Town & Country articles from December 2005

Town & Country archives from December 2005

It really is better to give.(Editorial)
December 1, 2005... EVERY DECEMBER we produce an issue brimming with gift ideas, and this year is no exception. You will see page after page of exquisite objects, notions for entertaining and decorating and a hearty amount of good cheer. After all, the holidays...

New Orleans on my mind.(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2005... EDITOR'S NOTE: Normally this space is reserved for letters from readers. But given the extraordinarily devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, which were coming to light as we started work on this issue, we asked Jerry Shriver, the food and...

Speak gold.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Treat yourself and the ones you love to the meaningful gift of find gold jewelry. Yvel's 18K gold hearts from the Ethiopia Collection are available in yellow, white, rose and black gold. There's one language everyone understands. Speak gold....

Time for giving in the holiday season.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... This holiday season choose from over 100 brands in 8,000 styles of watches to purchase the watch of your dreams. Visit Tourneau.com for all store locations or call our Shop-At-Home service at 800.348.3332. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Palm Beach shopping paradise.(scene and be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Palm Beach--a tiny island gem off the Atlantic--boasts some of the finest boutiques and specialty stores in the world. It's a true shopper's paradise. Just in time for the holidays, the Winter 2005 issue of Town&Country TRAVEL presents an...

Roberto Coin.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Traditional, innovative, creative--three words that best describe the mind of Venetian-born designer Roberto Coin. The Elefantino collection, with its intricate texture and design, is a celebration of strength, intellect and dignity. Each piece...

Leo Pizzo.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... The first piece in Leo Pizzo's new Baby Diamond collection for young girls is a small flower pendant--a symbol of a young girl's growth and delicacy. Each piece is a gift that will also be a great investment for their future, leopizzo.co ...

Ritmo Mvndo.(scene and be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)
December 1, 2005... Italian-designed and Swiss-made, the new Divina collection from luxury watchmaker Ritmo Mvndo is a divine blend of form and function. Featuring a round 37mm polished stainless steel case, sunray dial and decorative crown, the Divina comes in...

Antonini.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Antonini presents the Alaska collection made of white gold and diamonds. This exquisite collection features necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings all designed in the Alaska collection's signature round shape. 212.223.9333. [ILLUSTRATION...

Valente Milano.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Navy style and neo-hippy luxury describe the Marina chain necklace from Valente, which features a link chain in pink gold, ebony, fossilized ivory, semi-precious gems and splashes of white diamonds. Available in three versions: Haute Couture,...

Nanis.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)
December 1, 2005... The Nanis collection incorporates new materials with the more traditional combinations of gold and diamonds; mother of pearl and white gold; and diamonds and mother of pearl. This fresh approach to design makes each piece in the collection a...

Favero.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Built on the principles of discipline and balance, Favero has produced a collection of avant-garde jewelry for over 30 years. Slender, linear forms set with diamonds and gemstones characterize his designs in platinum and 18-karat gold. Green...

Lancaster.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Innovative, bright and naturally hypo-allergenic, ceramic is the most refined alternative to platinum, gold, titanium and steel. Lancaster Italy introduces a new collection of Swiss quartz timepieces in high tech white, black and pink all...

United for UNICEF.(PARTIES: Snowflake Ball)(United Nations Children's Fund )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... A Recent Arrival: During New York's crowded holiday season, it's rare for a new charity gala to capture the city's attention and imagination. But UNICEF's inaugural black-tie Snowflake Ball, held in 2004, was just such an event. Global...

Sir Elton's night.(PARTIES: White Tie & Tiara Ball)(Elton John)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Fun Raising: Nowhere is Sir Elton John's over-the-top panache more in effect than at his fundraisers for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. His seventh annual White Tie & Tiara Ball featured not only the formal wear and the glittering jewels...

A noteworthy night.(PARTIES: New York Philharmonic)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Opening Strains: The New York Philharmonic returned from the first leg of its European tour to kick off its 2005-06 season with a concert at Avery Fisher Hall featuring works by Beethoven and Richard Strauss. The orchestra, masterfully led by...

