LYRA MAG.

Ditch the alcohol...  gifts that are shelf worthy-shelf stable selections are really so much better useful , better aesthetics ... and better for you . LOVE the entire    Royal Doulton COFFEE STUDIO collection -packaged in  cool sturdy paper bags -cardboard like. CHOICES-  latte or cappechino cup/saucer sets,a handsome  travel mug, or pour over or French Press coffee pot set...in neutral tones that fit right at home i n any home are on sale-$9.99 (Grande Mug)-$59.99 (itchy matchy Rectangular Tray set of 4).  For folks with Nepresso (or Nepresso capable) single serve machines...a collection of Pellini Organic, rich  espresso or smooth elegant 100% Arabica Coffee capsules that will most likely- start disappearing before the party's over.  Trust us on this one...tie a ribbon around a few boxes. No...there is no such thing as enough flattering-soft holiday glow. Illuminations candles comes in giftable frosted glass vess...

Inspiration for an IRL Gift Watching (hearing) a toddler wail-for 2 hours 22 minutes-from pre-boarding -to a final descent   on a recent flight. A trio of adults-nanny - parents-attempts to tempt the offspring with an iPad video-failed- again and again . Onboard- the nanny - escaped to coach... the father, quickly napped in first -tuning out the decibels... the mother desperately kept to a screen 'pacifier' for those tears loaded eyeballs...as fellow passengers looked (heard) on incredulously. On the one hand-the lung power of this two (ish) years' old-was impressive...on the other-the lack of a physical object, a picture book-crayons-coloring paper, a toy- a puzzle, doll, cards, stuffed animal or physical activity- liking walking up and down the airport terminal pre-flight-or up and down the aisle to blow off steam- during. ..guessing-might be new ideas for adults-probably used to plopping kids down in front of a tv screen-and having them insta-absorbed. Eh. For...

Deck the Halls...or any surface with cheery decor pieces...that make ideal keepsakes' gifts too. Waterford Crystal  -tasteful selection of sparkling ornaments...rings it in. The Times Square Collection (pictured) includes a commemorative  snowglobe $65, triangle and Times Sq Ball-just like the one there ornament $65/$100. All beautifully packaged too. Royal Doulton Figurine- Christmas Surprise ($210) designed by Neil Faulkner-8.8 inches tall beauty with cute lab puppy delivers in a gift box.

Fidenza Village outlets deliver the message during Milan Fashion Week in leafy Brera area NINA's handbags -LOVE THIS-fabulous snap shut clutch (seen at Spring preview). The sparkling beaded details are  exceptionally crafted-as are other glam purses-that are available now. Great gifts-these statement making handbags are big enough for mobiles...priced $55- $65. .Celebrate TRUE LOVE-Assam Teas's wedding blend or-sip a bit of true love-English Tea teabags in a Royal Wedding tin-a collectible by AHMAD Tea We start our morning java inhale with an Ellen Degeneres' Love Mug-by Royal Doulton-part of her collaboration of home decor Joy Gift sets that are utilitarian and cheerful. AND ONSALE NOW -from $24.99-$34.99 PS: sturdy too...don't recommend dropping anything on a hardwood floor-but our beloved cup of choice has survived gravity's pull. via GIPHY

Less Maybe is not More...but is def Preferred Part 2 Set the trends fashion... high/low comfort casual  with glamour accents...seems to filter into how people live-domicile wise...and how luxury living can get defined. Given the luxury of time to live. Services by designer pros ( online ...or investing in the talents offline-of interior decorators/landscapers)... usually incorporate this 21st century wardrobe approach. via GIPHY The upshot-spaces embracing off the shelf  comfort  - bedrooms/baths as sanctuaries- inexpensive  furniture bought 'off the shelf' from RH - Design Within Reach -mixed with expensive custom items ($200,000 sofa seen/sold at Design Miami ) , George Smith 's Brewster chair + Turkish Fireplace Chair from the Commune hand crafted collection-English classics reimagined in California inspired casual ....an area for  working at home and  informally entertaining - ( less the staff  -open floor plans, ch...