GDG Gift Guide: Edward Ferrell is ‘Tray’ Chic this Holiday Season

The DDB is nothing short of chic, especially when it comes to gifting ideas at the Edward Ferrell showroom in Suite 915. Stop by to check out Edward Ferrell chic trays for a fashionable gift idea for a few lucky friends.

Olivia Song is the designer behind these stunning, handmade leather trays, offered in a wide range of gorgeous colors and patterns. From the Python Tail perfume tray, to the Jumbo Mega tray in Euro Croc Gobi leather, these trays will glam up a variety of spaces from desktop to tabletop.

For more information or to purchase off the floor, drop by the Edward Ferrell showroom.

GDG Gift Guide: Silver & Crystal at Agostino

Agostino knows that silver and crystal is the most elegant way to gift during the holidays.  The Agostino showroom has an endless supply of vases, jewelry boxes, and tabletop trinkets for you to choose from, and we have to admit it's hard to decide!

With collections by names like Agostino and Baccarat, lines made from Sheffield Silver and London Crystal will add a twinkle to the interiors of your gift receivers this year. You can browse Agostino's product online but we recommend stopping by the DDB showroom in Suite 1502 to catch Agostino's Floor Model Sale.

For more information on gifts from Agostino, email sales associate Chris Bacchus or call 212-421-8820.

GDG Gift Guide: Vaughan's Hurricane Lamp

Vaughan Designs showroom at the DDB won't disappoint for great gifts to give this holiday season. Our personal recommendation is a beacon of light for the long Winter months ahead of us.

The new Hurricane Candle glass lamp is a delightful item that clients have been especially loving lately.

"The beautiful glass hurricane lamp is a copy of an antique design that actually happens to look quite modern," said Victoria de Lotbinière, Executive VP. "We at the showroom love the play of the candlelight on the glass, and the piece looks magnificent in any setting or space!"

Stop by the Vaughan Designs showroom in Suite 1511 to see Hurricane, among lots of other spectacular lights for gifting.

GDG Gift Guide: Fortuny Infuses Fine Holiday Gifts with Flare

Fortuny never fails to impress, and with trinket-sized products that are perfect as gifts under the tree, you'll be sure to see us there for some holiday gift-shopping of our own.

The ever-beautiful set of gifts made with Fortuny fabrics is not only exquisite to look at but functional too. Chosen to create limited edition products with Fortuny fabrics, a select group of artisans have crafted several differently colored and patterned journals, agendas, phone books and more.

If you're looking something with style and comfort, Fortuny's line of Bevilacqua velvet throw pillows add elegance and flair to a sofa or bed, and come in enough color palettes and patterns to flatter the most ornate or simple room.

But if true Italian decadence is what you must have, Murano vases from Fortuny's own collection as well as from famous glass blower, Alfredo Barbini, may be what you're looking for.

Stop by the Fortuny showroom in Suite 1632 at the DDB to browse bookshelves of beautiful product just waiting to don a bow for a beautiful gift.

GDG Gift Guide: Gracie Gifts are Picture Perfect

Gracie has just the gift you're looking for if you've got a client whose love of art can't be quenched. When we dropped by the DDB showroom on floor 14, Gracie stole us away with its picture perfect gift ideas.

Gracie has a fabulous collection of framed 19th-century Japanese woodblock prints of kimono designs. You can purchase the set or buy each separately depending on how many gifts you're giving this year.

If you're looking for something slightly different, Gracie's framed hand-painted Chinese scenic wallpaper fragment on a pieced 18th century style antiqued background will steal your heart. You might even consider gifting it to yourself!

Stop by the Gracie showroom at the DDB in Suite 1411 and for more gift ideas browse Gracie online.

GDG Gift Guide: Find Armani Casa's Gifts Para Su Casa

Armani Casa has so many beautiful accessories, we couldn't recommend just one for your gift list. With only a few more days left in the Holiday shopping season, make sure to get yourself to the 14th floor at the DDB where you'll find plenty of fabulous product in the new Armani Casa showroom.

Our gift picks help you travel luxuriously, live stylishly, relax comfortably and decorate beautifully. Our first pick is Armani Casa's Efeso travel kit for your pals that travel often. Efeso includes a case, eye-pad, blanket and neck pillow and each item is available separate from the kit. The kit even comes with a Euchre leather double card case with a notebook and pencil.

For those who like to live fashionably, the Evy gift box of four handkerchiefs printed on satin cotton will spruce up your suited pals. If you're also looking for a friend who takes relaxation to a stylish level, the Egerie Kimono in linen with decorative silk detail is a cozy way to wrap them up.

We can't forget what we know and love Armani Casa best for—and that's home decor. For desk accessories, we recommend the stunning Eagle paperweights made of Murano glass and gold leaf or silver powder inclusions. For candle loving pals, the Eanes t-light holders, available silver-plated or in golden brass finishing is a sleek way to light your fire. If you're looking for something with more color, we adore the Eclisse cylindrical candles with cannetté pattern in blue or red.

And for last minute ideas, see below for our favorite picks at Armani Casa for any friend you can think of, like the Eis bar accessories collection with silver plating.

Ego alluminum bowls available in red or blue and in two sizes.

The Etra pillows with pleated interlaced motifs in three different colors.

GDG Gift Guide: Sale on Totes & Trinkets at Quadrille

Quadrille is a one-stop showroom for your last-minute shopping this holiday season, and we have to admit that we would be thrilled to receive a few Quadrille gifts.





Do you love Alan Campbell and China Seas fabrics? Are you Looking for that unique holiday gift to be treasured for years to come? Get yourself over to Quadrille and browse the beautiful beaded clutches that are just perfect for every occasion. The showroom also has great tote bags in medium and large sizes adorned in of the hottest Quadrille fabrics this year.





Stop by soon and receive 20% off on all accessories in the showroom at the PDC, DDB and DCOTA.

GDG Gift Guide: Holiday Linens at Léron

We have found a showroom at the DDB that not only offers beautiful gift options but can also assist in your last-minute holiday decor deliveries.

Check out the festive placemats, tableclothes, cocktail napkins and guest towels in sets of six, 10 and 12 and the Léron showroom at the DDB. We are particularly fond of the darling names such as Santa's Boots and Holly.

Don't wait, because now through Christmas, enjoy free shipping from Léron. Vist the Léron showroom in Suite 1521.

GDG Gift Guide: Rose Tarlow Gifts Vases & Throws

Rose Tarlow has whisked us away with its gift-worthy product this winter. Looking for a double-face cashmere throw? A darling special edition vase? Look no further than Rose Tarlow's throws and vases.

One hundred percent double-face reversible cashmere will warm even the worst Scrooge you know, and in Whiskey Stripe on one side and Camel on the other, pour yourself an eggnog and let the holiday spirit warm you both.

Rose Tarlow's limited edition LACMA Vase stands at eight inches and is made of ivory ceramic with a crackle finish.

Visit the Rose Tarlow showroom at the DDB in Suite 1616 and let us know what you find.

GDG Gift Guide: Lutron Stuffs Your Stocking Brightly

The holidays are often a chaotic time for people. In the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to let the important details of managing your home go by the wayside. Rather than let another hectic year go by, why not do something about it by treating your family or someone else to Lutron's high-tech lighting and shading systems or energy-saving dimmers and sensors that are designed to make life easier?

Lutron lighting and shade control systems put you in charge of your home by adding beauty, functionality, security and simplicity and also help save energy. Here's our list of top-notch Lutron gifts that would light up anyone's Christmas stocking.

For the people in your life who aren't what you would call particularly handy, the Lutron Credenza® Lamp Dimmer requires no installation or fuss. Simply plug it right into your lamp and wall socket and let it work its magic by saving energy, extending the life of your bulbs and creating the perfect light for any activity.

