February 2012
2 posts
6 tags
Japanese Cast Iron Kettle in White, Blue & Orange
Just discovered poketo.com and all of its gorgeous “art for your everyday” items. Of course, there are so many things I’d love to share, but I thought I’d just focus on one item in particular that caught my eye—this Japanase Enamel Kettle.
I seem to love so many things connected to tea, but I don’t actually drink a lot of it.
Related: 4 White Teapots
3 tags
Distracted by a Buffet, and a Bunch of Other Stuff
The last few months it’s been a real struggle to keep up with blogging regularly. Between moving, my full-time job, freelance commitments, and a part-time teaching gig, I’m fully booked. Blah, blah, blah. Woe is me.
However, my current distraction is my new buffet and hutch. I’ve filled it with a lot of stuff and will continue to do so… with any luck. It’s currently...
January 2012
3 posts
5 tags
Love-ly Bowls for Valentine's Day
I’m not really into pink, nor am I that big on Valentine’s Day, but these bowls are precious. I like how the patterns are reversed so you can get the pink hearts on the inside of the bowl or the outside.
Related: More posts about Bowls from this blog
3 tags
BOOK: Dish: Colourful, Wonderful Dinner Plates
Been coveting this book for a while. I’ll be spending the rest of the weekend consuming it. Yay!
Related: Ladies in Black & White
3 tags
Techno Plates from CB2
I think it’s fair to say that I’m a little excited about the upcoming opening of CB2 inToronto. For the past year, I’ve checked their website often just to see when the store would be opening. The dates have moved quite a bit, but it’s finally opening this month. Woo!!
Anyway, this blog is about home wares, right? So, I digress. Recently added to the CB2 website, these...
December 2011
3 posts
5 tags
Big Mugs: Cafe Belle Epoque
After encountering so much orange and green recently, I was immediately drawn to these mugs. First of all, they’re big and practical holding 20 ounces. And secondly, the colour, shape, and logos are fabulous.
I’ll take a giant mug of hot chocolate, please!
Related: Big Colours: Turquoise, Orange, Green
7 tags
Big Colours: Turquoise, Orange, Green
Starting to get back into the swing of blogging again, after moving, the holidays, and general disorganization.
So, tonight, while I surf for all things new in the land of dinnerware, I’m seeing some great colours and patterns. In particular lots of turquoise, orange, and green. My favourites of the bunch are the Jasper Conran Killim Accent Plates directly below.
Above: Jasper Conran...
4 tags
Zodiac Mug: Aries
I’ve been spending a lot of time shopping for home furnishings lately, so my usual time spent browsing for pretty dishes has been greatly diminished. However, I was in West Elm a few days ago and saw these great Zodiac Mugs. I’m not generally a fan of mugs, but I like the black and white ram. And being an Aries, I like to show that off!
Related: Silver & Gold
November 2011
6 posts
4 tags
Pardon My Absence...
I’ve been moving, so I haven’t been able to blog. However, I did want to share one little find…
I found these $2 mini easels at the Dollarama here in Toronto (and across Canada). They are just perfect for displaying a dessert plate. I couldn’t resist putting one up on my desk the moment we set it up.
I’ll be back to my regular routine in a week or two. See you...
4 tags
Falling Alphabet Dinnerware from Chapters-Indigo
This cute alphabet-inspired dinnerware arrived at Chapters-Indigo recently, and unfortunately the pictures on their website don’t really do them justice, so I’ve included a close-up shot from my iPhone below. What a fun and modern take on something as simple as silver sans-serifed letters.
Above: Falling Alphabet platter and plate
Related: Beautiful Butterflies
8 tags
Invite Elves to the Holiday Table
I’ll take Santa and his elves over angels any day!
I’m particularly fond of the Modern Santa collection below, from West Elm. The Santa headcookie jar would be so adorable on my countertop over the holidays! And, if you’re looking for some elves on your serveware, there are a couple of great platter options below, as well.
Above: West Elm’s Modern Santa collection
...
7 tags
Silver & Gold
Silver and gold can really shine during the holidays, but the great thing about theseplates and silverware is that they can come out just about any time of year. Match them with red or green and the scheme may seem very Christmas. But, there’s no reason these plates can’t make an appearance at other special occasions as well.
Above: tinsel and confetti dessert plates from Crate...
3 tags
A Multi-Coloured Menagerie from Fishs Eddy
In reality, I find the circus quite unappealing. But, the whimsy of the circus theme on thisglassware is, on the other hand, quite appealing to me. I can’t say why. That’s just the way it is.
