Glamorous Imbibing

To me, no home is complete without a fully stocked bar (perhaps this is a result of my days attending a university known for its partying!). For those of you who do not have the space for a built-in bar, why not try a bar cart? The ultimate cart for me would be of the antique chrome and glass variety. Until I have found "it", I'm thinking of purchasing one from Restoration Hardware. The Hanover Bar Cart is rather glamorous and looks quite similar to those I've seen in the auction catalogues. I might even consider replacing the clear glass with smoked glass.

For one's bar accoutrements, decanters are a must. While cut-crystal decanters are great, I am partial to rather plain ones; plain does not, however, mean boring. Moss, one of my favorite design stores in New York, has a beautiful crystal one made by Lobmeyr of Austria. Part of the Ambassador series, it was designed in 1925. It is very simple and very chic.

And for sterling silver bar tools, Tiffany & Co. is really the ultimate. The Century ice strainer and muddler would add just the right Deco touch to the whole setup.

Let Them Eat Cake!

Much has been written about Sofia Coppola's new film "Marie Antoinette". Many reviewers have remarked about the bright pastel colors of the costumes and set design (reportedly inspired by the color of Laduree macaroons).

I recently saw a still photo from the film in which Marie Antoinette (played by Kirsten Dunst), is surrounded by lavish desserts and cakes. I immediately thought of the wonderful Pierre Frey fabric Gourmandise. The recently expanded line now includes tablecloths, china, trays, and pillows.

Does this not remind you of these yummy Laduree confections?

Stylish Sconces

I was just scanning the new additions to the 1st dibs website and was wowed by these sconces being sold at Chapman Radcliff.

While they may look a bit like theater props, I really like the feminine and whimsical design on the wooden background- a bit of Rococo! And the silver tole adds a splash of shine! They look like something that Dorothy Draper might have used in one of her early installations.

Seeing Spots

Animal prints are a perennial fashion favorite and this season is no exception. Leopard spots and tiger stripes are a chic way to punch up both one's wardrobe and one's home.

Vivre has some super stylish leather trays that have a bold leopard lining. They would look great on a cocktail table, a bar, or a vanity.

Or, for something really audacious, what about some leopard sheets from Pottery Barn?



And for those of you who think that subtlety is for the birds, why not throw this wild tiger rug down in your entryway or in front of the fireplace? Definitely not for the faint of heart. (Available at Jacques Carcanagues Inc. )

Oscar Does Silver!

Oscar de la Renta Home has recently unveiled its new line for Lunt Silversmiths. There are three collections- City, Country, and Island, and in typical Oscar de la Renta fashion, it's all pretty fab.

I love the silverplate revere bowl with the robin's egg blue enamel- a great pop of color. And, if you want something more subtle, there is a sophisticated wooden revere bowl with silverplated trim.

And for something really graphic, what about the lacquered tray below? It reminds me of a painted floor that I once saw- I think one done by Albert Hadley.