Here are some holiday gift ideas from inexpensive stocking stuffers to luxuries for a special person's kitchen. A couple of years ago, we posted a piece about a few things we use everyday and are happy to have. That was so well received that we are adding to that collection of great gifts every holiday season.
Sometimes it's the little things that make life easier and that make you smile when you use them.
If you have a smooth cooktop, you want a way to scrape up cooked-on spills without damage. Our answer is a Fantastic Ice Scraper with Brass Blade. It was originally meant for windshields but works great on a smooth top stove. Notice that you can buy these by the dozen if you choose. That's because you may want to give one to every friend who has a car or a smooth top!
You'll see two of these Cuisipro Foam Pump Soap Dispensers side-by-side at our kitchen sink – one for hand soap, one for dish soap. We have another in the bathroom. They are the best we've found. The suction cup holds it in place and it leans out over the sink so you are not cleaning up soap drips on the counter.
We have two sets of flexible cutting mats that we use for many purposes. The thicker set is Tovolo Flexible Cutting Mats and the lightweight set is Norpro Cut-N-Slice Flexible Cutting Mats. We plan to do an upcoming post on all the ways we use these. But, we don't really cut on them at all. We use them to contain messes. We'll peel vegetables, sweep off counters, and put them under the porta-filter for our espresso machine as we fill it. And, we even use them as placemats to protect our furniture and the large cutting board that sits on our kitchen counter.
Another great item, Chobs 2-Inch Board Protectors are on that big wood cutting board. They make it non-slip and easy to dry while sitting on the counter.
Do you have favorite kitchen items we should add to this list?
Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area? There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation!
Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.
Here is our resource page on opening and closings, other than dining, at Christmas.
There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.
The legendary team from L'Espalier normally offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmonte."
Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four course prixe fixe menu set for the 24th.
Petit Robert Bistro locations will be open with regular meals and specials. We like the one on Columbus Ave in the South End.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option.
Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and they're offering their version of this tradition.
Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. Kitchen and Marliave,Grotto's siblings in the South End and Downtown, quickly joined in the festive fish feast. This year Kitchen will be open offering the regular menu for those who prefer an al la carte choice. At Grotto and Marliave will continue the feasting on fish.
Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel gives you a choice of a Christmas Day Buffet Brunch in the Atlantic Room from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., or their 4-course prix-fixe dinner in Meritage Restaurant from 5-9 p.m.
Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.
Here are some conversations on Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.
Boston Restaurants Not Open on Christmas Day (2014) is a Trip Advisor conversation started by a visitor from London who was trying to find a top Boston restaurant to enjoy on Christmas Day and was surprised to find so many choices closed.
But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.
What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, 2014? What's closed?
Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules?
We have the answers for you, all organized on one post that we'll update as new information comes our way.
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, November 27, 2014.
We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates onTwitter.
Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"
Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"
Financial Services:As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.
City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed:This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.
Parking & Street Sweeping
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Street Sweeping: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."
Trash Collection & Recycling
Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – The city says:
"Thursday, November 27, 6am – Saturday, November 29, 2014, 5pm
No trash or recycling collection will take place in all sections of the City on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27th)
Thanksgiving week: Regular collection schedule on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday in all sections of the City.
Regular trash collection schedule in the North End, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Chinatown, Fenway South End, Mission Hill. Section of Roxbury, who have trash collection on Tuesday and Friday, no delay
Thursday and Friday recycling and trash collection delayed a day in Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, South Boston, Jamaica Plain*, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week [Monday, Thursday], Thursday collection day is cancelled. Back Bay, Roxbury and your trash and recycling is picked up on Monday and Thursday, Thursday’s collection is also cancelled, not delayed
MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!
More information after these camera deals from Amazon. Order today and you'll be ready to record memories this holiday season. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!
MBTA Schedule Changes
Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes. This link will change sometime after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish.
Here's a quick summary, but check the site or the PDF for details.
Wednesday November 26th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airports.
ThanksgivingNovember 27th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
Friday November 28th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.
Special Plymouth Service:
The Commuter Rail will provide special seasonal weekend trains to Plymouth on the Old Colony Line during the weekends prior to Thanksgiving on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, as well as November 22 and 23. Details here.
For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules for Tuesday, November 11, 2014.
This year, November 11th falls on a Tuesday. If you are one of the people who has the day off, you might want to take an extra day and have a four day weekend.
We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!
Restaurants, bars: Open
Convenience stores: Open
Supermarkets: Open
Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Liquor stores: Open
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.
Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with most Banks closed. But, we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open so check with your own institution.
Stock market: Open, as are international markets.
Boston Parking:The City says, "City of Boston parking meters are free on Sundays and legal holidays and no time limit is enforced. All other parking regulations, including rush hour restrictions at meters, remain in effect."
Street Sweeping: City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."
Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 6am – Sunday, November 16, 2014, 5pm
"No Delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
The MBTA has posted its Veterans Day Schedule and, as in the past, the system is operating on a weekday schedule:Complete Details Here.
For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, "please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at 617-222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)" or contact them at www.mbta.com.
"Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12 noon, or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 27, 2014.
Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation.
We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.
Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?
Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:
Dante at the Royal Sonesta Hotel across the River in Cambridge.
Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.
The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.
Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.
La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.
Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.
Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
Last year, over on the Boston Chowhound Board the hounds came up with Durgin Park as the perfect solution for a group of trainees who found themselves in Boston over the holiday. (Bad Website warning: the Durgin Park site has cheesy music and you have to click events to get to the holiday offering.)
