Diary: I Need, I Want

The best gift I’ve ever gotten came from a friend about two weeks after Hurricane Irene ripped through the Hudson Valley. We’d lost the bridge to our home and were schlepping everything over a small walking bridge my husband had strung for us.

The gift was delivered in a small cooler. Nestled inside were six cooked waffles, a pound of perfectly crisp bacon, a pint of local maple syrup. There was a loaf of warm bread from Bread Alone, a jar of chunky peanut butter and some homemade peach jam. A glass container with a large, cooked piece of salmon, a kale salad and some roasted butternut squash. Six cupcakes replete with sprinkles were the finishing touch. (Thank you, Sharon Cooper.)

I think of that present often, because it was so well thought out, so completely what we needed—but also what we wanted. Paper plates and linen napkins were all we needed to feel like we hadn’t a care in the world. 

The best gifts are really things you want for yourself. And if you wrap it and somehow don’t make it to that dinner party? Oh well!

For me they also have to be sourced locally. That’s because I live in the mountains, where makers and doers are abundant.

Some gifts are foolproof—a gorgeous charcuterie board, some cheese and some vintage cheese knives never disappoint.

Or chocolate. Has anyone ever uttered the words, “I have too much chocolate!”? 

And candles. One is always nice. Three are nicer. Bring fancy matches, too, and a fancier plate to sit them on. 

Breakfast baskets are always welcome. Pancake mix. Maple syrup.  Ground coffee. Granola. A reminder that the beginning of the day should nourish them.

And books, books, books! By people you know, if you’re lucky (I am). Signed, if you’re luckier.

And really, who doesn’t want fancy schmancy napkins they would never buy for themselves?

OK, I’ll be right back. Have to go wrap some gifts.

My List

Books The Golden Notebook (Woodstock, NY)

Candles Candlestock (Woodstock, NY)

Charcuterie Board Fabulous Furniture (Boiceville, NY)

Cheese Bistro To Go (West Hurley, NY)

Chocolate Fruition Chocolate (Shokan, NY)

Granola Bread Alone (Boiceville, NY)

Maple Syrup Marty’s Maple Products (West Shokan, NY)

Napkins Paper Trail (Rhinebeck, NY)

Pancake Mix + Coffee Phoenicia Diner (Phoenicia, NY)