Tantalizing Tastes of Summer

Warm weather brings a bounty of fresh fruits, exotic flavors, and refreshing beverages. Exploring new serving styles and experimenting with flavors is the kind of artistic expression that inspires us this season. From mocktail stations to gourmet dessert boards, mix and match these festive ideas for new ways to sip and share at your next summer soiree.

Artisanal Beverage Boards:
Instead of the traditional charcuterie serving board, create a luxurious beverage board. Arrange an assortment of artisanal syrups, flavored salts for glass rims, citrus twists, gourmet garnishes, and even small chocolates or macarons that pair well with the beverages. It adds a visually appealing and indulgent experience for friends and guests to sample.

S’mores Sophistication:
Elevate the classic s'mores experience by offering a variety of gourmet ingredients. Include flavored marshmallows like salted caramel, churro, or toasted coconut, different types of chocolate such as Wilbur buds or white chocolate, and add-ons like sliced strawberries, caramel sauce, or nut butter. Create a self-serve s'mores bar with a variety of toppings and fillings. Peanut butter cups, sliced bananas, crushed peppermints, or sprinkles make delicious and colorful additions. Invite your guests to get creative and enjoy customizing their unique combinations.

Mocktail Serving Station:
When you need a splash of afternoon hydration, transform a handcrafted gift box or serving board into a unique mocktail station. Include a variety of premium non-alcoholic spirits, like Hella Bitters & Soda spritz, sparkling waters, Little Saints plant-based mimosas, or Athletic’s alcohol-free beer. Skip the measuring and add Herb and Lou’s frozen infused cubes to your choice of spirit or seltzer. Complete the celebration station with lemons, limes, and oranges in textured ceramic bowls: specialty drinkware and a book of creative recipes make cheerful additions. A mobile, artisan serving station makes it easy to carry refreshments inside or out, and it’s a unique way for friends to enjoy a tasty beverage experience - with or without alcohol.

Whether you’re roasting, toasting, or coasting, enjoy a new twist on traditional summer favorites. (Shop our handcrafted serving boards here.)

Seven Tips for Successful Van Life Vacations

If you’re exploring new ways to take to the open road for a long weekend or an extended trip, consider an adventure off the beaten path. A travel experience, unlike the average vacation, with scenes accessed only by roads less traveled, this is the lure of the camper van lifestyle. From desert landscapes to remote beaches and snow-topped mountain passes, van life offers a unique journey.

The options and amenities available with camper vans are far different than in years past. Our old camper hitched onto the back of a Plymouth Volare, with two beds sliding out to the side to sleep: no kitchen, table, or extras. Now, you can outfit a vehicle to your specific needs. While a camper van has a desired rugged appeal, it also allows certain luxuries to come along for the ride.

a Red & rugged custom serving board that doubles as a traveling sink cover.

You may be curious about exploring by van or researching to see if it’s for you. We asked one of our long-time customers, who recently began their van life adventures, to share a few tips and recommendations. This couple recently returned from a cross-country trip in their Ford Transit 250 Hi-Top, an AWD vehicle they fondly call, The LukeNest. Many thanks to @betluke for sharing the following thoughtful tips.

Here are seven tips, along with a few resources, to help you decide if van life is your road to more inspiring travel:

1. If you think camping in a van or an RV is for you, rent one first. We rented four different vans over the course of a few years before buying one. We learned a lot about van design preferences and which amenities we really wanted by doing this.

2. Go on a trip longer than a weekend to make sure you like your camping partner(s) enough to be in a small space for an extended period of time.

3. Mapping the trip. How many hours a day do you want to drive? Whatever your map app says it’s going to take, add at least an hour for stops. So many car trips are just about getting to a destination. Being in a van can be about the whole experience - or not.

4. Meal planning. You can actually cook good meals in a van, depending on your kitchen setup. We cook a lot of one-pot meals to conserve the number of dishes we then have to wash (which also conserves water). The quick rice packets are handy to add to, soups are easy too. Believe it or not, instant coffee works well. This is not a brand endorsement, but the Starbucks packets of instant coffee taste good and are so easy. There are many kinds available now, so try a few. Maybe your local coffee shop is making some?

