WINDFALLS

Sitting there hoping the Grinch will steal Christmas is not the attitude to take. He won’t. And it’s coming. Christmas will be here before we know it, and shopping is half the fun. Since extravagance, like truth, is relative, the prices shouldn’t bother you. We visited every mall and boutique, every shop and market we possibly could and ended our tour with a Christmas list that would send Santa and his chippettes into wild-eyed psychosis. In this special in-time-for-Christmas edition of Windfalls we’ll show you a few most-hoped-for but hardly expected Christmas treats.

One less item to grate on your nerves-a removable stainless steel grater and fish or vegetable tray ($35). Stainless steel and crystal salt shaker and pepper grinder ($48). Imported from Alessie in Italy, accessories are part of the “Pro-gramma 8” modular serving system available at Via Condotti, 824 Village in the Parkway, 5100 Belt Line Rd. 239-3832.

How can I fatten thee? Over 100 different ways from the only Neuhaus chocolate boutique in the United States. Neuhaus offers more than 100 types of handcrafted chocolates, flown in fresh from Belgium every two weeks. Buy them by the piece (54 to 72 cents) or by the pound ($18). Chocolates may be packaged in lead crystal ornaments for gift-giving. Neuhaus Chocolate Shop, 427 NorthPark. 691-9156.

These lamps to turn you on are made by A.I. (Atelier International). The A-613 table lamp is made out of the same materials used in Italian fishing poles, a type of Fiberglas. Available in dark red or green ($220). The Papillona stands 75.5 inches tall and comes in a black and beige or black and red combination. $630 at S. Vogue, 4121 Lomo Alto. 522-9260.

Check out this medieval chess set made in England, one of only a few left in the United States. Handblown crystal drinking glasses are hand-etched with chessmen’s insignias. The 40-inch-square glass chessboard sits atop a chrome table, which is included. $4300 at the Executive Toy Store, 9830 N. Central Expressway. 369-6430.

A staple for everyone, the “Folle” is part of the Permanent Design Collection from New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. Imported from Denmark, the stapler uses standard-size staples and comes in black, brown, red and yellow. $20 at Via Condotti, 824 Village in the Parkway, 5100 Belt Line Rd. 239-3832.

Who says life ain’t no picnic? It can be with this king-sized picnic basket with service for eight. The Brexton basket was made in England and comes with ironstone china, stainless steel serving pieces, a liquor caddy and glasses ($1200). Baskets also available with two-, four-, or six-place settings at Abercrombie and Fitch, Caruth Plaza, 9100 N. Central Expressway. 696-1116.

When you leave that home on the range, take along genuine hair-on-calf leather luggage and briefcases with belting leather trim. Pullman-size suitcase, $625; weekender overnight case, $580 at Cutter Bill Western World, 5818 LBJ Freeway. 239-3742.

An intimate espresso for two or 12 is easy with the Bialetti espresso machines from Italy. This stove-top espresso maker serves 12. $45 at the Coffee and Tea Trading Co., 2092 Preston-wood Town Center. 386-5505.