The Art of Gifts

Every so often I write a column for Nittany Weddings here in State College. This month, I wrote a piece about how to make your gifts to friends/family that more special. Here's an excerpt: Gift giving is an art. Nothing demonstrates your attention to detail more than a personalized gift. There is something truly magical about receiving an item from someone who has listened to you speak over the years and captures something you once mentioned or a phrase you often use. That kind of gift goes well beyond the everyday. The custom, one of a kind present elevates gift giving to another level when the recipient knows it is meant only for them. We live in a world where customization is king and every gift giver wants her present to be the standout of an event--especially at weddings.

Do they really need another... Let's be real, the bride and groom of today have probably been living between their two apartments for a while, if not together before the wedding. They have duplicates and triplicates of household items. But when they set up shop together as husband and wife they may want to leave the odd pots and pans behind and spend hours on the Williams-Sonoma web site. But is that extra place setting of their everyday pattern going to get their juices flowing? To read the rest of the article visit: Nittany Weddings. Enjoy!

Fave Fringe Moments

Two things really get my creative juices flowing—a trip to MOOD FABRICS in NYC and reading a beautifully designed magazine. Mood isn’t just for FOTs (Friends of Tim), it is full of great home dec fabrics and trims. I never leave there without a bag stuffed to the top with remnants, brush fringe and cording for current and future orders. And the staff is wonderfully helpful and warm. Not snooty at all as of course they could be being Heidi and Tim’s fabric store of choice for Project Runway!

Fave Fabrics of the Moment:

The colors are great for fall and the fun patterns would look great on throw pillows or for new upholstery for your furniture! Definitely some drool-worthy fabrics.

The November issue of House Beautiful is one of those beautifully designed magazines I get lost in every day. This month’s topic is “entertaining.” Don’t miss Annie Selke’s “What I Learned..,” on page 60, and the amazing 101party Do’s & Don’ts on page 118. I’m thinking of having it blown up and made into wall paper for the powder room. Perfect reading material!

Speaking of Books....

I’m researching concepts for two books: One about a father-son cross-country bike trip (not my idea of a great time but it’s an amazing story). And, more to my sensibility, a coffee table book featuring all of the pillows we’ve created over two plus years in business and the stories behind them. “I love you one hundred cows.” comes to mind. And how about, “You’re a selfish, spoiled, SOB.” That must have a great back story!

In preparation I’m reading Anne Lamott’s wonderful book, Bird by Bird—Some Instructions on Writing and Life. It is a fantastic guide for all of us who want to write but don’t have the slightest idea what we are doing. It is hysterically funny. Apropos of pillows and decorating I came across this wonderful passage on page 74 in the chapter entitled SET DESIGN.

We Love Book Clubs!

A client in Alexandria VA contacted me to create gifts for her eight best friends. They are all a part of the same book club, the Ya-Yas. Can’t you just picture the discussions these sassy women have every month? Pinot Grigio in hand, laughing hysterically at the notion of actually reading the book they gathered to discuss—or not ;-). She requested a pink and green combo so I kicked it up a notch going more fuscia and lime with cording to match.

Here's the cute quote they chose to put on the pillow: