I’ve never been great at picking basics. When given the choice, it’s hard for me to not fall for the shiniest thing on the shelf. While I think being drawn to the unique is a strength of mine, it can just as easily be a weakness – especially in design. I continue to say the greatest lesson I’ve learned in creating a home is the fact that not everything can be a stand out. In order for a story to be a good one, there must be a few stars with lots of supporting characters, and the same can be said for creating an environment you love to spend time in. Some things must be more quiet. Don’t get me wrong, just because they’re quiet doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful and well designed. In fact, I think it’s these pieces that really make a room truly great – because good design is always in the details.
When Micah and I were engaged I registered for dishes, like most bride-to-be’s did. Instead of picking something practical I opted for something that excited me: bright red, ceramic, glazed dinnerware. I lovedthat set at first, but it didn’t take long for me to be frustrated by the choice. While the quality was decent, the dishes didn’t match with anything else I had and most food just never looked very appetizing on them. They were perfect for holiday meals, but brought no joy to the day-to-day. I had taken for granted the need for basics.
I soon realized that having simple, white dishes wasn’t a boring thing, it was actually a really beautiful thing! All food looked wonderful on themfrom a meal that took me hours to make to a piece of freezer pizzaand they allowed me to mix and match other pieces in to change the look or feel I was going for. The problem at hand? It was hard to find something that was simple yet designed well, great quality to stand up to kids and the dishwasher, and reasonably priced. I ended up collecting random pieces from discount stores and the like, but never had a full set to feed a group of people. Within a month or two most of the pieces ended up with scratch marks or chips, and while I still preferred the white, it wasn’t something I was proud to serve food on.
APPETIZER PLATES | SALAD PLATES | FLATEWARE
When we renovated the kitchen I knew it was time to step the whole function of the space up. New kitchen essentials were on my list, and I found the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed pieces from Snowe. Snowecollaborateswith European manufacturers, using only the finest quality materials. Because they work directly with these factories, they are able to offer exceptional products at a lower cost.
It might be a work-from-home thing, but I use appetizer plates like it’s going out of style. I always have! I’m a grazer and eating all day long means smaller portions – these things keep me in check and are just easier to carry around. They’re perfect for cutting up veggies and giving to the kids while they watch me cook dinner too. The dishes are all made of Limoges porcelain and arenot only microwave and dishwasher safe, but oven safe too.
A good kitchen towel is hard to come by. This chef’s towel is big, durable, and beautiful.
My favorite part of the flatware is how nicely it cleans up. It’s rust resistant, 18/10 stainless and doesn’t spot or lose its luster even when your kids put it straight into the dishwasher covered in peanut butter. We’ve been using these for about four months now, and they still look good as new.
If you were to ask me what one thing every kitchen needed, regardless of style, inhabitants, needs, I would definitely say quality, well-designed, white dishes. Whether you’re getting them for yourself or for a gift wedding season is getting ready to pick back upthey’re a buy you’ll never regret. You can check out all of Snowe’s incredible products here.
What is your number one kitchen essential?
*This post is in partnership with Snowe, but all thoughts, opinions, and selections are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Makerista possible!
