Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

Dollar Treed

I'll confess. I'm becoming fascinated with The Dollar Tree. I find all kinds of interesting things there. When I went this past weekend, I found some great holiday boxes and gift bags and containers for baked goods, etc. for the up-and-coming holidays.

Two amazing finds:

I looked at inexpensive bowls for my Thanksgiving (gift) pumpkin custard trifle to be picked up on Friday and my Christmas Eve (contribution) chocolate trifle. I wanted to be able to give away the bowls but have something attractive. A trifle loses something in an opaque or colored bowl. Part of the beauty of the dessert is the presentation and awareness of the layers. Here is my bowl:


Amazingly I found a perfect trifle bowl. Clear, large enough but not a punch bowl. And for $1! Amazing!!

I had offered a plastic shoe box that I use for work but though it is perfect for work--large in volume, easy to carry blocks to the office, it lacks the presentation element. So, I have solved my trifle bowl-s dilemma.

My second find was a fall platter. I've mentioned my favorite tea loaf pan that makes a longer, smaller loaf. The problem: "how do you present the loaf?" I've looked at platters previously but most were ceramic or glass and heavy and breakable--not to mention costly for a loaf platter. Here is the platter:


Here is how well it fits my loaf:


Amazingly I found the perfect loaf platter. Long, light and reasonably unbreakable. And for $1. Amazing!

I noticed (for anyone who is interested) that The Dollar Tree has extended holiday hours--opening at 8 AM. I can't imagine any special deals for "Black Friday". How can you put $1 items on sale? Two for $1? I'm sure I will go back before Christmas--I do need to pick up one more trifle bowl for Christmas Eve!