BY: MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX

Getaways: Carefree Retreats for All Seasons (Crown Publishing, $35)
For Chris Madden, a “getaway” is any special place that offers a sense of sanctuary. Whether it’s a rustic cabin in the woods, a cozy seaside cottage or a sleek-and-chic condominium, Madden uncovers the essentials of creating a home away from home. She also visits the private escapes of renowned architects, designers, and artists, as well as the weekend homes of such notables as Katie Couric, Michael Keaton, and Toni Morrison. Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St., 895-2266, or go to www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.






Absinthe Minded
Although the scandalous spirit has been outlawed for more than a century, this hand-made absinthe fountain still has its modern day uses. Imported from France, it’s just shy of two feet tall and is an exact reproduction of a 19th-century Belle Époque fountain. The mouth-blown glass bowl holds nearly 10 cups of your favorite iced beverage, and four metal faucets accommodate four glasses at once, making this a tantalizing serving—and conversation—piece at your summertime soirée. Vivé la France, 823 Royal St., 523-0903, or go to www.vivelafranceonline.com.





CuisinArt
Self-taught artist Ashley Longshore has an appetite for spicy colors and local flavor. In fact, they’re the main ingredients in her artwork that celebrates the parallels between visual and culinary art and the people who create it. Her chef collection—much like the artist herself—is imaginative, spontaneous and inspired by the textures and emotions that tastes evoke. For information and her portfolio go to www.ashleylongshore.com.


Made in the Shade
Get swanky Palm Beach style without the palms or the beach. The new Décor Instant Gazebo collection from Quik Shade brings glamour to any backyard and keeps you cool while looking hot. The chic striped canopy has a heavy-duty polyester top that provides 97 percent protection from UV rays, with vents that keep it breezy inside. It can be used year-round or packed up and rolled away with ease in its matching carry-all on casters. Wal-Mart, 800/966-6546, or go to www.walmart.com.





Bamboo You
Chet Pourciau’s “Bamboo Road” lamp captures the spirit of Longue Vue House and Garden in modern lighting design. Handcrafted by Louisiana artisans, the lamp’s base is made of glass and shaped from a sand cast mold formed from actual bamboo. Ice blue doesn’t work for you? Pourciau, an ASID-certified interior designer, can customize the lamp base and shade to complement your home’s decor. Chet Pourciau at Agora Galleries, 2240 Magazine St., 525-2240, or go to www.chetporciaudesign.com.



Iron Maiden
Lofty, feminine scrolls soften the straight lines of this wrought-iron table base. Its bare-to-the-bone beauty offers endless design options for any space whether indoors or outdoors. With a glass top and a little imagination, the hand-crafted piece can add a rustic dimension to a room that is otherwise refined, or take things up a notch by adding panache to the patio. Little Miss Muffin, 766 Harrison Ave., 482-8200; 244 Metairie Rd., 833-6321.



No Place Like Home 
New Orleans “arts-and-craftivist” Margaret Coble merges folk, pop, graphic and street art influences to create unique hand-made gifts using recycled materials. Her fleur-de-lis clock, made from an old vinyl record, is stenciled and spray-painted. It’s also coupled with the word home, as the fleur-de-lis is the city symbol of her native town, New Orleans, and her evacuation town, Louisville, Ky. art by mags! for New Orleans Craft Mafia, 208-4420, or go to www.neworleanscraftmafia.com.




Lounging Around
For a catnap or some quiet time, there’s no need to turn down the sheets. A chaise lounge provides comfort and style that stretches well beyond the bedroom. The natural burlap upholstery of this French reproduction counters the frill of the intricately carved wooden frame resulting in a look that’s more fresh than formal. Available in several fabrics and finishes, mix and match a fancy finish like grotto gold with crisp white muslin for an equally balanced look. Juliet Home Furnishings, 2108 Magazine St., 561-5696, 8125 Hampson St.