We’re calling this the ‘summer of boats’ — I kicked off the summer with a tour of Newport harbor, have enjoyed some lovely ferry rides, and this past weekend myself and ten of my best friends used Vimbly to book tickets on the Adirondack III to sail around the Boston Harbor for an afternoon. We were celebrating a very special birthday for my friend Taz, complete with a boat-side cheese plate, mini-cupcakes, and champagne for our ride. It could not have been a more perfect day, or more gorgeous weather, and we even got the best seats on the boat — it felt like our own little private excursion since we all got to sit together in the separate back area of the boat. Our harbor ride reminded me of two things: 1) gosh I love have a cocktail while out on the water, what’s better than that? and 2) we have a lot of fun when we decide to use our weekends to try something new and break out of our normal routines. So, here’s to more fun weekend activities that break the mold (and thanks Vimbly for giving me the opportunity to realize that!). Now, where are we boating to next? 
Please note: Vimbly offered me a complimentary chance to use their site and try out their service. All opinions and images are my own.
This year, instead of sharing a week of gift guides I decided to mix things up and think a little more local! All this week I’m sharing interviews with local Boston business owners to get their tips for holiday gift giving and entertaining. Today we’re talking with Sofi, the darling owner of Olives and Grace:
K: The holidays mean lots and lots of parties — I’d love to know your advice on what to bring as hostess gift for parties big and small?
OG: I believe the greatest gifts are those that can be shared. When heading to a party, I suggest bringing a gift box with an assortment of edible gifts that make great additions to a party. Some favorites are locally made Q’s nuts (try the Rosemary and Sea Salt.. perfect compliment to a cheese plate!), Morris Kitchen’s Ginger cocktail syrup (add a splash to a glass of Prosecco), and Lark Cookies of any flavor will be a hit. The Jam Stand has a delicious and unique Blackberry Jalapeño jam that I love, and we just got in a bacon popcorn which I can hardly keep on the shelves. When you show up with a well-executed foodie-box, you’ll be a treasured guest!
K: Any good gift ideas for the guys? I have a few tricky men on my list that are tough to buy for!
OG: Yes! The Mason Shaker and Shake, their cocktail recipe book, have been a huge hit this year for men’s gifts. Guys love a good drink, and now they can play around with muddling, shaking, and mixing up concoctions for at home cocktails.
K: You have lots of tasty treats in your store — which items to you recommend make it into our baskets for holiday entertaining?
OG: I get really excited when people buy the Kinfolk Table cookbook, it has about 400 pages of farm to table recipes, shared stories, family traditions, interviews and more. It is one of my favorite products I’ve ever had the pleasure of carrying in the store.
K: What gifts in your shop are you most excited to share with customers this holiday season? Any hot sellers we should be adding to our Christmas shopping lists?
OG: Tilly Doro jewelry — the designer uses various materials for her pieces, so in one bracelet you might have fabric, brass, and beads. I love all the textures and personalities in her work. Salt Cellars is a husband and wife run company that makes walnut serving boards, we love having them over for demos, and our customers have completely fallen for them. Neighborwoods coasters are another favorite of mine — they make map coasters that have the neighborhoods carved out in cedar. We carry various cities, and those make incredible gifts.
Thanks to Sofi for all of her great advice! Don’t forget to #shoplocal on this holiday season!
Sometimes the best things are right under your nose. I realized that tonight when I stopped by the home furnishing and interior design spot Twelve Chairs on my way home from work — it’s right around the corner from my office and somehow I’ve never been in! It was a total feast for my design-hungry eyes, worn kilim rugs, cozy linen covered couches, and bright patterned pillows lined up on shelves. I also got to catch up with other Boston area bloggers at the event they hosted and had an awesome time — if you’re ever in the Fort Point area you must stop by, don’t wait a year like I did!
