INSIDE & OUT : TIME TABLES
Whether you’re counting down to the New Year or just to when dinner’s served, you might want to check out some time-wise table pieces by New York designer Ralph Lauren.
The pocket-watch charger ($140) was inspired by the antique timekeeper most often associated with grandfathers. The buffet plate, crafted of fine bone china, features a distinctive clock face with Roman numerals and old-fashioned hands. It is enhanced with a 24-karat-gold, hand-gilded border.
Another piece of jewelry, the Rolex watch, was the inspiration for Lauren’s Watchband tableware pattern. The flatware is available in stainless steel or with a gold center band (about $83 for a five-piece setting; about $94 with gold).
The charger and flatware in the Home Collection are available in Orange County at the Polo store, South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, and most major department stores.
COLD CLIMATE
New state-of-the-art refrigerators from Sub-Zero are designed to fit any room--from kitchen to den or bedroom suite--and any decorating scheme.
The Sub-Zero 700 Series, which will be available in January, is a system of cabinets and drawers rather than a traditional icebox.
Because the base unit, which consists of two drawers, can be put anywhere, you can have freezer or refrigerator drawers next to, or below, your stove or microwave or integrated into a center island. The compressor is beneath the bottom drawer.
The flexibility makes it possible to have a refrigerator drawer near the stove for onions and such, a drawer elsewhere for items that need to be eaten soon and one filled with juices and fruits within easy reach of the children.
“The new series is also slimmer, only 27 inches wide, so it fits into all standard-size cabinets,” said Monica Baer, spokeswoman for the Madison, Wis.-based company. “There’s also an alarm that beeps to remind you to close the doors or drawers.”
Other features on the units include halogen lighting, adaptive defrosters and individual temperature controls.
The series (about $3,500 for a tall cabinet that includes two drawers) is offered as all-refrigerator, all-freezer or a combination.
For information, call (800) 200-7820.
MADE IN THE SHADE
Slipcovers, which can dress up old furniture or change its look, aren’t just for sofas and chairs anymore. Now lampshades have joined the fray.
Created by Vista Products in Sarasota, Fla., the Overshade, a fabric slipcover, is offered in three styles--round, oval and barrel--and fits most standard sizes.
There are 10 solid colors, a marble print in eight colors and two country prints.
Two holiday patterns are offered for Christmas, a green/red plaid and solid red complete with greens and berries.
“Nobody has them, but everybody needs them,” said Vista spokeswoman Tammy Stewart.
Overshades (about $15) are available at Klassy Krafts in Mission Viejo and JCPenney in the Brea and Westminster malls.