For the 'gadget guy' in your life who is always looking for the next do-it-yourself project, Lutron's Maestro® Occupancy Sensor is just the gift he's looking for. This dimmer or switch automatically turns your lights on and off, and is perfect for bedrooms, hallways and closets. Installation is required but with only a few simple steps you can start energy saving in the home.

If you know a 'weekend warrior' who loves technology, the Maestro Wireless® is easy to install, and gives you the ability to control up to ten dimmers, switches and sensors all with the touch of one button. This product makes your life just a little more convenient, so you can control your lights while lying in bed or relaxing on the couch during those especially brutal Winter weekends.

The C.L Dimmer will make all of your eco-conscientious friends green with envy. This award-winning dimmer has the ability to dim not only incandescent lightbulbs, but dimmable compact fluorescents and dimmable LEDs, as well, making it the perfect shade of holiday green.

Make your way over to the Lutron showroom located in Suite 138 on the ground floor of the DDB to shop stocking stuffers that will light up (and down) your home!

GDG Gift Guide: de Le Cuona Throws Pillows in our Direction

de Le Cuona's cushions add even more comfort and style to your home for the holidays. We stopped by the showroom to check out the best gifts to be on the lookout for.

The Shearling throw pillow is deliciously soft and buttery and makes for a perfect statement cushion with a masculine edge for your male clients.

“If you're looking for something more elegant and dainty, we suggest the Cardinal silk velvet throw pillow with metal embroidery. This cushion is made in one of the last remaining silk mills in Scotland and has an ornate metal threaded design with a gold rope trim for a unique statement present,” said sales associate Laura Cannon.

We adore the Jolly Roger throw pillow, made with 100 percent linen and a hand-embroidered motif sewn in France. The cushion is playful and just right for a little boy's room or the man in your life looking for a fun, feisty style.

Last but not least, anotherfavorite is a throw pillow that truly resembles a piece of artwork. The Watercolour Paisley cushion in the Puddle color palette is hand woven at the speed of three meters per day on an ancient handloom. It's sure to compliment any couch or bedroom in the most tactful, soothing way.

Stop by the de Le Cuona showroom at the DDB in Suite 914 and for more gift ideas or browse online.

GDG Gift Guide: Houlés Gives a Fringy Flare

As we continue with our GDG Gift Guide, we've got another idea for the holiday season that's just right for those of you who love decadent décor.

Houlés' Onyx collection of tassel tiebacks and fringes can be just the touch needed to complete a home's holiday décor. The contemporary trimmings collection is a precious, trendy and glamorous set of five tassel tiebacks with different juxtapositions of satin discs. The set is completed with small black rings wrapped with a small silver chord and is available in 18 different colors, including fuchsia pink, lemon yellow, and more.

“Tassels are a fabulous gift for those who are considering a fringy flare to their homes,” said a showroom representative. “They are small yet thoughtful and really show how well you know a person’s taste and décor.”

For more information on gifts from Houlés, visit the showroom located at the DDB in Suite 919, or call the showroom at 212-935-3900.

GDG Gift Guide: Création Baumann ‘Throws’ Us a Gift Idea

At Création Baumann, it's all about how warm your throw keeps you during the holiday season and these beauties will protect you against the coldest weather. The Eluis throw blanket makes a lovely holiday gift, satisfying fashion and home passions at once.

The soft wool is formed into an origami design and rolls up elegantly into its included 'handles' for easy transport and storage, making it convenient to take with you from home to holiday destination.

You can find Eluis at the Création Baumann showroom at the DDB in Suite 1522, at the Jeffrey Michaels showroom in the DCOTA, at I.D. Collection at the DCH and at Thomas Lavin at the PDC.

GDG Gift Guide: Anichini Keeps Your Neck Warm & Your Style Fabulous

Tis the season! Rockefeller Center is officially all lit up and the time for gift shopping is now upon us—and what better place to find those perfect treasures for clients and friends than the DDB? In the days leading up to Christmas, we'll be posting a series of articles to help designers looking for the perfect holiday gifts.

