DINING AND ENTERTAINING

Fine Chocolate Gifts

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, if you haven’t already got your sweetie something, check out these fine chocolate gifts, sure to impress. We’ve had the pleasure of indulging in these three choco collections and they really look as good as they taste – a must-try!

For the party girl…
Party Girl Gourmet Chocolates & Truffles from Wine Enthusiast make a great gift, on their own or paired with her favorite wine. These hand-made sweet treats feature an assortment of Dark Ganache, Milk Ganache and Irish Crème chocolates adorned with the signature Party Girl characters, and truffles including French Caramel, Hazelnut and Coconut flavors. These fine chocolates come in a beautifully boxed pack of 18 at a retail price for $49.95 at Wine Enthusiast.

For the foodie…
The Sweet Coquette Collection from Vosges Haut-Chocolat is the perfect gift for the food-lover. This box of 16 fine chocolates combines dark, milk or white chocolate, along with an unusual blend of flavors including: Absinthe (Chinese star anise, fennel and Absinthe); Bronte (Sicilian pistachio paste and rose water); Edith (Piper Heidsieck Rose Sauvage Champagne and crushed rosebud tea); Kumamoto (pearl dust, Kumamoto oyster-infused cream and white chocolate); Mamajuana (craft spirit infused with rum, secret spices and chamomile); Oaxaca (Mexican guajillo and pasilla chillies, and organic pumpkin seeds); Red Fire (ancho chillies and Ceylon cinnamon); and Xocatyl (Mexican vanilla bean). Retail price is $48 at Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

For the sushi-lover…
These Japanese Bento Boxes from Derry Church Artisan Chocolates are a cute spin on sushi (and certainly sweeter than raw fish!). This box of 20 gourmet bon bons includes a mix of dark, milk and white chocolates. The lacquered-plastic boxes they come in are pretty (you get a choice of two designs), and the chop sticks are a great touch. Japanese Bento Boxes retail for $79 at Derry Church Artisan Chocolates.

12 Feb 2011 | Fine Chocolate Reviews |

Contemporary Glass Art for Home by ilio

Fun yet sophisticated, we love this contemporary glass art for the home, by Turkish company Ilio. The “Ice Drop” candle holders and the “Bouquet” vase make a great gift – for yourself or for someone deserving. The aptly named candle holders are inspired by delicate ice formations, with the drip, drip, drip of glass leaving its trail. The Ice Drop would look great lined up along your mantel or adorning the window sill. Meanwhile, the Bouquet vase takes on liquid art form. This suspended vase can be hung in a bedroom or bathroom, or arranged in a cluster at different heights in a living area. And filled with fresh flowers or your favorite greens, you can bring spring indoors any time of year. Check out this contemporary glass art by visiting Ilio.

READ MORE >

8 Feb 2011 | Tabletop Decor |

Green Drinkware Glasses by Ilio Glass – Forest

Inspired by nature with a modern twist, these green drinkware glasses by Ilio Glass are certainly something to toast! The Forest collection glassware features a variety of different shapes ideal to serve up any beverage imaginable. From fruity drinks and root beer floats to your favorite brew and more “festive” cocktails, these glasses can handle any concoction. Not only will they brighten up your party, they’ll make your tabletop “pop.” With a setting of white linens, plates and serving dishes, these green glasses will have you raising your glass all night long. For more info on the Forest drinkware glasses, visit Ilio.

READ MORE >

28 Dec 2010 | Glassware & Bar |

Merry Sandro Corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini from Alessi

Get in the festive spirit with the Merry Sandro corkscrew from Alessi. Designed by Alessandro Mendini, the Merry Sandro corkscrew is chrome plated and hand decorated in this unmistakable red hat and black boots, making a fabulous holiday gift for the host with the most. Or get it for yourself and impress your guests as you serve up their favorite wine, Santa style! For every other occasion on your calendar in all year round, the Alessandro Mendini line of corkscrews also comes dressed in a variety of other attire including the chef, the jailbird, the superhero, and many more. Retail price is $95. For more information visit Alessi.

READ MORE >

14 Dec 2010 | Glassware & Bar |

Versace Christmas 2010 - Tableware and Ornaments Collection

Versace dresses the table like a woman – in pure luxury, right down to the detail. The Versace Christmas 2010 collection of tableware and ornaments will make your holiday tabletop glitter with wonderful winter motifs, and an ambience fills your dining room. Delicate snowflakes, ruby-red berries and a rich gold finish adorn these elegant plates, cups and saucers, mugs, serving dishes, accessories and ornaments. Dish out your favorite fares and make your dinner guests feel truly special. And if you’re looking to show someone your appreciation, a thoughtful and practical gift of tableware is a sure hit (and always appreciated by the entertainer at heart!). Start your collection with just one ornament or porcelain bell, or get the whole lot for a winter wonderland at your dinner table this season. For information is available at Versace Home.

READ MORE >

25 Nov 2010 | Dinnerware |

Recent Posts

 Subscribe in a reader