Meeting Williams, Sonoma and Tiffany

Ciao Friends!  I’ve been Italy about 36 hours and am loving it.  The sun is a little intense but that’s easily rectified with a scoop or twelve of gelato.  May I suggest the cantaloupe?

My sister and I had an an easy today.  Mostly driving around and shopping.  This morning Cecilia told me she wanted to take me to specialty pottery store.  I agreed but I wasn’t sure it would be for me.  I don’t know if you noticed but our style is a little bit more modern than it is Italian or French Country.

Um, the store was amazing.  I mean just look.

 

Here are some of my favorites:

 

I really loved the basket and wanted it.  Then I turned it over and saw this

So apparently the factory/studio we went produces tableware for Willams Sonoma, Tiffany’s and a few European retailers.  And it turns out the basket was less than $30!

I ended up picking up a few things…

I got these for Thanksgiving.  I don’t usually invest in dishes I can only use once a year but I couldn’t pass on the price.  Each plate was only $2.50!  They will be perfect for sides.

I bought these 2 Tiffany’s platters that sort of go with the plates above.  They were only $15 for both.  Such a deal!

Our place settings at home are a simple white without a printed or carved design.  I’ve been keeping my eye out for fun accent dishes to dress them up.  I found these really cute dessert plates I’m sure will turn up at Anthropologie or something.  I liked the pink/orange ones featured above but they were a little too girlie.  I know, blue lace is just as girlie.

And of course, I had to get the the The ceramic basket.  I also got a few other things for Christmas presents. 

I know what you are thinking, something along the lines of me being nuts, right?  Don’t worry.  We’re not carrying this back to Seattle in our luggage.  My sister is going to be back in October and is going to bring my goodies back for me.  Amazing!!  OK, not entirely amazing since I won’t get to use any of it until October, but it’s totally worth it.

So, are you a fancy china/place setting kind of person or you like us and go for simple with fancy accessories?