Coffee Table Books as a Gift Theme: How to Simplify

A smart way to simplify gift giving? Choose an annual theme. You, family or friends can all agree on the theme or you could independently chose a gift theme for those on your list. Either way, crossing off gifts on the list grows more manageable. For example, this year’s theme could be books, puzzles, and games. Or maybe the idea of monogrammed pajamas makes sense for your people. A coffee table books theme works especially well for folks who love design, art, or comfort food. (The beauty of this idea is you could choose one favorite book and gift it to everyone on the list!)

Modern traditional living room in an Atlanta home by D. Stanley Dixon with interiors by Carolyn Malone. Ivory club chairs by Coup d’État and a custom coffee table hit a more contemporary note. #moderntraditional #carolynmalone #stanleydixon
Ivory club chairs by Coup d’État and a custom coffee table. Architecture: Stan Dixon; Interior Design: Carolyn Malone; Photo: ERIC PIASECKI.

Simplify Holiday Shopping With a Theme: Coffee Table Books

The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon

For timeless design admirers in our midst, do not overlook this triumph of a first book from Atlanta-based architect Stan Dixon!

Classical architecture, understated style, and modern sensibilities unite in a collection of 13 projects that range from a coastal retreat to an English manor home.

Serene white plaster in kitchen sets a quiet tone with open shelves and simple range hood. Architecture by D. Stanley Dixon with interiors by Carolyn Malone. #europeancountry #carolynmalone #stanleydixon #serenekitchens
Quiet, elegant, and soulful, this newly built kitchen (Stan Dixon and Carolyn Malone) feels as though it has always been here.

You are likely to recognize the work of the interior designers featured in the book. Carolyn Malone, Suzanne Kasler, Jackye Lanham, Beth Webb and Tammy Connor are among them.

Quiet, elegant, and soulful, this newly built china closet (paint color is F&B Setting Plaster - Stan Dixon and Carolyn Malone) feels as though it has always been here. #farrowandballsettingplaster #traditionalstyle #butlerpantries

What I love about the architect’s approach is how he manages to lean into authentic architecture while creating new and original designs for modern times.

Curtain in a doorway of an Atlanta kitchen - architecture by Stanley Dixon; interior design: Carolyn Malone. Photo: Eric Piasecki.

These are homes crafted for lifetimes, and you’ll want to study each moment captured so beautifully by photographer Eric Piasecki.

Sculptural staircase in a lovely new home with traditional architecture - Stanley Dixon & Carolyn Malone. Photo: Eric Piasecki. #regencystyle #architecturaldesign

The images here of a “humble-Regency” style home take my breath away with their understated elegance. Traditional, yes, but lightened up and tailored to the whims of the homeowners.

Beautiful architectural details in a bedroom with fireplace - Stanley Dixon & Carolyn Malone. Photo: Eric Piasecki.

There’s something utterly inspiring about building something that authentically appears to have been around for more than a hundred years.

Dining room in a newly built regency style home - architecture: Stanley Dixon; interior design: Carolyn Malone; photo: Eric Piasecki.

As far as the interior design, in this Atlanta home, there are all these very personal moments that keep the home feeling down to earth and humble. The dining chairs above are a collection of mismatched chairs from the wife’s grandmother.

Modern traditional living room in an Atlanta home by D. Stanley Dixon with interiors by Carolyn Malone. Ivory club chairs by Coup d’État and a custom coffee table hit a more contemporary note. #moderntraditional #carolynmalone #stanleydixon
Photo: ERIC PIASECKI

HOME: The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon (Rizzoli, 2023) makes a treasure of a gift for those who count dreaming and scheming about home lovely.

The Flowers of Provence

If you missed my interview with author Jamie Beck about THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE, make sure to check it out here.

A romantic country French exterior from Provence in THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE by Jamie Beck. #provencestyle #flowersofprovence #jamiebeck
Jamie Beck – from FLOWERS OF PROVENCE (Simon Element, 2023)

This is THE perfect gift for Francophiles, flower enthusiasts, photography fans, and hopeless romantics.

THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE (Simon Element, 2023) by Jamie Beck. #jamiebeck #provenceflowers #frenchflowers
THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE (Simon Element, 2023) by Jamie Beck

The photography inside is so enchanting, you will find yourself lost in a wonderland of impossible beauty. I placed it on a board with lighthearted whimsy fare, but make no mistake, it’s a book brimming with fine art from an American in Provence committed to honoring beauty.

Beata Heuman: Every Room Should Sing

Even though this book is not a new release (who knows what renovation project that year had me completely out of the loop?), it’s a must own for sophisticated design freaks who have no time for design rules.

Beata Heuman's own Swedish farmhouse kitchen with checkered floor.
Beata Heuman’s own charming Swedish farmhouse kitchen.

We looked at inspiring glimpses of Beata Heuman’s work in this.

Oh the wonder and playful spirit in her designs! I was inspired to gather objects in the same spirit:

Shades of White: Serene Spaces for Effortless Living

Fifi O’Neill burst on the scene when I had just started blogging, and her creativity continues to bloom in a treasury of books including Shades of White (Cico Books, 2021).

Lovely vintage country cupboard with Louis style chair - from Fifi O'Neill's SHADES OF WHITE. Photo by Mark Lohman.
From SHADES OF WHITE (CICO Books, 2021) by Fifi O’Neill – photography by Mark Lohman

You may be surprised to see the number of creative ways to approach an airy, bright and light interior.

SHADES OF WHITE by Fifi O'Neill and Mark Lohman (CICO Books, 2021) - book cover
SHADES OF WHITE by Fifi O’Neill; Photography by Mark Lohman
(CICO Books, 2021)

If you love a mostly-white or all-white look, you likely rely on texture, and here’s a splendid way to add some:

Classic Shindig: Amateur Artistry From the Simple to the Sublime

At first blush, you may imagine this next suggestion would appeal most to your socialite-prone peeps. But I’m personally more of an introvert and still love this volume of entertaining wonder. Just because my parties tend to be dance parties of 10 where I serve my homemade pizza doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy peeking at fancier fetes.

From Classical Shindig (Susan Schadt Press, 2023) by Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper. #classicalshindig
From CLASSICAL SHINDIG by Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper

A pair of concert pianists in New Orleans show us how to stylishly gather for celebrations fit for royalty…yet they are enjoying their rich lives far too much to take any of it too seriously. You’ll love the sense of humor, stories, and surprises in this eclectic romp.

Book cover of Classical Shindig (Susuan Schadt Press, 2023) by Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper. #classicalshindig
CLASSICAL SHINDIG (Susan Schadt Press, 2023)

This book is going to especially resonate with Anglophiles – so put it on your list of British gifts for Americans…

Unplugged for the Life of the Party

For a less formal party animal, these gifts (only one of them is not unplugged!) may appeal:

And should you be buying a gift for more of a “dance party with 10 and homemade pizza” kind of cat, you could peek inside:

The Unofficial Home Alone Cookbook (Adams Media, 2023) by Bryton Taylor. #homealonemovie
The Unofficial Home Alone Cookbook (Adams Media, 2023) by Bryton Taylor

This clever book is full of delicious recipes for crowd pleasing appetizers to main dishes that you will want to make and serve at your next HOME ALONE viewing shindig!

gif result for funny Home Alone scene raising eyebrows made my family disappear

Melissa Penfold Living Well By Design

READ the more comprehensive REVIEW in this.

Dramatic entry with antique ceiling beams and arched custom front doors with glass in home by architect Brad Norris. #timelessdesign #rusticarchitecture #sticksandstones #bespokehomes
From LIVING WELL BY DESIGN: Melissa Penfold (Vendome, 2021); interior design: Teresa Davis of Post 31 Interiors; architecture: Brad Norris. Dramatic entry with antique ceiling beams and arched custom front doors with glass.

There’s a wealth of advice and inspiration shared in Living Well By Design, and while the images are beautiful, I still read every one of the author’s words.

Melissa Penfold Living Well By Design (Vencome, 2021) book cover
LIVING WELL BY DESIGN: Melissa Penfold (Vendome, 2021) by Melissa Penfold

Penfold identifies basic decorating principles—light and space, composition and balance, and pattern and texture—and offers realistic tips for applying them at home.