At Anichini, scarf's the word and with so many to choose from, you'll have a  full afternoon choosing one for each person on your list. The Verona and Taormina scarves, made with 100 percent Merino wool, are woven in Italy and they're as soft and cozy as they are beautiful. The designs are inspired by architectural friezes from the Renaissance and are exclusive to Anichini in multiple colors.

If you're looking for an even more exotic pattern, the San Miguel scarf may be a perfect fit. Available in Sage, Fig or Gold color schemes, the San Miguel scarf is also woven in Italy with 100 percent Merino wool. Exclusive to Anichini, the design is based on a Moorish pattern found in the Alhambra Palace in Spain.

Gifts from Anichini don’t stop there—if you're gifting to she or he who love to host, Anichini's Lido, Nobel and Mykolas linen napkin collection are perfect dinner-party partners. Available in too many colors, patterns and sizes to name, check out Anichini online to browse them all.

For more information on gift ideas with Anichini, stop by the Anichini showroom at the DDB in Suite 923, or call the showroom at 212-715-9623.

Giving Back: The Littlest Lamb (Part II of II)

Fortuny co-owner Mickey Riad is a big supporter of The Littlest Lamb, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe, loving and supportive home for Egyptian children who have lost one or both parents.

We talked with Mickey to hear about the event and learn more about the cause.

GDG: What is Fortuny's involvement with The Littlest Lamb?

Mickey: Fortuny has always been huge supporters as we truly believe in the cause. In the past we've bought tables at the galas and invited friends and clients. Additionally, we are planning on doing a fundraiser geared towards designers and finding a way to incorporate using some of our fabrics as a donation to the orphanage as they get closer to furnishing it. There are a lot of ideas brewing!

GDG: We heard that your band, Noba, performed at last year's Gala.

Mickey: Yes, Noba played with a singer who had found out about The Littlest Lamb, Jacqueline, who had done a fundraiser show at a coffee shop in Canada. For the gala that followed, Mira thought it would be fun if Jacqueline and I did some music together with another of our friends, Reef, who is a guitar player. It was a fun way to be involved and do something that we love!

GDG: What are the reasons people should donate to The Littlest Lamb?

Mickey: The sad fact is that orphanages in Egypt and the Middle East are very poorly run and do nothing to help orphans rise above the unfortunate circumstances they are forced to live with.  By taking care of every need of the children, from the physical to the mental, and their education through university level, these kids will finally be given a wonderful chance to break free of the cycle of poverty that comes with the stigma of being an orphan in the Middle East. When you donate to The Littlest Lamb, every cent that is given goes directly toward the building of the orphanage. All events hosted by The Littlest Lamb are paid for by generous donors anonymously, and the organization protects their privacy.  There is complete transparency and you can give knowing that your entire donation is going right into the building of the facility, which is very refreshing, especially after everything you hear about how so many charities spend so much of the money that comes in on administrative and advertising fees.



GDG: Does the entire Riad family get involved?

Mickey: My father has been able to network a lot of many influential Egyptians and Egyptian-Americans to help the organization. My mother is always doing anything she can to help with the fundraising events—she even baked several hundred fresh biscotti for the gift to those who attended the last gala last minute when the original plan fell through! My wife is on the board, and our whole family rallies behind every event to show support for the Lambs.

We couldn't be more proud of Mira for not just having the vision and the heart to take on such a daunting task, but for taking the initiative and responsibility upon herself to put her money where her mouth is and hope that enough people will follow to make this noble cause a reality.

Visit The Littlest Lamb online to see how you can help. You can also contact Mira at MiraRiad@gmail.com to learn more about the organization. Tis the season to be giving!

Photo Credit: Steve Freihon

Giving Back: The Littlest Lamb (Part I of II)

Mira Riad, sister of Fortuny co-owners Mickey and Maury Riad, is the Director of The Littlest Lamb, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe, loving and supportive home for Egyptian children who have lost one or both parents. The Riad family comes from Egypt and had a first-hand look at the situation in Cairo and brevity of the needs of orphans there.

