What a Cook Wants, 11

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A Platter with a Purpose

I like trees. They're strong and steady and their silence leads me to believe they're kind. This square recycled glass serving plate is graced with two trees and is made by hand in western Pennsylvania. The company that makes them donates 10% of their profits to CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Allegheny County, which is a volunteer organization of folks who advocate within the legal system for kids who've been neglected or abused.
A pretty platter that serves more than food sounds perfect for any season.
Trees Platter from Plates With Purpose, a 14-inch frosted recycled glass square, $72.

What a Cook Wants, 8

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The Sweetest Snowman in Town

We don't get a lot of snow in L.A., so there aren't many mountains of white stuff... well, unless you have a coke problem. Anyway, we have to get creative when it comes to snowmen: the Life of the Snowman by Maxim Velcovsky solves that problem very sweetly. Pour the sugar into the head and depending on your dulcet desires Frosty will melt slowly or quite fast!
Life of the Snowman by Maxim Velcovsky for Qubus, blown glass, $60.

What a Cook Wants, 2

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Plats de Poulet

It's true, chickens are the new black. Restaurants have them as decor/fresh egg providers, urban hipsters keep them as pets and let them freely roam in their backyards, they even make fun party guests.
Not everyone has the space or desire to raise chickens, but we can all enjoy their antics. These ceramic desert plates offer two fowl perspectives, one near, one far. It's just the right touch of silly for your sweets.
Marla Dawn Chicken Desert Plates, set of 4, $42.

What a Cook Wants, 6

A Rainbow of Cutlery
Throwing a great party comes down to the details. What I delight in at any shindig are the small, thoughtful touches. Sure there may be a taco bar, but the embroidery on the edge of the napkins? Fantastico!
That is why I love love love this festive cutlery. It's made by an Italian company of super-sturdy plastic and was inspired by some baroque flatware from the 19th century. The colors sing, and best of all? You can throw it in the dishwasher. Fabulous and eco-tastic? Let's get this party started!
Pandora Design's Baroque Plastic Deluxe Cutlery, $20 for 4-piece setting in a rainbow of colors.