The holiday gift season officially starts on Friday. And while the mall will probably be generous with the mark-downs, it will also be packed to the gills.

Don’t get me wrong. I love a good holiday sale. But it’s hard to find a unique gift in a department store, much less a department store mobbed with bargain-hunters. That’s why I’m always so thrilled to get Domino magazine’s gift lists.

They have lists for gifts under $25, under $50, under $100 - even a list of gifts under $1!  All stylish and thoughtful, like these gorgeous Penguin Classic editions (just $20 each).

Just a thought in case you’d rather do Black Friday from under a cozy blanket in your favorite chair.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

As I was driving by Z Gallerie a few days ago, I saw this amazing r eading chair in their front window. It was upholstered in an eggshell linen (available, but not pictured on their site) which made the nail-head trim look amazing.

I’m not as fond of this brandy-colored leather, but the linen version is worth checking out in-store.

Clift Chair, $799

The patterns on these handmade ceramic bowls are imprinted using real doilies. They look like delicate, Victorian-inspired snowflakes and would make an excellent winter centerpiece.

Find more lacy ceramics at the Etsy shop of Maggie Weldon.

Victorian Elegance bowls, $50 each.

I just wanted to let you guys know that there’s going to be flannel on sale at JoAnn’s Fabrics on Black Friday for $1.49/yard. If you’re making rag quilts or pajamas for Christmas, Black Friday will be the time to buy your flannel, for sure.

I love these goofy bears juxtaposed against the traditional Chinoiserie print. How cute.

"Bear in China" print by Emma Kidd, $17.

Maybe there is a way to make a bookshelf of old paperbacks a little more interesting.

Via Buzz Feed.

I’m in love with this nursery Paixmaker on LiveJournal made. Especially the star ceiling. What an awesomely creative idea. My kids are all slightly afraid of the dark, but if they had a ceiling like this to keep things not-so-dark, and to look up at, perhaps bedtime would’t be such a struggle.

Head on over via the link to see more great pictures.

Lately it seems holiday decor has gotten so stream-lined and modern it doesn’t even look like holiday stuff anymore.

Case and point - the chic, textural "Jolly" pillow.

If this pretty pillow is what passes for holiday-ware at Crate and Barrel, who am I to complain?  I certainly don’t miss the appliquéd reindeer.

Jolly Pillow, $32.95.

Wouldn’t these look awesome on a Christmas tree? Photo: Rumielf on Flickr