June 22, 2006

Starbucks Plans for the Holidays

So you aren't planning for the holidays yet? Starbucks is. They just announced their plans to entice you this holiday season with a list of offerings that includes a KitchenAid machine will be priced at $129, trimmed in red and available only at Starbucks. They will also offer the DeLonghi Magnifica machine for $999. The DeLonghi Magnifica comes in a couple of models, but is a super-automatic machine that grinds, tamps and pulls the shot of espresso for you with the touch of a button; nice. Could it be the DeLonghi EAM3200 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso Machine, or the DeLonghi EAM3500 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso Machine that also froths the milk for you? Actually, it's the EAM 3400, a more rare model that is still pretty sweet on features.

Anyway, they are also bringing back the peppermint mocha, eggnog latte and Christmas Blend coffee. The company will sell felt stockings and carrier bags for $4.95 each that can hold a pound of coffee, biscotti and other Starbucks items costing $20 or less.

Starbucks will also sell an audiobook version of ``The Night Before Christmas'' read by actress Meryl Streep. Other audiobooks include ``Thumbelina'' and ``Rip Van Winkle'' that are read by actors such as Nicolas Cage and Anjelica Huston.