I knew from the very first paragraphs it was a book I needed in my life:

We have forgotten what enough feels like … We live in a world seduced by its own unlimited potential. We are driven by a presumptive grandiosity that any economic, social, or political limitations can seemingly be overcome with more speed or technology. But for us, as human beings, our limitations remain constant, eternal, fully intact. Rather than feeling large and omnipotent, our own very limited, human days are likely to feel more cramped, overgrown, and choked by impossible responsibilities. At worst, we feel powerless; no matter how strong our hearts, or how good or kind our intentions, each day the finish line seems farther away, the bar keeps rising, nothing is ever finished, nothing ever good enough. So we work and add and never stop, never back away, never feel complete, and we despair of ever finding comfort, relief, or sanctuary…

If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. I cried when I read it. For the last twelve years – ever since I started my own business – I have been unable to stop. To rest. To let go of the idea that at any given moment, I need to do MORE.

I had a very, very good friend who approached life very differently. He was successful, but he enjoyed that success, every bit of it, all the time. He was always teasing me, telling me to slow down, have fun. I needed to hear that. I needed him. And then, in October of 2011, I lost him. He lived every day as if it were his last and his best and in the end, that is what took him from me. In all my grief I’ve had to sort through where he went wrong, but I keep coming back to what he did right. He celebrated his life every day. In his memory, I mean to do the same.

So in 2012, I resolve to be more grateful. (For my family, for my beautiful daughter Maeve, for my friends – the greatest blessings in a very blessed life.) I will trust my inner voice. (It does not lie if I listen well.) I will accept my outward appearance. (I am so loved, exactly as I am.) I will make sure everyone I admire, love and look up to knows that I do, each and every time I see them. (It is not a given that I will see them again.) And I will accept compliments from others. (They are sincere. There are things I do well.)

Here’s to truly living – and truly loving – our lives in 2012.

And remember, just a few more days until you can shop my pieces online!

Splash out on style. For the right person—and it needs to be someone who leads on trends, loves to make a statement and just lives and breathes style—these two pieces are must-haves, and would make a breathtaking gift on Christmas morning. The luxe zebra-stripe ottoman continues by obsession with black-and-white pieces, and looks like it came straight out of a Vogue photo shoot.

The sultry Moroccan tea table sits low to the ground, tempting guests to recline on pillows with drinks and finger foods—or will hold a stack of art and photography books, or a stunning floral arrangement. The intricate pattern on the hammered tin top are just amazing, and as you know, everything souk is so hot right now.

Purchased as a smart set or used separately, these are bold pieces with exotic flair. I’m in love with them both!

Of all the holiday decorations I filled the store with—and are currently discounting by 30% – 50%—this one is my very favorite. Whether you choose just one sweet house, church, storefront or tree, or turn a mantel or table into a holiday Main Street, the retro sweetness of these structures will enchant children of all ages. Lit from within and glistening with “ice” and “snow” without, these are sophisticated and detailed updates on the ones you almost certainly remember from Christmases past.

I collect linens the way other girls collect shoes and handbags. (Okay, I collect those things, too.) I scour flea markets and thrift shops as well as high end boutiques and textile mills to find the perfect blend of fabric, and function. I have set tables using quilts and sheets. I have cut careworn pieces down into glamorous pillows and turned tea towels into curtains. And for all of that, the Belgian and French linens we’re currently stocking at Nicola’s Home are some of the very best new table linens I have ever seen. And in these rich holiday hues, they are the perfect foundation for your favorite china, for a centerpiece of greens and for all the revelry you have planned this holiday.

Now is the time everyone begins packing for their journeys over the river and through the woods. No matter where or how you are traveling this holiday, you’ll want to do so in style. This Italian red leather bag is both festive and drop-dead gorgeous. The candy apple color with its contrast white stitching is merry now and stylish later; there are plenty of pockets, a lovely contrast lining and it will hold almost as much as Santa’s sack. If you want to travel light, it settles into the most becoming slouch when emptied. The leather is buttery and the straps are just the right height. We have other delectable colors in stock as well!

I don’t just spend hours choosing and purchasing gifts for family and friends—I also take special care in how I present them. There is so much magic in the right ribbons and wrappings, especially at home, when gifts are tantalizingly displayed under the tree. This year, many of my gifts are sporting handcrafted ribbons from Sweden. I love the way these simple patterns combine nostalgia and modern design. And mixing them creates a wonderful, Fair Isle sweater effect. These ribbons are the perfect finish to a wreath—or even a little girl’s pigtails on Christmas Eve. And through January 1, our handcrafted Swedish ribbon is also 30 – 50% off.

If you were Santa, wouldn’t you choose to wrap your gifts in ribbons from the frozen North?

I’m still thinking about white porcelain. This cunning dish has an eager little bird perched on the lid, watching over the treats kept inside. I love the evergreen details that feather the little bird’s ‘nest’, and the lovely way the china clinks against itself—almost chirps!—when you open and close the lid. To gift this piece, I’d suggest filling it with something wonderful and tying handmade ribbon around the bird—no need to wrap something so sweet.

Our local weathermen are starting to talk about snow—and Maine’s chances for a white Christmas. (Fingers crossed!) The holiday forecast made me think of our white pottery collection. Whether you buy one piece or a stacked set of bowls or matching candlesticks, our collection of handcrafted Italian pottery is an exceptional gift—or a great way to dress your holiday table. These pieces have marvelous texture and lovely patina. Their creamy glaze is ideal for serving food but also for displaying a mix of evergreens and bittersweet or brightly colored holiday candy. I think these pieces will also integrate into almost anyone’s china closet. So combine gourmet cocoa or your favorite tea with a teacup and saucer; or wrap scented candles with the stately candlesticks. There are so many ways to make these pieces special—and we’re happy to help.

Christmas is just over a week away! Feeling harried by the holiday? Bring us the names left on your gift list. Nicola’s Home has a stunning selection of exceptional gift baskets at many price points. Whether intended for an office Secret Santa or as an opulent surprise, our gift baskets are beautifully presented and layered with thoughtful delights. I began this Holiday Advent with our Relaxation Basket, but we have so many more themes to choose from, and are happy to put together a custom basket for someone special on your list.

The his-and-hers spa baskets are two of my favorites—Turkish linens, handmilled soaps, handcrafted brushes and more conjure visions of a couples’ spa retreat. If you are staying in someone’s home for the holiday, this is a fantastic gift for your hosts. We also have special baskets for the gardeners and gourmets in your life! And each basket is so lavishly presented that everyone who gets one will truly feel cherished. So stop by and let us cross a few more items off your to-do list in Nicola’s Home style.