Don’t you just love these Menagerie tumblers from Fishs Eddy?
You can also pick up complementary coasters for your glasses as well!
Related: Tray Love: 3 New Lacquer Trays from Fishs...
7 tags
Colourful and Festive Holiday Dinnerware from West...
Had a chance to go into West Elm over the weekend and noticed that their holiday items are out on display. It’s all very colourful and festive, and it was all out before Halloween. I exercised a little restraint and waited until Halloween was tucked away before uttering words like Christmas…
Anyway, they’re are lots of bold colours for the table at West Elm this holiday....
October 2011
7 posts
3 tags
3 tags
Top 5 on HGTV Canada: The Colours & Textures of...
If you don’t read the HGTV Canada blog Style Sheet, you should. It’s a lovely blog full of great content and gorgeous pictures. Plus, the ladies working over there at HGTV are lovely and talented!
I occasionally contribute a dinnerware related post, and this past I wrote another Top 5 for them. Take a look!
Top 5 Friday: Bring the Colours & Textures of Fall to Your Tabletop
...
1 tag
The Cream of the Creamers
I don’t usually drink coffee at home and I rarely have cream in my fridge, but I do have more than one creamer. Not exactly sure why. I just think they’re cute.
I stumbled upon this glass milk carton-shaped one from CB2 this week and proceeded to seek out some more. Enjoy!
Above, clockwise from top-left: glass creamer from CB2, Fiesta pedestal creamer, Mikasa creamer, Arzberg...
2 tags
Le Creuset Store in Toronto
I was at Sherway Gardens this past weekend and theLe Creuset store is now open. Kind of nice to see a lot of their products showcased in one store. Lots of fun colours, too! (Like all these adorable mini cocottes I snapped an iPhone photo of)
Related: Apparently Le Creuset Makes Dinnerware
6 tags
All Things Polka Dot: 5 Dinnerware Items that Have...
Do polka dots ever really go out of style? I’ve always been drawn to them; they’re fun and playful and can even be sophisticated in some cases. Just because so many polka dotted items have been catching my eye, I thought I’d share some.
Above: set of 4 Larabee Road black tidbit plates from Kate Spade, FABULOS glasses from IKEA, Cheers Dots platter and plate from...
2 tags
Beautiful Butterflies
Lately I’ve been enamoured by all things butterflies, and these plates are truly beauties. I would love to hang them on a wall just as they are below. They’re just too pretty to eat off of.
Related: A Lacey Trend on Your Dinnerware
2 tags
Splurge vs. Steal on HGTV Canada
Take a look at my latest contribution to HGTV Canada’s Style Sheet blog:
Splurge vs. Steal: Baroque-Insprired Dinnerware
Related: Read some of my other blog posts on HGTV.ca
September 2011
7 posts
2 tags
Colourful Glass Tumblers
I just can’t help being drawn to all things bold and colourful. The colours and retro design of these tumblers are a lot of fun. I just wish they were a little bigger; the height of these cups is just over 4”. Perhaps they’d be better served as bud vases if you just want to incorporate them into your home somewhere.
Related: Glassybaby Drinkers
4 tags
Buddha Bowls & Plates
I wandered into Pistachio this week during my lunch hour and discovered Buddha Bowls and Plates from Flavour Design. I had never run across them before, but they’ve had their fair share of press (including being included in O Magazine).
They’re designed so you can easily hold them in your hand and enjoy your food. Sounds like a great solution for entertaining (or eating on the...
4 tags
Tray Love: 3 New Lacquer Trays from Fishs Eddy
There’s a special place in my heart for trays! I just love fun designs on an object meant just for bringing you something that’s supposed to make you happy, like food or booze.
These new lacquer trays from Fishs Eddy are so much fun. I’m particularly in love with the “Cheer Up” one below. It really does cheer me up. Now, where’s that drink?
Above: Cheer...
4 tags
4 White Teapots
I recently scorched my teapot on the stove accidentally. When I do something stupid like that I naturally turn to looking at pretty objects to replace it with.
My husband and I are actually moving in about two months, so I’m not looking to purchase anything until we actually move. However, our new apartment will be very light and bright. Lots of white and grey! So naturally I am gravitating...
4 tags
Dinnerware on HGTV Canada
Another one of my blog contributions went up on the HGTV.ca Style Sheet blog this past week. I posted a Top 5 post that may be of interest to readers of this blog — dinnerware trends!
