The Peach Martini

A Few of My Favorite Things…Pottery & Dishes

Growing up my maternal grandmother always had a huge china cabinet – the smooth, dark wood finish contrasted the pristine white dishes nicely. The glass windows were always free of fingerprints and streaks. I don’t know if the dishes were meaningful, or if they were passed down from previous generations – they didn’t look that way – but it was always a treat to be able to use them for our holiday meals.

Now, I never really fancied myself as a fine china person – nothing too delicate and fancy that I would be devastated if something were to happen to them. I do love a nice set of matched or coordinating dishes that can be used for special occasions and serve double duty as lovely art pieces when stored in my less-than-majestic cabinet (no pun intended….ok, yeah, that pun was intended, I’m not going to lie.)

It would make sense to me that my love for handmade treasures and my love for vintage anything would come in to play when I’m browsing for various dishes and pottery items. I love to wander the local antique stores, but often their prices are too high for what they’re selling. Etsy has a lovely assortment of handmade items as well as vintage, and today I’d like to share some of my favorites with you…

Lilac Plates – handcrafted by HappyLake

Lilac Plates, handcrafted by HappyLake.etsy.com

These plates are very pretty, while still seeming durable and usable. The lilac detail is not overly flowery and showy; it’s a simple design that doesn’t over power the dish. I would purchase this item and display it as art rather than it’s intended function. (available in HappyLake’s Etsy shop for $14.00 for both; there are also matching bowls, mugs, and a platter).

Cupcake Stands – handcrafted by Michelle Miller

Individual Cupcake Stands crafted by MichelleMiller.etsy.com

Ok, so I may be a bit biased toward these since I (heart) cupcakes (don’t know if you realized that…), but I really think these would be a fun addition to any kitchen. Even if you aren’t a cupcake fan (please, don’t tell me…we might not be able to be friends. Just kidding! (sort of)) these clever dishes could be used – as suggested by the seller – for jewelry, candles, etc. These could make great gifts paired with a nice candle! (available from michellemiller’s Etsy shop for $8.00 each; this particular listing is for peach colored dish, but she has others listed)

Light Green and White Pitcher – handcrafted my MandyBeeCreations

Light Green and White Pitcher crafted by MandyBeeCreations.etsy.com

While this pitcher is smaller than usual, I love the speckled look to it. The colors are creamy and calming, and would suit any décor I think. Perfect for cream, salad dressings, or simply used as a vase for your spring time blooms, I think this pitcher would get a lot of mileage in any household. (available in MandyBeeCreations Etsy shop for $20.00 – check out her other listings – they’re so fun and whimsical!)

And now for the vintage items…

Butter and Sky Vintage Dessert plates – MaryandGrace

Butter and Sky Vintage Dessert Plates from MaryandGrace.etsy.com

Just look at those colors!! These Hazel Atlas Depression Era dessert plates add a nice pop of color to any collection – be it for use or display. In fact, these might not last too much longer, the more I stare at them. J Every one can use dessert plates – I can see them mounted on the wall of a kitchen or dining nook, in a similar pattern to what is displayed in the photo. They would look delicious on a plain white wall, or a nice bone or ivory color too. (Yep, I think I talked myself into this one…even though my walls are neither white, nor ivory.) (Available from MaryandGrace’s Etsy shop for $16.00 for the set of 4.)

Fire King Vintage Peach Lustre Teacups (set of 5) – carlesther

Fire King Peach Lustre Depression Glass Teacups from CarlEsther.etsy.com

Just look at these beauties! I don’t care if you drink tea, coffee, or vodka out of these babies – you have to agree that they just put a smile on your face (ok, no, you don’t HAVE to agree. But it would be much obliged). Never mind that I’m a java junkie…never mind that I am obsessed with vintage…never mind that I am the Peach Martini…these teacups are the bee’s knees! Originally produced in the 1940’s, Fire King was made for every day use rather than display. I could actually see these becoming sweet little flower or herb pots for your window sill or some such thing…I just love them! (available from carlesther’s Etsy shop for $22.00 for the set)

Amber Pedestal Depression Glass Cake Plate – Vintage from HausProud

Amber Depression Glass Cake Stand from HausProud.etsy.com

I love me some Depression glass…and I love me some cake. So I suppose it’s appropriate that I would love this amber tinted cake plate, no? Yeah. I mean, no. What?! Before I confuse myself any more, lets talk about the cake plate. It’s a lovely shade of pale amber and would work well with many décor options. It’s a decent 10” in diameter too, according to the listing, so it would fit your normal size cake or even a pie if you’re feeling adventurous. Mmm…pie… (available in HausProud’s Etsy shop for $26.00)

Ok…I think I’ve shared enough of my favorites with you today…tell me, what are some of your favorite pottery or glass dishware pieces?