5. Finding camping spots. There are several kinds - State Parks, National Parks, dispersed camping, State Recreational Areas, Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to name a few. What part of the country you are in will likely influence where and how you camp, also the kind of vehicle you have. If you need hook-ups for an RV, you will be in parks that have more amenities or a private RV park. Another thing I Iearned along the way is how often your camping partner (and you) “need” to take a shower influences where you stay. All National Park reservations are handled online; make them early. Most states have some kind of online reservation system too. There are also several apps that can be used, e.g., Harvest Host, The Dyrt, and iOverlander.

6. Be ready to chat. People who are traveling generally like to engage in conversation. This will happen most anywhere you stop, especially in Rest Areas. Be open to chatting. You learn stuff.

7. Packing preferences. You probably need less than you are trying to pack. A key item is shower shoes, though. A variety of items that can be layered and worn singly is useful. Take your puffy vest unless you are starting and ending in the summer and will not be in the mountains.

Consider the above points before you drive into the sunset in a new van. Be honest about your preferred travel style(s) and what you want to accomplish on a trip. The answers to these questions will clarify if camper van travel is a route you want to take.

Inquire about a Custom serving board, or select one of the handcrafted serving boards in our Marketplace.

Refresh & Refill: Stylish, Sustainable Gifts

The effort to blend style and sustainability is a journey. We know that you value the impact of giving beautiful, unique gifts, and, at the same time, you expect eco-friendly qualities. Where does a sustainable effort show up in our gifts and product design? Here’s a look at what environmentally friendly means behind-the-scenes, and the commitment it takes to deliver a stylish and sustainable gift experience.

There are two parts to an environmentally-friendly effort, the material of the gift itself and the packaging and shipping. The gift aspect is a more straightforward part of the process because we work in an artisan industry. Hand-picked wood, hand-woven materials, and artisan-made elements attract makers who want their pieces to be earth-friendly and enjoyed for generations. (We’ve learned a lot of good tips from artists.) Our original gift box fill was replaced with recycled paper years ago, which was an important step. Turns out it was just the tip of the iceberg. These days, we extend our eco-friendly preferences to how other partners and vendors package their goods. We’ve come a long way, and there’s more work to be done.

Eco-friendly should be tastefully designed. While technology and sustainable processes have improved, we still find great products that aren’t paired with attractive, sustainable packaging. This lackluster appearance doesn’t work inside a luxury gift box. Last year, we finally found gift wrapping in colorful recycled options (not just brown). It’s taken time for the industry to catch up to the design piece.

Effective and affordable wrap is essential. Our number one goal, and non-negotiable, remains that gifts arrive in beautiful condition. Corners and cups must be protected as we plan for boxes to be dropped or handled with less care in shipping than we prefer. We’ve improved our wrap and packaging materials and are transitioning to plant-based peanuts. And we finally found sustainable packing tape that sticks and fits our brand’s look and feel.

If you’re wondering if shipping is a real cost, this is your answer. This effort isn’t “free.” Packaging and handling preparation takes time, costs more, and requires quality products.

A reminder that your voice matters. The more you request sustainable, eco-friendly options, the more alternatives, better pricing, and stylish designs will be available to all of us.

Notes on a Napkin: Tales and Tips from Tortola, BVI

Each week in our communications with you, we share unique ideas and opportunities to elevate experiences, whether it’s in gift-giving, entertaining, or treating yourself in your home or haven. Today, we’re doing something a bit different; we’re sharing tales and tips from our travels to help you decide if the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a place you want to experience or, perhaps, revisit.

Tortola is an island that invites you to shed your layers. The relaxed, peaceful setting allows you to peel back to your natural self and slow it way down. We spent seven days on our trip celebrating a milestone birthday, enabling us to experience the local culture and the tropical vibe. Each day, we made time to swim in gorgeous ocean waters, breathe in the laid-back atmosphere, and taste-test the legendary rum painkillers.

Before we dive in, it’s important to provide some context around our trip so you know the basis for these reflections. We did not stay at a resort; we rented a hillside villa in Long Bay, West Tortola. We wanted to explore multiple islands and experience the local flavors and culture. The warm breeze, beautiful views, and two beach restaurants just a short walk down the hill made this an ideal location for our family. And the long stretch of soft white sand, ideal for slow, restful sunrise walks, was only a few steps away. 

