A Million and One Decadent Gift Ideas

If you are anything like me, I try really hard to find the perfect gift for each person on my gift giving list. Although there are budget considerations, for me it is more about finding a really special gift that will make that special someone smile, whether it's handmade, vintage, $10 or $100. For this post, I thought I'd share some of the most unique gift ideas that I found through either friends or searching the web. Yes, some of them are really out there, but, hey, Christmas is about dreaming, isn't it?

So get your list on hand and let's go shopping!

Petite Paper Shoe - For the Friend who has Everything $36

Here's a handmade little shoe made of paper, plaster and details of a soft delicate paper flower from one of my favorite designers and friends, Noel Solomon of Fanciful Designs! Each one varies slightly as they are handmade. Comes wrapped in a cotton Fanciful shoe bag.

This makes a wonderful gift for your friend who has everything or someone who appreciates art, shopping and shoes!

If you're interested in more than one petite shoe for a special event or as gifts, contact the artist, Noel at fanciful.noel@gmail.com

*Recently featured in October 2010 Romantic Homes Magazine & Your Wedding Day Magazine*
Measures Approx 5.5" x 3"h x 1"w. Price: $36.00

Wood and Cotton Sailboats

My six year old son, Liam, would love these sweet wood and cotton sailboats. Great for decorating those coastal beach homes. These were made by a brilliant designer ... you can now order them direct at whiteflowerfarm.com or via my blog pal at Red Ticking.

Linen Teatowels $47.50

I can never have enough household linens and these french ticking tea towels from Atlanta Bartlett's new online store, Pale and Interesting, are absolutely perfect for any decor. Gorgeous white linen tea towels with red stripes made from un-used antique linen roll fabric.

L 78cm W 42cm apx. Machine wash. Please note that these are handmade items made from antique fabric and therefore no two are identical and they are not in pristine new condition…just the way we love them! 29.95 GBP or $47.50 USD.

Classica Linen Duvets and Shams by PomPom At Home $391 (Queen)

I carry these linens in my own store and I get so many people oohing and aahing. Made of 100% washable linen, these duvets, sheets and shams are so soft and the more you wash them, the softer they get. "Classica" is a sophisticated line with ornate center embroidery in white yarn finished with a classic hemstitched 3” flange. This duvet features some charming details on the top fold as well. Available colors - Embroidered Plain, Beige/White Beige, Blue/White Blue, Grey/White Grey, White/White White.
Available sizes – Twin, Queen & King. $391 for Queen.

You can view the entire collection by visiting Pom Pom at Home.

If you would like help ordering any of the collection, please feel free to contact me.

Private Commission from Renowned Photographer, Dorothy Blum Cooper


As many of you know, I lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. Among the things I lost that upset me the most were all my photographs of loved ones no longer with us or my little ones when they were born. So for me, capturing that special moment is so very precious.

Give yourself or someone you love the gift of a thousand words with Dorothy Blum Cooper's photographs. A native of Louisiana, raised in Kentucky and now residing in North Carolina, Dorothy Blum Cooper has been documenting and preserving her view of the world around her since childhood. This self-taught, self-styled photographer has the ability to spot the character of her subjects in an instant, creating an enduring image of ageless quality.

Working with her husband, award-winning artist and fine art photographic printer Bobby Cooper, Dorothy is able to allow her creativity to push the limits. Her genuine gift is her ability to reveal the heart of her subjects through her instinct and spontaneity. The distinct character of each subject is evident in her final prints. Dorothy works with her camera and film the way the painter works with brush and oils...her perception is rare. A work of art evolves through her capable eye.

Residing in private and public collections throughout the United States and Europe, Dorothy’s photography has won awards in local and national exhibitions. She offers her work in limited editions and accepts commissions in Louisiana and North Carolina. Commissions start at $475. For additional information, please contact Dorothy Blum Cooper.


A Decadent Handmade Accessory from The French Mouse

Nope, you can't have this one as this one is MINE!!! Seriously, I can't wait to get it and wear it in my hair in time for a holiday party. From one of my wonderful friends and fellow designer, Hope Ava of The French Mouse, this and other decadent fripperies make wonderful gifts to anyone who wants a bit of french flair in their hair, lapel, or purse. Ranging in price from $12 to $100, Hope's pieces are truly a work of art. Visit The French Mouse on Etsy and get one of these for every girl in your list -- including one for you!

