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.
National Cupcake Day – I actually didn’t know there was one but apparently Jason Miller did, or he just likes cupcakes. Little Gift is a porcelain cupcake wrapped in cellophane that looks alot like those ones that used to be in my lunchbox a long, long time ago. What better way to say “Thanks” “Happy Birthday” or “Thanks for Inviting Us” @ twentieth for about $35.
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.
Chilewich is a true innovator. They manipulate pretty simple materials to make pretty beautiful things. We love the Coral Collection’s delicate lace-like pattern in metallic silver and gold. I don’t think it could get much nicer for the holidays. In fact, I’m feeling like this might be on my holiday table. The Chilewich website has some “inspiration” tables set up on their site. The silver mats and runners look great on a dark tablecloth. I think the gold would do nicely on white. The big decision will be if its placemats or runners. I’m leaning toward the runner. In case you don’t own any Chilewich, these mats are about $8 each and the runner $35. Nice price, great design.
This set of four black and white graphic bowls In The Mix by Not Neutral is a great way to liven up your dinner table. These are small bowls, just under 5 inches in diameter. The set of four is about $48.00 which makes them a great gift.
Walking down the beach you pick up a stone or a stick, there is something about the way it feels in your hand – the rough edges smoothed by time in the water. I don’t know what inspired Yasuki Sakamoto to design Stone Mug and Mug with Wooden Handle, but it might be a simple nod of appreciation to nature. For all the great designs people develop, not too many hold a candle to what is occurs in nature.
Working Class Studio is a product development venture of the Savannah College of Art and Design that brings to market, student, alumni and faculty works. It isn’s often that an educational institution, particularly in the arts, works to market what is designed and producted by its own. The result is a well curated collection of pieces that you can find and purchace.
Take Roots & Shoots, completely practical melamine plates, yet executed in a thoughtful and artful manner. The rectangular shape is not only a refreshing break from the expected, but works well in a picnic or event setting where center table space may be at a premium. The dishes are lightweight and easy to pack for your outing. The tree and foliage design is fresh and graphic. If that’s not enough, you can get a set of 4 for $48.00.
