Just down the street from our third branch bungalow, I already spied a fabulous Live Edge Cutting Board made out of Walnut at Compliments to the Chef on Railroad Ave. I love any kind of a nut so this is perfect! And the Charcuterie Sized Boards are perfect for both small and large gatherings. The irregular shape makes this gift as unique as my Aunt Mable! She’s going to love it!

Focus Chester…The list!  From the new coffee shop window at Finishing Touches, I peered in to see the perfect gift for our neighbor, a Coffee Tote, complete with spoons, napkin, two mugs and a thermos. What a better way to keep them warm as they set out to cross country ski for hours. Another priceless find was the Wine Purse! What a great gift for my wife’s sister and a perfect presentation for a wine purchased at a local vineyard! Each “Purse” comes complete with a wine bottle opener too!

I scampered across the lawns to Saratoga Signature to find a surprise for my love. She’s always saying she’s dreamt of a comfy sofa where she could put her feet up while we watch Christmas shows…my favorite is “A Chipmunk Christmas!” Oh, the warmth I feel peering in at all their soft seating, side tables and chairs. Then I spy the perfect gift… A Braxton Culler Sofa with Moveable Chaise. That’s right, you heard me correctly! We can move the chaise to either side of the sofa just by switching cushions...Brilliant! Then it hit me…I saw the ideal gift to recommend to my wife for ME!...A Hollywood Leather Swivel Chair, with nail heads and all! I’m so thrilled I could sing from the highest tree with excitement! And the best part, the sign says it ships in 4 weeks! I haven’t seen that since 2019! Bingo!

It’s getting colder outside but I find everyone in Saratoga is so nice this time of year. Why, I even had a driver slow down on the road as I was crossing the street to take a peek at what Silverwood Home & Gallery had in their window. It’s so cozy in there…they always have a fabulous mix of antiques, artwork and wonderfully scented candles! But my big find was for my brother’s family who has a log in the woods. Look at these warm hues on this Tribal Blanket and Pillow ranging from blues & terra cotta to deep reds. The winters can be cold in upstate NY, but when they snuggle beside these, they’ll be reminded that family is the center of warmth!

Next on the list was finding something worthy enough for my mom. She’s such a dear, putting up with all my chatter…but where to go? HMMM…I’ve got it, Jacobsen’s Rugs just down the street! It’s filled with hand loomed wool rugs in a variety of styles from Kazak to Tabriz. Speaking of which, I just spied the most fabulous, high quality Naghsh Tabriz Rug made with a silk foundation and superior wools. The jeweled tones throughout are magnificent, beautifully accented at each end with a variety of knots and a very special metallic thread running the width of the rug. A perfect gift for such a gem as my mom!

Not too far up the road, I was perusing through the big window at Curtain & Carpet Concepts when my eyes came across a wonderfully styled Faux Giraffe and Tiger Hyde. I must say, the coordinating Giraffe Pillows awoke my interest…I was almost in love, swooning in fact…Get a hold of yourself, Chester! The natural look was enticing, I could imagine those in front of our fireplace, calling me to lounge for hours in front of the flames during cold winter nights. Done!

With a quick lift from Roohan Realty’s Moving Van, I arrived at Granite and Marble Works just off exit 16. I see so many smiling faces coming from the showroom that I’ve just got to see what new stones they have to brighten my sweet love’s face on Christmas morn. Without disappointment, the new Tesla Quartzite is stunning in its own right! The electric feel of the veining accompanied by layers of warm beiges and European oceans summons one to imagine a spring morning yet to come. It’s a lovely choice for our master bath vanity. However, my eyes continue to wonder about and seem to be drawn to Red Fusion Wow as well. The rush of color is spectacular; from blues to blush with hints of green and black accents. It’s very earthy and would make any space feel very natural in form. I’m almost tempted to remodel the kitchen as well. I better book an appointment with CMC Design Studio LLC before the holidays arrive! 

Okay, back to shopping…for others! I have a long way to go, so, I better get going…Wait! What’s that I hear?? Bells? Someone shouting Ho! Ho! Ho! …Could it be? Yes, it is! Santa! With a soft landing he scooped me up and we were back in the air in no time! “Where to, Chester?” he asked. I was so taken by his beard and twinkling eyes that I could barely speak. He gave the reins a quick snap and declared, “Onto Finishing Touches, East High Street in Malta, boys!” And off we were! Santa assured me I’d find just the right gift there to complete my list. This has actually been a delightful quest! Saratoga is such a marvelous place to shop, live, and celebrate the holidays with friends and family! And the holiday decorations…I wish I had all day to fly with Santa, just taking in the sights!

Focus Chester…The list!  From the new coffee shop window at Finishing Touches, I peered in to see the perfect gift for our neighbor, a Coffee Tote, complete with spoons, napkin, two mugs and a thermos. What a better way to keep them warm as they set out to cross country ski for hours. Another priceless find was the Wine Purse! What a great gift for my wife’s sister and a perfect presentation for a wine purchased at a local vineyard! Each “Purse” comes complete with a wine bottle opener too!

As Santa waits patiently, I dash back to the sleigh as we quickly took flight and raced his sled to The Furniture House at the Lake. With much thanks, I gave the friendly fellow a high five and off he went! Such a beautiful location with many lines of furniture to choose from. My ride would be coming back this way so I made good use of my time looking in every window…And to what did my wondering eyes did appear…but an American Leather Perry Sleeper Sofa here! (I couldn’t help myself after spending time with the Jolly ole’ fella) Not your average sleeper…this baby has no bars, no springs and no compromise! With an additional 8” of sleeping room, I can be sure I’ll have a good night rest at my in-laws…What?...They need a new sofa!...And their Victorian red oak can accommodate such a purchase as it even disassembles to fit through any small hall or doorway!  

Time is ticking, the wife is going to wonder what I’ve been up to…She’s missing all the fun!

Hang on… the Roohan Realty’s Moving Van is on the move! Just off exit 5, I found the local showroom for Cambria Quartz. They just came out with 4 new designs so I wanted a sneak-peak to get ideas for my bar top. Just inside, there it stood… Southport. Very captivating with a cool white scenery and giant waves of gray and warm taupe veins. It would pair well with the brass and acorn accents we have throughout and add a touch of modern flair to our bungalow!

Now onto my last stop of the evening…a must see of new appliances at Earl B. Feiden. Signature Kitchen Suites has done it again! Look at this 48” W French Door Refrigerator with Four Drawers. One drawer is convertible from 41 degrees for items like wine to -4 degrees for ice cream and anything in between! And the ice maker…talk about choices! Both Craft Ice™ and Cubed Ice…my friends are just going to love this! The interior space is the widest in the industry so my wife’s long Charcuterie board I purchased at Compliments to the Chef will fit just fine! The adjustable shelves, which light up independently I might add, move fluently to accommodate any height or width. It’s like heaven to me…can you image the number of nuts I could put in there? And oh, the Mrs. loves her wine. Anything to make her happy. We don’t have much room on our branch, so the Zephyr Dual Zone Wine & Beverage Cooler is the perfect solution for our kitchen! With elegant French doors, the multiple internal sensors help maintain accurate temperatures which would keep the Mrs.’ wine chilled to the perfect temperature every time! I think I see mistletoe in my future! How about you? 

That’s it for me! Time to head home…wink…wink!
I’ve accomplished my shopping and you know what…it was quite a fun adventure to see all these shops and stores this time of year! I do hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season. Be sure to drive safe and take the time to shop for each and every special gift locally! And next time you see me scamper past your car, tap the break and give me a friendly “hello!”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Saratoga!

- Chester Tale