These days, it seems that every other person we meet is raising a flock of backyard chickens, tending to a vegetable garden, or at least browsing their local farmers market for the perkiest produce. With so much emphasis placed on our food's provenance, it only seems natural to become more interested in the origin of the plates and platters on which our favorite dishes are served. In that spirit, we're making a pointed effort to extend the movement to our dinnerware collection by shopping from the plethora of dinnerware producers based in the good old USA.
The Right Way to Store Servingware
At some point in your life, chances are, you'll be investing in a set of new servingware. But not all ceramics are created equal, and based on the formality and type of dinnerware, it might make sense for you to store some of your high-end china.
If you're tending to ceramics and silverware incorrectly, the odds are stacked against you, and you'll likely run into snafus in years to come. Want to preserve your fancy ceramics and silverware for life? Follow these instructions for packing with care when you read more.
Do You Own a Cupcake Stand?
Although it may be frivolous, I have a tiered cupcake stand. Since I host a lot of parties, it gets put to good use. It's more versatile than one would think and can display everything from cupcakes and cookies to sliders and canapes. Do you have one?
Trend Alert: Monogrammed Dinnerware
There was a time when monogrammed dinnerware was reserved for Southern Belles and traditional homemakers. Today, everyone is getting in the game of having their everyday plates and fine china painted with their initials. As wedding season gears up, you may even find a few ambitious registries seeking out their own personalized tableware. Monogramming is pretty, but pairing personalization with porcelain does not come cheap — these lovely Birds on a Wire Dessert Plates are $75 for a set four ceramic dishes. In the end it's just a small price to pay for eating off your very own words.
Here are a few more of my favorites.
Off to Market: Pitcher
While I'm a huge fan and advocate of pitcher drinks, it recently came to my attention that I don't own a pitcher! From sangria to lemonade, I plan on making a lot of concoctions this Spring and Summer and it's high time I invested in a sturdy, yet stylish pitcher. Can you help me find one? Here's what I need you to do: search the Internet for pitchers and when you come across something you think I'll like, bookmark it in the Off to Market group in the YumSugar Community. This will allow me to share your discoveries with everyone. It's super easy and really fun, so start looking for pitchers now!
Interested in learning more about bookmarking? Check out the complete instructions here. To look a list of my favorite online stores keep reading.
Pop-Off Utensil Party Plate: Love It or Hate It?
Never worry about having your hands full at a holiday soirée with this snap-off party plate ($8 for four). Perfect for cocktail parties, each of these 10-by-10-inch plates comes with a knife, a fork, and a spoon that detach — and reattach — onto the plate. And yes, there's a notch just for your wine glass, too. I think the concept beats that of the wine necklace — although I generally avoid plastic servingware if possible, and question how reusable and eco-friendly these plates are. What do you think?
Half Pint Creamer: Love It or Hate It?
Coffee with cream gets cheeky with this clear glass Half Pint Creamer ($15). It's molded to look like a cardboard carton of half-and-half but with a more sophisticated effect. Would you give it a pour?
Off to Market: Serving Tray
With the weather warming up, I've turned my attention to alfresco entertaining. Last weekend, I suggested my guests and I grab our cocktails and appetizers and head out to the patio. There was a lot to carry and on my third trip back to the kitchen, I couldn't help but wonder why I don't own a stylish serving tray? Can you help me find one? Look for a large chic tray with edges to ensure that nothing slides off during transit. Save the trays in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Serving Tray. I'm excited to see your discoveries!
Geeksugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark on TeamSugar.
Not sure where to start looking? Be inspired by some of my favorite online stores when you read more
Yummy Links: From Strawberries to Serving Pedestals
- Learn how to properly cook with rhubarb and strawberries.
- Learn how to properly cook with rhubarb and strawberries. — Epicurious
- What makes a great bartender? — The Atlantic
- One reviewer wonders: are newspaper restaurant critics becoming obsolete? — Serious Eats
- Celebrate the Obama's 100th day in the White House with a delicious dinner menu. — Chow
- A wreath made out of radishes is a surprising Spring decoration. — The Kitchn
- When it comes to perfect plating, white pedestal servers are incredibly versatile. — Simply Stated