Top 5 Friday: Bold Florals, Lace, Zig Zags, and More: Trends in Dinnerware
4 tags
Maps on Plates
My husband really likes maps and all things that have to do with cities. I kinds of do, too. So, maybe my love of all things dinnerware will become slightly less annoying to him if I buy dinnerware with maps…? It’s not the best plan, but at least he’ll probably shrug this sort of thing off in lieu of giving me the stink-eye for buying yet another plate.
Above: City Plates...
2 tags
A Lacey Trend on Your Dinnerware
I am a complete sucker for a lot of the dinnerware that Anthropologie puts out. I’m not crazy enough to pay for it most of the time, but I do stalk their sales rack like it’s nobody’s business. So, you can imagine I routinely check their website for new products. And voila, I recently noticed they’ve got this lovely tattered lace dinnerware.
Coincidentally, I’ve...
August 2011
9 posts
4 tags
Blueprints for Tableware
I won’t often blog about textiles, but these Blueprint Textiles (napkins and tablecloths) by Marianne Vanooij are very cool, especially since I am so drawn to the shape and form of tableware. It makes you appreciate the subtle details that go into product design.
Related: Tea (Towel) Time: Fancy Linens to Wipe Up Your Filth (Or to Show Off)
5 tags
What I Want from the Missoni Home Collection at...
I’m very excited for the Missoni home items coming to Target this fall. I really hope I can make it across the border to snag some of these beauties. In particular, this ceramic rectangular platter and the bright orange and red bowl below. Love them!
Related: Missoni for Target Ad
7 tags
Fake Out Take Out
The term casual dinnerware is taken to another level with these designs. I love the idea of turning the iconic look of take-out containers into dishes.
In my opinion, the take-out look may not the best look for a place setting, but I think these are great as serving pieces. Though the ones that mimic the TV Dinner look with the different compartments would be great for kids. Don’t you...
2 tags
Missoni for Target Ad
Yes, I do believe this will require a day trip across the border to Target. :-)
Related: Tea Pots and Candleholders are My Favourites from Target’s New Home Line
4 tags
Tray Love: The Birds are Back, IKEA
I was at IKEA this weekend and happened to notice they’ve resurrected one of my all-time favourite trays: BARBAR. Very exciting as I neglected to pick this tray up when it was in-store originally, and I even recently lamented about that very fact.
Well, I picked up two! Why not? They’re only $4.99 each and so cute and practical (I use trays a lot).
Related: Tray Love: IKEA Old...
4 tags
2 New Bold Patterns from Crate & Barrel and Jasper...
There are so many bold patterns for dinnerware lately. It makes me very happy. I can appreciate a white dish, it’s classic and always in style, but I love bringing colour and pattern to the table.
Above: Jasper Conran Mosaic accent plate and charger
Above: Crate & Barrel Zaine charger and plate
Related: New Dessert Plates at West Elm: Owls, Bees, and Flowers
5 tags
Glassybaby Drinkers
These simple and colourful glasses are made in Seattle by Glassybaby. And more than half of proceeds from their products go towards charities dedicated to quality of life, health and healing for cancer patients.
If you’re familiar with Glassybaby, you’ll know that their main product is tea light holders. These glasses have a very similar shape.
Above: Glassybaby drinkers...
2 tags
Lovely Wooden Bowls from an Ontario Artist
These gorgeous wooden bowls are made by Eastern Ontario artisan Gary Matthews. He handpicks the wood from logging sites and each piece is an original. I would love to get my hands on one of these!
Related: Perfect for Picnicking: Bamboo
4 tags
Summer Iced Tea Set
I think it’s safe to say we’re about neck deep into this summer thing, and somehow I haven’t really blogged about anything overly summer-focused. It’s not that summer isn’t on my radar; it’s actually all over my radar. I am HOT.
A few times a year, I end up checking out the Heath Ceramics website. It’s pretty much a guarantee that I’ll fall in love...
July 2011
14 posts
4 tags
Flatware on HGTV Canada
I occasionally contribute to the HGTV.ca Style Sheet blog. This week I posted a Top 5 post that may be of interest to readers of this blog — flatware trends!
Top 5 Friday: Colours, Patterns & Wood: Flatware Trends
8 tags
Glassware with Colour: Speckles & Streaks
Something about the summer makes me look at every cup, goblet, or tumbler and wonder what drink would be best to drink from it. Mostly it’s alcoholic. Actually, I may just be looking at every glass and wondering if I’d like to drink beer from it. Regardless, these pretty tumblers just make me want an ice cold glass of water.
