Luckily there isn’t a store near us, but unfortunately their website is just as dangerous, particularly when the holidays are approaching. Everything you need for your kitchen, dining room or bedroom, they’re just as nice as Pottery Barn, but a smidge cheaper.
Last week, I found quite a few must-have things, but the problem when buying kitchen, dining or entertaining type things as gifts for people is that it’s usually one for her, one for me, one for them, one for me. Not that that’s a necessarily a bad thing, but it tends to defeat the whole purpose.
I can’t show you all the stuff I ordered, since some of the recipients pop in here, but I can show you these very cool coasters. I know, you’re probably thinking “Coasters? Big deal.” Ahh, but it is. See I have this quirk with coasters … there are TONS of them available, but most of them are just not right as their surface is flat. See, when you have a drink with ice in it, where does the condensation go? Usually on the table or other surface you’re trying to protect, thereby negating the intent of the coaster. So I’m always on the lookout for coasters that have a bit of a lip to them, to keep the condensation where it belongs … on the coaster. And that’s what these do. And heck, they’re a fun design and you can’t beat the price.
I also picked up a few of these mini footed bowls – how cute are they? Perfect for so many uses … dipping sauces, melted butter, small servings of individual desserts, condiments and more. And again, the price? A wonderful bargain.
If you’re already planning for the next holiday gathering, they have a lot of great table setting ideas,. What I like is that most of them don’t scream “holiday,” so they can be used during the year as well. I’m practical like that.
And before I forget, even though Thanksgiving is over, go on and read my latest article for Cooking Light magazine’s web site. You just may get an idea for your next big feast.
All for now. Until tomorrow, don’t forget, it’s ARF/5-A-Day Tuesday.
A year ago today… a little bit ‘o everything.
P.S. Don’t forget to order your Eli 2007 desktop calendars. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a Bernese Mountain Dog rescue group. Just $7.50 includes shipping and handling … a perfect little stocking stuffer for that animal lover on your list. Drop me a line to place your order.
Oh how I love Crate & Barrel. I was just in there this past weekend when we were visiting California and amazingly I left without buying anything because, well, I wanted too many things and couldn’t decide.
Those are very keen coasters!
Cate
You need those stone coasters. They are made out of a stone that is rather porous and absorbs the condinsation from the glass. I have seen them in gift shops in many styles.
I agree with Hopcat. Other than coasters that other people give me, the only ones I own are sandstone. Not only do they keep the condensation from getting on your table surface (or floor, or … ), they also keep the glass pretty much dry because all condensated (is that a word?) water gets wicked into the coaster.
My identity verification word today is umnhwcm … sounds like something you’d say while eating something delicious!