The month of December is shopping season so in honor of two of my favorite things, shopping and interior design, this post will be all about getting the perfect items for your home and gifts for the holidays! I've recently discovered a cool home decor store in my very own neighborhood named Harlem Heirloom. I figure I might as well promote a local small business since Harlem is the home of Helen Hamblin Designs as well. Harlem Heirloom is a tiny shop on Manhattan Avenue between 116th and 117th Street, but in this case size doesn't matter because this small shop is filled with awesome items for your home and gift giving. You don't have to live in NYC in order to indulge, almost everything in the store can be purchased on their website www.HarlemHeirloom.com and shipped out to you, so everyone can enjoy... Let the shopping begin!

Holiday Celebrations

What's a holiday celebration without the perfect drink to get everyone feeling merry? So whether you're having holiday cocktails with friends or eggnog with the family, the following items will surely impress your guests.

This oval bar cart is perfect for adding style and sophistication to your home anytime but especially during parties!  The wheels make it easy and fun for all to enjoy. — This oval bar cart is perfect for adding style and sophistication to your home anytime but especially during parties! The wheels make it easy and fun for all to enjoy.

How cute is this little wall bar?  (It doesn't have to be a bar by the way, you can put anything on the shelves, but I love the idea of using it this way!)  The animal decanters are great too!  And let's not ignore those cool arr… — How cute is this little wall bar? (It doesn't have to be a bar by the way, you can put anything on the shelves, but I love the idea of using it this way!) The animal decanters are great too! And let's not ignore those cool arrows.

Fun accessories to add to the bar cart.  The champagne will look beautiful chilling in that gold ice bucket. — Fun accessories to add to the bar cart. The champagne will look beautiful chilling in that gold ice bucket.

Of course we can't forget the food and hors d'oeuvres... your guests will love these adorable cheeseboards.

Home Decor

I've loved these starburst sculptures since first seeing them on TV in the living room of ex NYC Housewife Aviva Drescher. (I admit... I'm a fan of The Housewives, especially NYC.) Anyway, it was the episode when the fight between Aviva and Carole was brewing and about to explode at Aviva's dinner party... yet all I could look at was the beautifully decorated room and these awesome sculptures!

Top:  Starburst sculptures in Harlem Heirloom (actually called Sputnik on their website).    Bottom:  The home of NYC Housewife Aviva and the three Sputnik sculptures on the table behind the sofa. (Wish the pic was clear, bummer.) — **Top:** Starburst sculptures in Harlem Heirloom (actually called Sputnik on their website). **Bottom:** The home of NYC Housewife Aviva and the three Sputnik sculptures on the table behind the sofa. (Wish the pic was clear, bummer.)

Top Left: Head Planters... these planters can be used to hold anything.  The owner of Harlem Heirloom Jammie said that one of his customers uses it as a bathroom garbage can.  Great idea!   Top Right: Check out these awesome throw pil… — **Top Left:** Head Planters... these planters can be used to hold anything. The owner of Harlem Heirloom Jammie said that one of his customers uses it as a bathroom garbage can. Great idea! **Top Right:** Check out these awesome throw pillows! Look into my eyes... **Bottom Left:** I am totally into antlers and there are various kinds to choose from at the store. **Bottom Right:** Owl Umbrella Holder

Gift Ideas

Gifts for the dog lovers in your life. (That munchies jar in the top right pic is a pretty cute gift idea too.)

Top Left:  Who wouldn't love receiving a scented candle as a gift?  Top Right: Doesn't everyone need a small tray to hold things around the house?  Put it in the entryway to hold your keys or on your desk for holding small items. &nbs… — **Top Left:** Who wouldn't love receiving a scented candle as a gift? **Top Right:** Doesn't everyone need a small tray to hold things around the house? Put it in the entryway to hold your keys or on your desk for holding small items. **Bottom Left:** Golden Skull Bank, great decor to put on top of a stack of books as well as using it to collect your stray coins. **Bottom Right:** Harlem Soap

Harlem Soap is another company started by Harlem Heirloom owner Jammie Waldron. The soap is made of all natural products and can be found in NYC West Elm stores. It will also be sold at the Whole Foods Market opening soon in Harlem (at 125th Street and Lenox Ave.) and of course you can find it at Harlem Heirloom. Find out more at www.HarlemSoap.com

Harlem Heirloom and Harlem Soap owner Jammie Waldron.

I bought the carved wooden tray for myself while visiting the store, only $8!

In the spirit of the season which is all about giving... I am doing a FREE GIFT GIVE AWAY!!! The first five people to subscribe to my blog will receive a free bar of Harlem Soap from me! Just fill in your email address in the subscription box below and the first five new subscribers will win! It's that easy! Happy shopping to all and remember it is better to give than receive...but of course receiving is fun too ; ) HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Helen Hamblin Designs!

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