An Exclusive Precious Jewel Design from Karen Sugarman

Affluent Amazonite and Shell Necklace
Gorgeous soft aqua and ivory colors make this necklace the perfect candidate for the “most flattering necklace”. A copious amount of cultured freshwater coin, stick and baroque pearls are mixed with the clean aqua color of generous amazonite beads and a very clever aqua shell bead to create a divine explosion of textures. The uniquely carved 2.75” long pendant creates an interesting focal point. Gold vermeil toggle clasp. Sold.

For more stunning designs visit Karen at Karen Sugarman Designs.

A Gorgeous Hat from Anya Caliendo Couture Millinery Atelier

I have a fetish for beautiful hats and this one is on my bucket list. I adore, simple adore, Anya Caliendo's design and this would be the perfect gift for the woman who loves hats (... Frances Russell perhaps????). Anya has a divine collection of millinery. For a real treat, visit her collection here.

Christian Lacroix Shoes

If I could only catch my breath to say something......

A Gorgeous French Gown or Maybe Just the Louis LXV Chairs

Sorry, I don't know where you can get this gown or the chairs, but I thought we just needed a moment to sigh after all this shopping....


Italian Crystals Sconces

I think Emily Blunt just needed these sconces in that room to put us over the edge.

Handcrafted in Italy with murano (venetian) glass crystals exclusively for disegno Karina Gentinetta. Crystals are hand knotted and tied and crystal beadings are wrapped around each of the antique gold iron arms. Absolutely magnificent with 6 lights. Custom sizes available. Please contact me or visit my 1stdibs store for more information.

Handcrafted Martini Table Gilded in Gold Leaf

Just in time for those holiday parties, my own Martini table. Handcrafted in metal and hand gilded in gold leaf (shown) or silver leaf. 12.5" diameter x 27.5" tall. $685. To order, please contact me at kgentinetta@gmail.com

19th c. Italian Settee or Sofa in Tufted Muslin

Live beautifully......... Gorgeous antique Italian tufted settee with painted wood and gilded frame. Beautiful gilded carvings and original patina. Upholstered in muslin. For more information, visit disegno Karina Gentinetta on 1stdibs. Or simply click here.

So have you crossed out everyone on your list??????

Christian Dior Christmas Tree and Other Fabulous Trees

It's that time of year again when everyone is inspired to do their very best holiday decorations. This post is dedicated to some really innovative Christmas trees which have really caught not only my attention but those from around the world.

Take Christian Dior's creative director John Galliano. Every year, he designs and builds the Christmas Tree at London's luxury Claridge Hotel. Every year, I love to see the unveiling of this tree as it is truly a work of art.

This year, John was inspired by the ocean and created this "Under the Sea" christmas tree. Although I am a traditional christmas tree kind of gal, I can so appreciate this beauty!


The details of the underwater sea life are amazing!

In 2009, John Galliano's tree was equally as impressive. This one was inspired by the jungle.

It almost has a whimsical, Harry Potter look to it, doesn't it?

But there are other non-traditional christmas trees that I must admit, I find truly beautiful and innovative.

Take this Orchid tree on display at the National Museum of Art (2006).

I find this one very Dr. Seuss-like.

Or take Soo Kee's Jewelry's christmas tree made of clear crystals and close to a thousand carats of diamonds literally worth 1.55 million dollars!

Can you imagine this baby in your living room????

But other simpler ones can be just as attractive.

Here's a eco-friendly plywood tree designed byAustralian design team, Bruno North.

Or this one made out of wood blocks and candles. Imaginative and simply perfect in this minimalistic decor.

Even this tree branch Christmas tree is beautiful in this modern decor.

If you have a unique Christmas tree, I'd love to hear all about it. I find Christmas trees to be beautiful no matter their size, shape or style. For just a few weeks out of our busy year, they become the gathering place for many of us. A place that is magical regardless of your age.