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino Photography: istockphoto.com
Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons, this post is for you. We've even included a couple of places that carry party goods and elegant seasonal home decoration.
Just before Halloween, and the traditional holiday seasons, seems like the best time for us to make a list and check it twice to help you locate places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. Costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for Santa time, New Years, Saint Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and beyond!
The newest addition to our list is Reflections on Newbury Street. Around the holidays, this shop adds a big dose of seasonal spirit to its stock of year round favorites. While you won't find full costumes, you will find fun and seriously well made seasonal accessories to add the right note to your outfit or home.
Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.
Owner Terry Anderson has more than 20 years experience managing a company that supplied Boston fun seekers with costumes. Realizing he missed the downtown vibe, he decided to opened his own shop.
Google has been in to create an interior view of the shop and told him that it should be up soon. We'll post an update when it appears. Update:Here's a link to the Google inside view.
The Garment District in Cambridge has a floor devoted to Boston Costume, probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.
It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL October!"
They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing, if you want to create your own.
They also sell items to finish the look, like:
washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
masks from simple gold or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs or feathery carnival styles
heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.
Soon, you'll find people lined up (above) waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.
For luxe halloween fashions, visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. This is a sister store to Reflections on Newbury Street. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.
Allston Costume on Harvard Ave. is one that we have not visited, but that others have recommended. We'll try to stop in, get some photos for you, and update this listing.
Here's a rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 13, 2014. As the information becomes available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.
Update: Here's the link to the 2015 version of this information.
We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans and then feature it on the holiday.
This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to Opening Our Doors 2014 in the Fenway Cultural District.
Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Liquor stores: Open
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.
Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with most Banks closed. But, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank.
Stock market: Open as are international markets.
Boston Parking, Trash, Etc.
Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.
Street Sweeping:City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."
Monday, October 13, 6am – Saturday, October 18, 2014, 5pm
No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them:
Columbus Day Parade – Sunday, October 12th in East Boston.
(Updated 10.03.14 2 PM)The MBTA schedule changes for Columbus Day, Monday, October 13, 2014 were announced today. You can Download MBTA Columbus Day announcement in a pdf form.
But the good news is that the system is running on a weekday schedule.
This is the time to enjoy the abundant harvest season at your favorite farmers’ market. Yet, as we walk back from the market with overflowing bags of produce, neighbors react with surprise when we say we’ve been at the Copley Square market.
Many consumers think that seasonal markets end after Labor Day. Thankfully, they don’t. Most Boston area outdoor markets remain open through late October and a few run until Thanksgiving.
Here are area markets still open with their closing dates:
If we missed your favorite market let us know and we'll add it to the list.
Indoor winter markets will open as the outdoor markets close. As soon as we have enough dates and places confirmed, we’ll share those with BostonZest readers.
You'll find copies of the fall 2014 Issue of Edible Boston with its dark, moody cover photo of apples at some of the best places for local food and drink in the area. The arrival of my preview copy always brings a smile to a busy day.
As reader's know by now, I'm a devoted fan of this publication and especially the photography and photographers selected by this team. Like editor Ilene Bezahler, I have apples on my mind this time of year.
This issue is filled with photos like this one that speaks of the days of less light that are on their way to our Boston area lives.
News and Deeper Coverage
The fall issue also has a portrait of Kate Stillman. It leads into the article, Taking Control: Stillman's at the Turkey Farm Builds an Abattoir.Those of us who chat with Kate on a regular basis have heard step-by-step the long, difficult process that led to having her own facility to slaughter and process some of the animals they raise. Author Andrea Pyenson and photographer Katie Noble have told the story for everyone who enjoys Stillman's meat.
How do you support a publisher like Ilene Bezahler and her remarkably talented team?
First, pick up a copy of the magazine at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.
May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.
And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!
Dog walkers are a common sight around the city. These professionals fill in for family during the work day, making sure the pups get breaks to relieve themselves and a nice dose of exercise. As when hiring any caregiver for an animal you love, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations and ask questions about those aspects of the job that are important to you and your dog.
Those who have cats and other indoor pets, as well as dogs, might need a pet sitter from time to time. Pet sitters will come to your home each day, stay in your home, or keep your pet in their home.
If you use a dog walker, start with him or her. You and your dog already know and trust the person who is in and out of your house each day and responsible for your dog’s safety on the city streets. Many dog walkers do offer pet sitting.
There are also a few people in every neighborhood who make a little extra income by taking care of pets. If you ask neighbors for recommendations, you may find a gem in your area.
Some dog breeders provide boarding services for dogs in their line. In the case of small scale breeders, your pet could have the run of their home except at bedtime.
Boarding Kennel or Dog Hotel?
Boarding kennels vary drastically in the quality of the facilities and the services they offer. You should insist on seeing exactly where your pet will be kept and inspect the entire facility before choosing one.
Dog hotels are one step up from kennels. They offer rooms with walls and furniture rather than wire pens or kennels. The best dog hotels are quieter, calmer, and more like a home environment than kennels.
Special Health Requirements
Boarding facilities will require proof that your animal is up-to-date on immunizations and in good health. If you have a dog or cat with serious health issues who needs careful monitoring of a medical condition or is very frail, consider boarding your pal at a veterinary hospital with 24-hour medical staff on duty. Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain offers this type of service for their clients.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.
this creative commons license, Some rights reserved by kenworker
from here to support this site!
as a bargain book or find more local food in the 
.
from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.