So, a bit of a domestic tragedy happened yesterday. My entire upper cabinets fell off the wall, dumping over 10 years of collected tableware (dishes, teacups,
Corningware, etc) into the floor in quite a awe-inspiring crash.
After the
initial shock wore off, and I began the clean-up process, I began to think through the little stories that surrounded the dishes that were now in paper bags.
It's a pity that my first post has to address this unpleasantness, but I hope that what you take away is a little love story for the items I spent so long collecting. What I had wasn't terribly fancy, but carried a lot of memories.
There was the single, lovely and oh so
delicate teacup and saucer that I purchased when I first
moved to New York City from
Tiffany & Co of Fifth Ave. Upon my move from VA, several of my dear lady friends had given me a $50.00 gift certificate to the famous jeweler, and although it was a remarkably generous amount for VA, could get precious little from the famous store without major
supplementation. After many months of contemplation (those were lean days in the beginning), I opted to
purchase a perfect china cup and saucer in it's summer pattern. I remember the day it came via UPS. When I opened the shipping box, I was greeted with their oh-so-
distinctive blue box with it's silky white ribbon. That was a special day. Ever since then, if I needed a special pick me up, I would select that wonderful little cup with its
delicate fireflies and ladybugs from the cabinet and drink my tea and remember home.
Another set of teacups that I will sorely miss were from London, purchased
at
Whittard of Chelsea. These were much less expensive than the
Tiffany cup (unless you take into account the exchange rate between pounds and dollars, but that's a discussion for another day!) These were my favorite because of their lively pattern. Although the picture on the right isn't exactly the same pattern, it's the same make and general series.
There were others too of course, the white dish set that had followed me around from VA to several NYC apartments, and had served me well. My grandma's antique
Corningware casserole dishes, several perfectly deep bowls that had accompanied me on lazy Saturday mornings with cereal and cartoons, and so many mugs that I can't mention them here.
It was a great personal loss, but at the same time a reminder about holding loosely the things we love. Just because they're gone, doesn't mean they're forgotten.
own. Completely unrivalled, the African Chocolate is everything it's cracked up to be (and you should trust me on this... I'm a skeptic!) Presented at your table in their signature china, it comes complete with chocolate pot, cup, saucer, and fresh whipped cream to top off your chocolate treasure. For those who love a bit of the dark stuff, it's a choc-o-holic dream-- almost thick enough to stand your spoon upright. For those of you who can take or leave sweets (who ARE you?) it's dark enough to temper the indulgence with a hint of bitterness, just as God intended it.
Angelina should not be ignored. Perched directly behind the Jardin de Tullieries along the Rue Rivoli, this lovely old-world cafe welcomes guests into an ambiance of decadence and comfort. Full of light and greeted with a display case of petit-fours and other assorted pastries, it's a dream of elegance and indulgence. They have a wonderful, full menu with several choices ideal for a Sunday brunch, and any sidewalk weary traveller will certainly find Angelina a welcome respite from pounding the pavement. Centrally located, this site is within strolling distance to many of the notable sites in Paris, making Angelina Maison De L Afrique an excellent choice for a late lunch or early dinner, perhaps on your way from Palais Garnier to la Tour Eiffel. 
For all of you who imagine wearing billowy gowns, and greeting your guests at the door in your domestic splendor, perhaps with appetizers on a silver charger (and you know who you are!), I offer you Heavenly Hostess. 
Don't think that the women will have all the fun... On the site, you'll also find chef aprons and bib aprons fit for the grilling King in your castle. No "kiss the cook" aprons here- oh, no. You'll find groovy patterns and mod dots that will keep your sense of style intact. 
It's a strange age when most people connect with others digitally. Where 50 years ago, people had front porch conversations, now we have chat rooms and blackberries and (heaven help us) blogs. We can't underestimate the power of face to face connection.
So, a bit of a domestic tragedy happened yesterday. My entire upper cabinets fell off the wall, dumping over 10 years of collected tableware (dishes, teacups, Corningware, etc) into the floor in quite a awe-inspiring crash.
moved to New York City from Tiffany & Co of Fifth Ave. Upon my move from VA, several of my dear lady friends had given me a $50.00 gift certificate to the famous jeweler, and although it was a remarkably generous amount for VA, could get precious little from the famous store without major supplementation. After many months of contemplation (those were lean days in the beginning), I opted to 
purchase a perfect china cup and saucer in it's summer pattern. I remember the day it came via UPS. When I opened the shipping box, I was greeted with their oh-so-distinctive blue box with it's silky white ribbon. That was a special day. Ever since then, if I needed a special pick me up, I would select that wonderful little cup with its delicate fireflies and ladybugs from the cabinet and drink my tea and remember home.