Scandinavian Design

The long awaited guide to Scandinavian Design by Lars Bolander and Heather Smith MacIsaac.

I have always been attracted to Swedish design and furniture. Perhaps it is the color palettes of pale greys, whites and blues that are so soothing to me. Maybe, it is the clean and simple lines that bring harmony to my otherwise chaotic world. Whatever the reason is, swedish design and furnishings are very prevalent in my own collection and I was extremely excited to pick up a copy of the latest book by Lars Bolander and Heather Smith MacIsaac, both of whom are experts in the subject. If you are a lover of Swedish design, you should see this book! A comprehensive overview of all aspects of Scandinavian design, the book is a visual delight as well as being a serious resources guide for anyone interested in the tenants of Scandinavian decor.

So while I lounged around this Thanksgiving holiday, I chose some of my favorite photos below from the book to share with you. In doing so, I realized how many of my own swedish style pieces could fit right into these photos.

"Tailored white slipcovers bring an exquisite 1770s Swedish dining room down to earth."
Above, from my own collection on 1stdibs, c. 1910 French Louis XIII Style Os du Mouton Walnut Chairs Upholstered in Belgian Linen with natural french nailheads.



Swedish Gustavian Style Chandelier, also on 1stdibs.



"Though many of the elements in this eighteenth-century Swedish living room display age and wear, the overall effect is fresh and inviting. A delicate floral fabric for the sofa’s squabs, along with pieces of blue and white porcelain, brightens the otherwise muted tone." (Scandinavian Design).



This 19th Century Antique Swedish Style Server would fit right in the living room above. It is one of my favorite, simple pieces that capture the essence of my love for swedish interiors.



As would this charming Swedish Style Painted Drop Leaf Secretary (on loan right now to the set of Twilight: Breaking Dawn, currently being filmed in New Orleans). This little piece will be in Edward and Bella's romantic cottage along with a couple of other pieces from my shop.



Another of my favorite swedish pieces -- this Swedish Style Painted Corner Cabinet.

And this oyster white painted commode.

And finally, this Vintage Painted Swedish Style Table.




This wooden bed featured in Scandinavian Design is so simple and yet so inviting. It echoes the simple, painted frame of this lovely 19th c. convent bed -- part of my new inventory on 1stdibs.
With its shorter than normal frame and high sides, this bed would be perfect for a child's first bed.


For more Swedish design and inspiration...
Visit the Lars Bolander showrooms in New York and Palm Beach Here.

(Photos courtesy of Lars Bolander's Scandinavian Design).
A special thanks to Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems whose books Swedish Interiors and Swedish Country Interiors have also inspired my work and this post.

La Bastide de Marie

Amidst Provence, France, there exists a place this beautiful. A fully restored 18th-century stone inn sitting placidly amid endless vineyards, La Bastide de Marie is a delightful farmhouse estate in Provence - a portal into old-world French living.
Sit back and enjoy the photos....

I'm just speechless.....

(Photos courtesy of La Bastide de Marie).

Thanksgiving in Paris

If you are ever in the Marais neighborhood in Paris, you will find this quaint store at 20 Rue Saint Paul where Americans can get all the fixings for their Thanksgiving feast. There is even a great cajun restaurant upstairs where you can enjoy some real Louisiana cooking. In Paris????? Yep. Of course, you can always just come down to New Orleans to enjoy a real cajun Thanksgiving too.

But wherever you are today, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

The Ladies in Waiting...

These petite bergeres are the sweetest pieces I've ever had at my store. Born in 19th century France, these pair of walnut beauties landed in my care, sorely tattered and torn. My master crafstman and upholsterer went to work..... I had a vision.....

Carefully restored.... piece by piece.... french tack by french tack.... nothing but the softest, most beautiful belgian linen would do..... and soft, down-wrapped cushions to sink in....

The attention to detail is beyond words......

Part of my newly restored pieces at disegno Karina Gentinetta on 1stdibs.

And before I sign off to start working on the million things I have to cook for our Thanksgiving dinner, I just wanted to thank the crew at 1sdibs for these wonderful photos of my featured items on 1stdibs this week.