THE HIGH PRICE OF STYLE

I found your spread on how to have a glittery golden Christmas (“Holiday Entertaining: All That Glitters,” Style, Nov. 1) offensive. Who do you think reads this magazine? I’d bet that fewer than 1% of your readers would ever consider buying an $850 tablecloth, champagne glasses that cost $75 each or a serving platter for $1,150.

Promoting conspicuous consumption in this economy--especially amid real news stories about poverty, AIDS and 100 other heartbreaking realities--is unconscionable. Even though I’m lucky enough to be reasonably affluent, that Style section made me angry. How do you think it made poor people feel?

DANIEL MANDELL

Studio City