more than the other, but all of these are so chic! Add them to the bar please! set of four shot glasses at haus interior. $75.

2008 Holiday Gift Guide: City Love

To top off my holiday guide this year, I think I'll end on this note...

For city lovers, a beautiful set of etched tumblers from Rockett St. George might be worth the overseas shipping. I'm downright in love with them. Depicting the skylines of London, New York, Paris and Sydney (the only one I haven't visited!), their simple outlines remind me times spent in each place. Complete perfection!