Metropolis 2019 Gift Guide: Eat and Drink

Beyond the stress of shopping, navigating vacation schedules, and travel, let’s not forget that the holidays are a time for celebration. The clink of a champagne flute and the warm satisfaction of a decadent meal are what these weeks are all about. Here, we’ve rounded up our favorite items for cooking, dining, and entertaining, all of which are sure to come in handy even after you’ve recovered from the holiday gluttony. 

Alessi Moka, starting at $35 for the one-cup Moka

Getting a caffeine fix is a must, especially in the colder weather. So why not turn to the experts at Alessi for your daily dose, who also bring a side helping of style? Architect David Chipperfield’s new iteration of the Moka is a nod to the beloved espresso coffee maker designed in the 1930s by the Italian inventor Alfonso Bialetti, who is also the maternal grandfather to Alberto Alessi. The updated coffee maker stays true to the original form with 11 sides and flat lid. It now comes in several different sizes, starting with one-cup and going up to nine.

Kalon Wooden Tableware, starting at $55

Known for its elegant handcrafted, wooden furniture, Kalon Studios has expanded into smaller kitchen wares—and its new collection of maple and walnut bowls, plates, cups, and vessels is equally as covetable. The tableware is sustainable and American-made to boot, with each piece harvested from domestic woods and turned by craftspeople in Pennsylvania. 

Frama Cutting Board, around $110

A cutting board always comes in handy—whether for slicing up some vegetables or for serving cheese and charcuterie to guests. Copenhagen–based Frama joined forces with Stockholm’s Dry Studios to produce this handsome oak and brass cutting board that is not only useful but also eye-catching—so much so that you’ll want any excuse to have it out on display. 

Departo Plates and Bowls, starting at $16

George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg teamed up with Yuichiro Hori, the founder of the furniture studio Stellar Works, to launch the sleek (and refreshingly reasonably priced) lifestyle label Departo. Taking inspiration from far-off travels, the designers applied their savoir-faire to everyday objects, from furniture to housewares. We’re especially excited for their ceramic bowls, plates, and mugs, which come in a range of subtle hues. 

Ta-DADA Dinner Party Hack Set, $149

The idea of throwing a dinner party can be anxiety-inducing: Not everyone has  Martha’s Stewart’s DIY skills or Emily’s Post’s unflappable composure. For those of us who aren’t natural-born hosts or hostesses, and perhaps don’t care to be, there’s Ta-DADA Dinner Party Hack Set. This whimsical, slightly irreverent set (named after the 20th-century Dada art movement) has everything you’ll need to pull off a fun evening. Contents range from expected (like the set of four napkin rings and placecards) to surprising (a hand-shaped candle), and, our favorite—delicious (a cheesy popcorn treat and truffle gift box). 

Favor x Masa Designs Collection, starting at $89

There’s perhaps no one better equipped to conceptualize a collection of tableware than a three-Michelin-starred sushi master—specifically Chef Masa, whose namesake restaurant (as well as his second venture, Tetsu) continue to be staples of fine dining in New York City. A new collaboration between Favor (the decor-focused sister site of Industry West) and Chef Masa has resulted in an exquisite collection of ceramic and clay pieces designed by Japanese artisans. Standouts include a delicate, etched plate with glazed ceramic surface, a black clay simple pourer, and a perforated black bowl made from hardened lava.

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