We are big fans of Three Potato Four and other purveyors of well-curated vintage pieces. Vintage dishes and glassware are often unique and well-made, and exchanging vintage pieces instead of new seems both more meaningful and more green to us.
This Christmas my mother gave me vintage servingware scavenged from local antique shops, many of them in small towns in the area. Two favorites are pictured above - the perfect chubby cream pitcher (or gravy boat) and an elegant cake plate.
What were your favorite holiday gifts this year?
It wasn't kitchen-related, but my (lovely!amazing!total-keeper!) boyfriend gave me tickets to see Dave Brubeck live. I almost died on the spot. What a wonderful man!
view melanie's profile
You're so lucky to have a mom like that! That little pitcher is gorgeous.
I adore vintage serveware and dinnerware. I think every dish in my kitchen is vintage, except a set of pasta bowls.
Serving pieces are especially nice, as are the wonderful vintage Pyrex and Anchor covered glass refrigerator dishes.
Oh, for the days of the bargain pieces in thrift stores and yard sales. Everything's gotten so pricey, and found only in antique stores. Even as recently as '96 I found a set of Franciscan Metropolitan dinnerware from 1949 (and featured in a MOMA exhibit then) for $1 per piece in a California thrift store.
Them days is long gone, alas.
view magbot's profile
I love the tiny cream pitcher!
After much hemming and hawing, I asked for a Le Creuset enameled cast-iron skillet for Xmas. I thought it was a bit expensive and I'm so psyched that I actually got it! I have already used it more than any of my other pans, regular cast-iron OR nonstick, and I love it! I think this was where I first saw it reviewed, so thanks for the tip!
Also, for those less into the vintage stuff, we got a pair of mugs from here:
http://www.potterybybarisof.com/gallery.html
and we love them! The artists are a super nice couple and they always have open studios in the summer with snacks and music. They even make custom orders! Sorry I sound like a shill but I love my mugs!
view Anne (in Reno)'s profile
Kitchen-related gifts: egg-shaped timer, kitchen shears, tea mugs, and chocolate, if it counts.
view brittanykate's profile
I got a kitchen-aid! A cobalt blue one, with a pasta maker attachment, and a meat grinder.
view A Lady In Red's profile
that white and orange creamer is gorgeous! Your mom has a great eye.
view Sassy in SF's profile
My brother asked for a Global chef's knife, which I researched and bought for him. He let me try it, and I was swept away--I ordered one for myself. So sort of a gift, in a roundabout way. The only drawback was that I didn't know a relative was working at the local Sur La Table, and gets a 40% discount. So I paid much more on Amazon than I had to. But the knife is still lovely.
view Joan A.'s profile
A Lady In Red - Don't forget to flame your mixer!
view Joan A.'s profile