Santa may come early this year if prices continue to settle at the two-day, three-sale offering of Twentieth Century Decorative Art and Design at Christie's New York. There's a lot to look at and many objects to desire if Twentieth Century design is what you love.

Auction prices have been falling these first few weeks of the Fall season, with many of the contemporary art sales falling far below their low estimates, and many lots being passed (some of which had guaranteed prices for the sellers, set far before the surprising economic downturn). I have a feeling the big houses will be counting on these less splashy sales of furniture and objects to hold their values better and help boost those bottom lines for the end of the year.

As always, my picks, all from the Tuesday morning sale:

Lot #229
EMILE-JACQUES RUHLMANN (1879-1933)
A Macassar Ebony Table,
circa 1928 with bronze sabots
25½ in. (64.8 cm.) high, 43¼ in. (110 cm.) diameter
branded Ruhlmann and with Atelier A stamp

Estimate: $30,000–$50,000 (US)

Lot #249
LINE VAUTRIN (1913-1997)
A Talosel Resin and Glass Chandelier, circa 1958
25 in. (63.5 cm) drop, 20 in. (50.8 cm.) diameter

Estimate: $100,000–$150,000 (US)

Lot #254
JEAN PROUVE (1901-1984)
A Lacquered Steel, Canvas and Leather 'Cité' Armchair, circa 1930
32¼ in. (82 cm.) high, 26 in. (66 cm.) wide, 30¾ in. (78 cm.) deep

Estimate: $70,000–$90,000 (US)

Sale Dates and Times:

Monday, December 15 at 2 pm
Important 20th Century Design from the
Collection of George and Frayda Lindemann

Tuesday, December 16 at 10 am
Important Works of Art From Tiffany Studios

Tuesday, December 16 at 10:30 am
Important 20th Century Decorative Art & Design

I'll post results after the sale.