This is not your average bunch of daises. Oopsa Daisies are graphic depictions of the real thing but supersized. A group of six flowers, the heighest measuring 45″. Available in a selection of colors, about $86 for the set.
Ring in the new year by raising a new glass – and make sure its worth raising. Here are some we like, starting with the Inside Out Series by Alissa Melk-Teichroew. The idea of iconic forms like the martini glass and champagne flute are turned inside out, encasing the form. The double wall of the glass keeps your drink ice cold and the interior shape is unveiled as its being filled. Both available at Stitch Chicago.
The Float Collection by Molo suspend the champagne in an elegant but minimal form. The enitre collection is available through twentieth, Los Angeles.
Finally, the Aarne Glass Collection by one of the pioneers of the Finnish glass tradition, Goran Hongell. Aarne is mouth blown glassware which was awareded a gold medal at the 1954 Milan Triennale and is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The Aarne Champagne is a great way to ring in 2010.
You already know you’ve waited too long… but there are a few items you may be able to pick up locally (depending on where you live!) or get shipped out by tomorrow.
I love recommending things that I have already road tested – I gave these Cone Candles as Christmas gifts to some friends. They are substantial, free standing candles available in many colors. I gave the metallic version which are very pretty in a strong sort of way. The 12.5″ candles are about $20 pair or $86 for eight. They look really nice in numbers. Metallics are slightly more expensive.
Your eco-friends will love this Apero Bamboo Plate by Ekobo. The food safe plate/platter is made in Vietnam by Fair Trade artisanal communities. A feel good gift all around. About $25 each.
Ice Orb by Fusion Brand – you can freeze the cubes in this vertical ice tray and then store 51 cubes in the removable inner bucket. Great new shape for ice in your favorite beverage. $15.
“What is it?”, you ask. This is Rococo, a wall sticker that is also a chalkboard done in a kitschy Rococo style. The sticker can be re-stuck at will, so you can move it around until you find the perfect place for it. Its pretty big at 31-1/2″ x 18-1/2″ and it even comes with chalk. Designed by WallCandy Arts, founded by Allison Krongard, a former Knoll International sales representative. Pretty fun stuff at about $38.
Grounded 101 is offering great prices on some of our favorites from Chilewich – including the Pressed Dots collection. This modern dot design placemat is composed of a pressed vinyl material, which resembles fine linen but has the advantage of being easy to clean. Pressed Dots is also available as a table runner. I have these mats in white but they come in black, citron, grass, hot pink, orange and smoke as well. On sale for $5.99 each.
Made from a solid slab of beautiful walnut with a groove for crackers or a sliced baguette. Cheese & Hacker Board solves the problem of crackers sliding around and generally looking messy on the board. A lovely presentation on a rich natural background @ Phase Design.
Inspired by Salvadore Dali’s surreal paintings, Melting Time Wall Clock warps the usual passage of time. 12″ diameter clock at $29.95, a pretty cool gift.
Update: I wrote about Chop2Pot back in June. Not only have I given it as a gift, I bought one for myself. I have to tell you this simple little idea is great!
Its not often you find a $22 product with its own movie… but in the case of Chop2Pot it is well deserved. This handy little product provides a flat polypropelene cutting surface. The board has been scored, give the handle a squeeze and the board forms sides so you can transport your work to the appropriate pan, mixing bowl or whatever the destination might be. I think this could be my newest gift idea – practical, thoughtful and affordable.