Woodbank Lane: WHAT'S ON MY COFFEE TABLE

One of the gift requests I received this year was coffee table books. They make a wonderful Christmas gift for anyone, but especially newly-weds who aren't quite ready to invest in books when they probably have tons of other just-starting-out needs. Plus, they can be pricey. Because I absolutely love a coffee table full of books, I thought I would share with you what's usually on my coffee table and some of my favorite design books.

I'm always on the look out for decorating books when I'm thrifting, especially at consignment shops. Another trick I've learned is to put a book in my Amazon cart, wait a while, and watch for the price to go down. I almost never buy a new release, unless I just can't help myself. :-) There is also a site called Thriftbooks that I recently came across that sells used books, and it's a really good resource. I've ordered a couple of things from them over the past year. I haven't ordered from this site, AbeBooks, but while doing a little research for this post, it was recommended a few times as well.

One of my favorite books on my table is A Passion for Blue and White. It was a gift from my daughter-in-law given to me when she and my son were dating. It is perfect for the blue and white lover.

My most recently purchased book that I'm calling my birthday gift to myself is The Well-Loved House. This one is filled with pages and pages of ideas and inspiration. I could drink coffee and look at this one all day -- in my flannel pajamas, of course. It's currently on my night stand.

And here are a few more that I've picked up over the years that I go back to all the time for inpsiration. Remember to also check for design books/coffee table books at home stores like HomeGoods and T J Maxx. They are usually discounted, especially if the book is older. I've even found design books at deep discount stores like Ollie's. The links to these books will take you to Amazon, and they should make it to to you by Christmas if you still need a gift for someone who loves home decorating.