Happy New Year!

Hello and happy 2011! As you might've noticed, I digitally disconnected for Christmas and New Year's. During the break, I was able to spend time with friends and family instead of my computer and it was just what I needed. But now it's Monday and I'm back in business...feeling a little overwhelmed by my email inbox and to-do list, but I'm happy to blogging again. Since it's January 3rd and Christmas talk needs to officially wrap up, I wanted to share a few of the amazing gifts I received.

First, my sweet husband got me these awesome cloisonne lamps that I've been stalking for a loooong time. I originally dreamed of using them in our entry, but after putting them on the chest it became clear that they wouldn't work there because the shades were too large. They quickly found a new home in the dining room.

Please ignore the sorry-excuse-for-a-buffet...I'm still on the hunt for a new one!

Aren't the lamps cool? They were purchased in Dallas at William-Christopher Design. They were custom-made so I can't point you directly to a source to order them. If you're dying to get your hands on something similar, these were made from Tozai cloisonne tea jars and are mounted on acrylic bases. A good lamp shop should be able to help you with the fabrication.

My inlaws are obviously aware of my table linen obsession and gave me a gorgeous set of Jan du Luz place mats and monogrammed napkins. As you can see in the second photo, the fabric is exquisite and has a subtle diamond pattern. I adore the simple, classic style. 

I was instantly excited about a gift from my mom after seeing the Hermès gift wrapping. The box was so stinkin' pretty that I almost didn't want to open it.

Low and behold, the silk scarf inside ended up trumping the beauty of the box...a really shocking revelation since I actually picked out the scarf ;) In any case, I'm completely transfixed by the colors and love the crazy design. This present definitely reignited my desire to make a pillow out of a fabulous vintage scarf.

Finally, my sister-in-law gave me Niven Morgan's Marrakech Orange Blossom candle and it smells as wonderful as it looks. It's a fresh, light scent and I also love that the container is adorned with an orange geometric print :)

I was quite a lucky girl, wasn't I? Not pictured, but also received and appreciated were a Patagonia Down Sweater Vest and an iPad! I'll be getting LOTS of use out of both of those items. Now I need to write thank-you notes to all of the lovely people who gave me my new favorite things.

Hope that your holidays were as splendid as mine were. I wish you all the best in the coming year!