Not too long ago, I would have eschewed ceiling medallions, but now I think they're quite a nice accent in the right environment. I don't think there are too many innovations in this area, save a few stencils or DIY takes, but I've never seen another ceiling medallion like this. 

Lindsey Adelman, of her eponymous studio known best for its light fixtures, designed the Marina Ceiling Medallion. Available in three sizes, the large (above, seen from a worm's eye view) is certainly the most striking and if you want it, well, it's what I like to call a major investment piece. But it is over four feet in diameter (52 in) of solid brass.  While it appears most retailers are only offering the brass versions, Adelman's own site mentions that less expensive options in polymer with custom color-matched finishes are available. 

Each size is the foundation for the next size up, with the solid small beginning to show a hint of the branches creeping out organically. I think these look best with an attractive bare bulb, but they can be outfitted with a shade as Adelman displayed at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. And, as you'll see in my picture below (which I didn't realize I had until after I started this post) the pieces can be wall-mounted and look just as dramatic as on the ceiling. 

Now that Halloween has passed (barely, and when I was at A.C. Moore yesterday, all the Christmas decor was already out), everyone seems to be going into full holiday mode. The December issues of magazines will be out soon, which means gift guides. Even though I generally don't start shopping this early, I can't wait to see the guides. That being said, I will be sharing a few of my favorite gift ideas over the next several weeks.  First up is a recently-released luxe gift for the outdoorsy wine-loving type.

Picture this*: A sunny day, a light breeze, two people biking casually down a path. They choose a place to stop and set up a light picnic—complete with bottle of wine—and have a peaceful, intimate moment to themselves.

If indulging, even briefly, in the wine country life of leisure is your idea of a good time, owning the Clos Cruiser might be the first step. This limited edition bicycle is available through a partnership between home and fashion boutique C. Wonder and Sonoma-based winery Clos du Bois.

The bicycles are a fancy version of C. Wonder's existing City Bike with a few special extras: Exclusive to the Clos Cruiser  is a navy and white chevron-lined wicker basket outfitted to hold two GoVino reusable wine glasses, and a corkscrew, which are included, and a bottle of Clos du Bois wine.  

If you purchase the Clos Cruiser—available in fuchsia or navy—from Clos du Bois's site, the wine is included automatically. The options are a Chardonnay or a Cabernet Sauvignon. If you choose to purchase through C. Wonder's site or select C. Wonder stores, in addition to the glasses and corkscrew, they'll throw in a monogrammed wine stopper instead and a discount for use at closdubois.com to choose any varietal of your liking.    

The limited-edition Clos Cruiser by C. Wonder will be available through the Spring, $350.

Cheers!