Judith Leiber is most famous for her minaudieres: intricate handbags, many of them beaded and shaped like animals or vegetables. Though she sold her bag company nine years ago, animals and intricacy inspire her newest endeavor, too -- a collection of silver tabletop accessories called Objets Ditty Peto. (Since she sold her name along with the company, the new line is a combination of a childhood nickname -- Ditty -- and her maiden name -- Peto.)
The silver work includes potpourri holders shaped like cats, rabbits and rams; vases shaped like ducks, frogs and snails; coasters; baskets; place-card holders and napkin rings. The pieces are perfect for adding a sense of whimsy to a table, but, like her famous bags, they come at a hefty price: The line ranges from $140 for a single napkin ring to $4,000 for a basket.
Objets Ditty Peto products are available at selected Nieman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Amen Wardy stores.
Dot the holiday table with cranberries
Cranberries add a nice dash of color to the Thanksgiving tableau. But this year, the ruby red fruit can also be a decorating touch -- and not as stains on the tablecloth, either.
Ocean Spray offers these suggestions for adding berry flair to the holiday table.
* Create a cranberry candle float by filling a wide-mouthed low bowl with water, add cranberries and floating candles, then light the candles.
* Make a cranberry garland by stringing fresh berries with a needle and dental floss or thread coated with beeswax. To keep it fresh longer, spray shellac on the berries after stringing. To prevent staining, do not place on linens or lightly painted surfaces.
* Add a tart feeling to flower arrangements by filling a vase with a cup or two of berries and enough water to fill the vase half-full, then adding cut flowers. Replace water daily or as needed, and discard cranberries when they become soft.
Crafts made with fresh cranberries should be displayed in a cool, dry place and discarded before berries become soft (approximately a week).
Area artists honored
American craft trade publication NICHE has announced the finalists for its annual awards, and four Maryland artists are on the list: Marcia M. Manzo of West River, in the clothing category; Timothy Mowry of Annapolis, in furniture; Richard Roney-Dougal of Greensboro in gold jewelry and R.A. Laufer of Baltimore, in wood: traditionally joined.
The NICHE Awards recognize outstanding creative achievements of American craft artists who produce work for craft galleries and retail stores. Winners will be announced at a ceremony Feb. 16 at the Buyers Market of American Craft in Philadelphia.
Extend the gardening season
Winter is quickly approaching, but that doesn't mean gardeners have to pack away all their tools for the season.
Juliana America, producer of a wide range of hobby greenhouses, has bulked up its line of Premium greenhouses. The models are now available in a "strong as a house" version, with 10-mm polycarbonate panels (instead of the usual 4- to 8-mm thickness), which are designed to keep plants better protected from severe weather. The houses range in price from $2,625 to $3,650, and the upgrade to 10-mm panels adds $399 to $599.
Juliana also offers a variety of smaller houses to fit just about any budget -- including lean-tos and minis as well as cold-frame boxes.
To order, visit one of these Web sites: www.greenhousekit.com / juliana.htm, www.littlegreenhouse.com / juliana.shtml or www.gardenstyles.com. Select Lowe's home improvement stores also carry the line.
Home Front welcomes interesting home and garden news. Please send suggestions to Liz Atwood, Home Front, The Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, or fax to 410-783-2519. Information must be received at least four weeks in advance to be considered.