We talked with both Mira to hear about their recent Gala and learn more about the cause.

GDG: Can you give us a brief history of The Littlest Lamb?

Mira: Over the past several years, every visit to the orphanages in Egypt left me depressed, heartbroken and angered about the situation these poor children are finding themselves in and the way they are forced to live. As if being parentless was not enough, these children live in homes broken both structurally and emotionally. On every level, from the most basic understanding of humanity to the deepest fibers of our souls, it became impossible for us to accept this as the way things had to be and we refused to turn our backs on the situation. These thoughts finally led to the formation of The Littlest Lamb. Our goal is to build an orphanage that will serve not only as a home providing for children in need, but as a model to other orphanages in Cairo.

GDG: Have the fundraising efforts been successful?

Mira: Recently, we had our 4th annual gala and silent auction at Battery Gardens in Manhattan. The evening turned out better than we expected; people had fun, we got our mission across, and we raised a lot of money, about $200,000! We auctioned two tickets to the U2 show, including back stage passes in Miami, which got $8,000. The next highest was the trip to a luxurious villa in Puerto Rico that went for $6,000. The live auctioneers we had this year were different and great. The photobooth we had also gave extra life to the party and the Egyptian band inspired some great dancing!

GDG: What’s on the horizon for The Littlest Lamb?

Mira: We are happy to say that The Littlest Lamb obtained its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status from the IRS in September, 2007. From here, we will continue working on building the orphanage to hopefully be completed by August 2012, hiring staff in Egypt and continuing our fundraising efforts in NYC and abroad.

Visit The Littlest Lamb online to see how you can help. You can also contact Mira at MiraRiad@gmail.com to learn more about the organization. Tis the season to be giving!

Photo Credit: Steve Freihon

Holiday Tips, Tricks and Tales: Bobby Contini

We asked the  Vice President Marketing at Cohen Design Centers Bobby Contini to tell us about his holiday memories, favorite gifts and do's and don'ts during this festive season. Read what he shared with us.

GDG: What was the best gift you ever received over the holidays?

BC: There were two! The first was a two-wheel bicycle that I got when I was about four years old…and YES it was red and I only used one of the training wheels! And here's the best part about it, there is super-8 film (which was advanced technology in the 60's, everyone!) of my older brother riding around the house with my bike.

The other best present I received was sometime around 1990. It was a suede fringe coat from my significant other, Mark. I was really surprised because it was quite expensive and not in our budget, but he made it happen! A big fat XO to him, he still makes it happen for me and I still have the coat, so watch for me in it!

GDG: What should people never give as gifts?

BC: I'll say fruit cakes. Everyone hates fruit cake.

GDG: Are you the hostess or hostee for the holidays this year?

BC: My parents host every year and we all pitch in. It's a lot of work and a lot of fun!

GDG: What things are crucial to keep in mind when you’re decorating for the holidays?

BC: The holidays are supposed to be FUN, so make it so. Invite friends, make festive drinks, blah blah blah, 'tis the season, you know what to do.

GDG: What should people never do when hosting for the holidays?

BC: Too much is never enough—so just keep that in mind when styling!

GDG: What are you most looking forward to during this holiday season?

BC: A little rest and relaxation with family and friends. It makes me feel warm inside just thinking about it.

Post a comment and tell us your what you can't wait for this holiday season.

Holiday Tips, Tricks and Tales: Ashlee Harrison

What’s your favorite holiday gift? Anything you're super excited for? What about holiday tips for holiday entertaining?

See what DCOTA Director of Marketing Ashlee Harrison had to say.

GDG: What was the best gift you ever received over the holidays?

AH: I just received a really amazing 1972 vintage Schwinn bicycle and I can't wait to cruise around the beach with it. I'm obsessed. In general though, I love getting clean and modern stationary because I love writing handwritten notes. The inscribed or personalized art and design books are a favorite, too.

