Let's Pretend Gift Guide: Part 3

 The final chapter of the Let's Pretend Gift Guide! Comin' attcha!

If we gave each other Christmas gifts, here is how it would go: 

Happy Holiday, Grace McNicholas! 

Now this hypothetical Christmas gift is neither as useful nor quite as affordable as the last two, but I haven't found anything that screams "Grace" more. This Turquoise Bar Ring from Sasa Jewelry is a bold statement piece that I think would add a great pop of color to any and all of the tres fashionable things you wear day to day.

Hope you like it! 

P.S. Dear Readers! On a slightly related note, we will all be taking a short break from the blog until the first of the year. (I just couldn't leave poor Grace without an imaginary gift to open.) Thank you for coming round to read what we write! We so appreciate your support. And we look forward bringing you more beautiful things in 2014 to brighten your days and inspire you!

See you in the New Year!

- Cathleen 

Let's Pretend Gift Guide: Part 2

Once again, we bring you another installment of the Let's Pretend Gift Guide!

If we gave each other Christmas gifts, here is how it would go: 

Happy Christmas, Alissa Lively! 

Because of your appreciation of the great Josef Albers, I found this Orbit Wall Clock made by ObjectifyHomeware. I thought it would compliment your cozy home, help keep you on schedule during your busy days, and inspire your love of color all in one fell swoop. 

Hope you like it! 

- Cathleen 

Let's Pretend Gift Guide: Part 1

I've been neck deep in a serious online Christmas gift search for the last week. I'm determined to get all of my shopping done as soon as possible so that I can enjoy the holiday season with nothing hanging over my head but mistletoe. During my internet explorations, I've come across a couple of things that made me think of my Swings and Arrows crew members. I thought I'd post a gift for each of them once a week leading up to Christmas. Maybe you guys will see something for a special someone in your life?

So Merry Christmas, Brian Searby!

If we bought each other gifts, here is what I would give you:

The EDC Magnesium Fire Starter Keychain

This fire starter from Kaufmann Mercantile can ignite tinder with its hot sparks and create an emergency signal that can be seen in the dark a mile away. The perfect tool for your many camping trips and mountainous hikes.

Hope you like it! 

- Cathleen 

The Hunt for Red (and Green) in October

Rainbow Stocking 

$24.95 from Land of Nod

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas. Christmas STOCKINGS, that is. We are searching for a new set for our growing family and there is a surprising lack of quality oversized socks to hang from our mantle and fill with toothbrushes and broken candy canes. I want something that looks classic yet not so cute that a surly teenager won't roll his/her eyes when we pull it out every year. See? I'm really thinking ahead on this one. After an exhaustive internet exploration, I think we've narrowed it down to these fine few.

Red & Gray Natural Fair Isle Stocking 

$34.50 from Pottery Barn Kids

Confetti Stocking

$24.95 from Land of Nod

Quilted Red Ribbon Velvet Stocking

$19 from Pottery Barn Kids

Pick Stitch Stocking

$24 from Land of Nod

Ice Skate Glitter Stocking

$34.50 from Pottery Barn Kids

Psst... Land of Nod also has a great selection of novelty stocking stuffers that would thrill adult and kid alike come Christmas morn. Seriously, I would have killed for this bell when I was a whippersnapper. And is there anything funnier than fake dog poop?

- Cathleen 

Our Christmas Tree

Since Micky and I planned extended visits with our families for Christmas this year, we decided to forgo the real 4-foot needle shedder we usually get and try something different this time around. Three-and-a-half rolls of dark and lime green wrapping paper later, this is the understated tree-ish-shaped beauty that stands before us. I spent a leisurely three or four nights covering the tallest of our book collection while watching White Christmas, Sleepless in Seattle and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation---so really, it took practically no time at all to transform our ordinary bookcase into a festive holiday display. Full disclosure: I started to run low on paper towards the end and only covered the spines of some of the smaller books, but figured as long as you couldn't see any of the cover peaking out, no one would be the wiser. Except for the people I told this to. I'm thinking of adding a string of white Christmas lights and a paper snowflake at the top, but packing for our trip and wrapping actual presents in paper has suddenly taken precedence. The only adornment that now stands is a pickle ornament I got for my birthday from Micky's mom. Whoever finds it first gets a special Christmas surprise! 

Happy Christmas Eve, everyone!

- Cathleen 

His and Hers Christmas Wish List Part FINAL

In case you've been avoiding your calendar, Christmas is now only 7 days away which also means this is the last installment of the His and Hers Christmas Wish List! I know, I'm sad too. With no further ado, here are my final picks.

Hers Pick #Final: John Derian Decoupaged Plate 

Some Fish

$185

Beached Narwahl

$175

Balais En Blaireau 240

$175

Pasta

$165

I'm slightly obsessed with John Derian. I once went into his shop in NYC with Cashleen and asked the store clerks if he was there. They said he had just left and it took all sorts of restraint to keep me from running through the streets screaming his name! 

Derian's plates come in various sizes with a large collection of images. The prices vary, but a large plate is usually about $200. 

These are always the best gift for a lady who loves anything beautiful! Check out his website for tons of other cool pieces. 

His Pick #Final: Orvis Gold Rush Chronograph

Orvis has hit gold (har har) with their Gold Rush Chronograph watch. Aptly priced at only $149, this watch is smart and affordable.

It's always a challenge to find a nice mens watch that doesn't break the bank, but with its leather strap and brass mounts, this watch achieves perfection. 

Well, everyone, that puts to bed my His and Hers Christmas Wish List Countdown. I hope you enjoyed it! Cathleen is on for tomorrow and I'll be back on Thursday and Friday for fresh musings in art.

-Grace

Skirting the Issue

We don't have a tree skirt. But I want one. I've totally missed the boat this year, what with Christmas being a week and a half away and all. But I am determined to make ours next year. Here are the best ones I gathered on Pintrest; simple, yet elegant designs that I think I could definitely pull off with my remedial sewing skills.

With skirts this pretty, it'd be a real shame covering them up with bulky ol' presents. Sorry, friends and family. You're just getting disposable razors and chapstick in your stockings next year. 

- Cathleen