Houston Lifestyles and Homes Magazine Dec 2009: News Around Houston 1

gifts in the 2009 Christmas Book are some astounding items, including:

Sustainable Design Art Chandelier

British artist Michelle Brand invites you to reset your expectations about what it means to recycle as she takes sustainable design into the realm of fine art with the Cascade Lancashire Chandelier. The Cascade Lancashire was created using 366 plastic bottles rescued from the landfill. Each bottle was carefully washed, dried, hand trimmed and hand sanded, all to exacting standards. The brilliant result: a waterfall of light that measures 5 feet long and 2 feet in diameter. ($12,000; page 50)

Algonquin Round Table Experience

You’re the host at an exclusive private dinner party of fine food, engaging wit and sparkling conversation at New York City ’s legendary, literary Algonquin Hotel benefiting First Book, NM’s 2009 Christmas Book Charity. You and a guest will be part of an extraordinary gathering of literati, and First Book will dedicate 10,000 books in your name to children in the state of your choice. This amazing evening will be scheduled at your convenience on a Monday between February and June 2010, in Manhattan. ($200,000 and $25; page 51)

World’s Fastest Electric Motorcycle

The Mission One, the world’s fastest electric sport bike, debuted at this year’s TED Conference to rave reviews. Crank it up to 150 mph. The profile and clean lines are from designer Yves Behar. Neiman ’s exclusive edition is limited to just 10 bikes with numbered NM plaques, exclusive wheels and a special paint job. Come to San Francisco to meet your bike and the people who designed it. You ’ll get one-on-one training with a pro on a test track. ($73,000; page 54)

Hall Artisan Wine And Art Experience

You and a guest can learn organic, artisan winemaking firsthand, tour the vineyard estates, enjoy tastings of exclusive private vintages —and have the singular chance to create your own personal vintage in a private blending session led by HALL Winemaker Steve Leveque. Kathryn Hall leads a personal tour of the Halls ’ world-class contemporary art collection and, along with husband, Craig, will host a private gourmet dinner and wine event at the winery ’s breathtaking Rutherford Estate cave. Luxury accommodations at the Auberge Resorts Calistoga Ranch include activities customized for you and your guest. ($20,000 and $3,200; page 55)

The 2010 Jaguar Xjl Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition

Unveiled this summer, the Jaguar XJ flagship line has been totally re-engineered from the ground up. Representing a heart-racing mix of next-generation engineering and world-class luxury is the 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition. Only 50 will ever exist. The new panoramic safety-glass roof provides an amazing view for every trip. Other refined details of this automotive masterpiece include illuminated tread plates and trunk finisher. And the numbered NM nameplate on the custom interior Intaglio, of course. And just to make the trip enjoyable, NM has added a five-piece set of matching Jaguar luggage in navy blue leather. ($105,000;
page 57)

Insect Lab Specimen Artwork

Maine artist Mike Libby obtains preserved, non-endangered insect specimens from around the world. After preparing and carefully posing the insect, he then adorns it with a unique mix of mechanical ephemera. For our limited-edition series of nine, he selected the African Flower Beetle —Cetonidae: Goliathus Goliathus. It measures 8.5 inches across and is posed in mid-flight with magnificently detailed parts from antique pocket watches: gears, dials, springs and other mechanical thingamabobs. Each arrives under glass on a handsome walnut display base, adorned with a brass plaque. Mike also will sign, label and number the underside of each piece. ($8,500; page 59)