GDG: Are you host or hostee for the holidays this year?

AH: I'm being hosted by my parents in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. There is a ton of nature and it is so peaceful. I love the country for Christmas! We'll probably spend some time in New York as well, so we'll get the best of both worlds!

GDG: What is crucial to keep in mind when you’re decorating for the holidays?

AH: Don’t over do it! You want holiday décor to compliment your space, not compete with it. Holiday décor should make you feel warm and fuzzy, not claustrophobic.

GDG: What are you most looking forward to during this holiday season?

AH: Spending time with my family and hopefully having a white Christmas back up North!

Leave a comment and give us your advice for the holidays.

Holiday Tips, Tricks and Tales: Kristina Larson

What’s your favorite holiday memory? Best and worst gift? What about do’s and don’ts for this holiday season? Let's find out what DCH Director of Marketing Kristina Larson had to say.

GDG: What was the best gift you ever received over the holidays?

KL: When I was four years old, I asked Santa for a black and white kitten with green eyes. My dad, AKA Santa, found the exact kitten I wanted, but he had to drive to another city in order for me to get it on Christmas Eve. I had her for fourteen years and I will always remember the complete delight and surprise of getting exactly what I wanted on Christmas Eve!

GDG: What should people never give as gifts?

KL: Never give socks especially that are unwrapped! Additionally, people should always remember to remove price tags.

GDG: What things are crucial to keep in mind when you’re decorating for the holidays?

KL: Less is more! There is no need to fill in every empty space with holiday decorations. Rule number one is to know how high your ceilings are and make sure you know what size of tree fits your space. People should also never ignore their neighbors. When decorating outdoors keep in mind that too many lights and mixing colors affects all of those around you!

GDG: What are you most looking forward to during this holiday season?

KL: Spending time with family and friends!

Leave a comment and tell us the greatest gift you've been given and your holiday never-do's.

Holiday Tips, Tricks and Tales: Elizabeth Chamberlain

What’s your favorite holiday memory? Best and worst gift? What about do’s and don’ts for this holiday season? We asked marketing directors at the DDB, PDC, DCH and DCOTA to share their thoughts, and we were delighted at their responses. Let's see what PDC Director of Marketing, Elizabeth Chamberlain had to say.

GDG: What was the best gift you ever received over the holidays?

EC: A puppy! I can still remember the joy of discovering a two-month old black lab puppy on Christmas morning. Bliss for a kid of any age.

GDG: What should people never give as gifts?

EC: Re-gifted presents with the original tags. It’s a major 'oops' that can be quite awkward. Check the bottom of the box under the tissue. (I’m talking to you, Aunt Jane!)

GDG: Are you the hostess or hostee for the holidays this year?

EC: I’m being hosted this year at my parents’ home in Scottsdale, CA. I grew up with White Christmases in Michigan so holiday lights on cacti are a new way for us to spend Christmas. But any chance I get to spend with my family is wonderful.

GDG: What things are crucial to keep in mind when you’re decorating for the holidays?

EC: Avoid too many conflicting scents from candles. This can be especially offensive during the holidays when scented candles are most abundant. Evergreen, cinnamon and vanilla candles mixed with the scent of the food and any cologne from guests can make for an intense experience! I’m a big fan of unscented candles when food is being served.

GDG: What should people never do when hosting for the holidays?

EC: Never ignore what a guest experiences in your home. I test all seats, beds, etc. to see what a guest might feel like. It’s easy to sit in the same chair everyday without realizing that your guest’s chair is uncomfortable or has an unsightly view. Check it out to avoid any issues!

GDG: What are you most looking forward to during this holiday season?

EC: This holiday is particularly special because we are celebrating my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. They had a Christmas wedding, so it’s a perfect time for the whole family to gather. I’ve made a photo book with hundreds of photos sent from friends and family and we’ll all enjoy the memories it brings!

Leave a comment and tell us your tales of holiday hosting and must-do's.