The sun has come out, and with it, our annual lusting for light and bright things to sprinkle around the house, reflecting the new season and our hopefully tasteful aesthetic. It’s a challenge, what with the recession and all, but we still love to look.

You’re going to hate us for what we’re about to do, because once you see the picture of Artful Home’s Pixie Vases, you’re going to want them, and you’re going to want them all. (Evil, evil Web site to show (more…)

Courtesy of The Style Insider — and because we know the economy is dicey — this particular list of gifts under $100 actually consists of gifts under $50. We’re always looking out for you:

Ah, Sephora. Need we say anything else? Their Ultimate Blockbuster collector’s edition is the grownup version of the box of 120 crayons we all coveted when we were kids. In one sleek black case, you get 71 eyeshadow shades, 13 cream eyeshadow shades, 5 blushes, 1 compact powder, 60 lip glosses, a lip liner, an eyeliner, 4 brushes and 3 sponge-tipped applicator. It’s a stocking-stuffer supreme, all for $48 (above).

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The lights are twinkling outside, the tree is sparkling in the window. You love decorating for Christmas, and so do we. So let’s not stop simply because we’ve taken care of the basics.

Imagine these three angel musicians gracing your mantelpiece, or working their way up the stairs with Christmas beauty. Each handcrafted, handpainted angel stands nearly 20″ tall, wears an exquisite fabric robe in berry, green or gold, and holds a musical instrument. Halos and wings float behind, looking very much like the real thing. At Horchow ($200, above).

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We’ve got Santa’s bag out, and none too soon; Thanksgiving came a little late this year, so we’re a tad behind on our shopping. Here are some cool, creative gifts we’ve found for under $100 each:

Is there a cook on your list? How about a college student? Either would appreciate this Breville Ikon panini press from Williams-Sonoma ($99, left), which sears breads to a crusty finish without smashing the sandwich’s filling. It also does duty as a quesadilla or cheesesteak maker. Yum.

We’re dying for Uncommon Goods’ puzzle piece ottoman, but we have one problem - we want to buy about a dozen, and link them all together. Plus, they might be a little difficult to wrap. But we can’t resist ($80 each, above).

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There are wine glasses for sipping Chardonnay on the patio, and they can’t cost much or you wouldn’t take them outdoors. There are large wine glasses for when you’ve had a tough day at work, though we prefer to call them tumblers. And then there are wine glasses for the Thanksgiving table, which can be all exquisite shimmer and delicate shape.

Make that holiday toast to good health and thankfulness among your family and friends a beautiful one with some striking stemware.

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Keep your fork, there’s pie.

It’s one of the most magical sentences in the English language. Even if  we can’t imagine another bite, when we’re full to here of turkey and dressing and potatoes and all the side dishes the relatives brought, Keep your fork, there’s pie somehow fortifies us, sending us happily into battle once again.

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