A gorgeous French inspired kitchen with open shelving, marble, and timeless design - from Melissa Penfold's Living Well By Design (Vendome, 2021).
Universe quote on Hello Lovely by Aldous Huxley. #aldoushuxley #universequotes #wisdomquotes

The goal is always to arrive at a scheme that is comfortable, lovely, and an authentic expression of your personal aesthetic.

Sophisticated global style in a space with built-ins and design by Lynda Kerry. African tribal cushions, Chinese ceramic lamps, Indian lanterns, Indonesian chairs, bamboo tables.
Design: Lynda Kerry

Above: African tribal cushions, Chinese ceramic lamps, Indian metal lanterns, Indonesian seating, American bamboo side tables and built-ins.

Luxurious and timeless kitchen by Thomas Hamel with steel-framed doors and windows. From Melissa Penfold book LIVING WELL BY DESIGN. #bespokekitchens #timelesskitchen #neutralkitchen #steelwindows
Design: Thomas Hamel

Inside you’ll find images of her own home along with inspirational homes around the world.

Vintage leather chair near dormer window in a cozy nook of bedroom at Wollumbi. From Melissa Penfold's book LIVING WELL BY DESIGN (Vendome, 2021).
From LIVING WELL BY DESIGN: Melissa Penfold (Vendome, 2021)

Who Will Love This Book?

The book is truly a most useful resource for everyone ready to create interiors where decorating basics harmonize with personal style.

Bunny Williams's kitchen with dark Donald Kaufman Color custom colour and terrazzo floor (Durite) in a 1920's Gothic Revival New York apartment. #bunnywilliams #blackcabinets #kitchendesign #bespokekitchen #galleykitchens
From LIVING WELL BY DESIGN: Melissa Penfold (Vendome, 2021).

And should your personal style be high end and Gothic, I bet you’ll dig this Bunny Williams kitchen with terrazzo floor (above) in a 1920s Gothic Revival apartment in New York. Psst. Don’t you dare slide into my DM to inquire about the paint color of those cabinets…custom Donald Kaufmann hue, darling.

Timeless room with wall of windows, settee, console table, and Westie resting on a rug. From Melissa Penfold's LIVING WELL BY DESIGN.
Design: Cathy Kincaid

We pause for an amazing redesign of a 538 square feet apartment in a building from 1893. You are bound to LOSE YOUR MIND at the brilliant space-saving genius.

Emily Dickinson quote about hope on Hello Lovely. #hopequotes #emilydickinsonquotes

One of the best pieces of advice from the author pertains to trends…

Sweeping mountain view through double-height windows in a home by architect James Carter and interior design by Jane Hawkins Hoke. #windowarchitecture #eleganthomes #janehawkinshoke
Sweeping mountain view through double-height windows in a home by architect James Carter and interior design by Jane Hawkins Hoke.

“Following the latest fashions will not necessarily bring you happiness in your home, but embracing its setting certainly will.” – MELISSA PENFOLD

McAlpine House designed house exterior with windows reflecting cityscape - from Melissa Penfold's LIVING WELL BY DESIGN. #houseexteriors #mcalpinehouse #housearchitecture
From LIVING WELL BY DESIGN: Melissa Penfold (Vendome, 2021). McAlpine House designed house exterior optimizing its connection to its urban location. Planters filled with flowers add natural beauty to the terrace.

AMEN?

Mary Oliver quote on Hello Lovely Studio to encourage and uplift. #maryoliver #encouragementquote #naturequotes #poetry

Love a timeless design journey with stunning interiors from around the globe as well as secrets demystifying the process? You’re in for a divine trip!

LIVING WELL BY DESIGN by Melissa Penfold on my Belgian linen egg chair - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely
Julia Cameron creativity art quote on Hello Lovely. #artquotes #creativityquotes

Can’t Wait for the Holidays for These Titles?

Who can blame you!?!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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2 Comments

  1. Sarah
    November 1, 2024 / 7:54 am

    Hi Michelle,
    I fell in love with the little crown votives the other day and had to have them. They arrived today. They are perfect.
    Thank you. It also inspired me to get small little gold crowns for my 3 cement swans on my front porch steps for Christmas.
    Thanks again,
    Sarah

    • Michele
      Author
      November 1, 2024 / 1:22 pm

      How cute! Would love to see photos of those swans should you care to share!

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing