Short Takes
Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 10/1/2000
Decking The Halls
MacKenzie-Childs, a home furnishings company known for its mixtures of bold patterns and bright colors, carries its signature style into holiday product, with a new collection of mouth-blown glass ornaments, right. Single drops come in two diameters and eight patterns. Double-drop ornaments feature eight designs in either clear or pearlesque. Three of the unusual triple-drop ornaments are called Groucho, Chico, and Harpo, in homage to the Marx Brothers; the others are Cascade, Full Bloom, and Fool. Prices range from $38 to $59. MacKenzie-Childs Ltd., Aurora, NY. (315) 364-7123. #669
Introducing a Nativity, the first from Pipka Collectibles. The Nativity series, which will continue for three years, is stamped "first edition" and the company is offering a free angel, a $50 value, for collectors who purchase and register for the whole set. All pieces, including the stable, are cold-cast resin and hand-painted. Pipka Collectibles, Manhattan, KS. (888) 427-4752. #670
Why go to all the trouble of finding a disposable box to wrap a cherished item when you can make the box a gift itself? Trinket boxes, right, are available from Hen-Feathers in a variety of styles, including Christmas tree, wreath, topiary, and Nutcracker themed boxes. Made of hand-painted bonded marble, these little trinket boxes are a treasure for the whole year. The mini box retails between $9.50 and $11, and the large box between $19 and $21. Hen Feathers, King of Prussia, PA. (800) 282-1910. #671
Seasonal Stationery
An elegant museum reproduction card shows a familiar, antique drawing of a menorah and translates the Talmudic statutes regarding the lighting of Hanukkah candles and how one may use their light. Inside the card reads "Happy Chanukah." 5"x7". $12.95 for a box of 20. Galison, New York. (800) GIFT-230. #672
From the Susan Branch notecard collection comes a useful and timeless idea. Several cards in the new line feature a recipe, such as the one for Annie Hall's Butter Cookies. The cards also have room on the back for a personal message. They are perfect to tuck into a box of recipes, or drop in the mail as a holiday card. 5"x7". Individual cards retail for $2.25, and boxed notecards sell for $5.25 and up. Portal, Novato, CA. (415) 884-6200. #673
Retailer Resources
Wrap it up in style with a large assortment of glossy wrapping papers featuring Santas and stars. Available in a 24"x85" package. For in-store wrapping, 30"x417" rolls are available at a cost of $110. Other sizes are available. Nashville Wraps, Madison, TN. (800) 547-9727. #674
Christmas is coming, and you're running out of stock? Don't panic. Starting this month, Pacific Rim customers can participate in a program called Holiday Express. The holiday merchandise you order will have guaranteed 24-hour shipment from the warehouse, so you can get it on the floor, fast. Besides ornaments, lights, and other standbys, hot new products available this year include angels, hanging finials, mini disco-ball ornaments, and snowmen galore. Pacific Rim, Seattle. (206) 767-5000. #675
Let it snow, indoors and out, with The Snowing Machine. Recycling static-free beads create the illusion of continuous snowfall, smoke, or bubbles. Various snowing displays are available in a variety of sizes, including the bubbling champagne glass, the smoking chimney with Santa, and others. The Snowing Machine, Tarzana, CA. (800) 753-4500. #676
Now more than one thing can be hung by the chimney with care. Three-dimensional framed wall sculptures of a nutcracker, snowman, and unusual star-shaped Santa Claus bring Christmas cheer to any room. Or light up Hanukkah with a menorah. Year round Jewish and Christian designs are also available. Great for kids' rooms! $40-$67. Bright Star Designs Inc., Bixby, OK. (800) 642-6027. #677
All prices retail
