At Home with Heath

The idea of a wedding registry is appealing. You get to ask for all of the lovely things you want and your loved ones get to buy them for you. But, once you start shopping, you realize just how overwhelming it can be. Faced with endless Wedgwood china patterns, Baccarat crystal goblets and Lalique vases, you decide to seek out something a little simpler.

If your style is more Cali (as in California) than Connecticut, Heath Ceramics may be the perfect alternative to those formal registries. Founded by Edith Heath in 1948, Heath Ceramics is one of the few remaining mid-century American potteries still in existence. They are known for their beautiful handcrafted tableware including bowls, plates, pitchers, serving pieces, vases and tea sets.


Over 40 skilled artisans (many of them have been with the company for 20+ years) create the unique products on premise at their factory in Sausalito, California. Their stoneware clay bodies are fired at low temperatures to create durable and non-porous products. All of their glazes are original and natural to complement the raw beauty of clay. The look may be laid-back but these pieces have pedigree. Some are featured in the permanent collection at the MOMA.


Recently, Heath Ceramics collaborated with artists including clothing and housewares designer, Christina Kim of DOSA, and chef and food visionary, Alice Waters of Chez Panisse to create limited edition collections. Kim's Phases of the Moon Tea Set ($260), which features 4 tea cups and a tray, is a unique gift idea.


Online registries are available on the Heath Ceramics website as well as retail stores such as Barney's New York and Moss.

You can feel good about starting your new life with tableware from a company that prides itself on having strong American values. Not only do they produce all of their high quality products at their factory in the US, they adhere to strict environmental standards and maintain a fair and responsible workplace.

Photos by Renee Zellweger

Daddy Dearest

Trust me...your Dad has enough ties. On Sunday, June 17th, celebrate the things he really loves by giving a gift that reminds him of life outside the office.

This portable grilling set from Crate and Barrel ($42.95) will make Dad the King of the BBQ this summer. Pair it with chef Bobby Flay's classic grilling cookbook, "Boy Meets Grill," which features 125 simple recipes for meat, poultry and fish. Let Dad show off his grilling skills by sending USDA Prime Beef Steaks (the highest grade of beef) which are expertly cut and trimmed and beautifully marbled. Williams Sonoma can deliver New York strip steaks ($139), rib eyes ($145) or filets ($149) in time for Father's Day if you order by noon on Monday, June 11th.

Doesn't Dad deserve some TLC? This gift is pampering yet masculine at the same time. The Art of Shaving's Barber Spa (373 Madison Avenue, 212-317-8436) is known for their hot shaves. The Royal Shave ($55) starts with a hot towel wrap followed by a facial massage with pre-shave oil to protect the skin and soften the beard, a straight blade shave in two directions with warm shaving cream, an after-shave mask and concludes with a chilled towel soaked in refreshing lavender. Pair it with a shaving kit ($200) that comes with starter sizes of the products as well as a pure badger brush and razor so Dad can replicate the experience at home.

In Bed With Kiki

Being a bridesmaid ain't easy.

Especially when the bride-to-be is your uber-stylish friend with impeccable taste. You know the type. Dress by Monique Lhuillier. Registry at Moss and Bergdorf Goodman. Flowers by Antony Todd. The task of planning her "last night of freedom" with all of her best friends from across the globe is a daunting one. Somehow the idea of dancing on a banquette at Bungalow doesn't seem very original.

For a truly memorable experience, call my friends at Kiki De Montparnasse (79 Greene Street, 212-965-8150). Named after a French artist, muse and icon of female independence, Kiki De Montparnasse is a beautifully curated retail environment in Soho that celebrates sensual living.


With the belief that pleasure is paramount to a fulfilling life, Kiki is filled with the most exquisite collections of lingerie and boudoir inspired ready-to-wear designed by Creative Director and Co-Founder Jennifer Zuccarini. The store has endless gift ideas from jewelry to erotic accessories to products for the home, bath and body in beautiful packaging by Base Design (responsible for the brand identity and campaign, shown above). Some bestsellers for brides are the bow back panty (shown above) - a combination of the satin chiffon bow ($50) with the crochet lace g-string ($135), massage candle ($45) and the 24K gold handcuffs with key and chain ($175) - a cheeky yet apropos gift for someone entering the "confines" of marriage.


The 2000 square foot store is split into two defined areas - an open retail space in the front and a more intimate boudoir with a brass bed (shown above) in the back. Depending on your preference and size of your group, both spaces can be used for parties. Kiki's signature is to serve champagne with chocolate covered strawberries or caviar during a private shopping event. A dedicated sales person will give a preview of the collection and tutorial on the toys.

