Tag Archives: barware

The HomeFront: Father’s Day Gift Ideas

With Father’s Day just around the corner, now is a good time to start looking for gifts. Some dads are easy to shop for, requiring nothing more than new socks or a tie. And then there are those dads who require gifts with a more creative touch. Our top Father’s Day picks will satisfy dad whether he’s super picky or not. And what better way to celebrate dad than by giving him something he can really use.

Grills. For the father who loves to grill, this mini 12″ charcoal grill is the gift to give. This grill is a great fit for terraces, porches and other tight spaces. Its diameter is just perfect for his favorite piece of meat, poultry, fish or veggie.

Updated barware. Update dad’s barware with these fine pieces from the Equestrian Braid collection from Lauren by Ralph Lauren. The chic and rustic look of these pieces creates a comforting setting to serve and entertain. Glassware features intersecting wedge cuts for that upscale look.

Espresso makers. Give him what every coffee lover wants: a top-of-the-line Krups espresso machine. This programmable 15-bar pump espresso machine brings a contemporary blend of stainless steel, chrome and wood accents to your kitchen. The unit makes cafe-quality espresso, cappuccino and latte; a frothing wand ensures foolproof frothing of milk.

Massagers. Take the stress off dear old dad with this Shiatsu massager from Sharper Image. This way, he can enjoy a neck and back massage anytime he wants. Place the pillow exactly in areas that need soothing and let the invigorating vibration massage do the work. The deep-kneading Shiatsu massage heads will treat his stiff neck, aching back and tense shoulders to the perfect massage.

Check out more Father’s Day Gift ideas

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Bridal Registry Tips: 6 Shower Themes

If you’re planning a shower for the bride to-be, here are six themes that we like:

1. Honeymoon/Travel Shower: Give them gifts that say bon voyage: beach towels, a camera, a travel journal or picture frames for their favorite honeymoon photo. Plan a buffet with their travel destination in mind. If they’re headed somewhere tropical, serve exotic mixed drinks and teriyaki Asian-style foods. Decorate with maps and travel posters. More honeymoon/travel ideas.

2. Room-by-Room Shower: For couples who are focused on a new home together, have guests bring gifts for a particular room or area of the house – towels for the bathroom, a coffee maker for the kitchen, etc. More room-by-room ideas.

3. Entertainment Shower: For the couple who love a good show, ask guests to chip in to buy a new flat panel TV or entertainment system. Other gift ideas include DVDs and a fondue maker. Decorate with movie posters and play popular themes from movies and TV. More entertainment ideas.

4. Bar Shower: This is for the couple who love sampling and entertaining with wine, beer and cocktails. Ask guests to bring gifts that will help outfit the couple’s new bar. Gift ideas include a pair of champagne saucersblenders, wine racks, and decanters. More barware ideas.

5. Gourmet Showers: Couples who love to cook will appreciate a theme devoted to gourmet cooking. Gift ideas include cookbooks, specialty knivesgourmet coffee makers and a food slicer. Throw a potluck dinner where every guest brings his or her own specialty. More gourmet ideas.

6. Recipe Shower: This type of shower is meant to broaden the bride and groom’s culinary skills. In the invitations, ask each guest to write down his or her favorite recipe and bring kitchen items needed for the preparation. As an example, a recipe for mama’s lasagna would require a deep dish lasagna pan; Belgian waffles, a waffle maker; cookies and baked goods, a bakeware set. Decorate with photos of food from cooking magazines. More recipe ideas.

Do you have a suggestion for a wedding shower theme? Tell us about it in the comments section. 

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The Kentucky Derby: Finishing Touches

The Kentucky Derby is considered “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports”, but we aren’t here to talk about the horses. We watch the race for one thing: fabulous hats. No Derby party is complete without a fashionably large hat and cold mint julep.

This floppy hat from Kate Landry has everything you should look for in a Derby hat. The bold color stands out, (also available in pink, yellow and neutrals) while the wide brim and large bow create the ladylike drama Derby styling deserves. This hat isn’t a one-trick pony either. Take it with you to the pool or beach this summer to stay stylishly shaded.

Don’t forget to mix up a Derby day favorite, the mint julep, to celebrate the race in proper style. We’ve put together our recipe for you to try. If you are over the age of 21, we hope you enjoy it responsibly.

Mint Julep

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 sprigs of fresh mint
  • 2 sugar cubes (or 1/2-oz. simple syrup)
  • 2.5-oz. bourbon
  • sprig of mint for garnish

Place the mint sprigs and sugar cubes (or simple syrup) into the bottom of a highball or other flat-sided glass. Muddle it well to dissolve the sugar and release the oil and aroma of the mint. Add in the bourbon. Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir well. Garnish with a sprig of mint. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute ginger ale or lemonade for the bourbon.

Shop all fashion accessories and barware at Dillards.com.

Are you excited to don your favorite hat on Derby day? Tell us in the comments!

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Barware in the New Year

Toast in the New Year by updating your barware collection. Here are some of our favorites.

Flute pair: A touch of the bubbly will look extra festive in this pair of flute glasses from Waterford. You will enjoy toasting with the brilliance and refinement reflected with this gorgeous stemware. Works great if you’re ringing in the new year with that special someone. Heirloom quality for passing down to future generations.

Decanter set: This sparkling decanter set is ready for your next celebration. From Mikasa, this handsome and distinctive crystal set will bring classic elegance and sparkling beauty to your home bar collection. Great for warming up guests who’ve come in from the cold.

Bar tray: Transport tumbler glasses, highball glasses and even stemware from your wet bar to your living or game room with this bar tray from Lauren by Ralph Lauren. Also, works great for laying out and transporting snacks and appetizers.

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