WINDFALLS

MAGIC GARPET

The art of rug-making has been a common strand of cultures for centuries. From the prayer rugs of Asia to famed French tapestries to the much-coveted Oriental carpets, it’s hard not to respond to the magic of a finely woven rug. And here’s something to sweep you off your feet: individually crafted carpet bags, fashioned here in Dallas by artisans at The Elephant Walk, using decades-old kilim rugs from Afghanistan. You’ll be floored by the richness of color and textures (perfect for the woolens and tweeds we’ve begun to pull out). Each bag is unique, and they are available in four sizes. (And you thought rugs were beneath you.) Pictured, the small satchel, $220. At The Polo Shop, 58 Highland Park Village. Mon-Sat 10-6, Thur 10-8. 522-5270.

BUSINESS BUYS

Finding a gift for the top brass can entail an executive decision all its own. No one will argue the merits of the proverbial gold watch, but before you decide, why not review the vast selection of corporate gifts offered by Tiffany & Co.? Famed for jewelry, crystal, china and other such items of the highest quality (Tiffany makes the Olympic medals and has created a number of presidential keepsakes), the store offers a separate gift array exclusively designed for the businessper-son (and all items can be individually tailored to meet your exact specifications). Although the Tiffany name is sterling, you don’t have to raid Fort Knox to present a gift that will be treasured: Corporate account purchases are discounted by at least 10 percent. Pictured, the crystal paperweight etched with the Dallas skyline. $105 at Tiffany & Co., Galleria, 13350 Dallas Pkwy Mon-Sat 10-6. 458-9800.

fowl LANGUAGE

Preparing a Thanksgiving spread can ruffle the feathers of even the most experienced cook; and for kitchen ingenues, the prospect can seem nothing less than traumatic. But the folks at Swift & Co. have cooked up something to take the heat off the chef: the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line. This telephone hotline is staffed by professional home economists whose expertise will shield you from having to take your lumps. From buying your bird to basting it, these culinary coaches will instruct you on preparing a meal that no one will pan. Best of all, it’s free! Hotline hours are Mon-Fri, Nov 7-Dec 24 from 8-8 (CST); Nov 12 and 13 and Nov 19 and 20 from 8-6; Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, 8-6. (1)800-323-4848.

SHE’S A PEPPER

November is the month to pull out linen tablecloths, seek stored-away gift wrappings, update address books and prepare ourselves for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ahead. With all this activity, it’s sometimes a challenge to maintain your good humor. Shake things up a little by setting your table with these salt and pepper containers, hand-sculpted in porcelain by award-winning Seattle artist Debbi Fecher. Condiments are cleverly displayed within the “bodies” of these mischievous clay characters that boast faces not only a mother could love. Sure to spice up even the most mundane meal, these one-of-a-kind items will help you take all the festive flurry with a grain of salt. Shakers $28 each at The Front-room Gallery, 6617 Snider Plaza. Mon-Sat 10-5. 369-8338.

FIRST STEPS

Childhood is a fascinating time, full of fundamental-learning landmarks that stay with us forever. Even the sternest cynic will admit to remembering his first solo ride on a wobbly Schwinn, and who can forget that pink debut of a bubble from a chewy mouthful of Bazooka gum? One of the first steps a child takes is learning how to tie his own shoelaces, and these fun little shoe puzzles are sure to amuse as well as educate. Of brightly painted wood in interlocking pieces, these learning tools not only make instruction a game, but can stand alone as an attractive, decorative addition to a child’s room. With the help of one of these, youngsters will take this lesson in stride. Puzzles are $10 at Present Trends, Preston Center East, 8409 Pickwick Lane. Mon-Sat 10-5. 692-9898.