More Christmas Catalogs

The latest batch of mail-order frivolity doesn't disappoint.

First, there's the paper catalog from Art.com. Web retailers crossing into print, or brick-and-mortar, isn't new - I recall getting newspaper circulars for Amazon several years ago - but it still triggers my nose-wrinkle reflex. It doesn't help that they've chosen to put in their paper catalog only those pieces of merchandise most reminiscent of those oversized printed canvases for sale in the wall decor department of Bed, Bath & Beyond. Where, in any house, does one hang a 28"x36" photo of Marilyn Monroe? Or a giant painting of a martini? Or a reproduction watercolor of agave?

The artist specializes in beverage depictions.

Then there's Levenger - Neiman Marcus for the bookish set. They're kind of an easy target, with their full-grain calfskin desk accessories, hand-planed mahogany lap desks, and bookends at $300 a pair. But they've always got something new and fun to look at, like:

A bronze penguin pen stand ($128)...


...bleachers for your index cards (cherry veneer, $58)...


...and, of course, a comic book graphic novel about...Winston Churchill.


I've also gotten an inordinate number of Eddie Bauer catalogs, but they don't really sell anything weird, unless you count the dude gifts (solar-powered radios, travel shaving kits, mini-multi-tools), but this time of year, those are pretty much everywhere.