Sunday, 4 November 2012

Giving Thanks: Hostess Gifts

When someone asks me for tips on what to purchase for a hostess gift, especially around Thanksgiving, I tend to send him or her to Williams-Sonoma or to Pottery Barn.
(Have you seen Pottery Barn's festive mercury glass decorations? Divine.)

This year, I'm especially taken with William-Sonoma's holiday wreaths:

The Cook's Herb Wreath is available year-round.

 Like the original Cooks Herb Wreath, this holiday edition is both decorative and practical. The herbs provide both a wonderful fragrance in the kitchen and flavor to your family's favorite holiday meals.

Finally, this holiday Grains Wreath has both beautiful fall colors and texture.
Find all three at Williams-Sonoma.

But...
if you are looking for something unique, why not treat your hostess to a vintage party apron?

With its beautiful fall colors and vintage appeal, this apron is the perfect gift for the woman hosting your Thanksgiving celebration this year! (If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, perhaps it's time to treat yourself!)

I found this apron while sorting through some of my grandmother's belongs. The apron measures 17" across the front, with two 20" ties. The apron features two fabrics: a striking 16" long, translucent brown nylon overlaying a 12.5" long, patterned cotton layer. The apron has two heart-shaped pockets; the pockets and both fabric layers are bound and finished with white ric-rac. Most importantly, the apron is in great condition; it has never been worn!

 

The apron's tag features its bargain selling price and the name of a popular Metro Boston department store, Mal's. I found the information about Mal's Discount Department stores in the obituaries of its two founders: Melvin "Mal" Goldston and Lester Goldston.
 
Founded in 1948, the chain expanded to seven locations in Massachusetts before closing in the mid-1970s. I could not (easily) find any images of any of their stores online, and the history of the chain is not documented on any websites. Maybe this would be an interesting research topic!

 
The apron will be on sale on eBay until next Sunday evening. Happy bidding!

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