Gourmand Gift Guide 2018

Here are some fun finds I have come across recently that I think would make lovely gifts for your favourite host(ess) or gourmand.

These new hardcover books are an ode to the aperitif and while I’m sure they are chock full of interesting info that would captivate any mixologist, I am totally smitten with the beautiful retro covers.

The Book Of Vermouth: A Bartender And A Winemaker Celebrate The World’s Greatest Aperitif byShaun Byrne, Gilles Lapalus, $33.59 and Aperitif: A Spirited Guide To The Drinks, History And Culture Of The Aperitif by Kate Hawkings, $26.74, Indigo

It’s hard to believe that this chic matte gold and white porcelain tiered server came flat packed. It took less than five minutes to assemble and over fifteen minutes to get over the fact that it cost less than twenty-five dollars. Perfect for serving everything from sweets to dressing up your Sunday brunch components a la Sadelle’s.

FÖRÄDLA Serving stand, $24.99, IKEA

Add some glam to your friend’s bar cart with this gold set that will perfectly mix your cocktails in style. Pair it with a beautiful craft spirit as an added bonus, like this gorgeous purple Empress 1908 gin which gets its unique hue from butterfly pea blossoms.

Premium Gold Bar Set, $95.00, Cocktail Emporium and Empress 1908 Gin, $49.95, LCBO

What kitchen god or goddess doesn’t love a fresh pretty tea towel for their collection? This blue and white screen printed organic linen cotton blend towel by Toronto-based illustrator Emily Taylor is just positively lovely.

Milk Glass Tea Towel, $28, Cabin Journal

I am forever losing an errant ingredient I have chopped off my cutting board during the transfer stage from board to pot, so I love the look and function of these curved edges that will make less of a mess. They nest in to eachother as well and can stand upright to save on space too.

Joseph Joseph Nest Chop Self-Standing Chopping Board Set, Blue, $49.99, Neat

With the trend towards open shelving in kitchens these days reigning supreme, it means you need sculptural tools worthy of leaving out to fill those exposed surfaces. This geometric marble mortar and pestle is the perfect minimal luxe accent to display.

Marble Mortar and Pestle, $49.99, H&M

There are so many beautiful local wooden board suppliers around but most don’t offer the chance to actually walk the forest and pick your own piece of lumber to be made into your own personal charcuterie board. This hands-on experience is a perfect gift to make a lasting impression.

From Tree to Table Workshop, $250, Otter Creek Woodworks