the (not so) mean reds.

1. Party Girl Wallpaper from Flavor Paper ($150), 2. Modern Classic Red Carafe from All Modern ($25.20), 3. Red Fox from Cog & Pearl ($70), 4. Red School Bag from Office PDX ($169), 5. Red Medicine Cabinet from Dutch By Design (£45.00), and 6. "On My Own" from A Little Hut ($49)


1. Big Joy from Night Owl Paper Goods ($14), 2. Nelson Ball Clock from Retromodern ($300), 3. Dolly Pendant from Modamuse ($147.75), 4. Red Mod Lines iPod Case from Shana Logic ($18), 5. Melamine Beaker from Emma Bridgewater (£2.50), and 6. Red Pop-Up Strainer from Storables ($14.95)


1. Lomo Oktomat 8 Lens Camera from Fred Flare ($40), 2. Skyscraper Pepper Grinder from Chiasso ($198), 3. Tonttu Christmas Cards Set from Heidi Burton ($15), 4. Red 186 C Pantone Mug from Heal's (£8.00) 5. Berry Splash from BlueQ ($14.99), and 6. Magnetic Dot Board from The Container Store ($24.99)


1. "Tea Revives You" Print from Keep Calm Ltd. (£16), 2. Orla Kiely Apples & Pears Mug from McLaggan Smith Mugs (£5.00), 3. Stacking Chair from Moss ($535), 4. Color Theory T-shirt from Nina & Tom ($20), 5. Limited Edition Print Heart Breakout from Design Public ($40), 6. Thermal Carafe from Tivoli Home ($79.50), and 7. Wit Series Glasses from Modern Poverty ($9)

for the hostess.

• 1. Marimekko Kaiku Serving Tray from FinnStyle ($35)
  
• 2. Napkins Variety Set from Pop Ink ($20)
  
• 3. Branch Serving Spoon from Egg Mercantile (€29,00)
  
• 4. Wood Laser-Cut Coasters Set from A+R Store ($40)
  
• 5. Ceramic Tapa Canoe from Modamuse ($53.73)
  
• 6. Pink Vinyl Doilies from Lovely Lovely (£13.00)
  
• 7. Towering Espresso Set from Violet ($32)
  
• 8. 4 Leaf Hurricane from notNeutral ($24)
  
• 9. Vases from Show ($60)

colorful christmas trees.

When I received the November/December issue of Blueprint Magazine (which is easily my new favorite publication), I fell in love with this gorgeous pink tree featured on the cover. It wasn't until last night that I finally looked at where it came from: Treetopia. I used to be so against the thought of setting out an artificial tree each year, but now I am madly in love with the idea of a huge brightly colored one all covered in tiny lights. Treetopia has a huge variety of funky trees from the traditional to the bizarre. (Pretty in Pink Tree, $199-$359)

memo pad dishware.

I think the new memo dinnerware from Fishs Eddy is my favorite collection of their's yet. It is so darn sweet and creative, as well as being quite handy to have around. Bring back the school days! ($12.95-$25.95)

the small object : holiday crafts.

The always-inspiring Sarah Neuburger has been posting some very cute holiday craft tutorials on her blog. Her sweet ideas would make adorable Christmas decorations and gifts, plus they seem rather easy to make (especially with the help of her photo-heavy instructions).

Pictured above: The Snowman Sled and Stacking Fabric Christmas Trees.

for the bakers.

1. Balloon Silicone Whisk from Fosters ($15), 2. Ina Garten Coconut Cupcake & Cream Cheese Frosting Mix from Sur La Table($10.95), 3. Cake Roll Washcloths from Fred Flare ($10), 4. Cupcake Pot from Couverture (£39.00), 5. Dash, Punch, Smidgen Measuring Spoons from Spoon Sisters ($4.75), 6. Tonal Pink Nesting Mixing Bowls Set from Spoon Sisters ($75), 7. Marimekko Onni Apron from Finnstyle ($39), and 8. Multi Dot Cake Platter from Loft Party ($39).

perpetual advent calendar.

