Here's another jolly fellow, ready for the Christmas Countdown. His fur is faux mohair, his joints are posable, and his knitted sweater—striped red, white and blue—is heavy enough to keep him toasty warm. His woolly twill shorts give him a schoolboy look. When I opened my first shop, on Bleecker Street, I kept a 20 gallon pickle crock near the front door at Christmastime. I would fill it with dozens of teddy bears—a new one selected for each Holiday Season—starting with Thanksgiving weekend. Eventually, they would sell-out and I would spend the following year searching for the next Holiday Teddy, different and perfect. The bears proved to be the great "pick-up item"—a last minute add-on gift for a hostess or for...
After a prolonged and warm Autumn (we used to call it "Indian Summer"), winter finally came—and it descended fast. I've already been (light) shoveling for a week. And we've had consecutive days well-below freezing. If that's not enough winter for you, perhaps these handsome pressed-glass pine trees will bring it home. Two sculpted glass trees—seemingly laden with snow—stand as a pair (one short, one tall). They are beautiful for the Holidays though they would look nice on a windowsill year 'round—catching and diffusing the light that hits them. Click on the photo above to learn more about them. Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store...
Santa stands atop this English Christmas tree, illustrated in 1938. It is enamel-printed upon this set of six 12-ounce highball tumblers from the Eighties. The gold rim, at top, provides a bit of Holiday cheer—while also helping to protect the rims against chipping. Despite the jolly decoration, these glasses will provide a rather sophisticated addition to the Christmas dining table or bar cart.
If your taste runs to the Modern, perhaps this cast bronze menorah will strike your fancy? It holds the requisite eight candles, one for each night, plus the shamash (or "helper candle"), which stands a little higher and is used to light the others.
With less than two weeks before Hanukkah starts (the first night coincides with Christmas Day), it's time to arrange your menorah in its place of honor for the holiday.
It's two weeks until Hanukkah—the Jewish Festival of Lights.
The dates for Hanukkah follow the Hebrew Calendar—beginning on the 25th day of Kislev—and the holiday can fall anywhere from late November to late December on the Gregorian (modern day) Calendar. This year, Hanukkah will begin at sundown on Christmas Day. This coincidence occurs infrequently, most recently in 2005. Before that, Hanukkah coincided with Christmas Day in 1959, 1921, and 1910. The next time that Hanukkah will begin on Christmas Day will be in 2035.
The Hanukkah menorah, shown above, was cast in bronze in the form of a windswept cypress tree.
In his handsome red-and-white knitted ski sweater—and black velour shorts—this little teddy bear is ready for a day on the slopes. Or an evening in the ski lodge. He is made of faux mohair and his jointed limbs make him posable. Finished with felted hands and the soles of his feet. Bring him on your next ski trip. Or stay home with him and plan for the next one.
Add a little bling to your eggnog! This set of six 12-ounce highball glasses is decorated with 22 karat gold lanterns—suspended by pine garland and fancy red ribbons. A red candle burns within; "I'll be home for Christmas." They were made in the Sixties but will still give a lift to your Holiday gathering. Cheers!
Laub's Bakery was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1889 by German immigrant Jacob Laub. In time, it became the largest independent bakery in all of Ohio (with 465 employees). They ran a storefront bakery, home delivery routes, and a brisk wholesale business to other stores, restaurants and institutions.
The Sixties biscuit tin, shown above, would be used to present their Holiday cookies—and provide a blast of Christmas cheer. Like many Sixties Christmas decorations, it bears a bold, classic graphic—a reminder of a simpler. more naive Christmastime.
Today, such a biscuit tin can be used to present your own homemade Christmas treats. Or, use it to safekeep delicate ornaments, supplies of ribbon, or extra special Christmas greeting cards and photos.
This little bear is ready for the Holidays! His knitted chenille sweater—stripes of red, white, and blue—is a most-cozy costume, suitable for nearly any Holiday party. His jointed limbs make him "poseable," and he's weighted with beans to help him stay put.
These glasses take me back to my boyhood in the Sixties. I remember that the Christmas decorations were naive, simple and (frequently) two-dimensional. The annual "Magical Santa Winterland" at the shopping center was a maze of jig-cut, painted plywood: elves, trees, beribboned gift boxes. We kids wound our way through the line, anticipating our turn for a few moments on Santa's lap. The littlest kids might be crying in their parents' arms. We older kids were brave, informed by years of experience.
At some point, perhaps it was in the Eighties, "luxurious dimension" took-over. Suddenly, all those painted plywood creche characters—staked into the ground, lighted with a clamp-on work light—began to look a little dated.
