A Few Of My Favorite Things: Annette Tatum

The holidays are upon us and to get you in the spirit, we thought we’d share a little shopping inspiration from your friends at Project Nursery. Our team has rounded up the FIVE items they love, cherish, gift or simply can’t live without.

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This was such a fun post to write, I hope you all enjoy my five favorite things…

#1. Nammoura Dessert Plates. I can’t seem to get enough china or dishware from Anthropologie. Each year I catch myself buying a few more pieces to add to my already electic collection of china. This year’s addition will be a set of Nammoura Dessert Plates. I love these delicate little dishes, their vibrant ikat pattern adds an ethnic touch to any table. They come in four charming hues: turquoise, lime, blue, and plum. And at only $12, they make a fabulous and thoughtful gift for the holidays.

#2. Journals and Desk Sets. As Mae West famously said, “keep a diary, and someday it’ll keep you.” What better gift to give friends and family than a beautifully bound record of their memories during the holiday season?

I love collecting unique journals, I have stacks of them in my office, so I just could not resist these from Elum Designs when I first saw them on the blog Paper Crave. Not only do they make a thoughtful gift, they can also be used as inspiration books, holding photos, magazine clippings, and other pictures. Looking through my old journals is like referencing a library of my life… always an adventure!

These hard-cover journals are carefully wrapped in Elum’s elegant and intricate fabrics, and contain 150 sheets of blank paper along with a built-in pocket on the inside back cover. In addition to the journals, Elum carries a line of desk sets in three lovely color themes: wood grain, boudoir, and aviary (pictured above). Since I always encourage (read: coerce) the kids to write thank-you notes after a party or celebration, these desk sets have become an indispensable tool in getting the job done.

#3. Moroccan Tea Glasses. These Moroccan tea glasses in etched patterns are a new twist on your traditional, every day glass. At this time of year, I like to mix up the holiday-themed decorations with a touch of the offbeat. This formal-styled tea glass works beautifully when added as a votive to the table. I love the pale colors juxtaposed with the formal look… magical on any table.

#4. Ribbons. Ribbons are undoubtedly my favorite holiday embellishment. The picture above, from a post on the blog Oh Joy!, is a gorgeous display of unique ribbons. Although they can be used in countless different ways, I like to use them on wreaths or as an adornment on packages. Collecting vintage ribbons online or at the local flea markets can make any gift a one-of-a-kind. The ribbons from M&J trimming are a great start for your collection! I keep mine fashionably stashed away in candy jars in my office along with unmatched buttons and other odds and ends. When the time comes to wrap a present, I choose the ribbon which best suits the gift’s recipient. It’s a simple and thoughtful way to personalize all of your gifts this season.

#5. Faux Fur Throw Blanket. Unless you live in Hawaii, I bet it’s a little chilly at home right now. Even here in Santa Monica we’ve seen some unseasonably cold weather over the last few days. So cozy blankets like this one have become the most coveted couch accessories in the Tatum household. These Faux Rabbit Fur Throw Blankets are furry on one side, and silky satin on the other. My daughter, Lena, has had hers since she was a baby and even after years of wear and dozens of washes, it’s still her warm and cozy blanket of choice. They make lovely gifts because I know they’ll be used right away. They are available on Layla Grace in three different colors, blush, chestnut, and creme, and two sizes, adult and child… for the kid in all of us.