The Bay City sings.(Parties: San Francisco Opera)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... A Perfect Pair: The San Francisco Opera celebrated its new season with a sold-out performance at the War Memorial Opera House, followed by the traditional Opera Ball and, for younger patrons, the BRAVO! Club's opening-night gala. Exotic...

Top of the season.(PARTIES: Summer Fetes)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Across the country, summer is a time for rest and relaxation, but that doesn't mean the charity-party circuit slows down. As these Northeast summer-community affairs demonstrate, it actually speeds up. The Nantucket Atheneum hosted the one-ring...

Roger Dubuis.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Steven Holtzman, President of Roger Dubuis North America and Lawrence Kosick, President of Lussori, at the recent Roger Dubuis exhibit in Carmel, CA at Lussori. The exhibit, which entirely filled one of two Lussori storefronts, coincided with...

Passport to Collecting.(scene & be seen: a calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... In the January issue of Town&Country and the January/February issue of Veranda, look out for the exciting Passport to Collecting guide, a full-year calendar that features some of the most prestigious national and international Fine Art and...

Antonini.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... A unique design from the new 2005 Antonini Panama collection--ring with pave diamonds shown in green amethyst. Also available in a variety of different color gemstones. For more information, please call 212.223.9333. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Lexus "Style in the Fast Lane".(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... For the eighth consecutive year, LEXUS joined forces with Town&Country; Esquire; Harper's Bazaar; O, The Oprah Magazine and SmartMoney to present "Lexus Style in the Fast Lane," at the 55th annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. "Access...

Fashion Savvy in Fort Worth: Juliana Collezione has designed yet another beautiful and exciting spring collection.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Fashion Savvy in Fort Worth: Juliana Collezione has designed yet another beautiful and exciting spring collection. To arrange your exclusive showing, call Juliana Fashion Consultants Susie Durand at 817.732.3936 for appointments starting...

Monaco only watch auction.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Thirty-four of the world's leading watchmakers each created and donated a unique timepiece for a live and online auction on September 22 in Monte-Carlo raising over $2.3 million to fund medical research helping children with Duchenne Muscular...

Visit a Movado Boutique and you will find an exceptional array of exclusive jewelry designs that reflect the Movado brand personality in their smooth, sculptural shapes and clean, simple lines.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Visit a Movado Boutique and you will find an exceptional array of exclusive jewelry designs that reflect the Movado brand personality in their smooth, sculptural shapes and clean, simple lines. Shown here, the Movado Aludi[TM] pendant is...

Keys to the city: gifts that will take your loved ones back to their favorite destinations.(ON THE TOWN)
December 1, 2005... To depict city scenes from Telegraph Hill to Times Square, New York--based illustrator MICHAEL STORRINGS creates a series of images on paper that are subsequently copied and painted on handblown-glass ornaments by artisans in Europe. We're told...

Mexico--for thousands of years treasure seekers have set out to explore its mysteries, returning with tales of romance and ancient civilizations.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... MEXICO--for thousands of years treasure seekers have set out to explore its mysteries, returning with tales of romance and ancient civilizations. Come savor the Splendors of Mexico, a rich blend of cultural heritage with world class beach...

Kule.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... If you would like to host a trunk show in your area, please call 866. KULESHOP or email info@kuleshop.com. To view our complete line of children's clothing, please visit kule.com.

Diamonds by Erickson Beamon.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... The dazzling jewelry from Diamonds By Erickson Beamon is a must buy this holiday season. Key pieces of the collection include curvaceous chandelier earrings that sway with slender-sliced diamond droplets. Necklaces are festooned with fine...

Cinzia Rocca.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)
December 1, 2005... The Cinzia Rocca collection for fall/winter 2005 is marked by a move toward exciting textures, bold colors and luxurious detailing. The collection was created for the modern woman with an attentive eye for quality and fashion. Available at...

Unicef.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(United Nations Children's Fund )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Baccarat is raising funds for the world's poorest and most vulnerable children. Make a gift to UNICEF of $500 or more and have your name, or the name of a loved one, engraved on one of the thousands of Baccarat crystals in the UNICEF Snowflake,...

