| It's the time of year when Christmas shoppers | | | | getting. |
| look for something fun to give. Invariably | | | | |
| they look to the Christmas-themed tie. All | | | | The textures of tweeds, corduroys, and lush |
| kinds of such ties are available most | | | | windowpane plaids are carried over with ties |
| anywhere. Choices include snowmen, a variety | | | | woven of wool and silk. Herringbone ties can |
| of Santa's, Edvard Munch's "Scream" donning a | | | | be paired with tweed sport jackets to convey |
| Santa cap, strings of twinkle lights, elves, | | | | a warm and sophisticated look conjuring up a |
| snowflakes or horse drawn sleighs. But is | | | | vision of oak-paneled libraries lined with |
| any of this stuff really appropriate to wear | | | | leather-bound first editions and |
| - anywhere? | | | | sweet-smelling tobacco smoke swirling from |
| | | | hand-carved pipes. |
| When it comes to holiday ties, if your | | | | |
| intention is to make people laugh donning | | | | If you're not into ties try a brightly |
| such a creation might just work - as long as | | | | colored sweater or some other more subtle |
| you don't light up like a walking greeting | | | | accessory. Interesting Christmas-season cuff |
| card. | | | | links can be fun and offer a chance to give |
| | | | you a little personal touch that isn't too |
| The key is context. Avoid ties with long | | | | loud or outrageous. Remember, it's a fine |
| messages, or even succinct greetings. They | | | | line between festive and foolish. While |
| often look too busy, and like you're trying | | | | garish outfits might get you some laughs, |
| too hard. Instead, wear a brightly colored | | | | preserve your reputation as a class act by |
| festive necktie that adds more fun than a | | | | avoiding fashion choices that double as Santa |
| regular business tie - as long as it does not | | | | wrapping paper. On the other hand try to be |
| include every verse of "Deck the Halls" on | | | | a bit more creative than wearing just any |
| it. | | | | combination of red and green. |
| | | | |
| I saw a great dark chocolate-colored tie the | | | | When in doubt - don't wear it. At least, |
| other day. It was jazzed up with an abstract | | | | that's what the fashion gurus say. The rest |
| geometric squiggle, yes squiggle, of gold and | | | | is up to you. |
| silver; festive, rich, subtle but attention | | | | |