an earlier present

on wrapping: sometimes the gift seems
to present itself, sort of like a puzzle-

it just takes a bit of looking at it.
(& a little paper, and a little string.)

always at the top of the list: ancient industries

simply

perfect

and

(better yet)

perfectly

useful

gifts:

ancient industries

and in the u.k., here

a fine truffle

les émotifs anonymes

note: swann arlaud and pierre niney almost

steal the show (but really only almost, which is

perfect). highly recommended holiday viewing.

photo: here

hippity hoppity

have a delicious weekend

On this Evening, A Simple Wish in Blue & White: Happy Holidays

A thanksgiving shoot

created a few years ago

for the Mercury News.

happy holidays

design: victoria thorne

photos: rick martin

trimmings

Plate Bio: The spoon is coin silver, from an old Virginia estate; the fork is from eBay, and (so said the seller) the Civil War; the pewter is also eBay, from the 17oo's...the linen, German. The plate is an old favorite, unearthed at a long-ago garage sale.

These plates were created many months ago; as busy as we all are these days, I think the best use of time would be to print them out, on nice heavy stock, and put them on top of your own plates at the table. A little tongue in cheek chic for your holiday merriment, yes?

Think cranberries and turkey and all the trimmings.

Think happy thanksgiving, from yours truly,

vt

that Shakespeherian Rag

In Steiff We Trust: Thanksgiving Plate Poetry

Clearly, the children's plate. As the crowd waits for turkey, it's fun to think of these bits of art gracing the table...each placesetting waiting for that certain someone. With our nod to Joseph Cornell, who needs flowers? A few beeswax tapers, held aloft by silver candlesticks at the center of the table, and we're off...

This is a favorite, also...the book, the fox, and the plate (made at a tender age by one of my sons) were such fun to put together...for me, it is creating "family art" that brings joy...and there is true satisfaction when others find delight in the treasures.

Holiday Plates: How to Dress Up Your Table Before the Bird Arrives

dearest readers:

all of the place settings

posted in the next few days were

created by

victoria thorne,

&

photographed by

rick martin

hope they provide great

inspiration and joy

during your holidays!

above:

mim's plate | quail and olive