Yes yes, I know it is a little late to order an advent calendar, but this delightful one from Pedlar's is on sale for £22.50. Plus, I'm sure you can always catch up on some days by eating a few of the scrumptious Green & Black's chocolates that are hidden behind each date!

the shiny squirrel.

I have been meaning to post about The Shiny Squirrel for some time now, but I just haven't gotten around to it, until now! They carry so many beautiful handmade gifts for the holiday season by fabulous artists like Alyson Fox, Ashley Goldberg and Caroline Hwang, just to name a few. It is such a lovely place to seek out art from independent designers.

Above: "Chair" ($247.50), "This Winter" Round Plate ($12), and Fish & Fern Sampler Pack ($15).
Below: "Orange" ($160), Firewood ($12) and "Come To Me" ($32.50).

budget gifts : under $25.

• 1. Robins Box of 12 Cards from Red Bean ($18)
  
• 2. Amore Salt & Pepper Shakers from Chiasso ($24)
  
• 3. Honeysuckle Pendant with Orange Accents from Kim Westad ($12.50)
  
• 4. Hanging Tree of Life from Mirror Mirror ($19)
  
• 5. Alpino Colored Pencils from Canoe ($16)
  
• 6. Fancy Chandelier Pillowcase Set from Urban Outfitters ($24)
  
• 7. Fireplace Candle from Tiny Living ($14.95)
  
• 8. Branch Toothbrush Holder from Jayson Home & Garden ($22)
  
• 9. Signe Tealight from Rare Device ($22)
  
• 10. Soft Toys from Lotta Jansdotter ($18)
  
• 11. Cube Clock from Greener Grass Design ($18)
  
• 12. Elm St. Dinner Plate from Uplifting Arts ($10)

you make me crazy sometimes.

Sure, it's not the best gift for everyone, but I am loving this love/hate stamp from Rare Device.

"Culled from letters sent by the designer's ex-boyfriend, these rubber stamps let you share the love (or hate) over and over again."

Each stamp features a phrase of your choosing: "you make me crazy sometimes", "it's always worth it", or "don't let anything bad happen". $20.

for your pet.

Magis Dog House from Unica Home ($720), Tigrito Cat Bowl from Alessi ($75), RecycleBone from Branch ($12), Birdy Scratcher from Velocity Art & Design, Podium Bed from Hepper ($115), and Mod Snap Shirt from All-Mighty ($26)

five pretty little things.

Just five pretty little things for this evening. Because five is a good number. And I am oh-so sleepy. But yes, here are pretty gifts that would make most people swoon.

• 1. Balloon Mobile from Egg Mercantile (€24,50)
  
• 2. Coloured Pressed Glass from Re-found Objects (£5.50)
  
• 3. Mirza Teapot from Clio ($155)
  
• 4. Tree of Life Platter from Lille ($115)
  
• 5. Word Card Sampler from Nantaka Joy ($24.50)

the perfect setting.

1. Spark Dinnerware from CB2 ($4.95-$14.95), 2. Margot Dessert Plate from Deshoulieres (Price Unknown), 3. Spruce Street Tidbit Plates from Kate Spade ($50), 4. Black Toast 8 1/2" Plate from Emma Bridgewater (£12.95), and 5. Applegreen Small Cherry Plate from Lovely Lovely (£7.50)

for the minimalists.

Conphorm Carry Bag from Orange Button ($95), A Container for One Thing from Branch ($26), Poppy Pods Print from Three Sheets 2 the Wind ($168), Bitossi Bird from Twentytwentyone (£75.50), Rekindle Magazine Rack from 2modern ($60), and Limited Edition Fruit Bowl from Hive ($3,500... eek!)

hanukkah inspiration.

We celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah in our house and plan on having a lovely little party to celebrate both, so it was quite nice to see these fabulous decorating ideas in the December issue of Martha Stewart Living. Beautiful colors, handmade decorations, and a whole lot of glitter! More ideas and the instructions can be found here.

etsy gift guide : gorgeous art (volume two).

