Some holiday season whimsy

Really?

Sometime when I wasn't looking, Restoration Hardware --that store full of nice, "old" looking and generally heavy objets, overhauled itself into a "job creator" supplier of high end furniture and accoutrements. I shall explain. Remember when they sold fun little stocking stuffers like hand warmers and whoopee cushions? Remember when their stuff was really nice and you might even find yourself affording some of it, here and there?

The other day I heard a thunk on the doorstep and looked outside to see the mailman scurrying away. Rubbing my hands in anticipatory glee over an unexpected package--was it someone sending an early Christmas gift? A belated birthday present? A forgotten online order? From the sound of it, it was books. Lots of them. In hardback.

When I opened the door, I found a 1.5 inch thick Restoration Hardware catalog, so big that it wouldn't fit through our mail slot (which generally takes small packages). "Fall 2011 Sourcebook" it called itself, rather pretentiously, as though I would be inspired by all their room setups. This monochromatic catalog had articles, but by people I don't know, and on topics I don't care about. But the second page too my breath away.

INTRODUCING
BIRDCAGE CHANDELIERS

I laughed. Honestly, bird cage chandeliers? Hung from 3-inch thick weathered marine rope? But they were--huge massive cockatiel cages trapping a pretty chandelier. For just $2195 for a small one, and only $2995 for the extra large.

So listen. If you're finding yourself stressed this holiday season, or stuck in your writing, take a moment to celebrate that some people are completely insane--both the company that sells birdcage chandeliers for $2995 and the people that buy them. (Of course, apologies if you are one of them.)

What's the most ridiculous thing you've seen for sale this season?