williams sonoma

Gourmet Gingerbread Houses

When sweets can double as holiday decor I'd say it's a win-win situation. Enjoy its festive appearance and then dive in to taste its delicious goodness. Commonly included in many homes during the holidays, the gingerbread house doesn't just have to be a haphazard creation the kids helped put together (although those are adorable too). These confectionery structures can be as gourmet and picturesque as the rest of the Christmas party. I found eight possible creations to tempt you but you may live near a local candy shop or bakery that has something even better. Don't forget the optional personalization to truly make it your own.

Williams-Sonoma's Gourmet Gingerbread Manor (pictured above for $249.95) or Personalized Gingerbread House ($56)
Red Envelope's Personalized Gingerbread House (on sale for $49.95)
Stonewall Kitchen's Fully Assembled or DIY Gingerbread House ($54.95 and $29.95 respectively)
Figis' Gingerbread Village ($26.99)
The Wisconsin Cheeseman's Fully Assembled Large Gingerbread House($44.99)
A Bountiful Harvest's Handmade Edible Enchanted Mansion ($349.95)
Sur La Table's Wilton® Ultimate GIngerbread House Kit ($40)

Gallery: Gourmet Gingerbread Houses

Williams-Sonoma Personalized Gingerbread House

Red Envelope Personalized Gingerbread House

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Cuisinart Supreme Ice Cream Maker

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Gadgets

Summertime is ice cream time. But for some of us, all year long is ice cream time. So naturally I was excited when I saw this handsome Cuisinart Supreme Commercial Quality Ice Cream Maker on Williams-Sonoma. For not much money and in just a few steps, you can whip up homemade ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt or even a frozen drink. This fully automatic machine can prepare up to 1.5 quarts in less than an hour. It features a built-in compressor freezer, so no prefreezing is required -- just add the ingredients and set the timer. Adding mix-ins is easy, thanks to an ingredient spout in the lid. The lid, paddle and bowl are removable for hand-washing. The brushed stainless steel housing means it's nice enough to match today's renovated kitchens. 150W; 15 1/2" x 10 3/4" x 10 1/2"; $299 on Cuisinart or Williams-Sonoma.

Tags: Cuisinart, ice cream, ice cream maker, ice cream makers, IceCream, IceCreamMaker, IceCreamMakers, williams sonoma, Williams-Sonoma, WilliamsSonoma

Crystal Bottle Stoppers from Williams Sonoma

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Spirits

I love elegance with a more casual tone, so to me crystal always looks its best when it's kept extremely simple. With only a few decorative marks, these Crystal Bottle Stoppers from Williams Sonoma will top your liquor and wine bottles in glistening but basic style. The geometric shapes and sharp lines give them a slightly masculine air, although depending on the environment that could change (and it could just be me!).

Cut and shaped by hand from solid crystal, they're polished to a high shine and available in sets of 3 for $98. Just be aware that if you're planning to use them frequently absolutely every fingerprint will be obvious on the ultra-clear surfaces.

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Tags: bottle, bottle stopper, bottle stoppers, BottleStopper, BottleStoppers, crystal, sonoma, stopper, stoppers, williams, williams sonoma, WilliamsSonoma

Somerset Table

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

From Williams-Sonoma Home, the Somerset Table is a lovely piece that can be used almost anywhere in the house, as it could be used as a nightstand, where the shelves could be used to store books and other things you might like to have to hand, or as an end table in a living room. The pillar-shaped piece is made of Patagonian maple and has a marble top. Twin doors on the side swing open with antiqued brass knobs, revealing an interior shelf, which is removable if you need a larger space for storage. It measures 18 1/4" across and is 28" high. Price: $950 each, $1,800 for two.

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Tags: bedside, end table, home, maple, night stand, pillar, table, williams sonoma, WilliamsSonoma, wood

Serrano Ham

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Lovers of Spanish foods and of pork are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first jamon iberico to the US. Unfortunately, the specialty meat won't be available until at least winter 2007 and if you wait until winter 2008, you'll be able to get an even larger ham. In both cases, you'll need to lay out a deposit of several hundred dollars to reserve your piece of the pig. In the meantime, you can opt for some excellent Serrano Ham, which is similar to an intense prosciutto and is served in much the same way, sliced very thinly and used to accent other foods. This Whole Bone-In Serrano Ham from Williams-Sonoma even comes with an interesting wooden stand for presentation and serving. Think of what an interesting display it would make at upcoming holiday parties! Price: $279.

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Tags: ham, jamon, jamon iberico, meat, meats, serrano ham, spanish, williams sonoma, WilliamsSonoma

Black Cut Crystal Glassware

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Wine

If you're interested in glassware that will really make a statement, the Black Cut Crystal Glassware collection from Williams-Sonoma Home might be the perfect thing. To make the pattern, black crystal is layered over clear crystal, then gently cut away to create the unique, oval-banded pattern. It makes a stunning presentation of liquors, though red wines and red cocktails look particularly elegant against the black. Each piece in the set is sold separately, but the collection includes white and red wineglasses, champagne flutes, martini glasses, aperitif glasses, highballs and double old-fashioneds. Prices: $30-$38 for glasses; $150 for decanter, ice bucket.