Auberge du Soleil Resort: Sweepstakes.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Ross-Simons' reputation for finding unique treasures is legendary. Right now, Ross-Simons and Town & Country invite you to enter their Auberge du Soleil Getaway Sweepstakes, including two nights' deluxe accommodations and roundtrip airfare....

Nature boy.(IN THE COUNTRY)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Southampton-based PERRY GUILLOT's sources of inspiration range from the 18th-century parklike gardens designed by William Kent at Rousham, just north of Oxford, England, to the lush French landscapes painted in the 17th century by Claude...

Perry's picks: landscape architect Perry Guillot offers stylish gift suggestions for garden lovers.(IN THE COUNTRY: Garden Gifts)
December 1, 2005... Of the FELCO 2 ORIGINAL PRUNER ($43), Guillot says, "No self-respecting landscape architect would be without one. It's the tool of the trade." Get these shears for professionals and avid amateurs alike at A.M. Leonard's Gardeners Edge,...

Garden of reading.(IN THE COUNTRY: Garden Gifts)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... There's nothing I like better at Christmas than to receive a really good garden book. Intelligent inspiration is what I'm searching for, and this year I've found it in Gardens in the Spirit of Place, by Page Dickey (Stewart, Tabori & Chang;...

Deck the halls.(IN THE COUNTRY: Garden Gifts)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2005... The bursts of color in HARRY AND DAVID's fresh berry wreath will brighten any room. $740. 877-322-1200; harryanddavid.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Proceeds from the sales of LINDSAY OLIVES' handwoven olive-branch wreaths benefit...

Design doyenne.(IN THE COUNTRY: Garden Gifts)(Nancy Lancaster: English Country House Style )(Brief Article)(Book Review)
December 1, 2005... Consider Martin Wood's Nancy Lancaster: English Country House Style (Frances Lincoln; $60) for anyone with an interest in decorating and social history. American-born and serially well-married, Lancaster spent most of her adult life in England,...

Staurino Fratelli.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)
December 1, 2005... The exclusive and sophisticated Notre Dame collection is Staurino's latest creation, a symbol of extreme luxury. Real brocades recalling ancient fabrics and incredible tapestries in gold and gems provide a new interpretation of the magnificence...

Giorgio Visconti.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Giorgio Visconti presents the new "Soffio" ring, inspired by the world of flowers, embellished with diamonds and gold--either white or yellow--and enhanced by macrovolumes and sinuous shapes. For more information, please visit...

Marco Bicego.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... The Marrakech collection combines the influence of Africa's rich visual heritage with traditional Vientiane artisanship to create distinctive twisted coils sprinkled with diamonds. In 18K yellow gold, this five-strand ring reflects the spirit...

Locman.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)
December 1, 2005... Since 1995, Locman has become the standard bearer for precision and old world craftsmanship fused with technology. Our 25 master watchmakers and our skilled team of engineers work in perfect harmony, utilizing such 21st Century materials as...

Garavelli.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Since the 1920's Garavelli has been known for its fine jewelry collections, expertly crafted in 18K gold, diamonds and gems of astounding quality. For the retailer nearest you, please call 866.Garavelli. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Chimento.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)
December 1, 2005... As light and airy as a breath of fresh air and as delicate as lace, this unusual 18K gold geometric motif design from Chimento's 2005 Incanto collection glistens as if encrusted by diamonds. This fluid design captures a woman's every move and...

Pianegonda.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)
December 1, 2005... Pianegonda jewelry is inspired by design, art, fashion and cosmopolitan street life. Traditions fuse with modern expertise to create pieces that are innovative and modern and never go out of style. The 2005 collection was created for a...

Fope.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... "Narciso", a new chain link by Fope is a modern play on elegant shapes. The flat and square outline captures different facets of light. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings in 18K gold with mobile diamond clasps reveal the craftsmanship and the...

