The Basement of the Bargains

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.

If you’re looking to spruce up the look of your table for your next party, there’s nothing like a pretty new serving platter to do the trick in an affordable way.

This gorgeous glass platter with fern leaf design from Wrapables might be just the trick. It hits this spring’s hot black and white trend, as well as the one for floral patterns, yet is classic enough that it will look just as fabulous when the fickle finger of fashion points in a different direction. It comes in a 12″ x 12″ square or 20″ x 6.5″ rectangle. Pick the one that works for your serving needs, or buy both.

After all, at $14.99 for the square and $9.99 for the rectangle (regularly $26.95 and $32.95, respectively), it would be hard to go wrong!

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.

I love ice cream. I love special dishes. When there’s a touch of whimsey added, things just don’t get much better in my book. Oh wait a minute! There is one thing that can improve it: when I can get whimsical ice cream bowls at a great bargain price.

I found these delightful red-footed glass ice cream bowls at Sur la Table in the sale section. They’re microwave safe, which is handy if you’re using hot fudge, but hand washing is recommended.

Originally $15.50 for a set of four, they’re marked down to just $7.89. That’s less than two dollars each!

<>Make mine chocolate, please.

Hosting a holiday feast? Need more champagne glasses? Don’t want to break the budget or settle for plastic? Then the place to go is Amazon.com where these lovely Mikasa French Country champagne flutes are on sale for just $8.95 per stem (regular price $15.00 per stem).