The Best Bet
In an age of free-range, grain-fed food from obscure global sources, the old-fashioned paper-bag picnic seems sadly inadequate. Treillage’s gorgeous deep-orange picnic basket ($750; 212-535-2288) does justice to your gourmet taste. Handwoven from water-hyacinth reeds, it holds six light, sturdy lacquered place settings inside rattan covers: Square plates, glasses, three-piece utensil sets in black with red tips, and a brushed-silver thermos—the removable lid doubles as a tray, too.
New York bikers need to make plenty of noise. Garrett Wade horns come in a set of three, each with a different honk: The lowest is loud enough to jolt any pedestrian in your path ($11.95; 212-807-1155).
In a season of flats, these silver-buckled pilgrims (designed by Roger Vivier, worn by Catherine Deneuve, slightly remodeled by new designer Bruno Frisoni) are the ones to have ($475 at Saks Fifth Avenue; 212-753-4000).
Smythson of Bond Street has made personalized stationery even more customizable. Gift sets are now available in the recipient’s choice of paper, typeface, and color ($280 to $455; 212-265-4573).
Lasko’s desk fan, with its Bose speaker–like design, allows for focused airflow and is very quiet ($19.95 at Staples; 212-712-9617).
The aptly named “net” throw by Matteo is a linen knit that feels like raw silk, and is light and large enough to double as a shawl ($190 at ABC Carpet & Home; 212-473-3000).