misosouper, a shopping blog

Sure, I may be the jerk who made you wince in disgust as you fished a bug out of your glass, but hey!  You didn’t know I was planning that little trick when you accepted my invitation, did you?

Here are some proper gifts that will get you a kiss, an insect-free drink, and an invitation back to my next dinner party (assuming that you’d want to come):

Eames House of Cards–a stacking, interlocking set that will keep me occupied when I should be cleaning the kitchen.

Cabebe Shell Dish or Ceramic Urchin Box–both from Jayson Home and Garden, both gestures that will make me think of you every time I take off my jewelry for the night.

Rick’s Pick’s Whup Asp Zesty Pickled Asparagus Spears–maybe I’ll open them to share with the party.  Then again, maybe I won’t.

Table Topics Original Edition–I thought I knew you.  But I’ve also had 3 glasses of wine.

Dear Imaginary Internet Houseguests:

I am happy to serve you Malbec and homemade spinach and artichoke dip (oh, don’t roll your eyes; you know it’s good), but you must 1) be prepared to suffer a humiliating Scrabble defeat; and 2) make your hostess forget you spilled red wine on her white couches by bringing her a nice little present, like these monogrammed linen cocktail napkins.  Sounds like fun, right?

Let’s make it next Saturday night, so you have time to wrap my gift.

Love,

Anna

Just in time for spring gifting season, Bloomie’s is chock full of new goodies.  While not necessarily cheap, these home goods won’t be something your mama/newly married best friends/hostess whose front yard you’re digging up for a plastic easter egg will hide in a cabinet until you come over.

1.  Stainless Steel Asparagus Pot by All Clad; 2.  The very strange, very appealing Paris Votive by Bernardaud (check out the other patterns, including a Chicago version); 3.  Nambé “Butterfly” Salad Bowl Set; 4.  Michael Aram for Waterford Woodgrain Cocktail Shaker; 5.  Mediterraneo Kitchen Jars by Alessi; 6.  Latte Machiatto Mug by Konitz; 7.  Jungle Jubilee by Lynn Chase–one big serving piece is all you need; 8.  Jardins Du Monde Ceramic Collection by Juliska–a set of dessert plates from this lovely line is a more than generous gift; 9.  The Ice Cream Scoop & Stack by Cuisipro makes perfect ice cream plops; 10.  FrouFrou by 1891 by Sferra Sheets are actually more elegant basic than over-the-top froufrou; 11.  The Eva Zeisel for Royal Stafford “One O One” Teapot will make your design-minded friends swoon; 12.  Dustbuster by Alessi; 13.  Clare Flower Pots by Marc Jacobs Waterford; 14.  “Banana Brothers” Salt/Pepper Set by Alessi (do kayaking monkeys really need commentary?); 15.  “Tea Over Ice” Pitcher System by Tea Forte.