Archive   |   April, 2011

mother’s day gift ideas: toothpick holders

Posted by in collecting, giving, holidays

mothersday

When my mother-in-law started collecting toothpick holders several years ago, I have to admit, I didn’t really get it. Then I bought her a collector’s guide and my jaw about hit the floor when I saw all the different holders. Literally thousands — and that’s just pressed glass. There’s also toothpick holders made of metal (silver, pewter) and porcelain.

Although toothpick holders are no longer considered part of a well-set table, they come in handy for other uses. Filling out the front of a bookshelf, holding a miniature bouquet or keeping your rings safe, to name a few.

Toothpick holders have sold for as much as $10,000 at auction (that’s not a typo). I usually find good ones to gift for well under $20 but have occasionally paid more. With a lot of collectibles, however, there are recent reproductions so if you’re spending a lot, check out some of the collector’s guides first. They’ll help you identify the difference between old and new. You can also find information and links on The National Toothpick Society website. — Sarah L.

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steal this idea: orla kiely-inspired stencils

Posted by in crafting, decorating

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bath2

Earlier this year I painted my boring white bathroom an awesome turquoise color and was really pleased with the results. But something was missing … I felt like it needed just a little more design oomph to make it perfect. After some web surfing and brainstorming, I came up with this Orla Kiely-inspired stencil pattern, and applied it on the walls using a slightly glossy version of the same paint color. I loved the results! The stem pattern added just a bit of extra visual interest to the room that I felt it was missing. Thanks to Ms. Kiely’s Scandinavian design, I now love my bathroom just a little more. What do you think? – Rebecca F.

Photo: Rebecca Firlik

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registry favorite: beverage dispensers

Posted by in drinking, giving, weddings

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anthro bev dispenser

As I’ve been preparing for this year’s run of the summer wedding gauntlet, I’ve noticed a pattern: Crate & Barrel’s cold beverage jar with stand, $49.95, has been on every single registry I’ve looked at. I love everything beverage dispensers stand for: summer parties, cocktails, refreshing drinks! But never have I actually attended an event where I’ve seen one in action. Yes, considering the trend the reason could lie in the fact that the friends that would have the type of soiree that calls for one haven’t received them yet, but still, this item seems to be a popular one for these summer registries. It also calls to mind Anthropologie’s designer version, $298, but with its equally Anthropologie price tag, my summer drink serving needs are best left to the registry specialists at Crate & Barrel. What do you think, readers? Any other hot registry items to keep on the radar? Did you ask for a beverage dispenser, and if so, do you use it? — Sarah C.

Related:
planning a wedding: fun with the registry
post off: what item just didn’t work for you?
wedding registry idea: something old instead of new

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oh happy day: the marimekko shop at crate and barrel is open!

Posted by in decorating, shopping

marimekko

Crate and Barrel and Marimekko go hand in hand — in fact, their history together dates back to the early 1960′s. Even though C&B has been a reliable source for Marimekko textiles and bedding, it’s mostly been integrated into the regular stock. That all changed when Crate and Barrel opened the first Marimekko shop in their Soho location (as covered by Sarah C. back in October), featuring even more Finnish retinal delights than ever before. Now coasters west, east and in between can peruse this augmented collection, as the online Marimekko shop opens today! So shop now — or if you’re close enough to drop in to one of the brick and mortar locations opening soon, even better. Locations and opening dates are as follows: New York (Madison Avenue, April 28), Chicago (North and Clyborn, May 5), Los Angeles (The Grove, May 19) and San Francisco (Union Square, May 26). — Megan B.

And for more of what to expect when you go, check out more of Sarah’s photos of the Soho store at our Facebook page!

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i have a crush on ikea fabrics!

Posted by in crafting, decorating

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I don’t know a single person who doesn’t have a love affair (of some sort) with Ikea. Be it their inexpensive furniture, colorful home decorating accessories, or myriad of household items we didn’t know we needed, there’s something for everyone. My most recent obsession is with Ikea’s fabrics. The cheery colors and funky Scandinavian patterns helped me fight the blues through Chicago’s dreary winter — I picked up red-patterned Fredrika fabric (for less than $6 a yard!) and two pillow inserts and made these pillows in a single afternoon. Don’t they make you feel happier just looking at them? What’s your Ikea obsession? – Rebecca F.

photo: Rebecca Firlik

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