Weekend Shopping by Holly

Last chance to use you Partners Card savings. 20% off now through Sunday at just about every store imaginable. See the list here. Also, Neiman Marcus has temporarily knocked a good majority of new Fall looks down to 40% off through Sunday. Home products excluded though. Bummer.

Splurge vs. Steal: Quartz Votives

You’ve seen the beautiful quartz votives at Madison and Grange Hall (bottom left) that you don’t dare touch (much less turn over to check for a price). Yes, they are exquisite and stunning, as they should be for that kind of price. You can find the same look for much less at Viva Terra. Each amethyst, citrine, and quartz votive is $42 (bottom right). If I can’t tell a difference, neither can your guests.

Frisco family launches get out the vote effort

…of an unusual kind.

http://www.nbcdfw.com/station/as_seen_on/Frisco_Haunted_House_Gets_Freaky.html

Celebrate Design

At the kick-off party for Celebration of Design week at the Decorative Center, tonight at 5. Unfortunately, you probably didn’t receive an invitation because most of the 2500 invites were sent back.  Which is really unfortunate because Scott + Cooner and McGannon Showrooms have gone to a lot of trouble and expense to re-do the showrooms and bring in new lines.  Paola Lenti is not a new line for SC, but the display is spectacular (are you surprised?).  Who knew how much you could create with climbing rope?  And McGannon has modernized their look with the addition of Adriana Hoyos, and her particular style of modern Spanish design.  So, cancel that manicure and go to the Dec Center.  And maybe they can get the invitation situation cleared up, so people actually get them.  I hear there was a magazine involved that didn’t exactly perform according to plan.

Just In Time For Christmas Cards…

Now through November 14, you can take $200 off your order of Bell’Invito and Pineider stationary at Nest. Now’s the time to order your holiday greeting cards, birth announcements, or wedding invitations (Candy Evans!)…

Legacy Books

There is nothing I like better than a book store.  And, nothing better in a book store than a new, privately owned one, aptly called Legacy Books. (No, I’m not a corporate basher - but it is nice to have a little individuality.)  And, even better, this book store has design cred - the interiors were done by Morrison-Seifert-Murphy - just one of the best in Dallas, and the outside by Mike Twitchell.  I can’t wait to go spend a day there - when I have a day.  But, maybe, since we’re camping at my dad’s house, and it is about 80 degrees there, I can go read and stay cool.

Tuesday Trend: Platinum Christmas

Yes Todd, I too am saying the word Christmas in October. Christmas decor is starting to flood the stores, and it doesn’t take much to see that we have a platinum Christmas in store for us this holiday season. Normally Christmas is all about the reds, whites, greens, and golds, but silver is definitely taking gold’s place this year. Stacy Hyde already has it’s Christmas decor out and it seems as if silver and mercury are your only option. I am also obsessed with Pottery Barn’s Metallic Bark Candles (especially the white and silver). Since the only white Christmas we will be having is in our dreams, these candles can help us imagine we are in the midst of one. I am imagining right now…

CB2 Ready for the Holidays

Yes, you’re right. It’s not even Halloween yet. Holiday decor? Already? Really? But we don’t have a CB2 in Dallas. (It’s Crate & Barrel’s hipper, younger, and more thrifty line of home furnishings.) And the mod retailer just debuted its holiday catalog online. So, I though I’d share the news. You can flip through the pages of the catalog online and decide which stylish bauble you’re going to buy first. Me? I have my eye on these lumiere candleholders. They’re only $4.95-$17.95 each and work great as gifts or across your holiday mantle. ‘Tis the season to shop.

Must-Have Monday

Ok. 2 things to report. First, how awesome are these mouth-blown “crater” bowls from Stanley Korshak? Very converstional and colorful AND a mere $110, which makes them worth of a “Must-Have” designation. Also, Stanley Korshak has finally added an online shopping component to their website. Now you can purchase gifts, tabletop, and books from SK from the convenience of your home. Welcome to the 21st century SK.

Weekend Shopping by Holly

All I have to say is PARTNERS CARD!!!!! Here is a list of stores. Pretty much everyone you could ever imagine is included (except Neiman’s. Ugh.).

Shop till you drop people. It is for a great cause!

Hermes Steal

You can get the entire famously classic Hermes ‘Balcon Du Guadalquivir’ tableware collection on Bluefly for 10% off retail value. Hermes at a discount price is rare, my friends.

Vintage Owls

Holly - Whoooo would have thought that owls are not just the new bird on the branch. These wise guys have been watching over our foolish trend spotting for over 50 years - at Collage on Industrial Blvd.  Cliff Ellman and I just spent the afternoon there re-creating a vintage architectural masterpiece that you are going to be lucky enough to see in Design Book.

More Thursday Night Fun

Jennifer Sbranti, of Hostess with the Mostess, and Tim Laird, Chambord’s Chief Cocktail Officer (how do you get that job?), will teach you all you need to know on how to throw a modern, hip Halloween party. From table settings to Vampire Kiss cocktails, this event will equip you with all you need to know. The event is on Thursday from 6:30-8 or 8:30 to 10 at The Apartment (1444 Oak Lawn). The event is FREE but you must register first (www.chambordonline.com/hostess).

Already have all your Halloween entertaining details squared away? Then come check out Waterworks new collection and get your copy of Betty Lou Phillips’ The French Room signed by Miss Betty herself. The event is from 6-8pm and yes, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Thursday Design Events

Thursday is the day for important events in the Design District, this week I’m only aware of one - and it is really special. David Sutherland is hosting a party for Galerie Diurne and Sandra Jordan. Galerie Diurne is a world famous European rug gallery, and they have chosen Sutherland to be their US rep (good choice). The whole upstairs has been converted to a gallery; these are the coolest, most highly designed rugs you have ever seen. And Sandra Jordan with her great alpaca textiles will be uncorking wine from her family vinyard. Jordan Winery - ever heard of it? Have your attention now?