Here are tips, a few photos, and reflections for your consideration as you plan future excursions. (These opinions are our own and are not sponsored.) 

A launch location.
Tortola is a great home base with sparkling beaches, multiple ferries, and marinas to access other islands. With approximately 60 islands across the BVI, you’ll want to select different destinations to experience. While we thoroughly enjoyed the beaches on Tortola, there is too much to see to anchor yourself on one island for the entire stay.

Keys, please. 
If you want to explore Tortola, you’ll want a vehicle, preferably one for rugged terrain. It’s costly and limiting to rely on calling a driver for each beach excursion, boat day, and trip to the market or marina. We had a car delivered to our house, which was perfect. While a vehicle makes exploration easier, you may need to get comfortable driving on the left side of the road. Fortunately, the roads are not congested, and the pace is slow. A bigger adjustment is the steep switchbacks as you travel over the mountains. Those took some getting used to. We learned that two beeps of the horn, as you pass blindly over a mountain top, helps alert drivers. 

Beaches and boats.
Book at least one boat day to get out on the water, more if you can. We chartered a private catamaran, aptly named the Day Dream, from Kuralu Catamaran Charters and loved it so much we chartered another trip with them later in the week. There are too many islands to miss the gorgeous scenery, unique beach bars, and snorkeling or diving options. Each destination has a distinct feel. You will find lively, rocking beaches, or you can enjoy quiet, peaceful coves. Below are a few beach highlights.

SMuggler’s Cove

Before you head out: Look up the cruise schedules on a website like cruisemapper.com before you pick your beach. You’ll want to know which cruise ships are coming to what ports, on what days, and how many people the ships hold. Some ships carry 300, some 3000 people; that’s a big difference on a beach. 

• Smuggler’s Cove is a gorgeous sandy beach just around the bend from Long Bay. Patricia’s or Nigel’s beach bar is ready to serve. The waves were slight, great for swimming, and the space was abundant on our visit. Bring cash. 

• Cane Garden Bay is a busier beach with more bars and tends to attract cruise ship passengers. We unpacked our cooler down the beach, away from the crowds. The Callwood Family Rum Distillery is in an old, weathered stone building across the street from the beach. It’s touted as the Caribbean’s oldest continuously operating distillery. Don’t expect a lengthy tour; it’s one small room open to the public. For $1.00, you can enjoy the hostess’ entertaining tales of each of the four rum pours (like the “Boxer Remover”) in a tasting flight. 

• Stoutt’s Lookout was a colorful, unexpected discovery in the hills between Long Bay and Cane Garden. We pulled off the road to partake in what we ultimately voted as one of the best painkillers of the trip. Here, we heard lively stories from the owner, who worked for years at the Sagamore on Lake George, New York, and the Greenbriar in West Virginia. Another patron had just arrived after 23 days of sailing, with three friends, from Spain to Tortola. (He was still adjusting to being off the boat.) A Native American, former New York City ballet dancer, regaled us with his travels and how he had made his home here. Stoutt’s was a terrific find. 

• Soggy Dollar Bar was the most crowded spot, which isn’t surprising given its renowned reputation. Families, friends, and captains anchor close to the shoreline to put their boats and bodies on full display. Get ready to party here. We ferried to Jost Van Dyke for a full day, and Frankie dropped us off via his “taxi.”  (Check out the live webcam, but don’t be fooled, it only shows one small section of the beach.)

• The Baths is a unique National Park. You arrive on this beach by swimming in from your boat. There is no dock nor beach dinghy access. A dirt trail leads you down and around to the massive granite boulders on the shores of Virgin Gorda. (The Baths is the only spot we could have used water shoes.) We swam barefoot to its shores in our bathing suits, where the hot and sometimes rocky trail encouraged us to move quickly! The boulders of all shapes and sizes span over six acres, making it a beautiful destination to splash and swim in the pools of water. One caution, you need to be comfortable in waves that swirl around you as you climb between the rocks and shallow pools. This is not a good spot for those nervous about swimming. Note: It costs $3/pp to enter the Park. Yes, that means you are swimming with money. And if you want photos, you’re swimming with your iPhone. We did both.