Black Friday is behind us—and we're in the thick of the Holiday Season. Look who's come to visit us! These winsome owls—a flock of owls is called a "parliament"—are handcrafted from gourds. And each owl expresses his own personality. Sleepy. Satiated. Startled. The gourds are harvested, dried, painted, flame-scorched, and carved.
We end our short parade (three days) of Christmas garland—just acquired at LEO Design—with this fancy offering from the Thirties or Forties. Silvery mercury glass beads are punctuated with "spacers," larger beads with colored, concave depressions which catch the light and provide visual interest. Blown like larger glass ornaments, these beads emerge from their moulds as a long "rod" of connected beads. Once cooled, silvered and colored, the beads can be cut apart and strung as you see them now. Hang this five-foot-long garland on your tree, wrap them on a wreath, or swag them in open archways.
LEO Design has recently acquired a collection of vintage mercury glass bead Christmas garland. We (currently) have five 8-foot lengths of the simple, silvery version, shown above (now offered for sale on the LEO Design website). Of course, such beads can be hung on the branches of a Christmas tree. But they also look good swagged tastefully in doorways or interior archways. The garland can also be wrapped around the circular body of a Holiday wreath or laid within the pine branches atop a fireplace mantel. Click on the photo above to learn more about these understatedly-festive garlands. Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store...
Like their larger siblings, full-sized holiday glass ornaments, these mercury glass beads are mouth-blown into a mould, filled with metallic "silvering," and painted or colored to suit the designer's plan. The little beads are blown in a rod—comprising many connected "cells." After cooling, silvering (and, maybe coloring), the rods are cut-apart into individual beads. Finally, they are strung together.
Shown above, an eight foot string of mercury glass beads. The (large) pea-sized silver beads are punctuated with conical "spacers" colored pink, red, green and blue.
Back in the day, this might have been the perfect gift for Dad—along with soap-on-a-rope, socks, English Leather cologne or Old Spice aftershave. The jolly gift packaging—decorated with a Happy Santa—contains six smaller boxes of "Tipperary Smoking Mixture" (contents long-since consumed). But the nice graphics and Christmas sentiment make it a nice collectable for those who like old packaging, period advertising, or smoking memorabilia.
Time to pull-out my decorations! It's one month before Christmas! I love vintage glass Christmas beads—and I can attest that my customers do, too (as I have no problem selling them.) At home, however, I don't use my beads on my Christmas tree. I prefer to hang them—drape them in parabolic swags—in the archways between rooms. They add a small touch of holiday color and sparkle against the dark oak trim—and give me an excuse to dust the "trim ledge" once a year. This set of multi-color garland is strung with "double beads." Beads such as these would have been blown in a mould—a long "stick" of beads two or three feet long. Once the "stick of beads" has cooled and...
As Auntie Mame (and Jerry Herman) reminds us, "We Need a Little Christmas!" I can't think of a better time for a small measure of cheer than "right this very minute!" Shown here, a set of eight Modernist high ball tumblers—perfect for iced tea, lemonade, or a Tom Collins—frosted and graced with leaping horses in white and 22 karat gold.
Tonight is All Hallows' Eve—more popularly called Hallowe'en—the first day of the Allhallowtide "triduum." Allhallowtide consists of three days: Hallowe'en, All Hallows' Day (also called All Saints' Day) and All Souls' Day. Essentially, Hallowe'en is the vigil, the night before the Holy Day of All Saints' Day (1 November). On All Saints' Day, all the saints are commemorated—both those whom we can name and those we do not know. 2 November is All Souls' Day—the day when all the faithful departed are commemorated. Since the early days of the Christian Church, various locales celebrated varying days for the commemoration of Christian martyrs. Later, this celebration was broadened to honor all the saints (martyred or not). In the Seventh Century, this celebration was expanded throughout...
It's a mere two months—just 61 days—'til Christmas! And, here to provide support and cheer, is Santa Claus, featured on a pair of holiday pins from the 1930's or 1940's. The pins were part of a campaign for the National Tuberculosis Association, founded in 1904. In 1907, the Association launched the Christmas Seals fundraising drive—with the modest goal of saving a troubled TB sanatorium in Delaware. The Christmas Seals campaign was very successful; it continues to this day. Tuberculosis is a serious and deadly disease. It is caused by a bacteria which infects the lungs, spread through coughing, sneezing or breathing infected air in tight quarters. In the Nineteenth Century, it is estimated that 25% of deaths in Europe was...
