janeyCakes NYC Cookies

Ditch the traditional pumpkin pie this year and show up at the party with these divinely delicious sugar cookies from janeyCakes NYC. Each sugar cookie, glazed with royal icing, is homemade with natural ingredients. The holiday and seasonal shapes are perfect for this time of year. But janeyCakes can bake every flavor, shape, size, color, quantity and theme under the sun, making these cookies perfect for every occasion. They also make cakes and cupcakes. Licking your lips already? We thought so.

Price: $3–$4/cookie, depending on design

Purchase janeyCakes NYC Cookies or call 917.750.5903

JK Adams Slate Cheese Tray

One of life’s minor annoyances? Is it Gorgonzola or Roquefort, Brie or Camembert? Write on this slate tray with chalk or soapstone pencil to ID your hors d’oeuvres or wines. Backed with felt to prevent scratching surfaces, it cleans up easily with water and sponge. For the perfect personal touch, monogram with your hosts’ initials. Cheers to no more mystery munching!

Price: $54

Special: Receive a 10% discount with promo code AM. Valid: November 4–13, 2009.

Purchase JK Adams Slate Cheese Tray

Alora Ambiance Fragrance Collection in “Due”

When everyone walks into our house and says, “What is that smell?” and they mean it in a good way, we know we’re onto something. Help your hostess welcome her own guests with this delicious home fragrance combining jasmine, cucumber, basil and ylang ylang. We have them in every room—and we’d bathe in it if we could!

Price: $45–$195, depending on size

Special: Receive 25% off with promo code MELISSA. Valid: November 4–11, 2009.

Purchase Alora Ambiance Fragrance Collection in “Due”

Nuance Bottle Opener

Isn’t it fun when something ordinary is made beautiful? Witness this stainless-steel bottle opener from Danish company Nuance. Inspired by the drop of a sparkling cold beverage, the ergonomic design coupled with a hollow interior makes this opener a pleasure to hold, no matter how many tops have to be popped.

Price: $32

Special: Receive 10% off with promo code ASKCSN. Valid: November 4–December 1, 2009.

Purchase Nuance Bottle Opener

Decorative Things Cutting Boards

We love a company that turns an ugly duckling into a swan. Enter these eye-popping cutting boards, with odes to everyone from Andy Warhol to Paul Smith. Available in sizes from 12″ x 12″ and 12″ x 16″, the cutting boards are odor, stain and heat resistant, dishwasher safe and made with nonskid glass and nonslip rubber feet. If we have to slice and dice, we’d rather use something pretty!

Price: $30

Special: Receive free shipping when you enter promo code NBCAM in the “comments section” in the shopping cart. Valid through November.

Purchase Decorative Things Cutting Boards

Fruit Loop Bowl

Like to get a little loopy at parties? Then this is the perfect gift to bring. From MoMA, it marries functionality and fashion with a twist on the fruit bowl. Filled with fruit or even empty, the single piece of chromed-steel wire will look great on any table or counter, no matter the décor.

Price: $42

Purchase Fruit Loop Bowl

Eames Chair Coasters

Let your drink lounge in style. These sleek coasters are from MoMA, one of our favorite gift sources. Featuring the chair designs of Charles and Ray Eames, the set of 4 coasters comes in clear acrylic with rubber feet—thus no breaking or scratching surfaces. We’ll toast to that!

Price: $20

Purchase Earnes Chair Coasters