Tidbits & Tips  

Leave anything resembling formal, dressy attire at home. Carefree shorts, T-shirts, a few “nice” tees (read: no logos), casual sandals, and flip-flops are all you need for this trip - and water shoes if you’re going to The Baths on Virgin Gorda. BVI is a no-fuss kind of place. The air is warm and humid, so no cumbersome haircare is practical - you’ll want to be in the sunshine and sparkling waters. As for makeup, bring your favorite mascara and Ilia or Jones Road cheek balm that doubles as lip balm, and you’re ready.

Conch and cocktails. You're not visiting Tortola for the wine list. Stick with cocktails or the local beer and try a Painkiller (the local rum beverage of choice) everywhere. The conch fritters are a delicious local seafood appetizer.

There is not an ATM on every corner. Take cash and plan when and where to stop to access an ATM. Often the remote beach bars only take cash, and you’ll need it for drivers, tips, and some restaurants. 

Stick with SPF 45. The sun is intense, and you’ll thank yourself by the end of the week.

Farm and furry friends. You’ll wake every day to roosters crowing on Tortola. (Think: My Cousin Vinny.) Hens, roosters, and a stray cat visited our patio daily (admittedly, I fed the cat :) Goats and miniature ponies were walking along the road as we drove. It’s a rural landscape blended with magical ocean scenery.

Plan to buy jugs of water if you’re on Tortola. We didn’t discover until after we arrived that you can’t drink the tap water. 

There is so much to see and explore; the list above is a sample of our trip. It was our first visit to BVI as a family, and we didn’t get to all the places. However, we hope this helps get you excited about discovering the magical scenery on Tortola and the neighboring tropical islands. 

Bon Voyage!

Photos starting top left: Long Bay West, Soggy Dollar Bar, Boaters Rows at Soggy, Stoutt’s Lookout Owner, Callwood Rum Distillery, Stoutt’s Lookout view, Rugged swimming through the Baths, Cane Garden at sunset.

The Ripple Effect: Furnishing Futures' Home Designs

We hope this London-based story during Women’s History Month (and our previous Cake Ventures blog) inspires you to consider new and different ways your skills and experience can reach beyond traditional boundaries to positively impact others and address critical issues. #womenshistorymonth

Emily Wheeler is no stranger to hard work and making a difference in her community. She’s an example of how one woman’s initiative can create a ripple effect across an industry and individual lives.

Most people believe access to social housing includes a minimum of home basics. However, less than 2% of social housing in the area where Wheeler is based is furnished. Most are an empty shell, referred to as furniture poverty - no pots, pans, bedding, even flooring, or a refrigerator. Wheeler describes this housing situation as surviving, not living.

Having worked on the frontline of social services in London for two decades, Wheeler launched Furnishing Futures from her kitchen in 2019. She was determined to address furniture poverty’s impact on domestic abuse survivors. Women with families living in temporary housing frequently have no access to their finances and no clear path forward to buy furniture.

Emily Wheeler, Founder of Furnishing Futures

Trained in interior design, Wheeler started taking second-hand furniture to the women living in empty homes in her spare time. Her efforts inspired other designers who began collaborating. Using her design skills and contacts, Wheeler collected more donations to fully furnish these healing homes, as she calls them, treating each home like one of her design projects. Industry leaders took notice. As a result, Soho House, DFS, Dunelm, Cox & Cox, and Olli Ella are just a few of the companies that now work with Furnishing Futures.

Referrals come from the local domestic abuse organizations, where Wheeler then works to set up a home. Assisting vulnerable families with a sense of safety in their new environment is essential, while offering women choices in their furnishings helps them feel ownership and pride in their housing. This combination goes a long way in boosting their well-being, helping to relieve the shame many victims feel, and aims to break the poverty cycle.

Furnishing Futures' core business also addresses sustainability in the industry. The charity provides a solution for excess furniture stock discarded by companies and when beautiful furniture is simply thrown away.

Reducing landfill issues while simultaneously eliminating furniture poverty are objectives Wheeler is determined to tackle. Her charity continues to grow and is currently working toward funding for additional warehouse space as well as opportunities for further expansion.

Learn more about Furnishing Futures and Emily Wheeler here. Or visit them on Instagram here.

