The New York Tristate area had a snow covered weekend that started early on Friday December 19th. To avoid getting snowed in, all personnel had left our warehouse by 1PM. At  2:00 PM an order for storage containers came in that needed 2 day shipping attention. At 4PM Ron Meckler made his way to the warehouse driving through the nearly 5″ that had accumulated to make sure our customer got their order in time, because for him it was business as usual.

Nothing screams “thoughtful” more than a gift with multiple coordinating components. There’s nothing wrong with getting someone batteries, chocolate covered pretzels and lip balm but they reek of last minute drug store pick ups. So while we still have free shipping offered you should start coordinating in our store.

The best gifts are ones you’d like to receive yourself so being a huge Mad Men fan I’ve put together the perfect introduction to this fantastic show in gift form. You can tweak this gift for anyone, even the “man who has everything” will get excited knowing a night of pampering and luxury is ahead once this is unwrapped.

French Bull Felix Wood Rimmed Tray

Let’s not candy coat things, there are two things that jump out about Mad Men : the drinking and the smoking. Set in the early 1960s, the show is a vibrant snapshot of Manhattan that boasts magnificent lighting and decadent living, no my gift isn’t a case of cigarettes or the patch, it’s the gift of service. French Bull’s Felix Wood Rimmed Serving Tray is the foundation for this gift with a classy black and white pattern that introduces any drink or snack with elegance and an air of luxury. After your Betty or Don Draper serves you something special off this special tray partner this up with Season One of Mad Men on DVD (No I’m not getting royalties from Matthew Weiner) and a pair of martini glasses or go full French Bull and couple this with our Felix Tumblers. Wrap the whole gift in a festive cellophane wrap with a sleek bow and you’ll look as suave as Don himself. I can hear the chorus of “OHHHHHHHHHH how thoughtful!” already, don’t blow your cover it’s our secret.

For my family it seems like every Christmas we buy endless amounts of ties, shirts, sweaters and scarves. (Lame, I know) This is in hope that the other 30 or so people in my family have not settled in the same way. This year I am in a desperate attempt to stray away from the sweater and scarf section and give presents that each person would truly love.

Everyone has that certain someone who is just impossible to buy for. Whether it is Grandpa Joe, Uncle David or your sister Mary, for me it’s Aunt “JJ.” For years we have been going to her house in Connecticut for Christmas. Every year I have no idea what to bring! This year what I have decided on is what every hostess wants for Christmas.

What better way to cook and serve in style than with French Bull’s “Kiss” apron and oven mitts? This year she will surely step foot out of the kitchen and enjoy a glass or two of our favorite bottle of wine.

If you are looking to a add a homemade touch, a pinecone wreath is always a great and inexpensive way to bring some holiday cheer with you wherever your Christmas day takes you.

Potato latke

Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Hellenistic Syrians in a revolt that took place around 165 BCE. This was considered a miracle, but Jewish legend gives an additional explanation for Hanukkah rituals. Once the Temple Mount in Jerusalem had been reclaimed, only one jar of oil was found – enough for one day to light the temple. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, thus the eight days of Hanukkah. If you are going to celebrate, … do it right. You’ll need a menorah, I like this one by Herbert and Jeanne Atkins available at Maxwell-Silver New York. You must eat potato latkes, this recipe is excellent. Once the latkes are done, gently place them our Regal Round Platter helping to keep the tradition of blue and white alive. For the sound track to your Chanukah celebration, check into Chutzpah’s record EPONYMOUS (click on “listen” to sample), and On December 23 head over to the HIGHLINE BALLROOM. where The acclaimed rock duo Good For the Jews bring their “Putting The Ha! In Hannukah” tour to NYC with a night of irreverent music and comedy. Finally for all of us that are confused about how you spell Chanukah, take a look at the Leevees utube video How do you spell Chanukah. Since Hanukkah is a Hebrew word, the transliteration is up for grabs, and as far as I’m concerned anyway you spell it is OK.

Herbert and Jeanne Atkins menorah

Highline Ballroom details

Regal round serving platter

French Bull Floral Servers

Right now you’re probably tearing your hair out trying to think of the perfect gift for someone on your list. It helps if that gift isn’t going to break the bank (Don’t worry I’m not going to mention the “E” word!). If you have someone on the list that loves to entertain our friends at AOL have put together a simple list of gifts under $15.00. Click here to read the full article and see our French Bull Floral Servers featured. Swing by our store where you’ll find vibrant patterned servers for every personality and other great gift ideas.

Free Shipping!

As our gift to you we’re now offering Free Shipping on orders over $75.00 until December 31st.

We mentioned last week that Harry Connick Jr. was going to be on the Rachael Ray Show today where our Ring Flatware would be featured. Here’s a clip from the show, it looks like Harry agrees that French Bull is perfect for the holidays. Pair up the Ring Flatware with Harry’s latest CD, What A Night! A Christmas Album for a unique and perfect gift with a great back story.

Overview of a full crowd

FELIX gobbles the high contrast style prize

Autumnal MOSAIC melange

When I got the big yes! after timidly asking my sister in law Judy Coleman if she’d consider dressing her Thanksgiving tables in full French Bull fashion this year I was psyched. This was huge news in my family. Besides the always tasty menu, Judy’s scenic china, with illustrations of the American landscape and turkeys is a tradition that we all love and expect to see. “Mixing things up” can be tricky, but the neo, neo-con style Judy brought to the table was superb. Confident combinations of fine silver, white linens and seasonal floral arrangements with (our formerly) neo-retro radical French Bull dishes and accessories assures us we can break bread with any one. This November confirms CHANGE has come in more ways than one. A big thank you to my brother and sister-in-law Walter and Judy of Detroit, MI.

Rosie, Jordan, Jackie, Ronnie, Ellen, Bonnie, Brett, Kim, Adria, Walter, Danny, Joanne, Sarah, Judy, Howard, Mark

Sara, Jimmy, Ben, Mindy, Izzy

chat n chew

Round platters - dark or light?

Lazy susan puts a new spin on Judy's muffins

French Bull on the set

*UPDATED 12.08.08

Maybe you’ve noticed French Bull’s Mosaic Round Platter along with some of our other products adorning the set of the Rachael Ray Show. Rachael’s admiration of French Bull led us to being a fixture on the set which is both flattering and fabulous.

This Friday the 12th, Harry Connick Jr. will be stopping by the show and rumor has it that he’s a big fan of our Ring Flatware. Check your local listings so you don’t miss out and stop by Rachael Ray’s Official site for more.

French Bull on the set

JS and Mindy Aronovitz

Had a lot on my plate in Detroit this past Thanksgiving weekend with friends and family – A definite highlight was paying a visit to our long time customer retailer Shine in Royal Oak, MI. Thanks so much to Kelly Hadin for helping to make it happen!

JS and Kelly Hadin

Life, from Death Hope Life Fear, 1984

I’d like to recommend a great exhibition going on in New York at the moment.