I grew up in Princeton, NJ.  I still remember my mother taking my sisters and me  to Landau's on Nassau Street to get monogrammed argyle sweaters to wear with our wide wale corduroys.  Yes, we were P-R-E-P-P-Y -(that was before Calvin Klein jeans and velour sweaters became the rage).  Another year, all three us had stellar report cards so mom surprised us with monogrammed, gold pins (not such a cool gift when you are a teenager, but of course I love it now).To me, monograms are classic - like pearls with jeans, animal prints on furniture, and that little black dress.  They can be vintage or whimsical - a personalized touch that makes a big statement.

My great-great grandmothers silver cabinet sits in my living room filled with sophisticated monogrammed teapots, baby cups, exquisite hair brushes, lovely hand mirrors and more. If there's ever a fire in my house (God forbid!) and I have any time at all, these items would be one of the few things I would grab. The history of these special pieces adorned with my ancestors monograms are priceless to me.

Another gift I received as a child was an engraved signet ring similar to this one. LOVE it!!

I love personalizing a space with a custom monogram. Thanks to the amazing talent of our friends at Monogrammed Heirlooms, we created this window treatment last week for a clients master bedroom.

In kids rooms, these personalized works of art are too, too cute!  This monogram was meticulously hand painted on the wall of one of our favorite 5 year old clients, Coco.

My cat Ruby looks pretty cute next to the monogram I had custom created for a pillow in my guest room.

I don't think you can ever go wrong with a gift that is personalized. La Plates is a standard go to for me for gifts! I love the placemats for my nieces and nephews. Now they want one that just says "FRIEND" on it so their friends aren't left out at snack time!

Our friend and very talented colleague, Tobi Fairley, added a personalized touch to her kitchen chairs in a simple, sophisticated way.

And just in time for the holidays, some inexpensive gift ideas from another of my favorite go to's - The Pink Monogram. I gave one of these cutting boards to my parents last year - it is the perfect size!

Who couldn't use some coasters during this time of socializing and celebrating?

FA LA LA!