Four months 'til Christmas! Perish the thought or embrace the lead time! Decorating for the season is a big part of the preparation. Perhaps these antique mercury glass colored beads will help decorate your tree, the bannister, a doorway, or the wreath that hangs upon the door. Each bead is actually a "double." Two globes, each the size of a large pea, are blown as one. (Actually, a whole, longer "rod" of such beads were formed together—a hot glass rod, blown into a metal mould—then cut into double-bead portions.) They will add a splash of old-fashioned color to your home—during the bleak of winter—just in time for the holidays.
Today marks the eleventh day of Advent—half-way through this year's 22 day season.
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Its length varies from year-to-year depending upon which day of the week Christmas falls. Advent—which comes from the Latin phrase Adventus Domini ("The Arrival of the Lord")—is meant to be a time of reflection, preparation, and waiting-in-readiness for the Lord (though the social and commercial buzz of modern-day Christmastime provides much distraction to even the most intentional of Christians).
The West German Modernist terracotta Holy Family, shown above, was made in the Sixties or Seventies. Its simple lines—and natural colors—make it suitable for display year 'round, not only at Christmas.
Let's end our array of Holiday miscellany with this handsome Christmas tin from the Twenties. A rather-serious portrait of Father Christmas is surrounded by a wreath-like frame of poinsettia blossoms. This covered box, modest in size, is made of machined steel sheets, litho-printed with this holiday illustration. It was made in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Tin Decorating Company—better know as Tindeco. Today, the box would make a wonderful place to keep holiday sweets. Or, perhaps, small ornaments, strings of glass beads or ornament hooks. It would also make a sublime presentation box for a special gift, packed within. Tindeco was founded in Baltimore in 1914. Within a few years, they were the largest tin decorating plant in the world—with a...
Back in the day—when people used to give tobacco to their friends for Christmas—the John Weisert Tobacco Company (of Saint Louis, MO) made these jolly Holiday Gift Packs. Six boxes of tobacco (now empty) are enclosed in the handsome Christmas packaging—replete with Santa, greenery and ornaments. The top of the box has a place for the customary "To and From."
A jolly stained-glass window wishes you "Season's Greetings." And, as you lift your favorite double old fashioned drink, you'll appreciate the 22 karat gold band around the rim. It adds a glint of holiday sparkle, sure, but it also provides protection for the rim of the glass. And serving drinks is not the only task these handsome rocks glasses will accomplish with holiday style. Think of the desserts—peppermint hot fudge sundaes?—you might serve in them. Or eggnog. Or place a tea light (and a little sand) in each glass for a flickering, atmospheric lantern.
Here's more jolly Holiday illustration—printed onto a set of six Christmas highball tumblers. Like yesterday's featured glasses, these were made in the Sixties (possibly Fifties), complete with cheerful, two-dimensional Christmas graphics. This red, green and white decor, however, is even more "vintage" than yesterday's graphic: simpler, flatter, more naive. These glasses conjure the idealized spirit, optimism and simplicity of a Post WWII America.
Growing-up in the Sixties, this is the kind of 2-D Christmas decoration I remember. Two dimensional Santas were cut out of plywood and painted—not inflated in the front yard—and lettered "Merry Christmas, from the Johnsons!". Shabby "tinsel garland" hung from lamp posts, often bent into the shapes of stars, bells, or holly sprigs. And the impossibly giant trees at the shopping center (Ala Moana, in my case) bore impossibly big ornaments (though I never liked the seams on the spheres, where the two halves came together). Still, it was magical and jolly and exciting. Christmas was coming! This set of six Mid-Century Holiday Highball Glasses, shown here, are decorated with (what now appears to be naive) golden candle lanterns, suspended...
I've been to Russia twice—once to Saint Petersburg and once to Moscow—and I had air tickets for a third visit (and a valid tourist visa) in-hand when Ukraine was invaded by Russia in 2022. My plans were dashed, naturally. My husband, Robert Perdziola, a scenic and costume designer, was in the final stretch of opening a ballet, The Pharaoh's Daughter, at the Mariinsky (in Saint Petersburg) at the time of the invasion. Everything had been designed (two years before), constructed (months before) and the opening night was 3 months away. All that was left for him to do was to oversee the load-in, technical rehearsals, and final costume fittings. Last minute adjustments are always a part of any production's lead-up to opening....
Happy Hanukkah! The Festival of Lights begins tonight at sundown, lasting for eight consecutive nights. Each night, another candle from the menorah is lighted—using the Shamas ("the helper") candle at the center of the fixture. This Modernist Hanukkah Menorah is made of cast bronze. "Hanukkah Sameach!"
