The Coffee Brew Buddy sits on the cup edge while coffee is steeping.
Coffee Brew Buddy
Balance the round disc of plastic on the rim of your cup. Fill the little net bag with coffee, pour in hot water, and within a minute or two you have “instant” hot coffee . After you dispose of the coffee grounds, the device is reusable and no messy paper filters are required. primulaproducts.com
Bernardeau’s Anno cup and saucers come in a variety of band colors
Anno Platine Cup
A silver “ribbon” of porcelain loops around these adorable cups from Bernardaud which can be used for espresso or tea—brandy or sake—served with a touch of whimsy. Sold individually or in circle sets of six they come banded in gold and other assorted colors as well. www.bernardaudna.com
The Koubachi plant sensor monitors plants; needs.
Koubachi Wi-Fi Plant Sensor
No it’s not a golf club, it’s a sensor that uses scientific care models to monitor moisture, temperature and light intensity for your houseplants. Constantly monitoring ambient temperature and plant needs, the Koubachi Wi-Fi Plant Sensor indicates whether the plant’s light intensity needs are being met and alerts you when to water. www.koubachi.com
The VIOlite toothbrush tucks easily into pocket or purse
VIOlight Slim Sonic Toothbrush
Barely as big as a fountain pen and powered by a single AAA battery, VIOlight’s powerful mini toothbrush fits into a purse or pocket. The cap is vented for germ protection and the case comes in a variety of colors and patterns. I prefer the zebra stripes or the shiny silver. www.violight.com
This swan brooch is no ugly duckling.
Swan a Swimming Brooch
A diamond swan with a gold beak and sapphire eye floats on aquamarine water in this mini panorama pin in the collection at A La Vielle Russie. Dating from 1910, it may cost more than all the items in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” but what a charming piece of holiday jewelry to swim across your necklines all year long. www.alvr.com
Stickr Pockets
Movable reminder boards, Stickr Pockets adhere temporarily to the wall and can be relocated from room to room. With the backing stuck to the wall, the pocket holds last minute messages, pictures, tickets and to-do lists. Three to a packet, they come with nameplates and a dry erase marker. www.butchandharold.com/shop/stickr-pockets
left: Items to remember can be tucked into the portable Stickr Pockets.
Citrus Tool Colori
Humming Alfred Hitchcock’s theme song “For the Love of Three Oranges,” prepare your oranges, lemons and limes with this three-way Citrus Tool Colori. The compact all-in-one implement reams juice with the pointed juicer, slices garnishes with the retractable channel knife, and cuts fruit sections with the blade, which is enclosed within the reamer for safety. www.kuhnrikon.com
right: The three-in-one citrus tool reams and cuts sections an garnishes.
The Candy Cane Martini uses two flavors of BOLS Liqueur.
Bols Peppermint White and Creme de Cacao White Liqueurs
There are 36 flavors of Bols liqueurs, originally distilled in Amsterdam in 1575. For holidays you can mix two of the flavors to concoct a frothy pink candy cane martini. (To make 2 servings: Mix 2 oz. BOLS Peppermint White with 2 oz. BOLS Creme de Cacao White. Add 2 oz. milk and .5 oz. Grenadine. Gently mix in 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream and enjoy.) www.internationalwineshop.com
Bow Bottle Stoppers
Keep beverages fresh with jaunty bow-topped bottle stoppers. From the Martha Stewart collection, the 4-inch shiny metal and rubber stoppers come in sets of three. www.macys.com
Left: Bow topped bottle stoppers add a lively touch to holiday beverages.
