New York City Holiday Windows

I've always had an affinity for understated and rustic seasonal decor, so naturally, I fell for the twiggy environs of the Madison Ave., NY Hermés holiday window scenes.

Click to enlarge these images to see the details: above, a wee twig chandelier hangs above a table and chairs – as viewed through a peephole into a rustic woodland retreat; and below, a painted backdrop creates a moody scene for a little twig hut in a clearing.

Fantastical and mysterious and evocative of a solitary sojourn, these little dioramas provide an opportunity to step outside, if just for a moment, our everyday life full of people and their mechanical and noisy contraptions.

In the woodland, where every life form becomes significant and wondrous, a beautifully shaped twig is a monumental sculpture; a miniscule mushroom provides shelter for a tiny ant which in itself, is a fascinating study; and the thrum of a bird's wingbeats as it flits within reach is more thrilling to me than any airshow of man-made craft.

Thoreau, who "never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude" would feel right at home in these constructions of artist Charlie Baker, a furniture and landscape designer in Long Island City, N.Y.                                      

These otherwordly vignettes were inspired by a new line of Hermés porcelain dinnerware called Les Maisons Enchantées, by artist François Houtin.

See more pieces from the collection, as they float across your monitor in front of Houtin's illustrations, on the charming website. The mini-movie is complete with an eerie nature soundtrack.

Read more about the artist and his process of creation at the New York Times.         
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Barry Dixon Tag Sale

Who wouldn't love to shop a selection of furnishings and accessories personally chosen by the worldly gentleman and master of style (so named by the editors of Veranda magazine), interior designer Barry Dixon.

This Saturday, December 11, at 11:00 am ET/8:00 am PT, Barry Dixon's Tastemaker Tag Sale will open on One Kings Lane, and you'll want to get there early. If you're not already signed up, do it ahead of time – the best items tend to go quickly!

For a refresher on his style, check out my previous post here where I did my fair share of gushing over some of Barry's most beautiful rooms ever.

And here's a sneak peek at my favorites of his items that will be up for sale on Saturday. Remember, everything will be up to 70% off.

For all you Barry Dixon fans in Florida, mark your calendars now. He will be making an appearance in Orlando, at the 29th Annual Antiques Show & Sale at the Orlando Museum of Art. On Friday, February 18, Barry will be giving a morning lecture and book signing. Later the same day, there will be a Mystery Home Tour (a short drive from the museum) that sounds intriguing. See my Design Datebook in the right hand column for more information.

Perhaps I'll see you in Orlando!
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