Gifts

Christmas Gifts

Xmas_2014

We are just over two weeks away from Christmas day, and it’s time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. I have put together a few items that would be perfect for the cook in your life. Some of the items, I currently own and love, and others are ones that I really want! So, loved ones please take note  – hint, hint OH!

  1. Blackboard
    A blackboard might seem like an unusual gift, but this classy chalk board can brighten up your kitchen. At home we use our chalkboard to jot down our weekly groceries as we think of them. You could also put the menu on your blackboard if you are entertaining guests. Or you could just leave funny notes on it for your housemates. I think I have proven my point, blackboards have a lot of uses 🙂
  2. Cake plate
    This glass domed cake plate is a steal from IKEA. You could use it to present cheese, or just to display a selection of cupcakes. It’s simple, classic, and an absolute bargain at $20.
  3. Tea towels
    Tea towels may seem like another odd choice, but for a decorative and well-made tea towel like this, I will make an exception. This tea towel is made from 100% linen, which is the very best material for drying and polishing. I’ve some nice cotton ones that I rarely use as there is nothing better than real linen.  Ulster Weavers were originally founded in 1880, and have been making beautiful linens and home wares ever since.
  4. Smoked Salt Caramels
    Frans Smoke Salt Chocolates are my favorite indulgence. They are made right here in Seattle, Washington. Since moving here, I’ve really missed good Belgian chocolate, but then I discovered Frans chocolates.  It’s rumored that they are also a favorite of Barack Obama. He has obviously got very good taste in chocolate 😉
  5. Ice-cream Maker Attachment
    This ice-cream bowl attachment from Kitchen aid is ingenious. It so simple to use – you simply freeze the bowl, and then churn some home-made custard in the frozen bowl. I have made such great ice-creams using this nifty attachment, and probably gained a few pounds as well in the process!
  6. Table Centerpiece
    APRIL+AND+THE+BEAR+COPPER+CANDLEHOLDER+42+CERAMIC+STAR+18This stunning candle stick will make a dramatic centerpiece for any dining room table. My friend has recently opened her own wonderful online store ‘April and the Bear’, and this is just one of her beautiful pieces that I have had my eye on. It’s currently out of stock, but Siobhan will have more back in on the 17th of December, just in time for Christmas.
  7. Global Knives
    Global knives are the best. We were given a set as a wedding gift, and we love them so much. They are super sharp, very light and feel great to work with. They also look really stylish. Even one of these knives would be a great gift. My favorite is the GS -3, and the OH loves the G-4.
    * Remember to put a penny with your gift – A knife is seen as a gift that will cut your friendship according to old superstition.  It’s a tradition to put a penny with the knife which the recipient has to give back to the gift giver as payment, to prevent the end of their friendship!
  8. Serving Platter
    Nicholas Mosse pottery is so pretty and timeless. We have some his mugs, serving bowls and a jug. He has a cute mug set with an animal motif too, which usually brings a smile to my face when I am grumpy in the morning.  I am currently lusting after this wonderful forget me not serving platter.
  9. Cookery Book
    I have lots of great cookery book, but this one from Ballymaloe, I use over and over again. It’s not just a cookery book, it’s a cookery bible. You won’t find pages of curated lifestyle photography, just lots of solid information and helpful tips. If you haven’t got this cookbook already, you should buy it now!  If you’re new to cooking it will teach you how to cook, if you’re already a cook, it’ll speak your language – It’s a book for everyone.
  10. Wooden Spoon
    A wooden spoon, you say! Well it is part of my Stasty identity. Plus, a good wooden spoon can make all the difference. Do you ever notice when you are cooking, you always reach for your favorite kitchen spoon and reject all the others. Well, that just shows, how important a spoon is. I currently have my eye on this very cool handcrafted olive-wood spoon.(It might even replace the OH’s one I accidentally burnt) *Editor’s note.