Linens-N-Things

Bites the dust.

Tuesday Trend: Prepster Plaid

Plaid is always a staple look come every holiday season, so why would this holiday be any different? Williams-Sonoma Home has Tartan pillows ($98) and cashmere throws ($328 on sale!) that can add a classic, festive touch. CB2’s Dempsey chair ($499) is masculine and classic with a modern twist. Last but not least, I am obsessed with Nest’s artwork by Greg Piazza ($700 each). The metallic prints on plexiglass are super mod and timelessly chic all at the same time.

Partners Card Kick-off at Victory Park

Street traffic is pretty dismal at Victory Park, but they are doing everything to get people down there.  Thursday is your chance to support these pioneers - Partners Card kick-off - buy your card, get 20% off everything, great food, and a chance to sip and stroll and discover new places.  And free parking with your card.  We love Haven - you’ll see great goods from the store in every DHome issue. PS - If you don’t know what Partners Card is, your head has probably been under a rock.

Must-Have Monday

The bird trend did not fly south for the winter. Birds are still very much a part of the decor we are seeing this Fall. These little guys (in blown mercury glass with a copper finish) are precious, seasonless, and cheap! $16 for the small and $24 for the large at West Elm.

What About All Tho$e Bank$ ???

Peggy: there are now more banks than churches or gas stations in Dallas the USA, so what would we do if they had to shutter? You may recall I told you a year ago that Wachovia’s $451,000 monthly land lease at Preston and Mockingbird is one of the highest in the nation… wonder how much traffic they are losing with all that construction? (Now Wells Fargo pays the rent.) Anyhow, Preston Center is only getting busier what with the Staubach building and more development, including rumors that George Bush will office in that building (which have been denied) or in Trammell Crow’s redevelopment of the old Parkland Hospital. But read an article today saying that smaller and mid-size banks may actually weather this economic crisis and — you’ll never guess it — profit.

My House of Horrors!

This week I’ve been blogging about my partner in crime and his obsession with Halloween. Many at work think I exaggerate his condition. I say the proof is in the spider web covered pudding. Take a look at these photos he just sent me. With pride, I might add. The bottom one is how our front yard looks now. (It didn’t look that way when I left for work this morning.) Then he goes inside and props our cat. The look on her face says it all: “Really. You woke me for this?” So, does anyone else have a loved one with holiday decorating disorder?

Auction Haus

You better get up really early to catch up with the ladies at Scott + Cooner, they always seem to be just a little ahead of the game.  Now, they have an online store called Auction Haus which is opening tomorrow with everything in their warehouse at 2150 Irving Blvd, available for you to make an offer.  Remember, this is all authentic brand furniture, not, as Loyd Scott would call “curb fodder.”  Go ahead, make an offer on these cool table from Edra listed for $2900 for the three.

Frighteningly Low Prices

If you want to stock up on Halloween decor, now’s the time to hit the stores, especially the big box retailers. Sur La Table is offering 50 percent off all kinds spooky stuff. Pottery Barn is big on the skull-and-crossbones thing this season and, likewise, is discounting select merchandise. Even everyone’s favorite discount yet stylish store, Target, is getting in on the action.

Weekend Shopping by Holly

First and foremost, if you have not signed up for your Partner’s Card, the deadline for mail orders is today. However, you can purchase it online here or at a participating Tom Thumb. What is the Partners Card you say? Only a shoppers dream. 20% off at all participating stores, spas, and restaurants including At My Table, Anthropologie, Bliss Spa!, Bottega Veneta, Casa di Lino, Eiseman Jewelers, 4510, Grange Hall, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Madison, Paper & Chocolate, Scott + Cooner, Stacy Hyde, Stanley Korshak, Williams-Sonoma Home, Craft, and over 720 more. A card is only $60 (all of which goes to support The Family Place) and is good October 24-November 2. Therefore, do the bulk of your shopping next weekend.

Today, At My Table is hosting a Sabira Collection trunk show. Sabira Collection has the most ornate and elaborate tablecloths (Perfect for that all day eating-fest we call Thanksgiving). The event goes from 10-5.

If there is one thing that is evident about Dallas women, a dog in their arms/purse is a staple accessory. Attention all people that can’t leave home without their precious pooch: Saturday, Highland Park Village is having its first annual Dog Walk from 12-4. Grooming, photography, and dogs available for adoption will all be on site. Pick up a little something something for yourself while your dog gets the royal treatment.

Porthault - Not Just for Sheets

D. Porthault in Highland Park Village is one of the most frequented sources for some of the finest, softest cotton linens around.  It’s about to show its wild side, and get a little more macho - Patrick Mavros, the world-renowned African sculptor and silversmith will be showing his incredible work at a trunk show next Oct 21 and 22.  Christine Allison and I saw this display at the Kappa Kappa Gamma tablescapes and went crazy for it; this is just one of the little animals adorning the table. He’s cute, huh, and so is Mavros.

Thursday Parties

Don’t you love Thursdays when there are cool new openings and events to attend? Especially when they are as compelling as these. JANUS et Cie is celebrating their first showroom here in Dallas at 1525 Dragon St. You will see some of the coolest, newest international designs in outdoor living. The collection is stunning - and the bright white showroom is such a contrast to the old Del Saxon space (but, I do miss him.) When you have been wowed by the originality of some of these pieces, walk across the street to the 40th birthday of Vivian Watson Associates , and meet some of their suppliers that have been along for the whole ride. And be sure and have a few drinks, Vivian (as seen on page 78 of October DHo me ) is there with you in spirit.