Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson

We celebrated the one-year anniversary of D Home’s blog with a bit of a bash at Nest last night (photos of the scene forthcoming), and, being the decor obsessed gal that I am, I arrived early so the ever dapper Donald could show me some of his latest finds.

I was not disappointed, as there are some mighty good finds populating the shelves. Highlights include the blown-out “kitchen” section filled with organic wood serving platters, hefty ceramics, and a trove of gorgeous cookbooks; loads of room transforming pillows (including those neon Springbok numbers above) and colorful, chunky throws; local photographer Sibylle Bauer’s gorgeous painterly photographs; clever kids gifts; and ample shots of brass and copper and gold to glam things up.

All amazing stuff for sure, but I stopped in my tracks when I spied the hand-crafted jute bags embroidered with the visages of Sigmund Freud, Amy Winehouse, Adam & Eve, and a young Michael Jackson. Donald had them created especially for Nest by artisans in Paris, and only two of each were made. They are wholly unique, incredibly cool, and only $165. I want one in the worst possible way.

In the Mood for Some Deeply Discounted Sleek

Purveyor of sleek, modern French chic, Ligne Roset is having a sample sale this weekend with up to 75% off a slew of floor samples and warehouse inventory…

The action is happening on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 5:00 p.m. Pop over to their Facebook page to get an advance peek at some of the goods on offer. I’m eyeing that “re-write” desk like it’s my job.

Let’s Bring Back the Hostess Gift!

Lately I find myself flipping through vintage Emily Post books in my free time, at once delighted and bewildered by the staunch rules for everything from how to ask a girl out on a date to how to eat a grapefruit. Amidst the endless stream of e-mail invitations, text messages, and paper plates, it thrills me to no end to come face-to-face with a formal invitation, a real letter, children (and adults) with manners (!), a proper table setting…

A few friends and I have started the tradition of bringing along a little gift when we go to each other’s homes for a meal. Nothing elaborate, just a little “sussy” (defined by the ever reliable Urban Dictionary as, “a small, inexpensive gift, chosen specifically because it has relevance to the intended recipient”). Showing up with a clutch of flowers, a book, or a pretty little ceramic dish (presented alongside the obligatory bottle of wine) feels a little formal, and festive, and well…special.

I was having brunch at La Duni last week with a friend and noticed at the very bottom of the menu that they sell the little wood box and salt and pepper containers that adorn each table. They’re simple, lovely, useful,