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Do you love these or what? I just might have to cave and buy a couple of these for myself this holiday season…

“Apparently the inscription has nothing to do with mandarin beef or bok choy: it’s the subject line for a letter of career appointment dated in the King’s third year, first month, twelfth day. Business dinner, perhaps?”

•Unique dip-and-pour glaze with Chinese characters
•Twice fired durable stoneware
•Dishwasher- and microwave-safe

I know this might sound awfully materialistic, but my life would be so much better if I had this desk. At 72 inches wide and 30 inches deep, it’d be the perfect sized surface to spread out projects and miscellany. Plus, it just looks good.

You have your choice of white powder coated frame with white laminate top or black powder coated frame with Santos Rosewood top.

Material: Powder coated steel frame. White laminate top or Rosewood with Shellac and industrial strength water-based polyurethane finish. Hand-rubbed.
29h x 72w x 30d (inches)

(This item’s link and price was updated 10/15/09.)

Carved wood base in a star-shape jointed at the middle supports a circular glass tabletop for a look that’s part rugged, part refined, yet still simple and elegant.

* Wood / glass
* 17″h, 36″w glass top, 25″w wood base
* Imported
* This item ships UPS Ground and cannot be expedited
* Promo price is UrbanOutfitters.com exclusive
* Offer available for online purchases only

Clever, no? Your guests will appreciate the humor, I’m sure.

Set of 20 cocktail napkins. 5″ sq.

Sometimes I wonder if I use the word ‘simple’ too much. But this particular lamp is quite free from unnecessary additions and has minimal embellishment (if you look ‘simple’ up in Merriam-Webster, you’ll find a similar description). So, though I do use the word a lot, you get to hear it again. It’s apt. Oh! It was also designed in 1971 (mw=”never goes out of fashion”).

materials: steel film reel for cord; electrical fixture

A few different retailers have their version of this, but this is the cheapest one I’ve found. If you’re interested in the uber sturdy version I recommend the Sapien Bookcase from DWR for $198.

Update: This item is unfortunately no longer available. (10/30/09)

Quite clever. This pen and pencil set look very similar to the classic #2 pencil we all grew up with…revive the old school style by giving this to somebody who’d appreciate it. Made of lacquered brass barrels (lead and eraser refills included). (And! the packaging looks like a notebook!)

So cleverly cute and brainy; who wouldn’t want these on their table?

Made of porcelain.

Perfect last minute gift…

Have you seen these yet? I think they’re pretty neat and definitely look a little snazzier than regular ol’ laces. The grey things screw into the existing holes of your sneakers and then you thread the new stretchy (or non-strechy if you prefer) laces in/around and suddenly your old sneakers look a whole lot cooler (and supposedly more comfy too).

Lots of color options for laces to choose from; fittings are available in off-white, gray, and black.

(thanks David for the link)

For the person who has everything, try a personal cactus on a keychain. Water it once a month by sticking the bottom of the capsule in water.

Imported from Japan.

Here’s a great wall mounted option for shelving. Also, notice that if you do want three, it’s cheaper to buy them individually instead of in the set.

“Books become a striking decorative element when stacked on our innovative solid-ash shelving. It’s designed to hold oversized art and coffee-table books. The U-shaped shelves attach to a flat steel bar that’s stud mounted to the wall for stability. Finished with a rich mahogany stain. 8 x 8 x 48” h.”

I like the iconic Aalto vase which was designed in 1936. This version is much smaller (and cheaper!) than the original and would be good for food items or small officy things like paper clips.

dimensions: 3.5″w

Here it is- the perfect stool/seat/table/ottoman. Indoor or outdoor, available in several different colors, and it will also grant you three wishes upon receipt. Not really, but the other stuff is true. The foam is firm enough to set drinks and plates on and it’s pretty light, so you can move it around to suit your needs. Brilliant, huh?

Chartreuse, Grey, Light Blue, Orange, Red, or Taupe.