Like trees on an icy, Winter landscape, these pressed-glass trees will provide a gleam of frosty delight in your home. The pair—one is taller than the other—would look great under your tree, on a windowsill, or atop your mantel. Place them where the light will catch their branches—or will shine through them.
These little red owls—suitable for year 'round companionship on your bookcase or window ledge—are handmade in Peru. When I had my store in Greenwich Village, I kept a large wooden bowl of them near the front of the store—piled high with owls. Each little gourd is collected, dried, burned (for dark color), painted and hand-incised (providing highlight detail). Due to the varying shapes and decorating, each individual has his own style and personality. We sell them in trios—a small "parliament" of owls, carefully grouped to provide a bit of variety in each trio. They will provide beautiful color on your tree or will sit happily on your mantelpiece or windowsill.
Some things never get old. This set of six Holiday highballs—made in the Eighties—uses a 1930's illustration as festive decoration. A rim of gold provides a rich halo at the top of each glass—and a bit of useful protection to the glass's rim.
Color-Theme or Multi-Color? It's the classic decorating debate. I, for one, usually prefer a strong presence of one great color. "Anything worth doing is worth overdoing." My other half likes liberal mixes of color; the more, the merrier.
I guess at Christmastime, on a Christmas tree, one cannot go wrong with lots of varied color. In this case, a string of vintage multi-colored mercury glass beads (from the early Twentieth Century) would hit the right, jolly note. Additionally, this eight foot string of glass beads is faceted, adding an extra pop of reflected light and Christmastime sparkle.
This Laub's biscuit tin, made in the Fifties or Sixties, really screams Christmas. Perfect for storing your home-baked Holiday cookies or an excellent place to keep your favorite Christmas ornaments during the off season. Laub's was founded in Cleveland by German immigrant Jacob Laub in 1889. In time, it became the largest independent baker in all of Ohio with 465 employees.. They ran a bakery storefront, home delivery routes, and a brisk wholesale business (to other stores, restaurants and institutions). A box like this would have been used to present their Christmas cookies. Today, it provides a blast of vintage Holiday cheer—and is useful at the same time.
Six months to go! Is it ever too early to start preparing? No pressure; we stand ready to help you, should you choose to make the jump. Shown above, a cheery Christmas biscuit tin—with a jolly silk screened Santa waving from the top. Use it for storing ornaments, Christmas stuff, precious holiday cards, sewing supplies or...cookies! In 1878, 17 year old German immigrant, Jacob Laub, moved to Cleveland, Ohio and became a baker's apprentice. Before long, he was baking in his home, eventually expanding to commercial premises in 1892. The company was incorporated in 1903 and enjoyed regular, continuous growth, eventually becoming the largest independent wholesale bakery in Ohio. In 1974, after being acquired by a larger company, the bakery...
Chad Pesach Sameach! Happy Passover!
Passover is the annual Jewish celebration commemorating the Israelites' escape from enslavement in Egypt. In the Book of Exodus, God sends the "Angel of Death" over Egypt, directed to kill every firstborn child and animal. But the captive Israelites were instructed to mark the lintels of their dwellings with lamb's blood, thus marking their homes for preservation. The Angel of Death would then "pass-over" the homes of the Jewish believers, thus sparing them.
Like many Jewish festivals, it begins at Sundown on the previous evening—today, 5 April. This year, Passover concludes on the evening of Thursday 13 April.
Nine months from today: Christmas will be here! Upon this announcement, some of you may attempt to reach through the Internet Machine and throttle me. While others may see the wisdom of starting their Holiday shopping now—buying just the right gifts (as they are discovered) and storing them in that special hiding place for that special gifty stash. Then the organized shopper may relax, knowing the Holidays will be a breeze. Above, a set of four Double Old Fashioned Rocks glasses with "Season's Greetings" wrapped-around the glass in a "stained glass effect" graphic. A 22 karat gold rim punctuates the edge of the glass. These glasses are perfect for egg nog—or something harder—and they will add a festive spark to your Holiday...
Christmas is behind us and we are squarely into the New Year. Time to clean-up, re-organize, get sorted! Perhaps the hearth needs a little attention—so active was it during a season of Holiday entertaining. This Victorian English fireplace brush is a handy and stylish way to make quick work of the mess. A soft horsehair brush is concealed within an embossed, heavy brass sleeve. Retract the brass cover and reveal the brush within. It will stand upright in a protected spot (as long as one does not bump it). And the decorative brass work will provide handsome punctuation to your fireplace 365 days a year.
