The Basement of the Bargains

Pretty? Check. Practical? Check. Great price? Check. Environmentally conscious? Check. Superfun? Check and double check.

What am I talking about? Why today’s bargain courtesy of Cooking.com, of course! Right now, Cooking.com is running a 25% off sale on selected Rosanna dishes and glassware. Readers of this space already know that Rosanna dinnerware is fun and stylish beyond expression, but they may or may not be aware that she does great glassware, too.

This fabulous pitcher in the Mondo pattern is made of recycled glass, so it’s not only handsome and whimsical, but environmentally sound as well. It holds a generous two quarts and is mouth blown by Mexican artisans. Hand washing is recommended, and this is not for use in the microwave. But who puts something like this in the microwave?

Love the pitcher but don’t have glasses to go with it? Don’t worry. The matching glasses are on sale, too. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of Mondo glass collections also goes to Doctors Without Borders, so you can even add social responsibility to the list of great reasons to buy these gorgeous pieces.

Oh, and there was the small matter of the price, too, wasn’t there? Yes, these are on sale. The pitcher is now just $40.50 (regular price $54.00) and the glasses are marked down to just $72.00 for a set of six (regular price $96.00). But hurry! Quantities of some items are limited and the sale only lasts through July 17!

So, to sum up: buy fabulous glassware, support Doctors Without Borders, reduce your carbon footprint, preserve traditional craftsmanship, uphold the economies of two countries, and save money. After doing all that, you’ll definitely be able to sleep well at night.

With temperatures rising to an obscene degree, all I can think of today is ways to cool down. I think I found just what I need at Overstock.com:

This handsome seven-piece juice set by La Rochere consists of six 8oz tumblers embossed with a handsome design inspired by the Palais de Versailles and one matching 25oz carafe. Sturdy and dishwasher-safe, they’ll add charm to your breakfast table for years to come.

What’s more, they’re a real steal right now. Originally priced at $199.99, Overstock.com has been selling the set for a mere $64.99. But right now, it’s on a further sale. They’ve marked the set down another $13.00. That means you pay just $51.99! That’s a savings of $148.00 or 74% overall!

Sounds to me like time to drink in those savings.

There’s nothing like a cold beer on a hot day…or so they tell me. I’m not actually a beer drinker. Still, these gorgeous hand-blown beer glasses by Javier Gutierrez and Efren Canteras are just about enough to tempt even me to try it out.

Javier and Efren are working to preserve Mexico’s tradition of glass blowing, and I have to say that beautiful work like this should do the trick! The sturdy, bold design and charmingly whimsical cobalt blue coil decoration is both practical and pretty. The 16 oz. capacity will slake the thirst easily. They are even dishwasher safe (top rack recommended).

And if, like me, you’re not really a beer drinker, well, there’s no law that says you can’t fill them with lemonade or milkshakes or iced tea.

Whatever your drink of choice, I’d encourage heading over to Overstock.com and taking a closer look. Originally priced at $92.95, they’ve been marked down to just $52.99 for a set of six. That’s less than ten dollars apiece for hand-blown glasses! I’ll drink to that.

Now that we are officially past the vernal equinox, it’s time to start considering the important things in life: partying on the patio, for one. A good garden or pool party is always a lot of fun, but one does need plenty of glasses and pretty ones are usually very expensive.

Luckily for you, though, you’re reading this.

Take a look at these superfantastic Nachtmann Giardino amber water glasses.

The glorious orange color looks fabulous no matter where it goes, the graceful lines draw the eye happily, and the 10 3/4 oz. capacity will allow any thirst to be quenched with ease. Or you could always use it to serve an elegant parfait for dessert.

Each piece is carefully hand crafted of 24 per cent lead crystal via a combination of centuries-old techniques and the most advanced, eco-friendly technology.

With craftsmanship and beauty like this, you’d expect to pay a bundle, wouldn’t you? Well, once upon a time you’d have had to shell out about eighty dollars for a set of four. Right now, though, Amazon has them for just $16.24 for a set of four! That’s a savings of 80%! $16.24! For four lead crystal goblets! You could easily spend that much on plastic! What’s more, if you buy $25.00 worth of qualifying merchandise, these glasses are eligible for Free Super Shipping. Get two sets and don’t pay a penny to have them delivered to your door.

There’s nothing like the feel of a good piece of glassware in the hands. I love a solid glass with an elegant line to it. So imagine my delight when I ran across these lovely La Rochere tumblers at Overstock.com.

Each 12 oz. tumbler features a pressed design of a Napoleonic bee. Sturdy enough to use every day, and dishwasher safe, these glasses are more than handsome enough to fit in at a dinner party, too.

Best of all, the set of six glasses is now available for just $45.99. That’s 29% off the original retail price of $65.00.

Here’s just the thing for your next cocktail party: a cocktail shaker in the shape of a torpedo.

It’s nickel plated and includes a built-in strainer and pull off cap. It holds 27.75 fl oz, but even if you never use it to mix cocktails, it’s still a great conversation piece. It’s available from Pottery Barn for $24.99. That’s just about half off the original price of $49.00.

Is there a keen home bartender on your holiday gift list? If so, this handsome silverplated bar tool set from Pottery Barn may hit the spot perfectly. Cast from a heavy zinc alloy and thickly plated with silver, the set comes in a handsome wooden presentation box for elegant gift giving…not to mention easy wrapping.

Original price $99.00, it’s marked down to just $69.00.