Part two of the Etsy gift guide for beautiful artwork!

• 1. Sarah Jane (featured: Misletoe Kiss, $20)
  
• 2. Oh My Cavalier (featured: Bird Girl With White Ruff, $14)
  
• 3. Creative Thursday (featured: Lila and Lola, $28)
  
• 4. Melissa Moss (featured: Mylo, $25)
  
• 5. Yumi Yumi (featured: White Love Birds, $10)
  
• 6. Ashley G. (featured: HELLO July, $20)
  
• 7. Studio Lyon (featured: Yellow Warbler, $20)
  
• 8. Utopia (featured: Branch Out, $11)
  
• 9. Yellow Monday (featured: Two of Hearts, $22)
  
• 10. Betsy Walton (featured: Muses, $35)
  
• 11. Denise Simon (featured: The Rabbit, $25)
  
• 12. Sarah Blank (featured: The Curious Fox, $12.50)
  
• 13. Liz Adams (featured: Keyboard in Flight, $265)
  
• 14. My Folk Lover (featured: A Little Papercut, $12)
  
• 15. Modern Art Everyday (featured: Brown Bird, $25)
  
• 16. Aussie Patches (featured: Feathers in Her Hair, $16)

happy thanksgiving.

Just a note to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers. Thank you for the support. I have many things to be thankful for. Please comment at least one thing you are thankful for this year. I'd love to hear.

(Thank You cards above from: Noteriety Press, Binth, Sidepony, and Broadway Paper)

etsy gift guide : gorgeous art (volume one).

• 1. Tara Hogan of Ink & Wit (featured: The Peacock and Juno, $35)
  
• 2. Small Stump (featured: Round Silkscreen, $40)
  
• 3. Shannon Rankin (featured: Embroidered Body, $10)
  
• 4. Restless Things (featured: Red, $15)
  
• 5. Magic Jelly Emporium (featured: Easy Chair, $32)
  
• 6. Heidi Burton (featured: Mooberri, $8)
  
• 7. DKim-Art (featured: Lady Hitchcock, $30)
  
• 8. The Black Apple (featured: Wonders Never Cease, $13)
  
• 9. Seaspray Blue (featured: Too Many Teacups, $15)
  
• 10. Art & Ghosts (featured: Born to be Wild, $20)
  
• 11. Fifi Lapin (featured: Daydreaming, $25)
  
• 12. Not Too Pink (featured: One Orange House, $12)
  
• 13. Ubiki (featured: Windy, $20)
  
• 14. Matte Art (featured: NYC Print, $35)
  
• 15. Apak (featured: Squirrel Six, $35)
  
• 16. Nuit Blanche (featured: Bear Print, $20)

het grote avontuur.

These sets from Het Grote Avontuur are beeeeautiful. I dream of sending them away to friends in far-away places, packaged in brown boxes with satin ribbon. The bird set comes with three little bird brooches, ten bird papercuttings, vintage bird prints and a bird postcard (€ 8.75). The teacloth set includes six towels with 60's house-keeping prints (€ 14.50). Be still my heart!

fifteen fabulous craft ideas.

There is nothing quite like getting a handmade gift. Everyone I know (myself included) adores opening a lovely little package filled with beautifully crafted items (this year I plan on making most of my gifts). Here are some wonderful handmade ideas from around the internet:

• 1. Soft Trees from Little Birds.
  
• 2. Teacup Lights from Martha Stewart.
  
• 3. Tiny Pincushions from How About Orange.
  
• 4. Santa Lucia Dolls from Posie Gets Cozy.
  
• 5. Applique Pillows from Design Sponge.
  
• 6. Bitsy Elf Clogs from Allsorts.
  
• 7. Patchwork Placemats from Twinmommy.
  
• 8. Gumdrop Wreath from Kiddley.
  
• 9. Party Crackers from Not Martha.
  
• 10. Fabric Yo-Yo's from Hello My Name Is Heather.
  
• 11. Dot-Painted China from Martha Stewart.
  
• 12. Zakka Style Owl Pennant from Moon Stitches.
  