Cake Ventures’ Female Founder Drives Layers of Change

We hope this feature during Women’s History Month (and our Furnishing Futures blog) inspires you to consider new and different ways your skills and experience can reach beyond traditional boundaries to positively impact others and address critical issues. #womenshistorymonth

This dynamic woman takes a different path than most individuals looking to invest in diverse company founders. Cake Ventures, the firm she launched in 2021, is diving deeper into diversity with a goal of driving demographic change.

Monique Woodard launched Cake Ventures to affect the “layers” of what she calls tomorrow’s internet users: the aging population (“by 2034, Americans over 65 will outnumber those under 18”), the earning power of women (“the original influencers”), and the “majority-minority” early adopters from Asian, Black, and Latino markets.

To address this powerful demographic shift, Cake Ventures raised a $17 million seed and pre-seed venture fund. A recent Forbes feature shares, “about 40% of its investments to date are led by women founders, and 40% by founders who identify as Black,” although it isn’t a prerequisite of the fund. Woodard sees this as a natural occurrence when you change who founders see across the investor table.

Despite her extensive entrepreneurial career building and selling technologies, time as a Venture Partner at 500 Startups, and a Venture Scout at LightSpeed Ventures, Woodard acknowledges the challenges of raising the fund. She tells Forbes, “raising a fund as a woman is like crawling through glass. Raising a fund as a Black woman is like crawling through glass with no clothes on, and then they pour fire ants all over you.”

Today, Cake Ventures’ portfolio includes a wide variety of companies, including Pamper, which offers sustainable, collectible boxes marrying fine art with nail designs using only vegan and cruelty-free products. (Consumers can order a Mystery box of Claude Monet designs.) Rares is an SEC-regulated stock market where you can invest in sneakers and other collectibles. Guaranteed focuses on hospice care, blending at-home treatment with cutting-edge technology. And Serif is a global members club for LGBTQ+ members and creators.

In addition to her investment fund, another respected skill of Woodard’s is her depth of research and data. In 2020, she authored Gray New World, a report that outlines the opportunities, shifting trends, and tech requirements in healthcare, technology, and retirement for today’s aging population.

Outside of the diverse entrepreneurs Woodard attracts, her efforts draw the attention and investment of extraordinary women such as self-made entrepreneur and investor Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital (who built her venture fund while homeless). High-profile philanthropic leaders, like Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures, have also invested, as has Screendoor, Bank of America, and Cendana Capital.

Learn more about Monique Woodard, Cake Ventures, and its portfolio of companies here. Listen to her podcast interview on Venture Unlocked.

Friend (Gift) Favorites for the Open House

Updated 1.4.24

Remember that feeling when you first opened the door to your new place? Ah, the possibilities. Clean, open spaces, a blank slate to unleash the imagination. For some, it’s a bit daunting; for others, inspiring with design and décor is an exciting opportunity.

An open house invitation is your chance to give a unique piece to celebrate a new living space. How do you find that distinct piece they’ll love, one they don’t already have but wish they did? What would add warmth to their home or spice up a room? Your gift can be the one that inspires calm, elevates entertaining, or highlights their beautiful kitchen.

These artisan gift options are sure to be favorites at the Open House, placing you at the top of the list for their next celebration:

Natural artisan stands.
Thriving plants in cheerful pots are a welcome addition to living spaces. With or without a green thumb, people appreciate the color and calming effect of plants. What can you add to accent their beautiful blooms? Give their greens a place to shine atop an artisan stand handcrafted out of black walnut, white maple, and red oak wood. A stunning partner to lush greenery, an artisan stand is a gorgeous new home gift.

A cut above for the culinary kitchen.
Look for a unique slicing knife with a distinct handle design made of wood, stone, or forged metal. Add a handwoven towel in a beautiful pattern. Select a gift that’s as much an art piece as a functional tool.

Customization they’ll appreciate.
People love to receive thoughtful gifts designed solely with them in mind. Their name, an initial, or a special date engraved into the piece sends a genuine message of caring. Choose to engrave walnut wood coasters, a handcrafted cutting board, or a custom gift box as a warm welcome. These are the treasures that remain in families for years to come.

Textures and tastes.
Whether the homeowners are coffee drinkers, wine enthusiasts, or bourbon aficionados, a set of cups with a custom glaze or a distinct texture lets them celebrate their new space in elevated style. Textures are unique to the touch, invite you to look closer, and are a perfect excuse to ask for a refill.

