Dan's Papers - December 7, 2007 - Shop 'til You Drop... with Maria Tennariello

Although the weather is frigid, people are running around the towns holiday shopping...This is the time of the year to be merry...hoping that you get everything that is on your holiday list and more...Let's do some shopping, Christmas is almost here!

I just got some of my gift giving shopping done, all under one roof. At the Hampton Coffee Company on Montauk Highway in Water Mill and also in Westhampton Beach, there are really special gift baskets, reasonably priced, starting at $25.99, filled with great items that you can actually use and enjoy. The large gift basket ($65.99), includes three pounds of Hampton Coffee, hand-roasted estate-grown gourmet coffee, a canister of gourmet tea from The Republic of Tea in California, a package of handmade chocolate-dipped almond biscotti (my favorite) from Aldo's of Greenport and a jumbo ceramic HCC mug, making this a fantastic gift for that business associate, client, family member, or friends. In addition, they hand-deliver the baskets locally and UPS them anywhere. All the gift baskets are made-to-order, the gift-giver can add some of their own items (like a bottle of wine) and/or they can change what's in it. For complete information call 631-726-COFE or log onto their website atwww.hamptoncoffeecompany.com

At Victoria's Secret in the Bridgehampton Commons, stop, look and listen to the sales that are in progress just in time for holiday gift giving. The nightgowns are on sale at two for $30, there is 40% off on the gift sets, and if you spend $30 in the "Pink Department" you get a great tote bag for only $5. Sparkle your eyes for holiday parties with their sparkle mascara, I bought two of them. Stop in and shop, getting special attention from Stephanie and Donna, they will be happy to assist you.

For something different in holiday gift giving, you must stop in to the showroom at HB Interiors, 2408 Main Street, Bridgehampton for a look at some of the most beautiful jewelry boxes that are handcrafted in Brazil from amazing woods, lined in soft suede, decorated with beveled mirrors and 18k gold. Stop in, Megan will be happy to show you around and assist you in choosing just the right one for the special person on your gift list.

Lifestyle on Main Street in Sag Harbor is all ready to go for the holiday season with their "First Annual End Of Season Sale" saving you 40% on all merchandise in the store. This unique shop features comfortable, casual luxury apparel and accessories that move you through life. Shop early here to find the best styles, sizes and current brands of jeans, cashmeres, holiday dresses, accessories and jewelry along with many of their signature collections. Many of the items that never go on sale are included, beginning December 5 through the end of the year only. So get going while they last!

Looking for action? "Behind The Velvet Ropes" host Lauren Ezersky can be found on weekends at fashion designer Jackie Rogers' East Hampton Boutique at 3 Newtown Mews. The style icon will be on hand to help Rogers with her biggest sample sale yet, which is showcased throughout her entire shop. Every item in her boutique is part of the sample sale to make room for her new collection that was recently debuted during Fashion Week in New York City.

Don't miss the 10th annual "By Hand" Artisans Holiday Gift Show that will be in progress from December 7-9 at Ashawagh Hall on Springs Fireplace Road in East Hampton. A much anticipated holiday event, you can purchase unique gallery quality handcrafted items such as fine jewelry handwoven scarves and apparel, stained glass, pottery, hand carved folk art (Santa's, etc.), hand carved wooden bowls, framed botanicals, Japanese shibori dyed silk apparel, hand blown glass, hooked rugs, artist's greeting cards and so much more. There will be a champagne reception on Friday, December 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate the opening of the show and sale. In addition, an exhibit featuring works of six artists and photographers will be on view and available for purchase. Elsa's Ark Animal Rescue will be on hand; a raffle will benefit Elsa's Ark. For information contact Jill at 631-987-6312.

At Romany Kramoris Gallery, Main Street, Sag Harbor, there is lots of sparkle gift giving ideas and the Holiday Exhibition in the shop...If you have book lovers on your gift list, stop in on Saturday, December 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. for a reading and book signing by Sag Harbor resident Lucette Lagnado, of her The Man In The White Sharkskin Suit. After the reading there will be samplings of hors d'oeuvres from her mother's and grandmother's kitchens by Chef Gall Miro of Sans Souci Catering.

Until next week. Ciao and happy holiday shopping!

If your shop is having a sale, has new inventory or if you are a new business or have relocated, and you want everyone to know about it, please e-mail me at shoptil@danspapers.com and at Newkids@danspapers.com or via fax at 631-537-6755. I would love to hear all about it!