Rosenthal Mini Vases

I recently celebrated my 31st birthday and one of my favorite gifts I received was a Rosenthal mini vase. Legendary tabletop brand Rosenthal, a 130 year-old company, is staying hip and relevant with this rather new and somewhat edgy collection of mini vases, of which mine is a part. I was given the one called Surface, which is a matte white Cubist-looking little cutie. All of them are an adorable and utilitarian 3-4" tall (bud vases are fantastic for extending the life of cut flowers). Here's mine on my desk...

I totally want to collect all of them now because they'd look stunning as a collection, especially against a dark table or backdrop (I'm picturing them filled with hot pink buds on a marble mantel against black walls)!

If you're itching to collect them too, the itty bitty vases can be purchased directly from Rosenthal or at Bloomingdale's.

Two Texan Companies to Know About

I gotta tell you about two companies that make some of my new favorite home accessories...both are located in the Lone Star state! First up is CeramicaBotanica, an Etsy shop that I stumbled upon while trolling for vintage barware for a client. CeramicaBotanica sells handmade, one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls, vases, platters, plates, trays, Christmas ornaments, and even house numbers! The woman at the helm of the kiln, Susan Rodriguez, obviously loves color and pattern and she knows how to work 'em. Her patterns are fresh and fun...most have a bit of a mod vibe. She also constructs some pieces using inventive shapes (i.e. fat teardrop-shaped apps plates). Have a look...

Appetizer Plate in Avocado Green - $32

Ceramic Tray - $75

Colorful Rain Serving Bowl - $60

Serving Bowl Grey Ornate and Aqua - $32

Blue Woodland Wildflower Salad Bowl - $175

Isn't CeramicaBotanica fabulous? I want to get a tray and a set of those appetizer plates. Anything in the shop would make a fantastic gift, in case you're still on the hunt for Christmas presents!

Next, I wanted to tell you about Fehr Fara, the makers of the genius Inside & Out Pillow. These pillows are reversible, so you get two looks! Fehr Fara was created by a husband and wife team and the company is based in Houston. Here are some of their lovely creations...

If I were picking Inside & Out Pillows for myself I'd go for the "Y" Navy & Navy Solid and the

Iconcentric Cornflower Blue & Cornflower Blue Solid. I got a bit excited about the prospect of designing around them - and a CeramicaBotanica Rain Cup/Bowl - and did a little partial living room board...

Colton Sofa - $1,539  ---  Cicero Cocktail Table - $2,128  ---   Rags to Riches Rug White - $399

White Lamp with Orange Shade - $295  ---  Carved Wood Side Table - $199

Paper Lantern by Jay Zerbe via Saatchi Online