Entertaining with ease.
With boxes to unpack and schedules to re-organize, moving encourages simple decisions around food and beverage. As new residents, they’re busy choosing color combinations, sorting, and directing furniture deliveries. And this is all happening between work and even kid’s schedules. The gift of a handcrafted cutting board offers an easy way to serve appetizers at happy hour and share snacks on game night - it also makes a gorgeous statement in the kitchen or on the patio.

Smoothing the Rough Edges (Takeaways from 2022)

Starting and growing an artisan business is like making a handcrafted gift box. It begins with raw beauty, the right tools, and a careful selection of pieces. The process then shifts to refining and removing the excess, making solid connections, and a proper fit. Finally, you identify and smooth the rough edges before continuing. The end goal is something you’re proud to share.

Each year, we review the business in the same light, to discuss rough spots and how to smooth the process. We reflect, fine-tune and celebrate success. Every year brings opportunities and challenges, and 2022 didn’t disappoint. Here’s what we learned and what’s next.

Boundaries

You might remember we kicked off 2022 intending to bring more ease into the business, as shared in our blog, At Ease, Please. And Other Lessons Learned. We held to our intention of creating more calm - a worthy goal. We took family time off in the summer, enjoyed date nights, and set deadlines for accepting orders during the holiday season. We remind ourselves that we are in charge of our schedule. Stepping away shouldn’t be celebrated as so much of an accomplishment but infused into business as normal, healthy, and expected.

The Social Media Tsunami

A recent LinkedIn report confirms what we’ve felt for a long time. What started as simple image posting has evolved into an entire department of specialized talent required to meet the demands of changing algorithms, the quest for visibility, and the appetite for new social content. Like us, every business owner has to determine their commitment to social media based on their team, budget, goals (and sanity). Keeping a laser focus on adding value is our best action plan which includes consistency and more videos - a trend that will continue. (No, we are not on Tik Tok.) The challenge is to remain vigilant and stick to the plan, yet flexible enough to adapt when needed.

New Additions

As planned, we added a new business section to the website, called BizCreatv. The goal is to speak to women, at or near the empty-nester stage, to spark their content and creative business passions. Let’s Go, Ladies! We also added a new line of serving and cutting boards to our Marketplace. Both have been very well received :) More to come.

And Then, the Unexpected

What wasn’t planned were the family medical and health issues that occurred in the Fall. We know many of you are experiencing the “sandwich generation” right along with us and are involved in the health care of parents and other loved ones. For this reason, we decided to slow the rollout of some content and push projects into 2023. It’s a reminder that planning for unexpected turns is necessary as life happens.

An Audacious 2023

Looking ahead, we’re excited to add bold new opportunities in 2023 without adding more hours - all while staying grounded in our commitment to “ease.” How’s that for lofty goals? Here’s to an audacious 2023! We’ll continue to share what’s next and celebrate with you as our artisan gifts arrive in the homes and havens of customers around the globe. #cheers!

Tunes for Your Travels

Growing up, we’d reach for the radio to spice up the vibe at home or pull albums and stack them in the order we planned to listen. Today, music is a click away; it’s still a daily ritual, but with better access. We love good tunes for traveling, even if the “journey” is down the steps. Here, we’re sharing 10 of our favorite seasonal songs to add a jingle to your journey.

In this festive music collection, you’ll find songs of all kinds; for the “Swifties” to symphony lovers, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find music to get your body moving and tunes to help calm the chaos. We think there’s a least one new version for everyone, maybe a long-forgotten favorite or one you’ve never heard.

You can search these titles, as shown in italics, to find them on your favorite music platform. You’ll find the artist first, followed by the music title. We’ve also included a related (YouTube) video link.

1. Boston Pops - Boston Pops Christmas Playlist (from Kathleen Hermann)

   Video of a fun live symphony performance of Sleigh Ride.

2. Run-D.M.C - Christmas in Hollis (Grinch)

   Video to the soundtrack.

3. Taylor Swift - Christmas Tree Farm

   Video with scenes from her childhood holiday home.

4. Magnolia Jazz Band - Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

   Video to the soundtrack.

5. John Berry - O Holy Night

   Video of the artist singing.

