Chic gifts aplenty for lucky brides and grooms

BY SHARON GITTLEMAN
FERNDALE – Drop that blender! Turn away from the toaster. Don't even think of picking up that pen and signing a check.
Wedding gifts don't have to be dull.
Stop by two Ferndale stores and your presents will draw oohs and ahs, whether they're for the person standing next to you at the altar or under the chuppah – or given to friends or family members walking down the aisle.
Naka offers handcrafted and designer accessories for men and women – and their homes.
"A really nice gift for couples to give each other are sterling silver necklaces with sterling silver picture frames on them," said Naka owner Kelly Pettibone. "It's a daily reminder of your new commitment to each other."
You can insert a picture of your ceremony or the place you met inside the frames, said Pettibone.
There's room for you to engrave the date of your wedding or your names on the necklace.
For men, a matching set of sterling silver cuff links is an option.
Naka has several possibilities for bridesmaid or groomsmen gifts.
"We have all manner of jewelry that would be perfect," she said. "We also custom-make jewelry."
Embroidered evening clutch bags are another alternative, Pettibone said.
"The cool thing about those bags is they are hand-embroidered by a women's alliance in Vietnam. There are 120 women employed full-time and 500 employed part-time making these bags," she said. "They're earning a fair wage for their work. That would be such a nice gesture of sisterhood on a day like that."
Grooms with a sense of humor might choose hand-screened silk ties with skulls and crossbones for their attendants, said Pettibone.
"They are definitely pirate-style," she said.
If you're a guest, you could wrap up a set of 1950's style hand-etched tumblers, matching coasters and melamine serving trays.
Silk throw pillows are another uncommon gift.
"They have different patterns, from dandelions to a spirograph or stripes," she said. "They are very clean-looking and cool."
At the Twisted Shamrock, a shop stocked with goods fashioned in the Emerald Isle, you'll find everything from wedding rings to your honeymoon tickets.
"We coordinate tours to Ireland," said storeowner Jim Monahan.
For sentimental souls, there's wedding bands fashioned with Celtic knot work – a symbol of everlasting love since the Dark Ages, or Claddagh rings, with two hands holding a crowned heart. Claddaghs are emblems of friendship, loyalty and love, said Monahan.
At the store, you'll also find rings engraved with phrases in Gaelic – the ancient language of Ireland.
"On one commitment band it says, 'Mo Anam Cara,' – 'my soul mate,'" he said.
There are plenty of items to add to your Twisted Shamrock wedding registry.
The shop is packed with everything from fringed woolen afghans and blankets in vibrant pinks, blues, rusts and greens to windows, mirrors and fireplace screens made from stained glass.
Lead crystal created in Galway and Tipperary is another option.
"A lot of people think crystal is 'grandmaee,'" said Monahan. "I have crystal with cut polka dots in the glass and modern wineglasses with square stems and bases."
Hand-blown vases and pitchers swirled with colored glass would put a smile on the face of any newlywed.
Flasks with removable metal emblems that do double-duty as shot glasses are a possible groomsman gift, while pewter jewelry boxes would be treasured by any bridesmaid.
You'll also find mementos for your special day, from pewter two-handled wedding cups for the toast after the ceremony to Claddagh or bell cake toppers.
Whether you select the sleek modern gifts you'll find at Naka or the Twisted Shamrock's presents packed with tradition and Old World romance, you're sure to add to the joy of a lucky couple's commitment ceremony.