EVERYBODY IN BUSINESS SUITS In the early days of American and European business, clothiers and tailors would visit prestigious offices and hold "trunk shows," showing off their latest suit fabrics to the executives. Today, Los Angeles-based custom tailor Ray Montalvo offers his own trunk show: "Image Solutions and Signature Style for Today's Executive." His 30- to 60-minute presentations include tips on creating a personal corporate image, do's and don'ts of casual day, "power dressing" and special considerations for women executives. The seminars are suitable for executive orientations, sales training programs or retreats. Contact The Watson Circle at 323/665-6184.
SPAGO SHARES THE CHOCOLATE Spago Chocolate, the second cookbook by pastry chef Mary Bergin and co-author Judy Gethers, is a collection of popular chocolate recipes developed at Wolfgang Puck's Spago restaurant in Las Vegas. Recipes range from wholesome oatmeal-chocolate chunk cookies to decadent individual chocolate-hazelnut cakes with Drambuie-flavored creme anglaise. Published by Random House, the 256-page hardcover book retails for $35 and is available at bookstores and selected Wolfgang Puck restaurants. For more information, call Spago at 702/369-0360.
PIECE ON EARTH Need a new centerpiece? Now you can create your own with the "Handy Dandy Decorator" from New York City-based Louis Nichole - a series of four wire forms for creating centerpieces and other decorative ensembles. Take a pretty bowl or basket; gather fresh or dried fruits, vegetables, flowers, greens and vines; arrange them in the wire frame; twist them into the corkscrew stems of the Handy Dandy Decorator and you have made a centerpiece. Forms can be reused and redecorated to reflect seasonal themes-a Thanksgiving pumpkin and gourd centerpiece becomes a holiday display with apples, pine cones, holly and berries, for example. The forms, which range from $19.99 to $24.99 apiece, are a topiary, a wreath, an oblong centerpiece with candles and a set of two mini-candelabra. Each includes how-to directions. Call 877/289-5684 to order.
