Posted by Caren – November 21, 2007 11:30 AM
Tags: ethnic style, gift guide
(7 of 7 holiday home decor gift guides my fellow decorating editor, Chelsey, and I have put together according to design style)
When I was a wee writer, my parents took me to visit my aunt's amazing zebra collection. Now, I'm pretty sure I was there to socialize, but the only thing I remember is playing with my cousins in a room with a reclining ceramic zebra. Such was my first exposure to ethnic style, the style that makes no apologies for bold prints, patterns and the occasional zebra.
If you know someone like my aunt, take a virtual world trip in our ethnic gift guide. There's something for every globetrotter here, from Russia to Scandinavia and China to France. And because we couldn't stop writing about gifts, on Thanksgiving and Black Friday we're bringing you a roundup of well-designed stocking stuffers and designer gift wrap, for all your gifting needs.
Mr. Nobody
History lovers will appreciate this 9-inch English delft (tin-glazed earthenware) container that gets his influence from blue and white porcelain of the Eastern Ming Dynasty. A removable hat makes for a cheeky container to hold botanicals.
Buy: Williamsburg Marketplace, $50
Guinea Hen, small lt. blue w/cobalt
This accent was first crafted by Heidi Caillard, a potter in Provence. Now her son carries on the tradition, making the Guinea Hen a household name. Comes in several colors if you don't like the blue.
Buy: lille, $129
From Russia With Love Box
I'm crazy about this box, handmade by artisans in the Karelia region of Russia. I'm just as crazy about this shop: World of Good is a fair trade shop that bridges the gap between foreign artisans and the United States. Besides bringing goodies statewide, they invest 10 percent of the sales back into the communities the products come from — a gift that keeps on giving.
Buy: World of Good, $19.95
Suzani Jewelry Box
Suzanis are detailed, needlework tribal fabrics made in Central Asia, but this one happens to be affixed to a jewelry box. Tulips and vines in bright colors conceal a mirror and ring compartments — and would look smashing on a globetrotter's bureau.
Buy: Anthroplogie, $68
John Robshaw Pichhwai Pillows
You're guaranteed the "Best Friend Ever" award if you show up to the holiday gift exchange with one of these precious pillows.
Traditional usage of these painted patterns is in Indian temples behind gods and goddesses, so your recipient will truly feel worshipped.
Buy: John Robshaw, $75-165
Woven Elephants and Zebras
These woven animal accents from Madagascar mark the return of the rattan. Sold separately, they'll bring a bit of whimsy to a world traveler's space.
Buy: World Market, $14.99-19.99
Pagoda Fountain
Do you know how hard it is to track down a classy tabletop fountain? It took me two years before I gifted my mom the fountain of her dreams. Skip the light-changing, orb spinning fountains and go for the subtle sounds of the pagoda. Guaranteed, your recipient won't want to return this one.
Buy: Z Gallerie, $24.95
Antava Folding Candelabra
Make room for mid-century Scandinavian style with a practical, arrange-as-you-like candelabra. Six taper candles are included so your recipient can have their ethnic style and light it, too.
Buy: RedEnvelope, $98
See all the 2007 gift guides for the home:
Shabby Chic
Modern Style
Whimsical Style for Kids
Eco-Chic Style
Graphic Design Style
Stocking Stuffers Gift Guide
Wrapping Paper Guide
Shop for more Ethnic Style gifts at HGTV.com's MarketPlace.