Germany was the birthplace of Modernist church design (both Catholic and Protestant) in the Twentieth Century. In the Twenties, through the end of the Weimar Republic (1918-1933), Germany took-the-lead in building new religious spaces with a radical, Modernist look. Before World War One, the Church looked-backward for its design inspiration. By emulating older schools of design—principally the Romanesque and the Gothic—the Church believed it was reinforcing the continuity between the modern Church and all that had come before. But, for a few years, German church designers moved in the new, Modernist direction—until the Nazis (who abhorred any Modernist expression) came to power. With very few exceptions, the Germans were quite alone in this early modernization. Modernism would not become popular in churches...
Whether you're fresh-in from the slopes, or have spent the whole afternoon sipping cider in the lodge, a nice Christmassy ski sweater always fits-the-bill. This little fellow, made of faux mohair, has felt pads for paws and jointed, posable limbs. And, of course, that jolly, red snowflake sweater paired with black velour shorts. Add him to your Holiday guest list.
It is not only one week 'til Christmas. It is also the first night of Hanukkah! Hanukkah—the eight night "Festival of Lights"—celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple by God's People of Israel. The Books of Maccabees relates a story that only one night's worth of lamp oil could be found—and yet—the lamp burned for eight nights. Hanukkah menorah have eight candles, one for each night of the celebration, plus the "shammash" or "attendant" candle which is placed higher (or lower) than the other eight. This shammash candle is used to light the other eight candles—one each night. The Modernist bronze menorah, shown above, is ready for the Holiday Season. Click on the photo above to learn more about it....
American post-war exuberance charged right into the early Sixties. It was a time of growth, optimism, new energy and a swaggering belief that "America was On Top." Of course, not everyone felt permitted to swagger. And the early Sixties would soon become the late Sixties—when America's blind optimism would be challenged, especially by the young and the disenfranchised. But, while the good times lasted, Americans celebrated in uniquely buoyant fashion. Once sitting atop a Sixties Christmas bar cart were these six 12 ounce highball tumblers—complete with cheerful green garland, red bows and candles, and 22 karat gold lanterns. They capture beautifully the happy idealism of the time—no longer the staid Fifties but not yet the rebellious Sixties. Use them to serve mixed drinks...
A pair of pressed glass pine trees will glisten from your dining table, windowsill or mantelpiece. Put them out for the Holidays, for the Winter Season, or just leave them out all year long
Can one really have too many biscuit tins? Use them to present your Holiday baked delights. Or use them to store any manner of treasures: buttons or sewing supplies, travel soaps, Christmas ornaments. A 1950's Santa waves from the cover of the tin.
This winsome Christmas tree ornament—sculpted and cast in pewter—will add a cool and wint'ry folk art touch to your Holiday decorating. It was hand-made in California and also could be used as a stylish (and seasonally appropriate) candlesnuffer.
We officially have entered the Holiday Season. Perhaps you're not quite ready to plunge into the retail fray. But you may be up for a little festal decorating. A jolly parliament of owls is ready to alight upon your doorstep. These endearing ornaments—each one has a distinctive personality—are hand-crafted from natural gourds. Artisans draw, paint, flame (burn with a candle) and etch the gourds by hand—all before attaching a little beak and a golden hanger. Each gourd varies in shape (round, pointed, fat or slim) and the artist's decoration contributes to a one-of-a-kind appearance. They will provide a happy pop on your Christmas tree or look good (all year 'round) hanging in your window. They'd make a nice little gift...
To cultivate an "attitude of gratitude" is to make the best of life. It certainly makes a person more attractive. And it may even improve one's health. It certainly makes one feel better!
For what am I thankful? My faith. My health. My family, husband and dog (Benji). And the loyal LEO Design customers who have allowed me to pursue this unique and wonderful vocation—seeking and acquiring Handsome Gifts and home furnishings which bring pleasure and beauty to my customers' homes.
Tomorrow is Black Friday, the traditional start of the Retail Holiday Season. I will continue to share more new items with you—as I find them—and endeavor to ship promptly to get them to you in-time for the Holidays.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Though Summer has barely left us, a glance at the calendar reminds us that Christmas is a mere three months away! Let's get ready! No time to waste! Here's a set of four cheery Christmas Double Old Fashioned "Rocks" glasses. They are decorated with a stained-glass effect salutation—Seasons Greetings—and are topped with a 22 karat gold rim. This metallic enhancement looks nice but, more importantly, it protects the delicate glass rim from unexpected chipping.
It's beginning to look a lot like . . . Spring. But Christmas is a short nine months away. Start your shopping now! Here's a pewter Christmas Tree, made in Los Angeles, which could be hung upon the tree or in a window. It can also be used as a holiday candle snuffer. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Wishing all—customers, friends and family—a Merry Christmas and a New Year of health, happiness and contentment.
