Need a little something for a friend?  Here are two suggestions for pick-up and hostess gifts:

Red tote has a place to stash bottles or other drinks, $37.95

Enjoy delicious desserts from Loveless Cafe by Alisa Huntsman.

 

 

 

 

 

Ann’s books are gifts.  Especially the food books.  Because you don’t have to make these cakes to enjoy them.  Get someone you know “Extraordinary Cakes” for Christmas ($40).  Here’s a sneak peek:

Most of the time, we eat when we’re hungry.  But dining is a whole ‘nother activity.   Delicious and interesting food in elegant surrounding with music that sets the mood is dining.  And if someone you know like to read about food, plan a dining experience, and relive the occasion, Ann’s has a wonderful gift for you to give him or her.

Called Music and Menus, Sharon O’Connor’s books are themed dining tomes that include a CD to go with each one.  Sharon is an accomplished cellist who has travelled the world and dined in beautiful and varied restaurants all over.  Her books pair music with food, and the food is delicious!  Sharon adapted recipes from top world-class restaurants for at-home dining and includes stories of each restaurant and region, along with beautiful photographs.  Travel to the great American Lodges, the Wine Country, Italy and France.  Even if you never turn on the oven, you will enjoy reading the books and listening to the music paired with them.  Boxed and ready to give, $39.95 each.

No, it’s not a sandwich but a new book from Shel Silverstein.  Actually, his family has compiled this (Silverstein died in 1999) collection of poems and drawings posthumously.  If you love “Where the Sidewalk Ends” and “A Light in the Attic” you’ll enjoy this new book as well.   Wonderful gift from grandma to the grandkids for $19.99, so come pick up a copy and tuck one away for Christmas!

Bacchanalia is a wild gathering of excessive behavior that includes drinking too much wine.  Actually, the true meaning is a little racier, but we’ve cleaned it up for this post.   So why discuss it at all?  Because Ann’s new gifts depict the grape and overall enjoyment of wine and we know you’ll like them.  And since you’re just looking at wine-related gifts and not actually drinking anything, you can have the fun and still face yourself in the morning.  (And maybe even get a Christmas present bought and squirreled away early.)

If you know someone who enjoys wine, perhaps one of these would make a good gift.  We have new food books, music CD’s, and accessories for your home, all ready for you to enjoy.  Come see them at Ann’s:

Traditionally, Labor Day is the last big blow out of summer, so do it right with some new outdoor cooking and grilling ideas.  Or skip the whole thing and just read about it while ensconced in air-conditioned comfort at home.  Here are a few titles that help you produce backyard food any American would be proud to serve:

Now that the big kids are back in school, why not come browse the books for pre-schoolers at Ann’s?  We stock the books you like to read to your grandchildren, and our selection is wonderful right now.  Lots of new titles are here, from story books to pop-ups, so stock up on gifts while the shopping is easy:

Travel from the comfort of your home via one of Ann’s new food tomes.  Beautiful pictures and glorious descriptions make these the perfect way to spend a hot afternoon keeping cool and comfortable.    Plan your next party and dream of fabulous food in spectacular settings.    With books like these, you don’t actually have to cook to enjoy the food!   They make great gifts, too.

The best gift you can give your children and grandchildren is to read to them EVERY DAY!  It’s something you will enjoy, too.  Why not come pick out some new books to read in a cool place on a hot summer day?  Here are some suggestions for young ones, lots more to choose at Ann’s:

Frog lovers always appreciate a new addition to the collection:

Frog Thermometer attaches to your window, $11.50

Frog Lovers Birdbath for your garden, $299

"Hop to it" froggie notepad, $6.95

Lovelink's sterling frog charm with CZ, $45

Book of poems and inspiration with frogs on the cover