Friday, January 08, 2010

Do we ever have enough?

Astier de Villatte, 173 rue Saint Honore, Paris


Beautiful white-glazed earthenware based on designs from the 18th and 19th centuries.


I am not speaking about money, but all the extra elements that complete a well planned meal......dishes, serving pieces, tabletop luxuries..... those gorgeous accessories that make our meals taste more delicious than they appear. I have a passion ( big time) for any tabletop piece...it can be plates, cups, napkin rings, teapots, cups and saucers, crystal-you get the picture.
Throughout the holidays, I spent some time viewing blog sights of different shops and designers. I found a plethora of tabletop settings that almost caused me cardiac arrest a few times. How can there be so many beautiful pieces of china, ceramics, earthenware and porcelains produced and there are still more to come. Where does all this talent come from?
Having owned a shoppe or two with similar products, I'm constantly on the lookout for something calming and elegant that would suit my lifestyle today. I visited this shop in Paris last month and stole a few shots. I hate it when they have signs saying, no photos....some day I am going to get caught. Regardless, I got the shots that I wanted to share. It is worth the visit to stop in and view the beautifully designed earthenware if you are in the area.

12 comments:

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

Makes me want to pop over and make a purchase! Over the holidays I was taking inventory of my cake stand collection. It's a little out of control ...

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

There are so many things in that little shop I couldn't resist, starting with the two teared scalloped one in the second photo. I'm one of those people who can't get enough of beautiful things.
Sam

Simona Carini said...

Happy New Year, Jann. These are very nice photos.

Penny said...

I have the same passion. Happy New Year Jann.

Christine said...

Great photos, Jann. I can't be absolutely sure, but I think I've passed by that shop. Are there windows to the street? Didn't go in though; I already have too much stuff from a lifetime of collecting.
Happy New Year to you!

Erin said...

My husband always makes fun of me for looking at platters & serving bowls at any home or kitchen shop we go into, but it's something I can't resist! The stuff in that shop looks so beautiful. They know how to do things right in Paris!

Barb said...

Hi Jann,

Thank you for stopping by. I adore Susan's books. How fortunate you are to have attended a cooking class with her. One of these days...
Hubby loves to cook also so he is very interested. Always a good sign-hehe.

Hugs,
Barb

P.S. I think I would still be in that shop. Amazing

Katie Zeller said...

I need to find that shop! I love beautiful dishes with all sorts of designs.... But, when it comes to serving the food, I want white. Well-designed, interesting, but white. My colorful dishes are on display - and maybe used in summer, outdoors....re

Unknown said...

I need to find that shop, too! I'm with Katie on white dishes.

Oh, the shops of Paris...

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

Gosh, I could almost swear I've stood outside that window looking in! White is just so classic and always seems right.

laura may said...

Just beautiful. Such classic pieces. You have a great eye. Keep up the lovely work.

lm.x

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Enzie