While mixing and matching clothing is something I'm adept at, mixing ingredients into yummy food and constructing beautiful tableware set has never really been my forte. Luckily the Craven Maven is here with some gorgeous suggestions and selections from Anthropologie's expansive home section. If you haven't checked out Craven Maven's blog you're missing out on some beautiful photography and delectable vignettes on food, decorating and compiled curiosities. If you're interested in writing a guest post please email me or click the "contact" link near the top of the blog. On to the guest post...
Hi guys. I am really psyched to do this review of Anthropologie's kitchen and dining wares...like most of you I am a fan of everything Anthro and it takes some fierce will power to not walk out of the store with one of almost everything. As I have a foodie blog, of sorts, my review is geared towards the experience of all things used in the arena of cooking and eating. So without further ado...
...I remember once reading a post by Roxy that said that if you are tempted to buy an item of clothing and can't think of 3 things it goes with then consider putting it back! Dressing your kitchen often needs similar rules - otherwise you could end up with a flea market looking collection (unless that's what you intended! Then its ok). So one of my personal rules is to have a set colour scheme for table ware and as long as an item is one of those colours, its an option to buy, if it isn't then its something to 'gift' someone else! My colour palette is white, green and pumpkin orange. So I was very pleased to see that some of Anthro's latest kitchen/dining collection contains my signature shades!!
I saw this place setting at the SOHO location..it has a great summery sunshiney vibe to it, and got me psyched for the potential of summer outdoor dining! Just as Anthro are good with unique layer options with clothing, the same rings true for the table. This is an interesting arrangement of the Slice Persimmon Dinner Plate ($18) as the base dish, followed by the bird on a wire salad plate, ($16) topped with a bright yellow latte bowl ($5). I honestly would never have thought of putting together this combination, but it would be absolutely gorgeous for an outdoor summer dinner party. The basketweave jute placemat ($18) grounds the setting nicely - it's thicker than I expected and adds a nice rustic air, while the Island Time juice glass ($12) punches some carribean flair and summer sun into the mix.
This green and white setting, also at the SOHO store, made me think of the 'enchanted forest dinners' I used to dream about having as a child. (Can you tell i've ALWAYS been a Anthro loving foodie??). One of the things that drew me to this setting was the Lovina Placemat ($8) that I had been coveting online..I was disappointed to find that it is extremely thin in person..it could truly only serve as a decorative item as it wouldn't do much to protect a table from spills and upsets.
The Nymphea dinner plate ($16) however, is so beautifully detailed I almost couldn't contain myself..notice that little 'lip' on the plate? It's because they are actually large 'lily pads'! Such a fantastical idea - topped with the Amphibia Salad Plate ($12) which has a lovely embossed lizard detail around the edge and a very pattern conscious Wax Work salad plate ($12). Truly a setting that is timeless and will make even the worst of cooks look somewhat talented as nothing could look bad on these plates. I think there is a strong chance I am going to buy the Nymphea dinner plates. (The bowl pictured in the polaroid is not online nor in the store any longer! If anyone identifies what it is...let me know!!).
Finally, for those looking to spend a little less, looking to accessorize or looking for a gift, there are some wonderful odds and ends to choose from. For the eco-conscious music loving friend of yours there is the Magno Radio ($248). For each tree taken to make these radios, one is replanted in it's place. It also has an ipod jack which is pretty much vital to any music playing device nowadays.. For the health conscious, another one that I am adding to my shopping cart, the Petit dejeuner juicer ($24). I found it surprisingly heavy and robust - perfect for the strong armed, juicemaking enthusiast.
I love to bake and have a very practical set of nestling cup measures, but these Florist Nestling cups ($36) are to die for. They are vibrant and colourful all round and in the shape and shade of a variety of flours..(pun intended!). A great gift for someone who loves to bake in a pretty environ. Being a Brit, I pretty much have tea running through my veins and have tea breaks oh too many times during the day (shh, don't tell my boss!). During these breaks I wish I had the Produce Stand sugar and creamer ($12 each) have a funky Colonial vibe, the creamer especially is very tactile, with ridges and bumps to simulate the appearance of a pineapple. Finally, the cutest salt and pepper shaker out there...Parrot Partners shakers ($12) a couple lil birdies for your table!
*The book in the picture is called Canal House Cooking and isn't available on the Anthro site, but is available at Terrain.com. If you will be near Terrain on Thursday 11th March, the authours of Canal House Cooking will be popping by from 6p-8p for a book signing and tasting. Register here to attend.
