Crown royalty
The lion is king of the jungle, so naturally he deserves a gold crown, which designer Angeline Tetrault seems to understand with her whimsical canisters, available at Flower Reign. Also available in bear and fox versions — hey, sounds like the guys you’d meet at a gay bar. $105.
At Flower Reign, 3904 Cedar Springs Road. 214-774-9236.
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Steampunk style
Any lamp can throw light, but it takes a special kind to throw attitude, which is why we fell instantly in love with this tall desk lamp from Dulce. In edgy steampunk fashion, this all-the-works illuminator with a white and black artglass shade rages against the industrial machine while being stylish and somehow sexy. $354.
At Dulce Interiors Showplace, 2914 Oak Lawn Ave. 214-219-5656. MyDulce.com.
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A hot piece o’ glass
We’re devotees of artglass, probably because it bridges the gap between painting and sculpture, between function and mere beauty. Whether it’s a Tiffany lampshade or a Murano vase, we’re hooked. Add to those classics the lovely (and affordable) piece from the Large Kaleidoscope Collection at Jones Walker. This hypnotic glass, with stand, adds color and sophistication to any interior. $264.
Jones Walker Homes, 1531 Dragon St. 469-916-5500. JonesWalkerHome.com.
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Cuppa joe
We know it’s not rocket science, but we’ve never fully understood how a coffee percolator works: How does the pot know what’s coffee and what’s water? We’re just as puzzled by the Moka Express coffeemaker by Bialetti, and that’s even lower tech: You put water in the base, add espresso into a funnel, screw on the top and set the entire thing on your stovetop and BAM! Ten minutes later a fresh, strong pot of java. We still don’t know how it works, but with its full-bodied taste, and an assortment of designer colors, we’re just happy to have one. Available in red, orange, blue and purple in 6 espresso demitasse-size (2 standard cups) and larger. $40.
At Bed Bath and Beyond, 8005 Park Lane and other locations, and online at Bialetti.com
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Deck the halls
Out of the Closet, the new thrift shop on Cedar Springs, is a retailer with a heart (it’s owned by the nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which has two clinics in the area). But it’s also a great place to get some good deals, including tree toppers, ornaments, broaches and all kinds of décor for the season. Prices from $.25 and up!
At Out of the Closet, 3920 Cedar Springs Road. OutOfTheCloset.org.
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Vintage giving
The Tower Antique Show, Dallas’ premier showcase for premium vintage items, will be at Fair Park soon, and that’s a perfect chance to check out one-of-a-kind items for the collector in your life, from country chic to period furniture to tchotchkes and Texana for all tastes (and prices ranges).
At the Embarcadero Building at Fair Park. Dec. 5–7. ralphwillard.com
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Bright and Bookish
These bright little guys aren’t clowning around. Big Top Bookends, designed by The IMM Living Studio and inspired by balloon animals, will bring organization and bright color to your bookshelves. Available in teal, orange, red and purple. $49.50.
Available online HOTTT.com.
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Power sucker
Both functional and with a wow!-factor in their design, Dyson products impress us — and they will the person on your list as well. The DC44 hand vac has the suction power of a full-sized Dyson in a lighter weight, giving you convenience and usefulness (an add-on wand even gives it the reach of a bigger vacuum). $399.99.
Available at major retailers and at Dyson.com.
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Ticket to ride
The holiday season often means holiday parties, and who wants to be driving around in the cold after a few toddies? Uber has teamed with Dallas Voice to make it easier (and safer) to make the rounds. Simply download the Uber app from your smartphone and enter the code “VOICEHOLIDAY” to receive $20 off your first ride this holiday season. (Offer available to new users only.)
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition November 21, 2014
