
I think Tala could offer empty boxes and I'd still be tempted to buy them. While you may not be looking forward to Valentine's Day, the Tala Pancake Making Set will have you impatient for February 16th. With a fantastic retro style, Tala transforms basic kitchen utensils into vintage inspired glamour. The Pancake Making Set includes a non-drip dispenser, a heart shaped ring, and a special aluminium pancake pan. Perfect for those who struggle to flip pancakes, the two-sided non-stick pan lets you pour in the batter, close the lid and the turn the entire pan over. A great addition to both Valentine's and Pancake Day, the Tala Pancake Making Set is £18 from Debenhams.
Tala Pancake Making Set - £18
Posted by Kate on February 9, 2010 12:03 AM
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I don't know about you, but I've had enough of snow and I'm already looking forward to summer. If you want to make the most of the fine weather, the Guzzini Pic Boll is a brilliant choice. A contemporary update of a classic 70s design, the Pic Bol features the bright trendy colours Guzzini is famous for. Inside the frosted white ball fit an impressive six place settings, making it great for impromptu parties. The set includes:
2 Containers • 1 Tray • 6 Flat Plates • 6 Deep Plates
6 Fruit Plates • 6 Beakers
A compact picnic set perfect for alfresco parties, the Guzzini Pic Boll is £66.90 from Forma House.
Guzzini Pic Boll - £66.90

Posted by Kate on February 7, 2010 12:06 AM
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The fabulous @lipsticklori (Twitter) found the Tea Sub and I just had to share it with you. Reminiscent of the famous Beatles movie, this cheerful submarine dives to the bottom of your mug to brew your favourite tea. The nose of the silicone sub opens so you can fill it with loose tea, while the round pierced portals let water in to mix freely with the leaves. Suspended from a thin metal chain and hook, it's easy to rescue from the water when your tea is brewed. A quirky gift for tea lovers, the Yellow Tea Sub is £7.95 from Gift Lab.
The Yellow Tea Sub - £7.95
Posted by Kate on February 5, 2010 12:07 AM
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My mum has just moved into one of those huge American RVs where space is a prized commodity. Rather than leave their old silver service in storage, she's decided that that they may as well use it. She called me a couple of months ago looking for Silver Cloth Cutlery Rolls to store their knives, forks and spoons. Not only will it protect the cutlery, it will keep everything from rattling around while on the road. At the time they were impossible to find, but now that she's made her own, Lakeland have found these lovely blue Anti-Tarnish Cutlery Rolls. The soft cotton fabric is impregnated with a 'secret formula' of ionic salts that prevent your silver from tarnishing. Just slip your tableware into the individual pockets and then fold the top down before you roll it up. If you have larger items like serving spoons or candle sticks there is a matching drawstring bag made from the same anti-tarnish cloth. A space efficient way to store and protect your tableware, the Anti-Tarnish Cutlery Roll is £12.99 while the Serving Spoon Bag is £9.99 from Lakeland
Anti-Tarnish Cutlery Roll - £12.99
Anti-Tarnish Serving Spoon Bag - £9.99
Posted by Kate on February 4, 2010 12:00 AM
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I love my Emma Bridgewater tableware, but save it for those special dinners and celebrations. Just the times when these lovely platters would be so useful! At Christmas the Large Platter is perfect for serving a huge roast goose or turkey. The medium platter can serve up a whole roast chicken with potatoes and salad, fabulous for those special Sunday dinners. Finally the small platter is brilliant for presenting delicious sides or individual cakes. A fantastic addition to your holiday table, the Emma Bridgewater Platters are available individually or as a set of three in either the cheerful Polka Dot or the charming Black Toast.
Small Black Toast Platter - £24.95
Medium Black Toast Platter - £49.95
Large Black Toast Platter - £85.00
Nest of 3 Black Toast Platters - £159.90
Small Polka Dot Platter - £24.95
Medium Polka Dot Platter - £49.95
Large Polka Dot Platter - £85.00
Nest of 3 Polka Dot Platters - £159.90
Also in case you missed them last time, the Emma Bridgewater Bakers have been re-released! Click here to read the Kitchen Critic article and links!
Posted by Kate on February 3, 2010 12:00 AM
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With Valentine's just a few days off, these Gender Bread Cookie Cutters are a great idea. Create personalised cookies that symbolise your relationship or decorate them with your sweetheart's favourite candies. You could also make unique place settings for a Valentine's Day dinner party or have a fun decorating party for children. Available in two styles the Gender Bread cookie cutters feature either two boys or a boy and a girl holding hands. Designed in the UK, the Gender Bread Cookie Cutter is £7.95 from Gift Lab.
Gender Bread Cookie Cutter - £7.95
Posted by Kate on February 2, 2010 12:07 AM
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I often feel bad for blokes that like to cook. There seems to be an assumption that only women buy things for the kitchen, so there is a lot of pastels and cupcakes splashed across everything. The Hairy Bikers are now working to even up the balance with their new collection of cookware. The Hairy Biker Pestle and Mortar for example is finished in cobalt blue glaze that offers a masculine style. The inside of the Mortar is unglazed, revealing the cream stoneware. The unusual mortar shape allows the matching pestle to rest on either side and gives it a distinctive profile. Available from John Lewis, the Hairy Biker Pestle and Mortar is £25.
Hairy Bikers Pestle & Mortar - £25
Posted by Kate on February 1, 2010 12:06 AM
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Gadgets are great, but it's even better when they look gorgeous too! This cute retro toaster from M&S is a perfect example. With a streamlined form, the toaster recalls the glamorous cars of the 40s & 50s. The Ruby & Midnight Toaster features extra wide slots, seven browning levels and a removable crumb tray. Available in a brilliant red and a sophisticated black, this classic styled toaster fits into both modern and vintage kitchens. Available from M&S, the Black Ruby & Midnight Toaster comes in either a two or flour-slot design.
M&S Ruby & Midnight Black 2-Slot Toaster - £29.50
M&S Ruby & Midnight Black 4-Slot Toaster - £39.50
M&S Ruby & Midnight Red 2-Slot Toaster - £29.50
Posted by Kate on January 29, 2010 12:05 AM
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We get lots of emails asking for cute retro storage containers. Unfortunately all the ones we've featured before sold out quickly, so I'm thrilled to find these new Floral Storage Tins from M&S. With bright gingham checks and sprinkles of small flower bunches, they have a pretty, retro style. Available in two sizes, there are matching tins for your cakes, as well as your tea & coffee. Available online from M&S, the Floral Storage Sets are £9.50 each.
Set of 2 Floral Cake Tins - £9.50
Set of Floral Storage Tins - £9.50
Posted by Kate on January 28, 2010 12:04 AM
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Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, so it's time to start making your plans. I'm not fond of the big pink hearts and over the top sentiment, so I love the subtlety of the John Lewis Hearts and Stripes Collection. The cream and brown material is accented with a woven stripe of tiny red hearts, and creates a Scandinavian inspired style. It's perfect for romantic dinners and can be used year round. Made in India from 100% cotton the Hearts and Stripes collection includes a runner, placemats and matching napkins. If even the cheery red is a bit much for you John Lewis also offer the pattern with Chocolate coloured hearts (Click 'Read More' for the Photo.)
Red Hearts & Stripes Napkin - £3.50
Red Hearts & Stripes Placemat - £4
Red Hearts & Stripes Runner - £12
Chocolate Hearts & Stripes Napkin - £3.50
Chocolate Hearts & Stripes Placemat - £4
Chocolate Hearts & Stripes Runner - £12
Continue reading "John Lewis Hearts and Stripes " »
Posted by Kate on January 27, 2010 12:06 AM
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