Festive Finds with Nespresso and Sur la Table

Earlier this month, I surprised my mom with a mini birthday/early-holiday shopping spree in the city. I was able to do this thanks to Nespresso® and Sur la Table, who provided me with gift cards and everything I needed to create a special day for her.

I had my mom meet me at my apartment, keeping the plan a secret until we arrived at our first destination--the Nespresso Boutique & Cafe on Madison Avenue. She was amazed with the shop from the moment we walked in (her actual words: "This is like coffee...elevated.").

We started off with a light lunch, and then finished off with a couple cozy mugs of coffee from the amazing variety on their menu.

(I chose the coffee of the month, which was an amazing cinnamon honey latte that I plan to recreate on here soon). I then had a car service take us back across Central Park over to the Sur la Table store located in the Hearst Tower on 57th Street.

We spent a couple hours in the shop first browsing, and then finally making our choices for the items we wanted. With the holidays coming up, we both stocked up on a few entertaining basics, but then also picked a out a few fun gift items for ourselves (admittedly one of my favorite parts of holiday shopping!).

We then bundled back into the car with our packages, and headed back to my apartment for dinner and to go over our goodies. Just before she left for the evening, I gave my mom one final surprise--her very own Nespresso® VertuoLine® machine!

Here are my favorite Festive Finds from our shopping trip:

1. Gold-Rim Coupe Glasses
I've been searching for a set of vintage style gold-rimmed coupes for ages! The minute I saw them, I practically yelped before grabbing the box. So gorgeous for holiday entertaining--even the simplest cocktail looks super festive served in one of these. 

2. Gold Wire Napkin Rings
A little sparkle is the quickest way to glamor to your table setting. No need to buy all new napkins--just switch out your napkin rings and you have a whole new look!

3. Rocco Brushed Gold Flatware Set of 5
Are you sensing a theme here? I've been obsessed with gold flatware for a while now, and this set is particularly lovely. Adds warmth and elegance to the dinner table.

4. Urban Accents Mulling Spices
Add these to a bottle of wine or a jug of store-bought cider, and simmer. Your house will smell incredible, and it's also a wonderful thing to serve guests who are coming in (or heading out into) the cold.

5. Linen Kitchen Apron
I thought I'd had my fill of new aprons until I saw (and felt!) these. The linen is so soft, but still sturdy enough to protect your clothing. Perfect for both hosting and everyday wear. (They also make tablecloths, napkins, and runners in this same fabric!)

6. Nespresso® VertuoLine®
This gorgeous machine makes both classic espresso AND full cups of American-style coffee. The quality and flavors are incredible. I have the red one, and I gave my mom the chrome. All are sleek and gorgeous.

7. Organic Serve Bowls
I fell in love with these the minute I saw them. Hand-made in Portugal, they have a natural imperfect shape that adds casualness to the table. Perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, or other sides. I got them in gray, but the white is also lovely.

8. Winterberry Wreath
Sur la Table sells a variety of beautiful natural wreaths, but this fresh juniper one covered in a mix of real dried and faux red berries is my favorite (red + gold is my thing this year!).

9. Nespresso® Aeroccino 3 Black Milk Frother
If you follow me on Instagram, you might see that I'm a little bit obsessed with super frothy cream on my coffee. (Seriously. OBSESSED.) I have this whole ritual every morning of steaming and frothing the cream. It's the perfect way to start the day. This handy little gadget both heats up and froths your milk or cream (non-dairy milks, too!) so you don't need to fuss with the stove or microwave. Kind of amazing.

10. Gold Flake Truffles 
I've long loved Charbonnel et Walker truffles--they always come in such gorgeous little packages and are delicious. These are flaked with real edible gold. A unique and memorable gift for your favorite party host or tuck it into your favorite chocolate lover's Christmas stocking!

11. Peppermint Mug
A set of these festive red and white striped candy cane mugs would be perfect for your morning mug of coffee or a late night hot chocolate (add a shot of espresso to make a mocha!).



**I was compensated for this post by Nespresso and Sur la Table, who provided me with car service and gift cards to use at their stores. All opinions and recommendations are my own.