The Gift Corner

A Little Halloween History

We've written a couple of posts about Halloween gifts; but do you know the history of Halloween?

We thought we knew; but then we found this short video put out by National Geographic.  Very interesting!

Halloween Gifts - Part II

The first week in October, we wrote a post about Halloween gifts; but that particular article concentrated on a lot of the very cool, fun costumes and masks available this year.  (And when we wrote it, there were no Sarah Palin masks around.  Guess what?  Check out this link.)

Anyway, today we want to highlight some of the great Halloween-related flowers, gift baskets and decor accessories.  After all, if you're so lucky as to be invited to a Halloween party - you can't go empty handed.  Horrors!  And instead of just bringing another bottle of wine (although dressed in a little Dracula bag would be cute) let's explore some of the other possibilities.

Flowers: everyone likes flowers!  But here, we do have a caveat.  If you're wanting to give an arrangement for a buffet table (or dining table) you must coordinate with the hostess first.  Yes, it will no longer be a surprise; but if she's already bought arrangements, the last thing she wants, or needs, is a surprise showing up.  Also, you'll need to confer on major details, such as size.

Now if you're thinking of bringing a smaller arrangement that can be placed on any surface; then it can be a surprise.  Just make sure to bring arranged flowers - not a vase-less bouquet.  The last thing a busy host/hostess wants to see is a bunch of flowers that needs tending to.

But having said that, here are some really great looking and creative arrangements from the folks at Teleflora:

    

   

Besides flowers, how about a Movie Madness Halloween Halloween Party Gift Basket?  This is very fun - a "popcorn tub" filled with packets of popcorn,  movie-sized candies and a BlockBuster gift card.  From the creative folks at The Obsession Box - be sure and check it out.

Also, along these same lines, the Popcorn Factory has a wide assortment of party tubs, samplers, family packs, etc., of popcorns, candies and other treats.

From the Personalization Mall, check out this slate board, which they will personalize with your family name, and the first names of the parents, kids, grandparents - whoever's in the home - whatever names you want.  Very cool!

So lots of ideas, and there's still plenty of time - so, no excuse not to have some fun and unique gifts for Halloween this year!

Flags Everywhere! Celebrate United Nations Day with Patriotic Gifts

Today we celebrate United Nations Day; but since we're here in the US, we're going to celebrate by concentrating on some very cool American flag memorabilia and products.

Check out this store that carries a variety of items - from rings, to purses, to t-shirts: American Flag Merchandise.

Also, if you've been thinking about replacing that flag on your front porch, check out the huge assortment at: American Flags Express. 

And when you think about it, flags are a really great, and unique, gift.  We all have those people in our lives that have everything - and they're excruciatingly hard to buy for.  But almost everyone loves flags; and if they don't have a flag for their home, they would truly appreciate one.  On the other hand, if they do already have a flag, there's a good chance it's a bit worn and frayed and should really be replaced.  So there you go!  A great gift for the hard to buy for crowd.

We've added a fun video of a gentleman who has an amazing collection of flag memorabilia.

Pasta Machines - The Video

Yesterday we wrote about different pasta machines, and what a great gift they would be for the cook in your life.  Well, now we've come across this cool little video, that shows how really simple, and fun, it can be to make fresh pasta.

Enjoy - we have to go now and eat!  (Yes, the video will make you hungry.)

Love Pasta? A Gift For the Cook

Tomorrow, October 17, is National Pasta Day.  So in honor of pasta - and all Italian food!- we've come up with some nifty pasta machines that would make fantastic gifts for all those who love to cook.

1.  The Imperia 220 Electric Pasta Machine - this machine is advertised as "the most popular pasta maker among home chefs."  It's not cheap ($1675) but we love the fact that it's electric, and has ten settings.

2. The Imperia 220 Manual Pasta Maker - this pasta maker is one we're crazy about.  Again, it is advertised as "the most popular pasta maker," and it too has ten adjustable settings; but it has a much more reasonable price of $675.

3.  The Imperia 150 Pasta Maker - this is a great, economical maker.  Costing only $54.99, it is the perfect "pasta maker gift" for those who will use it sporadically, or for those who want to "dip their toe in the water" first, to see if it's something they really would enjoy.

4.  The Atlas Pasta Machine - since all our other pasta makers are by Imperia, we wanted to add the Atlas to our list.  At $99.99, this machine is another great value.  The Atlas comes with basic dough recipes, a counter clamp and a lasagna bike.

Our philosophy is, all pasta is good pasta.  And fresh?  Well, it can't be beat!  So whether you're the cook, your spouse or SO's the cook, or a good friend is: give the gift of a pasta maker.  We have a feeling it will provide a tasty gift right back at you!

Bake Your Cake and Eat it Too

Today is National Cake Decorating Day (no, we're not making this up.)  So in honor of that, here are some lovely cake stands, that would be beautiful gifts for the baker in your life.

The Pavilion cake stand by Ralph Lauren.

Inspired by classic, English pierced serving pieces.

(And this pedestal just happens to be on sale right now - always a good thing!)

How about a brass (or gold) cake plateau?  These stands are always unique and pretty; and they're not just for wedding cakes!  Oh, no - use one of these and even the most simple of cakes becomes tres elegant and sophisticated.

This plateau can be found at His Designs, and is also on sale!

And finally, if you want to blow a wad, here's a fabulous antique majolica cake stand.  We're not sure if we'd actually use this one as a serving piece; but boy, is it ever gorgeous.

 

You can get all the details, and buy this beauty at Trilogy Antiques.