Paris in December

Fracas was created in 1948. Gin Fizz was made for Grace Kelly in 1955. Two really beautiful scents - one intensely floral, the other light and citrusy. For different tastes, each one is perfect.

Unsecret Santa

Cute little mercury glass candles with a vintagey Santa and a cinnamonny scent. $12.

Runners up

In the market stalls of Guatemala it was impossible to resist the festive happy colors and lively floral designs of these long embroidered runners. Approximately 16" by 8'.

It's a wash

A seasonal selection from New York soap maker Saipua, who features inventive ingredients and the best wrappings. Speaking of visuals, they are also masterful floral designers. Look at Design Sponge on line for a glimpse of their beautiful arrangements - and because it's fun to look at Design Sponge. $9.00

Fir me

Love the smell of Christmas trees. Good old fashioned ordinary balsam. The fancier trees have appealing visuals, but not so much fragrance. Forget plastic. December treks to the flower market in Boston, the van filled with cut greens, the sweet woodsy smell soothing despite the inexplicable any-time-of-day traffic creepalongs. Little pillows made for us in Maine. $10.00.

Purse your lips

Found imagery collage on handy little purse mirrors from John Derian's New York studio. $12.00.

Dish it up

These charming and useful little hand painted ceramic dishes were made in Guanajuato, at the Gorky Gonzalez pottery workshop. If you are ever fortunate to be in that part of the world, make a plan to visit their lovely studio. As an added bonus, visit the childhood home of Diego Rivera. 4" to 5 1/2". $12. $14. $18.