Town & Country's gift guide.
December 1, 2005... Looking to elicit holiday cheers? Try our latest selection of fashionable presents. Silver bells? The coin-shaped silver disks on this ELISA ATHENIENSE clutch jingle as they move ($485). 800-411-6515 or vivre.com. [ILLUSTRATION...

Splendors of Mexico[SM]: for hundreds of years, thrill seekers have scoured the land of Mexico in search of treasures. Now visitors to this legendary country have found them in ...(AN AMERICAN EXPRESS EXCLUSIVE)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... ACAPULCO A fashionable meeting place for celebrities since the 1930s, dancing under the stars and taking in a laser light show are now commonplace pleasures in Acapulco. For more of an Old World outing, stroll the high pentagonal walls of...

Di Modolo: Milano.
December 1, 2005... Triadra by Di MODOLO is a spirited collection of 18K gold jewelry that celebrates the original and unique designs of Italian jeweler, Dino Modolo. The addition of 18K gold chains, diamonds, pearls and gemstones enhances the jewelry's playful...

Giving thanks.
December 1, 2005... The mark of a gracious guest? A thoughtful hostess gift--particularly one that captures the aromatic essence of the season with warm, fresh-from-the-oven scents or woody undertones. Clockwise from top right: SEDA FRANCE Miel & Muscade toile...

Energy boost.(BEAUTY & HEALTH)
December 1, 2005... If you need a caffeine drip just to get through the day, you obviously have an energy shortage. And chances are, your skin is running on empty, too. After all, building proteins like collagen, manufacturing protective lipids and breaking down...

A firm face.(BEAUTY & HEALTH)
December 1, 2005... Firming doesn't always involve exercise. For your face, all you need is some good old-fashioned cream with cutting-edge ingredients, like CLARINS's Extra-Firming duo. The day cream ($70) firms and protects; the night cream ($80) firms and helps...

Ivy league skin care.(BEAUTY & HEALTH)
December 1, 2005... Founded in 1851 as an apothecary, KIEHL's continues its tradition of creating magical potions. After consulting doctors and researchers at institutions like Harvard Medical School and Columbia University, Kiehl's, inspired by dermatological...

Sophisticated scents: fragrances that celebrate women in all their complexity.(BEAUTY & HEALTH)
December 1, 2005... JO MALONE's passion for red inspired her newest cologne, Pomegranate Noir ($50). To accentuate the exotic nature of this blood-red fruit, which originated in Persia, she's infused the scent with sultry notes of smoky patchouli, and amber gives...

Concierge medicine.(BEAUTY & HEALTH)(personalized health insurance)
December 1, 2005... Lately you've been pondering your family's health-care situation. Like so much else these days, it's complicated. Your husband travels a lot on business; so do you. What if either of you became ill in, say, Singapore? Or suppose that your...

Emily Summers's beauty tips.(BEAUTY & HEALTH)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Born and bred in Kansas City, Missouri, Emily Summers is a prominent and stylish interior designer and art consultant living in the Highland Park section of Dallas. She stands out in a crowd--and for good reason. Here's how she does it. ...

Design your own lip gloss.(Must-Dos for December)
December 1, 2005... Your inner makeup artist will love creating a PRESCRIPTIVES lip gloss ($26) for your mouth only. Choose the shade, finish and flavor at the counter, and your tube will be ready in ten minutes. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Go exotic .(Must-Dos for December)
December 1, 2005... The celebrated book Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden, will at last be on the big screen this month, thanks to Rob Marshall and Steven Spielberg. Get into the spirit with FRESH's Eastern-influenced fragrances and cosmetics ($32-$48),...

Dazzle on the road.(Must-Dos for December)
December 1, 2005... London-based designer ALICE TEMPERLEY has teamed with PENHALIGON'S to create a line of limited-edition travel accessories ($39-$745), including vanity cases and a candle. 877-736-4254. N.J.J. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Recover from a late night.(Must-Dos for December)
December 1, 2005... When you've had a glass too much of Champagne (and an hour or two less sleep than you need), reach for ORLANE's B21 Morning Recovery Concentrate ($75). The gel's ginseng and botanicals improve circulation, so skin glows. At Neiman Marcus...