On the second floor, Kiki has an incredible 1200 square foot private event space called the Salon. Complete with a kitchen, private dressing room and audio-visual equipment, this room can be transformed for many types of events. For a shower or bachelorette, Kiki can plan a cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres or a seated dinner through one of their preferred caterers such as Serena Bass.

For the ultimate luxury experience, Kiki will have one of their stylists hand-select lingerie and merchandise for the bride-to-be as well as arrange for one of their "sexperts," such as a dominatrix trained in the art of bondage, to speak to the group.

A night at Kiki is such a sexy affair....don't be surprised if the boys want to crash.

For more information about special events at Kiki, contact 212-965-8070 or email salon@kikidm.com.

Sealed with Style

Monogrammed stationery is a nice touch but how many people can say that they have a signature seal?

For marking note cards, envelopes, books and invitations, personalized seals make original gifts for those who enjoy sending correspondence. I found an amazing seal on the russel+hazel website.

Mostly known for their paper products such as colorful, patterned binders and archival storage boxes, russel+hazel is a design company out of Minneapolis that features beautifully functional accessories for the home and office.

To create your signature seal, you select one of the four unique designs (shown, right), download the PDF, add your information and fax it back to them. Your stamp or embosser will be sent to you in 8-10 days from receipt of order.

The stamp is $46 and comes with black ink. The embosser is $66 and has two orientations to chose from - top or bottom. I can't think of a more stylish way to leave your mark....

Scented Love

For years I have had a love affair with Diptyque candles.......

The minimalist white box and chic Parisien address on boulevard Saint Germain was the epitome of good taste. Those in-the-know would instantly recognize the subtle scent of Baies wafting through a party or the freshness of Tilleul in a powder room. Diptyque was always fashionable, yet understated...like a bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

But, lately I've had a bit of a wandering eye (or should I say nose?)

First it was the Etro candle in the dark maroon and gold embossed box that I got for Christmas. Misto Bosco was a bright red candle scented with tangy and sweet wild berries and a hint of crushed pine needles with a gold engraved cover.

Then, for my birthday, my friend Barbara gave me the most amazing Gingerlily candle by Molton Brown in a thick frosted amber glass holder. Not only was the candle gorgeous, but the packaging was unbelievable. The rich, textured paper box had a metallic sheen and a grosgrain ribbon pull with another ribbon inside holding the candle in place.


Slowly but surely I was being lured to the dark side. But, my fall from grace did not happen until I received a mysterious black box sealed with a satin ribbon and a cluster of blood red roses, branches and dark berries. Inside I found a candle scented with exotic Japanese incense, balsam, and musk in a jeweled-toned burgandy glass. No card. Just a crest and the words Aedes De Venustas embossed in gold.



I went out in search of Aedes De Venustas (Latin for "Temple of Beauty") and found myself at 9 Christopher Street at a seductive little shop selling rare perfume and home fragrances from old world brands such as Santa Maria Novella and Carthusia to modern yet exclusive brands like Ulrich Lang and Agraria. So many beautiful things to choose from. It was enough to make me blush.

At that moment, I realized that Diptyque may have been my first love, but I just wasn't ready to settle down.

The Sweet Life

To say that I have a sweet tooth is probably an understatement. On a subconscious level, a love for chocolate may be a prerequisite to being in my inner circle of friends. The only thing more pleasurable that indulging yourself is spreading the love....

Gourmet chocolate and other confections make great gifts for all sorts of occasions from weddings to birthdays to housewarmings. Here are two of my favorites:

Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland (620 Fifth Avenue - 1-800-554-0924) has delicious truffles in tiny boxes of two ($6.25) and four ($11.95). The boxes and ribbons come in a variety of colors to match your event decor. Perfect for wedding favors or on place settings for Easter brunch.



Chocolate Bar NYC (48 8th Avenue - 212-367-7181) was created by Alison Nelson and is truly a candy store for grown-ups. In addition to truffles and bon bons, they have retro chocolate bars with unique flavors such as Salty Pretzel and Malted Milk. But, the melt in your mouth Caramels take top prize for most original present. An assorted box ($35) features pecan nougat, chocolate mint, mocha, nougat strip and classic caramel.



Cautionary note: Accepting chocolate from strangers can be dangerous. Anyone that attempts to give you a box of Ferrero Rocher should be reported immediately!