BedsideCarafes

I know, I know it is still October and not even Halloween and people are starting talk about the holidays.  Not just “the holidays” which nicely lumps Thanksgiving and Christmas together, but Christmas.   I have seen the commercials already and decorations are starting to come out in NYC.  As a Thanksgiving baby, I usually take personal offense to this, as if by getting started on Christmas too soon, everyone is skipping right over me.  No, not at all self-indulgent!

However, this year, I am going to use this time to get ready.  Not ready for presents and decorations, but for the real meaning of the season.  The parties!!  What?  You thought I meant something a bit more precious and sentimental?  Well parties are time together with family and friends, just with food and lots of toddies!

Here is the question, when you are invited to a party, what do you normally bring:
—–A) Nothing
—–B) Flowers
—–C) Wine

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with options B and C (they are tried-and-true for a reason), its time to step away from your comfort zone a bit.

Bedside-Carafes

One of my favorite hostess gifts is the bedside water carafe.  They are the perfect addition to bedrooms, guest rooms in particular.   And knowing that people often have visitors over the holidays, something like this unexpected thank-you can really be put to use.

There are as many options of these now as there are hosts to give them to – clean or engraved, modern or old fashioned, inexpensive or “many, many thanks”, clear or colored, etc. etc. etc.

What are your favorite hostess gifts?  We will be back with more as the holidays approach…

For resources:

1. Bedside Carafe, Crate & Barrel

2. Amalia Bedside Carafe Set, Juliska (Update 9/2/10.  The Amalia is no longer listed on the Juliska website, but the Isabella {#7 here} is still available).

3. Bedside Water Carafe & Glass, High Camp Home

4. Cora Carafe, CB2

5. Kate Carafe & Tumbler, William Yeoward (Update 9/2/10:  It looks as though the Kate may no longer be available.  Try the Victoria, also by William Yeoward at Bloomingdale’s)

6. Off Pitcher + Cup, Branch

7. Isabella Bedside carafe Set, Juliska

8. Hargreave Carafe with Glass, Clio

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Bedside tables, from top:
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Ichibad Side Table, Maison Luxe
Parsons Table, Room & Board