Alessi

SoHo
130 Greene St.
between Houston/Prince Sts.

P: 212.941.7300

Upper East Side
30 East 60th St.
between Madison and Park Avenues

P: 212.317.9880

The New York outposts of this popular Italian housewares company that combines sleek design with practical utility.  Many items in stainless steel but others in colorful plastics and acrylics.

What to know:

The SoHo boutique has an in-store coffee bar.

At Christmas they offer special holiday ornaments that are stylish and modern and stand out in the usual landscape of Christmas decorations.