Gear

Fire Straits

These Are Your Fireside Essentials

You’ve got someone to cozy up to. You’ve got a fireplace. You’ve got some wood. You’ve got... that’s all you’ve got. Enter: these five things you need in order to raise your fireside game. Preferably without ever having to say the words “fireside game.”

FOR BLOWING HOT AIR

This Antique-Looking Bellows

It’s: An antique-looking bellows made from suede or leather, brass and really nice lumber like walnut or cherry.
Which is good for: Stoking fires. Pretending you’re a black-and-white cartoon character. Blowing in people’s faces because it’s funny.

FOR BEING A PERSON ON THE FLOOR

This Rug That Was Once a Reindeer

It’s: A reindeer rug that was sustainably sourced from a nomadic Scandinavian tribe. Don’t get in the way of Scandinavian tribes and their leisure.
Which is good for: Feeling environmentally and morally sound. Sleeping on. Wearing as a cape, you weirdo.

FOR SETTING THE MOOD

These Victrolas That Are Very Old

They’re: A collection of vintage Victrolas from the early 1900s that work just as well as their first day.
Which are good for: Playing records they didn’t have back then. Giving you an excuse to smoke a pipe. General posturing.

FOR MOSTLY JUST KEEPING BLANKETS IN

This Cedar Box for Blanket Storage

It’s: A blanket box made of cedar from Best Made. Apparently they had a run on these things, but they’ll notify you when they’re available again closer to December. “Perfect timing” sounds about right.
Which is good for: Hiding things. Mostly blankets.

FOR... BREAKFAST

This Antique Waffle Iron Because Waffles

It’s: A wrought-iron-and-brass waffle iron with a long handle that was made a good number of years ago.
Which is good for: The most laborious and rewarding waffle you’ll ever make. That or, like, grilled cheeses with indents.