• 13. Tissue Holder from Re:Makeables.
  
• 14. Best Bunnies from The Purl Bee.
  
• 15. Fabric Scrap Wreath from Swallowfield.

rose & radish : perfect gifts.

I often find myself amazed at just how wonderful Rose and Radish is. In my opinion, every single item that they sell is beautiful, unique and would make a lovely addition to any home. So, what better place to find spectacular gifts this season?

Above: Tamar Mogendorff Mushroom ($54), Atelier Lzc Vessels Serigraph ($223), and Laura Normandin Large Embellished Bottle ($213).
Below: Lightly Rosie Coaster ($101), Jorine Oosterhoff Mad Hatter ($250), and Something's Hiding in Here Mustache Envy Charm ($9).

for the lady in your life.

"I Love You Dishes" from Target ($22), Love Is PB&J Mirror from Pancake Meow ($5.50), Cinderella Necklace from Plasticland, Olive You, Too soap from Violet ($22), Blush Pillow from Design Public ($60), and Compliment Cards from Keep Calm Ltd. (£7.50).

great gifts for babies.

I am madly in love with these knitted hats from Oeuf. They stay in place and keep baby's ears and neck protected from the cold, and boy, they are absolutely adorable ($37-$49).


We recently bought a pair of BabyLegs for our infant and I must say, they are fabulous. Not only are they totally cute and stylish, but they are essential for the winter months. Babies can crawl around the house in them (making diaper changes much easier) and they can be worn under pants to keep them extra warm ($12).


Pretty new holiday tee shirt designs from Little Uni. They come in a number of different colors and feature adorable Christmas and Hanukkah images ($28-$30).


I'm always happy when I find very well designed essential baby products like these ones. The squirt baby spoon dispenses one bite at a time and holds up to 3 oz. of baby food, making one handed feeding extremely easy. The snack ball protects snacks from crushing, which makes it great for travel ($6.50-$8).


Infant gowns are always great to have, and these ones from Kate Quinn Organics are lovely and made from 100% organic cotton ($30).


When my toddler was about seven months old, he adopted one of these soft animals by Jellycat, which quickly became his best friend. They are the perfect old-fashioned plush animal, so soft, silky, and understuffed (available at Hanna Anderson, $20).


Kipiis allow you to turn anything into a bib- napkin, cloth diaper, kitchen towel. Just clip the two rounded fasteners onto whatever’s handy, adjust the back, and there you go! Quite handy indeed (Available at Ahhgoo, $11).


I always love the clothing available at Tomat. They are stylish, clever, and are now available in organic cotton. Great for any baby's wardrobe ($24).


The Candeloo Nightlight/Lamp Set is wonderful. The lights turn on when lifted from the charging base and start to recharge as soon as they are put back. They can also be set to pulse gently, lulling restless little ones to sleep. Plus, they're adorable! (Available at Giggle, $50)


The b-bib by Oots is a bib with sleeves that covers arms and bellies. They are made of terrycloth and come decorated with a printed or embroidered design. So cute and useful ($18.95).

for the ones under the weather.

Since I am stuck in bed today with a bad cold, I thought that I would put together some lovely gift ideas for the sick folks, perfect for the upcoming cold and flu season.

• 1. Dr. Bobby Doctor Bag from Love ($16)
  
• 2. Mint Hot Chocolate Tube from Dylan's Candy Bar ($15)
  
• 3. The Little Cold Book from Quirk Books ($9.95)
  
• 4. Little Lamb Riding Hood Tissue Pouch from Chet & Dot ($8)
  
• 5. Vintage Lavender Birdie from Clare Nicolson (£7.00)
  
• 6. Sick Monkey Card from Hello Lucky ($3.95)
  
• 7. Knitted Cross Hot Water Bottle from Satinbox ($11)
  
• 8. Therapeutic Bath Crystals from Burt's Bees ($10).

for the travelers.

