Wine Saver

I've added a few new features to Musings of a Housewife that I hope will be helpful. Over the weekend I created a Whole Foods Resources page that is a great place to start if you are interested in learning more about the whole foods lifestyle. I also compiled my design tutorials into one convenient location. Both are linked in my nav bar. And there is now a Print Friendly button at the bottom of each post, should you feel like printing recipes or information for future reference. Before printing, you will have the option to delete any photos or content you don't need.

French Press. I admit, I am putting this on here because *I* want this. The French press supposedly makes The Best Coffee Ever. I had one back in the day, but it was a small glass one, and I eventually got rid of it because it didn’t keep my coffee hot long enough, and it didn’t make much. But this Thermal French Press from Frieling will keep my coffee warm and holds 8 cups. Plus, it’s just so purty!

And if you really want to spoil her, get her the matching creamer and sugar bowl. I actually have this set, it was a gift from my brother a few years ago, and I love it. I use it every day.

Stemless Wine Glasses. I don’t have any of these, but I love drinking out of them at my friends’ houses. They are less fussy than the traditional stemmed ones, and there’s not as much chance of knocking one over when talking with one’s hands, and yes, I do have much experience with this phenomenon. #notinebriatedjustclumsy

These red wine glasses from Riedel in an elegant light weight crystal are the perfect gift for the wine connoisseur in your life. And if you really want to spoil them, get the white ones too.

Wine Saver Gift Set. I am very picky about my wine being fresh. If the bottle has been opened for more than 48 hours, it gets dumped. This vacuum pump and its accompanying stoppers and pourers claims to keep your wine fresh for 7 to 10 days. Frankly, I’ve never had a problem using up a bottle of wine in a timely fashion, but if you know someone who likes to prolong the happiness all week long, this would be the perfect gift.

Decorative Measuring Cups. I went on to Pier One Imports to see if I could find the measuring cups I won from Kathy, and I couldn’t find them, but I found these Retro Measuring Cups. Aren’t they just too cute for words?

Serving Dishes. Any hostess with the mostest knows you can never have enough trays. These Emma Serving Platters from Pottery Barn caught my eye. I just love the beaded detail, and the colors are so warm and homey.

Barefoot Contessa Parties. I highly recommend any of the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks. I believe I have all but her newest. But her book on Parties is the perfect gift for the entertainer because she gives lots of helpful tips (with pictures!) on how to set a table, how to present a platter, and all kinds of help on being a gracious hostess.