Crate and Barrel Loot

First off, I went back and forth about whether or not to post the loot I've been getting as bridal shower gifts on top of posting all the details from my wedding and telling stories about my life and.... it all seems a bit self-absorbed. Is it getting hot in here? I'm feeling flushed.

But then I thought What kind of blog isn't a bit self-indulgent. I mean here I am writing about my world. Me. Me. Me. So, I'll be balancing it out by posting some more food posts. It'll be the food I like and my thoughts on it. See, its not all about me. Sometimes its about the things I eat.

Also, I wouldn't want the givers of these gifts to think I'm not over-the-top excited about them... because I am. So here goes.



Can we take a moment to admire this box? Isn't that the best idea . This was painted by May. May is my friend Amy's mom. Amy and I have gone to shcool together since kindegarten. May has suffered many years with us girls, she was my confirmation sponsor and obviously a great artist as well.


Inside the box were my new plates! They might go this way.


Or this way. No that doesn't look right at all. I love the unique shape. I've already gotten rid of our old chipped Ikea plates and placed these lovingly in my cupboards.

I love colored china but is there anything better than a pretty white background for your food picks?



Love these champagne flutes. I do believe that my champagne will taste better having been sipped from these flutes.

Oh and bellinis! Who wants to come over for some peach bellinis? Its been in the 80-90's around here so we could use a refeshing beverage.

I'd also like to say that I hate the type of blinds you can see in the background. Oh the joys of living in an apartment.



Ooooh shiny! On the top we have the big platter B picked out. In the middle is the plate I just love... its sort of weird and crooked like me.

On the bottom is a plate with tasting spoons! Basically you put a little morsel of whatever on there and use it to serve appetizers that wouldn't be your typical easy finger foods. Like ahi tartare OR a seared scallop with a bit of sauce OR fresh sorbet to cleanse your palate between courses OR mini caprese salad OR a slice of caramalized banana topped with chocolate mouse OR... the possibilites are endless.



My purty silverware.. its called Twist. Thats because at the bottom it has a twist. You didn't see that coming, did you?

Side Note: I was originally thinking I would do various plates and dishes and the same flatware. Then I started pricing the jadeite and milk glass that I loved. Then I started taking pictures of food and realized I do love the white and its more affordable (sometimes). Then I saw PW post with the mismatched flatware and decided I would start to collect that as well. (and then, and then)

In summary, I want everything.


That, my dears, is a cupcake carrier! The bottom is the cupcake tin you can bake in and the top layer is a plastic tray. Who has a good cupcake recipe?



I actually put this all out and gave B a presentation when he got home. I was wearing my apron of course... which he got really excited about until he realized it was just for show and I wasn't cooking anything.

Clarification: I was wearing the cupcake apron, not the one with the tickler.

B has been lovingly caressing and seasoning that cast iron skillet for days now. I may have to hide that thing soon. Also note the fondue set, tart pan, appetizer plates, tear drop plate and the gadgets!



I almost left this plate out! I've already used it and put it away.

FYI: Regardless of the fact that B and I have never had a dinner party we will use all of this. We rotate between eating directly out of the pot while standing in the kitchen (its a despicable habit, I know) and setting a beautiful table with all of our food displayed on pretty dinnerware.



OK be honest here... How many of you use the dinnerware you received for your wedding?