Above, clockwise: Granata Glasses from Crate &...
3 tags
A Lovely Meal, A Lovely Plate
It was insanely hot this past week here inToronto. We managed to survive, for the most part, without air conditioning. Save for one day (the hottest of them all), where we just ended up taking cover at the mall.
We ended up eating at Trattoria Mercatto in the mall, and I snapped a quick pic of the side plate on the table. I love it when a restaurant does something other than white. It can be a...
5 tags
All Things Gold: 3 Items to Make Your Tabletop...
I’m up early and it’a gorgeous sunny, day, so posting some gold items seems appropriate, don’t you think?
Above: rustic and simple gold lip dish from upintheairsomewhere’s Etsy shop
Above: On the left, Bamboo dinnerware from Juliska at Barney’s. On the right are gold-plate Euro Beads flatware from Horchow. I love the look of the gold on this traditional...
4 tags
Sleek Cutlery with Black Handles
Two-toned cutlery used to be really off putting to me, mostly because a lot of the stuff that was out there was plastic-handled and cheesy.
There are a lot more sleek and modern options available now, like this five-piece place setting from Yamazaki at Macy’s ($60 per setting).
This set is quite elegant. And most importantly, it doesn’t have the feel of any of that gaudy...
6 tags
Tiers of Joy: Ornate & Simple 2- & 3-Tier Cake...
I just love multi-tiered cake stands! My mother gave me a gorgeous Christmas one adorned with poinsettias and every year I look for a reason to bring it out. I’ll have to take a picture and share it around the holidays. But tonight as I was browsing around my favourite dinnerware sites, a cake stand caught my eye and I decided to do a little round-up of some of my favourites.
Above:...
4 tags
Make Cotton Candy at Home
The logical person in me thinks this is perhaps one of the most unnecessary kitchen gadgets ever made.
The kid in me thinks this is something that would elevate my social status on the school yard. I can just image a heated recess encounter now…
Mean Kid, “You’re ugly.”
Me, “Yeah, well I have a cotton candy maker in my house.”
Clearly that makes the winner....
5 tags
Kitchen Tool: Rotary Peeler
I was just thumbing through the July issue of Better Homes & Gardens after work when I saw this super little gadget featured. It’s a rotary peeler from Joseph Joseph. It’s three peelers in one, and it comes in three colours: green, pink and grey.
Personally, I’ve never felt the need to have more than your standard potato peeler, but this gets me excited about garnishing. Is...
7 tags
All Things Kids: Adorable Tabletop Items for Tots
This past weekend was all about kids. I flew home for the weekend for a wedding and spent much of it with my three year-old niece, and a good chuck of a day with my friend and her six-month old.
Naturally, I’ve got kids on the brain and so I started seeking out some adorable dishes, of course. Here are some of the cutest items I’ve come across:
Above, left to right: Marimekko Bo...
6 tags
2 New and Unique Flatware Sets: Crocodile &...
Generally I save most of my gushing for unique dinnerware, but I love these two new flatware sets I’ve recently come across. On the left, is a new set from Lauren by Ralph Lauren at $50 for a five-piece place setting from Horchow. On the right is the Dubost olivewood 20-piece set for $200 at Sur La Table.
The Lauren set has a unique (for flatware) crocodile pattern that I think translates...
5 tags
Fiesta Dinnerware Celebrated on a Stamp
The US Postal Service recently announced that it’s celebrating pioneers of American industrial design with 12 new stamps. Among the stamps, is one featuring two Fiesta Disc Pitchers.
Two other dinnerware design classics are featured in the collection: Russell Wright’s stainless steel Highlight/Pinch flatware and Peter Muller-Monk’s Normandie Pitcher.
You can see all the...
5 tags
Tray Love: 3 Serving Trays from Marimekko
I really can’t get enough of serving trays. They can do so much more than just serve, really. They can organize your clutter in a more fashionable way. They can be art on a kitchen shelf. They can even anchor an otherwise cluttered area (like, if you put all of your wine glasses one one tray and wine bottles on another).
So with the multi-purpose justification out of the way, I’ll get...
6 tags
All Things Houndstooth: 4 Etsy Finds
I’ve been curating a small houndstooth pinboard over on Pinterest. I really like the pattern, but I don’t see a whole lot of it. So I decided to spend some time on Etsy this afternoon and I found some adorable items worth sharing.
I think my favourite is the set of bamboo coasters. Love the look of the houndstooth on wood!
Clockwise, from top left: bamboo coasters from...