The Slade Index

From Sizzling to Frigid

1. Bizarre Objects Under Glass

Brimfield bric-a-brac demands the museum treatment. Otherwise, someone may mistake it for genuine junk.

2. Antique Books

Handstitched calfskin-bound volumes outclass those mass-produced hardcovers bought on Amazon.com.

3. Teetering Vases

Handy rule: To avoid injury and accidents, the circumference of the base must be larger than a Chihuahua’s head.

4. Balls

Sayonara, year of the sphere. the hot shape for 2012? Tetrahedrons.

5. Buddha Statues

This wandering mendicant now resides in too many dorm rooms to still be considered a sophisticated décor statement.