Revisit a classic .(Must-Dos for December)
December 1, 2005... Designer Tom Ford brings his Midas touch to ESTEE LAUDER with his gold-tinged limited-edition collection. Snap up the gorgeous fluted compacts and lipsticks ($35-$550), along with Youth Dew Amber Nude (eau de parfum spray, $65), his update on...

Making a difference.(BEAUTY & HEALTH)(cosmetic industry's donations, Hurricane Katrina)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Town & Country salutes those beauty companies that contributed products to Hurricane Katrina survivors, helping them to get by in a practical way but also, in some measure, to regain their dignity and confidence. Unilever (Dove/ Lipton) pledged...

Leslie Greene.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Leslie Greene flaunts fall's seductive style with a collection of ultra-feminine pieces set in the warmth of yellow gold. Sophisticated spiraling diamond swirls and bold gemstones in lush autumn hues complete every woman's look this season. For...

Banana Republic.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)
December 1, 2005... Banana Republic has the indulgent cashmere, sleek accessories and cozy sweaters that top everyone's winter wish list, along with the Banana Republic GiftCard. Banana Republic's selection of thoughtful gifts priced under $50 makes it easy to...

Laura Munder.(scene & be seen: A calendar of events, trunk shows and benefits taking place at a store or location near you.)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... 18 karat yellow and white gold ring set with Mandarin garnet and yellow diamonds. Retail $24,000. Available at the Laura Munder Boutique, Bergdorf Goodman, select Neiman Marcus stores and Wynn & Company, Las Vegas. For more information, please...

Great gifts for the culturally minded.(ARTS & CULTURE)
December 1, 2005... BOOKS ABOUND FINE ART Now eighty-three, the realist painter Lucian Freud has been at his most prolific in the last decade. Lucian Freud: 1996-2005 (Knopf; $75) is filled primarily with portraits, many of them nudes of Freud's friends and...

Having it all.(ARTS & CULTURE: Great Gifts)
December 1, 2005... A bumper crop of comprehensive sets of books, music and films on DVD offers up sumptuous, full-course cultural meals. For music lovers: The Complete Clef/Verve Count Basie Fifties Studio Recordings (Mosaic Records, mosaicrecords.com; $136),...

Inspirational giving.(ARTS & CULTURE: Great Gifts)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Neither Henri Matisse nor Frida Kahlo was considering a career as an artist when their mothers gave them paints and brushes to keep them occupied while they were bedridden (Matisse, with severe appendicitis; Kahlo, with injuries from a bus...

Loving likenesses.(ARTS & CULTURE: Great Gifts)(portrait paintings)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Imagine, under the tree, a portrait of your beloved or your offspring. It's a surprise gift that's surprisingly easy to arrange. "I'll paint from photos if my client insists--husbands for wives, and vice versa--or I'll paint the children as a...

The indies' dream merchant.(ARTS & CULTURE: Great Gifts)
December 1, 2005... Ismail Merchant, who died in May at age sixty-eight, was a producer in the truest sense of the word: he gave form and shape to things. He "made" movies just as much as director James Ivory, his longtime filmmaking partner, and the phrase "a...

Picture this.(ARTS & CULTURE: Great Gifts)
December 1, 2005... Everybody knows that buying art as a gift is a risky business. But lately, some leading photography galleries have been doing a brisk gift business, supplying presents for holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. "We sell a lot of photographs...

The most Super Tuscan.(ARTS & CULTURE: Great Gifts)
December 1, 2005... You've heard the expression, "Like a fine wine, it gets better with age." Those words most certainly apply to Sassicaia, the very first "Super Tuscan." But how to track down one of its older vintages? Wine auctions. Such venues as Sotheby's...

Costa Rica with kids: who says that an exotic family adventure requires forfeiting grown-up luxuries?(TRAVELER'S NOTEBOOK)
December 1, 2005... WHEN I TOLD people last year that I was taking my five-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter to Costa Rica for vacation, the response was universal admiration. "Wow. A real family adventure," they would say. They clearly had visions...

