[December 5th, 2007]

54 Be All That You Can Maccabee

New Delhi-based decorative artist and designer Michael Aram has taken the symbolic and delicate form of the olive branch and welded its sprawling shape into that of a bronzed menorah ($190, Moule, 1225 NW Everett St., 227-8530) made of forged metal. As a singular art piece or ablaze with Hanukkah candles in place, this centerpiece is sure to be passed down from one generation to the next.

55 Elephantitis

Elihu the Elephant ($130, Hive, 820 NW Glisan St., 242-1967) is a playful personality-turned-clock from the imagination of renowned designer and Herman Miller co-collaborator George Nelson. The ticker is produced in Poland by Vitra from the original design documents found in Nelson’s archives (from way back in 1965). Part of the “Zoo Timer” series, this quirky take on a friendly elephant combines bright colors, block numbers and a humorous approach, and is a great time-keeper (whatever your age).

56 Dynamic Ceramics

The limited-edition seasonal collection of San Francisco-based Heath Ceramics (Canoe, 1136 NW Alder St., 889-8545) are almost too pretty—and pristine—for actual use. Sturdy enough for every day, even though you’ll only want to use them on special occasions, the bud vases ($20-$22) and winter cup set (special order) come in complementary snow white and soft green tones with a simplistic Asian-inspired modernity. The square nesting dishes with rounded corners and smaller-sized cups are more reminiscent of dining at a top-notch sushi bar than your Aunt Fanny’s holiday debacle.

57 A Tord Love Affair

If you don’t have the extra cash to drop on Dutch-born artist Tord Boontje’s eclectic mix of paper lamps, chairs or fabric designs, this book is the next best thing to splurge on. You’ve probably seen Boontje’s delicate and innovative works but mistaken them for art installations (his signature aesthetic resembles that of clustered snowflakes). His book, Tord Boontje ($75, Powell’s Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651) , combines over 300 of his sketches, photographs, custom-printed stencils and textured woven details, thoroughly capturing a taste of the pattern-centric artist’s nature.

58 Cork It

This sculptural wine bottle runner ($ 38, Canoe, 1136 SW Alder St., 889-8545) , by Dutch designer Jakob Wagner, is an objet d’art all its own. It’s constructed from, of all things, black rubber. Its three molds conjoin as a base for up to six bottles, displaying one atop another, forming a semi-pyramid of elegance, without being overly chi-chi. This is an apt gift for the fermented grape-lover in your life who delights in subtle, design-oriented accents.

59 Birds of a Feather

Like a friendly canary sans the incessant chirping, these clear glass bird-shaped vases ($16, Noun, 3300 SE Belmont St., 235-0078 ) are an artful addition to any table. Infuse with water and a bouquet of small-stemmed, delicate flowers and you’re good to go. The combination of blown glass and botanicals is a sweet way to gussy up your home décor without breaking the bank.

60 A Piece of Cake

A good-looking cake commands the spotlight atop these glossy noir-ish cake stands ($36 each, Noun ). But so would pretty much anything—they are just such a distinct stage for greatness. Display anything from food to sculpture and switch up the different accompanying sizes. Pair the stark hue with a bright burst of color. Either way you have a conversation piece in the making.

61 Take That, Eames

Despite being full of modern design geeks, Portland still has a love affair with flea-market finds. Perhaps no more so than with odd vintage bird cages ($95-$595, Flutter, 3948 N Mississippi Ave., 288-1649) . A familiar staple among the old tins and apothecary bottles that speckle this city, it’s what’s on the inside of these timeless treasures that really counts. And in this case, old bird cages need not house just birds. Encase your worldly treasures in these showy centerpieces and let your imagination soar.

62 High-Five

Now mostly found at random flea markets and antique shows, these porcelain glove forms ($48, Flutter, 3948 N Mississippi Ave., 288-1649) are as weirdly collectible as they are eye-catching. Factories actually used them to make rubber gloves (after the mold was dipped in rubber, it was left to dry and then the glove could be peeled off). But they also make grand visuals for showcasing your bling. Holla.

Gimme More

Chocolate Cheer:

Make sure to hang these praline-filled chocolate ornaments ($12, Pix Pâtisserie, 3402 SE Division St., 232-4407) above dog level.

Tiki Room:

Thinking of converting that guest bedroom into a tiki bar? If so, these stone wall carvings ($40, Freaky Tiki Retro, 9620 SW Beaverton Hills Highway, Beaverton, 297-0332), made locally by Shamus’ Tiki, will be a fine addition.

Snowball Fight!

The Glansa Lysa chandelier ($149, IKEA, 10280 NE Cascades Parkway, 282-4532) is perfect for the holiday season, on account of it looking like a bunch of snowballs strung together.