November, 2010-- Holiday Shopping

Shopping for the Holidays should be fun! Hunt and gather one-of-a-kind Mid Century treasures not likely to be found elsewhere. Keep in mind some simple ideas while you shop-- is the gift truly appealing? will it be used? is it fun? do you like it enough to spend money on it? People appreciate gifts they can use and display. Vintage wine glasses from Finland, Italy or France are fun because they are small, easy to refill and easy to hold-- this is a changing taste from stemware. Rosewood, teak, jacaranda or walnut trays make great gifts. Everybody still uses salt & pepper shakers-- vintage American bakelite, French chrome, Italian plastic ones. Danish Krenchel, Norwegian Emalox or Japanese metalware bowls are handy for party nuts or everyday potato chips. Rosewood Salad Servers are appreciated and in constant use. Mid Century book ends are great for a book collector or for placing on a shelf. Cuff Links are back in style-- partly because of Mad Men and partly because French cuffs look really elegant under a jacket. Many mid century cuff links are fashioned to display a person's hobby, profession or interest. Urban office warriors will appreciate a vintage military shoulder/back pack-- the packs don't fall apart, have sturdy snaps, curious little pockets for odds and ends and they're trimmed in heavy, indestructible canvas-- good for lap tops or I Pads. Forties and fifties costume jewelry by Napier, Miriam Haskell, Weiss and lesser known designers is beautifully made with seed pearls, crystals, coral, lapis lazuli and Mexican sterling silver-- originally intended for the mass market but currently in great demand. So have fun with Holiday Shopping! Seek out Mid Century, connect with small business owners, find unique gifts, and play some Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole while you gift wrap. Nice!