As I wander the miles of aisles at Highpoint Market my mind starts playing tricks with me. I become captivated by the oddest pieces. So it is with these two interesting accoutrements. Actually, I can visualize dog lovers who simply must have a canine toilet paper holder to complete their powder room. The cricket bats? I’ll need a homesick Englishman for whom these antique bats bring back glorious afternoons of tea and cucumber sandwiches on perfectly manicured lawns. I’ll even throw in the cucumber sandwiches.

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As I walked the aisles of the New York Gift Show I found this decorative light fixture/planter. It’s a recent addition to the line of a California company specializing in hand blown glass. There are many grow lights on the market, some even combine the light with a plant receptacle, but I’ve not found any that are this attractive.

Strolling through the High Museum of Art in Atlanta I was taken by this absolutely original table lamp. Made in 1927, the chrome plated, steel and glass Art Deco lamp was designed by Donald Deskey, an American working in New York. The design is ingenious, the three sources of light cascading downwards. It was the height of modernity at the time, and it looks timeless today.

I’ve written about my miniature box collection, and these graceful seed pods have a similar delicacy. Some are saltshakers, some are merely decorative, but they all feature exquisite detail and sparkling color. They’d make the start of an interesting collection. The artist also works on commission, and I’ve already got some ideas I’d love to run by her.

I use pillows for their accent color or texture, for originality, for visual interest, sometimes just of fun. When the colors in a room are subdued they can add just the right touch of drama. These pillows from my recent trip to Highpoint are certainly dramatic, colorful and fun.

These elegant pieces are called flower models. They are copies of 19th century papier-mache designs, originally used as educational aids in biology classes. Scents were even sprayed into the flowers for an additional touch of verisimilitude. I was smitten at market when I saw them, and I’m sure many of my clients will share my enthusiasm.

My first stop at Highpoint is the antiques room of one of my favorite suppliers. It’s important to arrive early, as within a few hours of opening everything is sold. I managed to pick up some wonderful pieces this year, for specific clients and for stock. I feel like a kid in a candy store when I walk the room, and I leave with the Cheshire cat smile of a contented child.

I can’t really relax without keeping busy, hence my love of cooking and sewing. I found the wool, pattern and crochet for this scarf at Lion Brand Yarn, and it’s been great fun working on it. It’s quick to do—I can finish one in a few hours—and I love the curvy, colorful design. It’s not dissimilar from some home accessories, a throw or coverlet, for example, and like much in design, it’s all about color, texture and shape. In addition to helping me unwind, I’ve managed to cross several Christmas presents off my list.