Columnist Muriel Stevens: Big Three mall makers on the way

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2002 | 8:13 a.m.

What an exciting time for shoppers. The Fashion Show is readying to open Nov. 1. Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and more will have pre-opening events for local charities and cultural groups.

Two Neiman Marcus restaurants, Mariposa, a fine dining room, and NM Cafe, a casual eatery, are scheduled to open Nov. 25.

Meanwhile, the arrival of the 2002 Neiman Marcus Christmas book has perked up my shopping genes. Long before there was a Neiman Marcus store in Las Vegas, I was ordering gifts from NM's Christmas catalog. It is the dream book for all times. The prices range from affordable for all, to extravagance beyond the reach of most but the highly privileged. And yes, those extravagantly priced gifts do sell.

As the catalog flyleaf says, "The holidays can teach us important lessons. That we're more alike than different. That home isn't so much a physical place as a state of mind. And that wealth is best measured in family, friends and laughter. Whether yours is a farmhouse or a penthouse or something in between, thanks for having us home for the holidays."

A percentage of the sales from items on pages 1 through 13 will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This wonderful charity was founded by Danny Thomas, an entertainment legend who performed frequently in Las Vegas.

Among the many gifts in this section are: John Hardy lanyards (who said ID badges have to be dull?) in sterling silver -- nylon cord, $50, sterling silver, $195; silver-plated wine bottle stopper, $25; Art Nouveau leather cosmetic bags with works from Gustav Klimt (exclusively NM), $85; Zen stones with a mesh bag insert containing the meaning, $22; a keepsake tin filled with delectable Dicamilla goodies and more.

It takes time to read through this catalog thoroughly, there are so many wonderful things -- designer clothing; real and faux jewelry; fancy pens and holiday stationery; Burberry pajama sets for men and women; and Burberry duds for dogs with a matching dog collar, leash and dog bowls.

Game aficionados will revel in NM's exclusive luxury gaming sets, handcrafted in England -- Backgammon, $1,500; a two-sided Scrabble/Monopoly set, $4,000; and a leather-bound tick-tack-toe board with solid pewter X's and O's, $225.

Chinese zodiac necklaces featuring the 12 animals of the ancient Chinese zodiac are hand-carved from semiprecious stones, $95. Or maybe the budget could handle a Hinckley T29 R yacht, a mere $285,000, or perhaps a Marquis private jet card that gives the card holder a variety of options on Cessna Citation planes, priced from $109,000 to $299,000.

And "ditch the diet" for scrumptious treats from NM's Epicure shop, featuring Yoko Moko butter cookies, petits fours and cheesecake pops from David Burke, executive chef of the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group (available by special order), plus delectable edibles that are irresistible.

Little gifts, big gifts, gifts for every member of the family. Enchanting, exclusive gifts, adorable children's gifts, the selection is endless. For additional catalog information call (800) 825-8000 or use the website, NeimanMarcus.com.