Thank you for your support this season—and throughout the last 26 years.
There is an old story in my family about attending any holiday party: invitations were always issued with the reminder, "Ring the doorbell with your elbow!" It was (supposedly) an exhortation to never show-up empty handed. Now, I myself never heard any family member make this stipulation; the account has always been fourth-person hearsay. And, from what I know of my elders, it seems out of character for them to have suggested such a requirement. I'm guessing that one person said it one time—after which, like so many family tales, the story gathered momentum and embellishment. It is a good story! This ceramic bear, made and hand-painted in Russia, is a lovely "hostess gift" (should one be required or desired). He has a little...
Christmas is two weeks away! There is still time to order and receive your gifts by Christmas. But please act quickly! We always try to ship purchases on the day of receipt—if they arrive by Noon (Eastern). Orders received on the weekends (when the Post Office is closed) are posted Monday.
This sweet pewter Christmas ornament was hand-cast in California. It also makes a useful (and festive) candle snuffer.
Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, one of the great solemnities of the Roman Catholic Church. But there is significant popular misunderstanding of the theology. Many people—even some Catholics—don't understand that it refers to the immaculate conception of Mary, not Jesus.
Christian theology includes the concept of "Original Sin," which is basically the "fall from grace" that all humans experienced as a result of Adam & Eve's decision to break with God (in Genesis). It is an inherited state which, Christians believe, can be rectified with baptism. Roman Catholics believe that baptism is the essential, redeeming sacrament through which people are "born again" into a life with Christ.
Tonight is the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, the annual Jewish "Festival of Lights." The celebration commemorates the Maccabees victory over the Greeks and the miracle of the oil lamp. In the Second Century BC, the Jews found themselves under the thumb of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire. The Greeks insisted that the Jews worship their god, Zeus, and they desecrated the Jewish Temple (the "Second Temple") by slaughtering pigs within it. Many Jews rebelled. But the Maccabees rose-up and took-on the Greek Army. Despite a small number of warriors, the Maccabees defeated the Greeks and reclaimed their temple. While cleaning-up their house of worship, they were disappointed that they only had enough lamp oil to last through one night of...
Here's a more elegant glassware offering: a classic Double Old Fashioned rocks glass, decorated with 22 karat gold swags, stars and a holly tree. Atop it all, a gold rim—which is handsome and useful: it helps protect the rim against chipping. The set of four glasses hold 12 ounces each.
Sixties swank will add a little punch to your punch. These two sets of highballs—one with six glasses, the other with eight—are decorated with a jaunty array of wreaths, bows, bells, trees and poinsettias. Not really elegant, certainly not tacky—these 10 ounce tumblers capture a certain Sixties style, full of innocence and promise and simple Holiday cheer.
The Holidays—and the Holiday guests—are on their way! Get ready now with this set of six Mid-Century highball glasses. They are festooned with swags of green pine, red bows and candles, and a 22 karat gold lantern. Perfect for egg nog or even something a bit harder.
It was 1995. And, during my little shop's First Christmas on Bleecker Street, I refused to decorate the store before Thanksgiving. I would defend The Tradition! I was adamant not to hang one pine needle until Thanksgiving Day! So I crept into the shop on Thanksgiving morning around 6:00 am. I turned on NPR; Bob Edwards was interviewing celebrity chefs on their favorite Thanksgiving offerings. (Paul Prudhomme was making a "Turducken.") The store would be closed for the holiday. I was working alone but had nothing but time to relax and decorate: window, garlands, holiday merchandise, and a 10 foot tall Christmas tree, loaded with Christopher Radko ornaments (which would be for sale, of course). As I took my first sip of...
In recent decades, Hallowe'en has become perceived as a pagan celebration—a day of witches, gnomes, Kim Kardashian, and the Devil himself. I've heard a number of people proclaiming the day "my favorite holiday," further explaining that they liked it because it was a big celebration devoid of religious associations. Nothing could be further from the truth. Since the year 800, the date has had religious importance. Hallowe'en—All Hallows' Eve—is the vigil night before the important Christian celebration, The Feast of All Saints (celebrated 1 November) also known as All Saints' Day or All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas. And the following day (2 November) is also special—All Souls's Day, a day dedicated to honoring all the dead (sainted or not).
Three months 'til Christmas. (But who's counting?)
It seems like it was only just Summer, yet, before you know it, Christmas will be here! Get ready for the season with this set of four (plus one) jolly rocks glasses from the Seventies—decorated with a "stained glass" Season's Greetings" wrap. A light rim of gold helps protect the edges and provide an extra touch of subtle sparkle. Whether serving eggnog for the kids or something a little harder for the grown-ups, these Double Old Fashioned tumblers will have you hoisting with style for the Holidays.
