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

Monogram Mania at Mark and Graham

Have you shopped the new monogram-happy gift site, Mark and Graham yet? It's the latest brand to come from WSH, the peeps behind Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and West Elm. They have some cute stuff, all of which seems to be conducive to personalization, which is a free option. They also offer free (and cute) gift wrapping and shipping on orders over $49. Here's a preview of what you'll find at the online shop...

Exquisite Cashmere Thrown - $299 --- Grosgrain Border Dinner Napkins - $45

Linen Satin Stitch Cocktail Napkins - $32 --- Hexagonal Julep Cup - $25

Beveled-Glass Mirrored Coasters - $39

Swirl Domed Glass Paperweight - $35 --- Everyday Leather Tote - $199

One negative in my eyes is that most of their merch does seem a bit generic...I supposed you must rely on the monogram to make each item special.  And all too many of the items are marked as "imported" which I suspect means "made in China." I'll suspend judgement until I see some of the product line in person, but I am slightly wary of the quality of the goods.

Nevertheless, I think Mark and Graham seems like a good source for personalized presents and for monogrammed home accessories. Let me know if you place an order...I'd love to hear what you think about the quality. It's tough with online-only shops to get a sense of that.

Christmas Gift Guides

I was asked by two lovely bloggers, Meg of Mimi + Meg and Katie of Modern Eve, to put together gifting guides for the holidays and both were published today! It was lots of fun to brainstorm and I tried to come up with a range of gifts wider than just ones that I want...although ideas for guy gifts are definitely lacking :)

Here's the gift guide on Mimi + Meg. This mélange includes:

1) design book 2) watch 3) throw 4) beach towel 5) nail polish 6) pillow 7) camelhair blazer 8) iPhone case 9) tray 

10) personalized address stamp 11) serving utensils 12) leopard flats

And here's the one on Modern Eve and it has:

1) tote bag 2) ceramic dip set 3) down jacket 4) candle 5) scarf 6) fountain pen 7) engraved dog collar 8) art book

What do you think of my picks? Do you have any fun gifting ideas to share? I'm a terrible gifter so I always need suggestions!