Discovering Krakow.(TRAVELER'S NOTEBOOK)
December 1, 2005... IT WAS DEFINITELY earmuff weather in Krakow last New Year's eve. At midnight, we stood in Rynek Glowny, the vast market square in the Old Quarter that's been the center of commerce, entertainment, gatherings and coronations since the town...

Buena Villa.(TRAVELER'S NOTEBOOK)(Casa Triton)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... In Costa Careyes, an exclusive enclave on Mexico's Pacific coast, there are many memorable houses to rent, but one of the most spectacular is the recently finished CASA TRITON. Set on six acres, the three-bedroom villa sprawls along oceanfront...

Cozy in Courchevel.(TRAVELER'S NOTEBOOK)(Le Kilimandjaro, hotel)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Since opening in 2001, the hotel LE KILIMANDJARO has been a magnet for wealthy Europeans, who arrive on Learjets at the world's highest "altiport." It's located in Courchevel 1850 (the number refers to its altitude, in meters), the poshest of...

Mighty Atlas.(Brief Article)(Book Review)
December 1, 2005... MIGHTY ATLAS Map enthusiasts will be enchanted by Atlas Maior (Taschen; $200), a fascinating and artful look into notions of world geography in 17th-century Europe. When the eleven-volume original by the esteemed Dutch cartographer Joan Blaeu...

Design trends.
December 1, 2005... We asked four stars of the design world for a peek at their holiday wish lists. Here's what they are giving, and also hoping to receive, this season. MURIEL BRANDOLINI often embroiders a personal message on Holland & Sherry's cashmere...

Giving back.
December 1, 2005... This winter there's a great reason to be indoors in Palm Beach. From January 12 through February 4, the American Red Cross will host its annual designer show house in the West Palm Beach historic district, with proceeds benefiting its relief...

Disturbing behavior: the 2005 hall of shame.(SOCIAL GRACES)
December 1, 2005... AS WE LOOK BACK ON 2005, the fact that a surly actor threw a phone at a hotel employee or that a publishing diva flouted her home-detention order might seem inconsequential. Indeed, such lapses in judgment are mere blips in a news year...

Beaver creek beckons: with excellent trails, a wonderful ski school and fine slopeside hotels, this kid-friendly Colorado resort makes a ski trip easy and enjoyable for the whole family.
December 1, 2005... DURING A LIFETIME spent on skis, I've had a chance to visit some of the world's great resorts--Aspen, Sun Valley, Zermatt and Val d'Isere, to name a few. Each is appealing in its own way, and I'd happily go back to any of them. Or so I like to...

Winter palace: visit the New York Botanical Garden now, and learn much about the potent appeal of bare nature.
December 1, 2005... THERE'S nothing wrong with spring, of course--the urgency of bloom, the sense that the earth is surging with renewed life--and nothing wrong with the riot of summer or the steadfast blaze of early autumn. Every garden, every gardener, tries to...

Icebreakers: guaranteed to warm up even the coolest women--diamonds, and plenty of them.
December 1, 2005... Fred Leighton 13.7-carat cushion-cut ring ($750,00), 212-288-1872. Stephen Webster Half Temple ring ($30,600), by special order at Bergdorf Goodman, NYC, 800-558-1855. Stephen Rusell 13-carat pear-shaped Golconda ring (price on request),...

Let it snow: in an excerpt from her new book, interior designer Charlotte Moss describes the keys to finding stylish comfort from the cold.
December 1, 2005... MORE THAN just a home, a winter house is a frame of mind. It is a place you can retreat to, to relax, recharge and reconnect with friends, family and--last but not least--yourself. In a way, a winter house has a split personality. It is full of...

Merry Mary: decorator Mary McDonald's holiday party in Beverly Hills brings the birds out of the trees and the stars out of the sky.
December 1, 2005... WHAT HAPPENS when the life of the party has a party? Everyone wants to come. And their friends want to come. And friends of friends want to come. So, even though the invitation to Mary McDonald and her longtime boyfriend John Bercsi's annual...