Eight months—244 shopping days—'til Christmas! Get your table set (well in advance) with this set of eight Jolly Holiday highballs from the Fifties. Christmas Wreaths, New Year Bells and Poinsettia Blossoms take us back to an older, slower time.
This little "Ski Lodge Teddy" will happily be your Valentine—or convey the greeting for you (to someone else). Click on the photo above to learn more about him.
Although our Holiday gatherings will be smaller this year, need they be less jolly? This set of eight rocks glasses, made in the Seventies, will bring a seasonal flair to your gathering—no matter how small. Whether used for milk (and cookies), eggnog, or something a bit stronger, the bold red and green "stained glass" lettering will remind you exactly which season you're celebrating.
With Christmas but three weeks away, perhaps a little "hostess gift" would help make your season bright. This set of six highball tumblers are decorated with a handsomely illustrated Victorian Christmas tree. A gold band rims the top of each glass—which is not purely decorative, it also helps to protect the glass from chipping. Click on the photo above to learn more about them.
Today is Black Friday, the so-called "Biggest Shopping Day of the Holiday Season" (more about this later). My first "professional" Black Friday was in 1985 as a 22 year old, brand new department manager at G. Fox Department Store in Hartford, Connecticut. The tables on my "pad" (retail speak for the carpeted area that defines the boundaries of a department) were piled-high with sweaters and poly-knit turtlenecks—all marked down from $28 to "the magic price point" of $19.99. It was a whirlwind season for this recent college graduate. I spent my time just getting through the day: helping old ladies find their sizes, filling-in new merchandise, keeping the cash registers humming, and marking-down new items as panicked buyers (in the...
Oy! Exactly one more month to go! On 3 November, the voting will have ended and the counting will have begun. Within a week or two of that, most of the ballots should have been counted and The American Will should be known. Until then, we must bear things as best we can. I received my Pennsylvania ballot today, Saturday, and will mail-it-back on Monday. I plan to drop it into the interior lobby slot of my local post office. If you haven't yet, VOTE! Whether you vote by mail, vote early in-person, or vote at the polls on Election Day, your voice is critical. It's true, one lone voice can appear powerless. But, when combined with the voices of...
In the darkest time of the year we celebrate the Jewish "Festival of Lights." The Talmud tells of a miracle whereby a single jar of oil—which should have lasted one night—continued to burn for eight days. Thus, the holiday lasts eight nights. Our bronze Modernist Hanukkah Menorah has eight candles (one for each night) plus the shammash ("helper" or "attendant"), which is used to light the other candles and which is placed just a little higher than the other candles. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. And a Happy Hanukkah to all! Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we...
As you read this, I will be landing at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport for a weeklong holiday. My partner, a stage designer, has designed the new Giselle for the Bolshoi Ballet, and it premiers this week. I am not sure if I will find many appropriate (or affordable) antiques while in Russia—and I am not even certain if I am allowed to remove them from the country. I will be taking plenty of pictures, however, and I will share them with you in the coming days. Keep checking this Journal and monitor my visit. By the way, the Bolshoi will be broadcasting worldwide a performance of this Giselle on 26 January 2020. Click this link to find-out if this broadcast will be shown...
Summer—at least in 2019—is chock-a-block with campaigning and candidates, all hoping to Make America Good Again. And tonight, we witness the start of Round Two of the Democratic Presidential Debates. Get into the Summer Blue spirit with this all cotton cap, embroidered with contrasting stitched lettering. Please click on the photo above to learn more about this cap. Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com). Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private...
A new year. A fresh start. And a resolution to be a patriot—to help my country more in 2019. Let's start with something that's been on my mind: it's time to Make America Good Again. You see, for me, it's more important to be Good than Great. And maybe this vintage-style baseball cap will be a little reminder. A hopeful, royal blue cap is embroidered with antique orange—an optimistic combination in anticipation of better days ahead. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts" Follow us on...
Today I give thanks for the loyal customers who have supported LEO Design—in word and deed—during the Holiday season and throughout 2017. Merry Christmas!
LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
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Another Christmas is here—and there’s a new year waiting right around the corner! This has been our 22nd Holiday Season in the neighborhood. Where has the time gone? We are grateful for the support of our many wonderful customers. Wishing all a joyful and restful Christmas. May 2017 be a year of unexpected happiness. Today […]
Prepare for The Season of Lights with this cast bronze Modernist Menorah. Sculpted in the American Midwest, it will see you through the eight days of Hanukkah in style. Please come into the shop to see it in-person or click on the photo above to learn more about it. Happy Holidays! Today—and daily […]
Every year, in preparation for the Holiday season, I select and order a single stuffed bear to sell in the shop through the autumn and Holiday seasons. I’ve done this for twenty-one years—with a slight modification last year when I found a stuffed lion to commemorate our twentieth anniversary. Shown above, this year’s Holiday teammate—who […]
An old favorite at LEO Design—back for another Christmas season. Peruvian fair trade craftsmen collect the gourds, dry them, then decorate them with paint, carving and a hot stylus. Cheery and bright and every one just a little different from his branch mates. Please come into the shop to see them in person or click on […]
Glass-making, as far as we can tell, started in Mesopotamia around 2,500 BC. About 1,500 BC, the Egyptians began making glass—mostly small amulets, beads, and tiles for decorative inlay. As the Egyptians expanded into (and conquered portions of) the Middle East, they captured and brought back to Egypt various skilled artisans, including glassmakers. At this […]
Like yesterday’s angel ornaments, this hummingbird is also made of carved tagua nuts—also known as “palm ivory” or “vegetable ivory.” He’ll happily hover amongst the branches of your Christmas tree or levitate year ’round in your kitchen window. Made in a fair trade workshop in Ecuador ($28). For the Holiday season, LEO […]
With Christmas three weeks away, perhaps it’s time to think about trimming the tree. Over the next few days I’ll share with you some of my in-store ornaments—new finds and old favorites. Shown above, little angels carved of tagua nuts. Also called “vegetable ivory,” tagua nuts grow on a variety of palm tree found in […]
Wishing a Happy Hanukkah to all—and a joyful Holiday Season! As we rush-about our ever-busy lives, let’s endeavor to enjoy a few quiet, focused moments with those we love. Hanukkah begins tonight—at sundown—and ends Monday evening, eight days from now. The Cypress Tree Menorah, pictured above, is cast of solid bronze in Canada. Please click […]
A Merry Christmas to all—and a happy, healthy New Year, too. I’d like to thank all of my LEO Design customers for supporting the shop, especially during this—our twentieth!—Christmas season. Without wonderful and loyal customers like you, we would not have made it this far. Here’s to the next twenty Christmases! LEO Design is closed […]
Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah—and a wonderful Holiday Season. Thank you for letting LEO Design play a role in your Holiday celebration. Shown above, a finely-cast bronze menorah. Please come see it in the shop or click on the photo above to learn more about it. For the Holidays, LEO Design is now open from […]
I always feel a bit like Santa Claus when I get back to the shop from an overseas buying trip. Laden with too many, heavy bags, it’s always a comfort to put them down on my familiar shop floor. The staff enjoys unpacking and inspecting what I’ve found—often making note of which LEO Design customer […]
While I refuse to decorate before Thanksgiving Week, I have begun putting-out a few of the early-arriving Holiday items as they have come in. Discreetly, of course. Last week it was the Holiday cards; now it’s a collection of hand-made, mouth-blown art glass ornaments. Beautiful enough to display year ’round, these lovingly-crafted little treasures come […]
Christmas . . . in June? A bit off-season, I know, but I have to buy these cool antiques when I find them—they may not be around later. Shown above, a wooden Christmas ornament box, from the 1940’s or 1950’s, with a printed greeting on the cover. A bit beat-up—well-loved, perhaps—but still up to the […]
A flock of little, red Holiday owls has landed at LEO Design, here to remind us: “Only one month ’till Christmas Eve!” Another reminder, this time from our ornithologist friends: a group of owls is called “a parliament.” Click on the photo, above, to learn more about these Peruvian, hand-made ornaments.
We’ve just received another beautiful menorah—this one finely-cast in bronze. The exceptional detail is rendered using the “lost wax method” whereby molten bronze is poured into a mold formed around a detailed wax version of the same menorah. It is then finished by hand and patinated. The lost wax method is the traditional means of […]
While in Brighton, England last week, I met an enterprising, young artist selling her hand-decorated berets on an outdoor stall. I thought them jolly without being flamboyant—just perfect for a Holiday party or a “Stocking Stuffer” gift . I bought-up an assortment, some of them shown above. Come into the store and see the complete […]
. . .to Hanukkah, that is. We’ve just received our Holiday shipment of Bronze Cypress Tree Menorahs. Crafted of solid bronze in Canada, they are a casually beautiful accompaniment to The Festival of Lights. And so handsome, I think, it can sit out year ’round. Place it on a high shelf and one won’t […]
