A chef’s coat is a more functional apron

Flowers or a bottle of wine might be the quintessential host/hostess gift, but how about a fanciful and functional apron instead? Look to Pomegranate for the most practical aprons. Pomegranate was founded in 1995 and has a Philadelphia connection — Angela Beck, the force behind the brand, is from the Main Line. The company is now headquartered in Lexington, Ky. Its focus is on home and apparel designs that are “graceful, timeless, and full of life.”

The aprons come in beautiful hand-blocked cotton prints and use traditional Indian craftmanship. They come in three varieties: chef’s coat, full, and half apron.

As an avid apron lover and user, I applaud the addition of the chef’s coat because I no longer have to worry about stained sleeves. And these are not your granny’s aprons. My current favorites are some of their new prints: ficus dance jade, carina blue sky, and lemon topiary. Given Beck’s Kentucky home, it’s not surprising that the company offers an entire equestrian line, including aprons, table linens, glassware, pillows, and bags. — Robin Currie