The Style Insider is into nesting now. We have taken down the tree and put away the way-too-many boxes of decorations, and we’re ready to do something fresh and new. January is the traditional month for white sales, so we’re presently enchanted with comforters and duvets and about 100 pillows, maybe even some Euro shams tucked in the back. And if you’re feeling frugal, come along anyway — we’ve found some very pretty ensembles that have the looks of their big-city cousins.

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We’re all familiar with the lose-weight/save-money/get-organized school of New Year’s Resolutions, but The Style Insider would like to propose another curriculum: Renew your space. Whether it’s a studio loft or a sprawling estate, adding something beautiful to bring in 2009 will make you happy all year long. Just   whisper to yourself that you’re worth it:

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The profound message of Kwanzaa is based in values of family, community and culture for people of African descent around the world. Kwanzaa’s seven days – from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 – are based on unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

If you know someone celebrating Kwanzaa, here are a few gifts of beauty and heritage they will treasure:

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The Style Insider believes that champagne flutes should be a party unto themselves. Yes, they must be classically shaped — tall, with the small mouth that preserves the bubbles so they tickle your nose. But they must also be effervescent in their design. To that end, we’ve found a dozen pretty glasses worth ringing in 2009:

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The Style Insider has been obsessed with Christmas, we admit. But now we are completely giddy over the advancing New Year’s parties. Have you mailed your invites yet?

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The time is now, and you are stuck with 1) a plain, old plate to serve your latkes on and 2) a very un-fun dreidel that still means something to you, but it’s not keeping the kids entertained.

Let’s start with the latkes. Potato latkes are one of God’s many blessings, and we want to be a better custodian of them. There are far too many fabulous latke platters and accompaniment bowls on the market to ignore.

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If you’re getting ready to celebrate Hanukkah (which begins at sundown Dec. 21) you have probably already dusted off the family menorah you treasure. That doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a new one — perhaps a modern style, or an artisanal creation or one that’s just whimsical. Who knows, perhaps that new menorah will become an heirloom itself in a few generations.

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