Travel Candles from Flight 001 ($46), 'Arrivederci' Luggage Tag from Plum Party ($13), World Time Clock from MoMA Store ($160), Big Car Print Shoulder Bag from Orla Kiely (£148.00), and Point It: Traveler's Language Kit from Powell's.

budget gifts : under $10.

• 1. Mint, Chocolate, Strawberry Swirl Candy Hair Pins from Meowgu Cake Shop ($8)
  
• 2. Wishbone Charm Necklace from Lulu's Fashion Lounge ($7)
  
• 3. Mummy Kitchen Towel from Tikoli ($8.50)
  
• 4. Hello Brooch from Bonbi Forest (£6.00)
  
• 5. Plantarium from Day-Lab ($9.95)
  
• 6. Owl Memo from Boygirlparty ($8)
  
• 7. Screen Printed Tea Towels from Mirror Mirror ($9)
  
• 8. Neopolitan Soapsicle from Blossom ($6)
  
• 9. Love at First Sight from Urban Outfitters ($8)
  
• 10. Matchbook Pads from Whimsy Press ($8)
  
• 11. Vintage Rhinestone Ring from Forever 21 ($5.80)
  
• 12. T & Asia Soap from Pop Ink ($6)

beehive kitchenware.

Any of the beautiful items at Beehive Kitchenware would make a wonderful gift for a mum or any other family member. Each item is functional, unique, and gorgeously designed in metal

Pictured: Bird Measuring Spoons ($88), Heart Pancake Spatula ($48), and Heart Measuring Spoons ($42).

(Via Cuteable).

a whole lot of lovely gift tags.

I always love the work of Shim & Sons. She is a master of beautiful minimalistic design. This season she created a few different lovely designs of gift tags that come in a small metal tin ($7 for 12).


Each of these gift enclosure cards from Apiary Design has a sweet message printed on the front and a colorful pattern on the back. Printed in raised ink ($1.60 each).


These tags by Elfrida are printed with twelve different designs on each one. Printed on hard stock paper with archival inks ($3 for 18).


Such cute and colorful tags from Rock Scissors Paper! All tags come are pre-strung with satin ribbon, ready to use (Jumbo Owl Tags: $6 for 4, Birdie Set: $4.50 for 6).


Made from thick paper in a flowery pattern, these tags from Modishoppe come with hemp twine to add a pretty touch to any gift ($2.50 for 10)


As usual, Sarah of The Small Object has created something totally adorable. Her Christmas gift tags feature her cute illustrations and are printed on white paper stickers with permanent self-adhesive backing ($5 for 33).


Clever and cute gift tags from Etsy tag-master Every Jot & Tittle. Each is printed with a different Christmas song title on kraft paper ($4 for 12).


These sweet tags are from Goosey Press and feature sweet nostalgic black & white images. Each tag is tied with an ivory/black checked taffeta ribbon and is packaged in a cellophane sleeve ($1.50 each).


Such pretty gift tags and enclosure cards from the ever-talented Lotta Jansdotter. Lovely patterns and great design (Tags: $5 for 18, Enclosure Cards: $9.95 for 24).


Who doesn't love gnomes and cute animals? La Familia Green has created these sweet tags specifically for the holiday season (Gnomes: $8 for 6, Birds & Deer: $6 for 6).


There are way too many beautiful gift tags from Broadway Paper to choose from, but I do love these two designs (Candy Canes Tag: $7.50 for 10, Cardinals Tag: $2 each).


Ink & Wit recently designed these beautiful mini cards. Rounded corners on matte stock, comes with recycled kraft envelopes ($12 for 10).


These gift tags by Linea Carta are screen printed with a Gocco on flat cards ($2.50 each).


There are so many sweet enclosure cards over at Luxe Paperie. These are designed by Chicago's Snow & Graham and are letterpress printed ($6 for 6).


Two different fabulous sets of tags from The Paper Princess. The monogrammed tags come with a gift tin and 4 yards of Chinois Silk Ribbon on a vintage style spool. The other ones feature sayings like "You Rock" and come with two chocolate-colored card sleeves (Monogrammed: $15.99 for 24, "You Rock": $1.75 for 2).