In Praise of Ribbons

While scouting for a photo shoot for next week, I visited three ribbon shops in the garment district this week, each with its own distinct personality. My favorite by far, was the old world, family owned and run Tinsel Trading on West 37th Street.

Metal threads on wooden spools are artfully arranged as necklaces.

Centerpiece idea: Tabletop Christmas tree in the kitchen with all food-related decorations

Looking for something different to use as a kitchen table centerpiece?
I bought this fake tabletop Christmas tree a couple of years ago. While decorating our big (real) tree, Max and I decided that it would be fun to separate out put all the food related ornaments and hang them on the small tree, for a cheap holiday centerpiece. As we unwrapped and hung all the ornaments we separated out all the edibles, that ranged from carrots and chocolates to cupcakes and a cookie sheet of gingerbread men. Most of these (including the tree) I bought at a holiday ornament sample sale in the gift building on west 34th street a couple of years ago, and everything cost $2 or $3.
We included kitchen related decorations, such as a mini KitchenAid stand mixer and an apron.
Now, I'm on the hunt for a mini chef's hat to use as a tree topper! Or a Santa dressed as a chef. Or maybe we'll make one ourselves!
Next year, we'll up the ante and make some cookie decorations ourselves, although that plastic decorated heart- shaped one looks pretty delicious doesn't it?
--Monica Forrestall

Seashell picture frame hostess gift

                                                  Max and his little crab.
Every day at the beach involves collecting shells, even if it is just one or two slipped beauties into a pocket.
And everyone who travels to visit anyone this summer who lives on the beach will undoubtably do the same thing. Then what to do with the shells? Fill a jar? Fine, but with extras why not create a gift for your hostess?  Last summer I picked shells and crab legs and stones off of our beach with my son Max, and by the end of the summer we had quite a collection.
I had several very plain wooden picture frames on hand and used one of them to made this charming ode-to-summer picture frame.