6. Pentatonix - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

   Video of the group performing.

7. Peanuts - Charlie Brown Piano (Instrumental Music Factory)

   Video to the soundtrack.

8. Kenny Chesney with Randy Owens - Christmas in Dixie

   Video to the soundtrack.

9. Sam Smith - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

   Video of the artist performing.

10. Florida Georgia Line - Lit this Year

    Video of the duo’s CMA Country Christmas performance (Facebook); if you can’t view this, try this video to the soundtrack.

We hope these make your journey merry and bright. After you’ve picked your favorites, please give us a jingle; we’d love to know your selections. Email us at greetings@redandrugged.net. (Or DM us on social.)

Festive Fizz or Sip and Soothe

Aside from our pizza-making endeavors, we like to explore beverages. The new powders, mixes, tonics, and spritzes make this a sipping season to celebrate.

The quality and quantity of tasty spirits coming into the market (including non-alcoholic) means it’s an excellent time to peer into your cabinet or open the bar to evaluate and expand your selection. There’s a drink for everyone with aperitifs to savor and soothe and spirits to energize or mellow your mood. For those who love to shine, edible glitter bombs are your ticket to a neon spritz. The upgrade in beverage packaging, combined with the myriad of choices, means you’ve got options to punch up a traditional tonic and mix a fabulous fizz. Libations are the new liquid accessory.

We’re excited to take a trial run of these spirits and sparkling powders in the coming weeks. If you’re also in the mood to mix it up, tag us and let us know what you think. We’ll do the same on our social media channels. If you have your favorites, we’d love to hear about those.

Two non-alcoholic:

Ghia - We’ve read about this beverage in multiple places and look forward to taste-testing, especially the ginger flavor. Ghia comes in a canned spritz to enjoy chilled or mixed with tonic or soda water. It’s also available as a bottled aperitif. The plant-based refresher is made with fruits and roots to keep you calm and connected.

Kin Euphoria - This high-vibe, low sugar beverage has a zen-like marketing appeal; from energy boosting to sleep-inducing, there are different choices for your mood or mindset. The High Rhode’s social magic is meant to be a mixer with juices or soda, an energy boost for the afternoon errands or the holiday socials. If reducing stress and quieting your mind is the goal, Dream Light may be the Kin choice for you, with its mushrooms and melatonin to mellow your mood. (Side note: For the fashion-forward among us, Bella Hadid is a Co-founder.) One last tip, Kin’s FAQ page is helpful if you’re not sure what to select.

A Festive Fizz:

Cotton candy has come a long way from the days of county fairs. With the launch of Art of Sucre, this sweet treat has spun its way into sparkling drinks with Glitter Bombs that transform a glass of bubbly into a party delight. You’ll find flavors that sound like a good time they promote, from Mimosa to Metallic and Rainbow. These colorful sweets dissolve into your glass to instantly create a party atmosphere.

Glitter and Shimmer:

What once began as a colorful topping for cakes and cookies has now expanded into a sparkling drink mix by Fancy Sprinkles. Like a sprinkle of fairy dust, edible glitter packets dissolve into your glass to create liquid bling. Pick from Opulust Edible Glitter, Pretty Young Thing, or any number of bright jewel tones to match your party theme.

One for Your Radar:

Salt Point Beverage is the gold winner of the 2022 International Spirits Competition. This Northern California crew makes canned cocktails touting all-natural ingredients, with varieties including Moscow Mule, a Gin Highball, and the cranberry lime, Cape Cod. The Greyhound’s grapefruit soda and vodka sound like a festive option too. Aside from the award-winning taste reviews, what caught our eye is the Salt Point can illustrations with an outdoor, rugged appeal. We think the explorer vibe will resonate with many of you. All good news. Now for the bad news, this option is not yet widely available. Those on the west coast will have to sip and share with us. (Their team did reply to my inquiry that they’re in expansion mode.)

Whether your spirit of choice sparkles and shines or is mellow and muted, you can make merry with the swirl of a spoon.

Sip and Share. As you surprise friends with these unique beverage finds, pair your favorite mixes, mocktails, or spirits with the artisan cups and textures found in our handcrafted gift boxes. As distinct as the spirits you serve, this combination will ensure an elevated drink experience.