Now that December has arrived, I have started thinking about
gifts for the holidays. I never started thinking about them this
early before. It seems like more than ever, we are being bombarded
with the things people have to buy for the perfect gift
Now that December has arrived, I have started thinking about gifts for the holidays. I never started thinking about them this early before. It seems like more than ever, we are being bombarded with the things people have to buy for the perfect gift.
Advertisers lead us to believe the best gifts are MP3 Players, digital cameras, laptop computers and flat-screen televisions. Because it is not spring or summer, advertisers do not want us to think ahead to grilling. However, I am here to solve this problem.
Since I have started this column, I have been searching retail stores and the Internet for items that make grilling easier or more fun. Although retailers reduce their stock of grills and grilling equipment during the fall and winter, I have come across quite a few fantastic items currently in stores and on the Internet.
What makes gift-giving at this time of year extra special is personalized items. These items need some turn-around time from order to delivery, generally 10 to 14 days. If you like these items, it is advisable you order as soon as possible.
Grilling can be messy. (I have a few permanently stained shirts to prove it!) The grease patina that a grill develops is very easy to get on clothes but difficult to remove. The perfect solution is an apron.
There are a few key features you will want to have in an apron. A long apron will cover your shirt and a good portion of your trousers or dress. An adjustable neck strap will allow you to feel comfortable with how high you want your apron to cover. A strong and durable fabric – like a heavy cotton, canvas or denim – will hold up for many years. They also wash well. Long straps to tie the apron will accommodate a person of any size.
Add the personal touch. An embroidery business can help out quite a bit with this step. Add the gift recipient’s name to the apron. In addition to the name, you can also add a logo or some sort of graphic.
The embroiderer you choose will advise you in making your decision. There are many local embroiderers in our area listed in the phone book. They will advise you on color, font and size of the text you have embroidered. The graphic should reflect the recipient’s hobby, interest or a favorite design.
Most embroiderers have a book to look through, but ask them to refer you to a Web site where you can look up the graphic by key word or phrase. You will also be able to view the size and color suggested by the company. Make a few choices for the graphic, as not all companies have all graphics that may be displayed. Prices will vary depending upon text size and graphics.
A few years ago I had two of these aprons made, one for my dad and one for my sister. I’ll use my dad’s apron as an example of how I personalized it.
I had his name embroidered in green because green is his favorite color. My dad’s favorite past time is salmon fishing. I chose to have a salmon embroidered, and instead of selecting gray thread, I asked the embroiderer to use a metallic-like silver. I chose a denim apron because my dad usually wears denim when he grills. He appreciated the thought I put into the gift and has received many compliments for it.
When selecting an apron, do not choose one with a print, as the embroidery may not show up on it well. Prewash the apron. This will prevent the “puckering” around the embroidery if the apron shrinks a little.
A fun tool I found on the Internet is a steak-branding iron. These irons add a fun and whimsical touch to your finished product. Imagine the delight of your guests when they receive their steaks with their family name monogrammed on the meat!
Although the Web site calls this item a “steak-branding iron,” it also can brand chicken, chops and hamburgers. The brands can be two or three symbols consisting of letters, numbers and the ampersand.
Constructed out of stainless steel and with a wood handle, the branding irons cost $39.95 plus shipping. For an additional fee, the brand will come wrapped in a Western bandana and placed in a gift box.
