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I love the charming simplicity of the Next Woodland Dinner Set. A polka dot pattern in a palette of creams, light greys and warm browns, the Woodland Set has soothing neutral style. But rather than plain, the Woodland pattern is pretty and decorative. Most of the pieces have a thick band of dots that ring the edge, while the side plates feature a cute dotty tree. A brilliant set for everyday use, the Woodland Dinner Set is great choice for relaxed modern kitchens. Dishwasher & microwave-safe, the 12-piece Woodland Dinner Set is £28 from the Next online store.
Next Woodland Dinner Set - £28
Posted by Kate on August 2, 2010 12:08 AM
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If your kettle and toaster are going to spend all their time on your counter, you want them to look good! I love the Next Patterned Toaster and Kettle. In a trendy pale blue, these appliances walk the line between retro and modern. Decorated with several rows of white dots, they have a vintage inspiration while not being twee. Accented in silver and black the Next appliances have a sharp contemporary feel. A great way to add fresh style to your kitchen the Pattern Twin Pack is £45 from the Next online store.
Next Pattern Kettle & Toaster Twin Pack - £45
Posted by Kate on August 3, 2010 12:08 AM
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The fun graphic style of these Next Retro Canisters is right out of the sixties. In a palette of trendy greens, each of the canisters features a different busy floral pattern, making them easy to distinguish. The containers are clearly labelled around the neck and are capped with real wood lids. A brilliant choice for retro divas, the Retro Canister Set is £24 from the Next online store.
Next Retro Canister Set - £24
Posted by Kate on August 4, 2010 12:03 AM
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Who doesn't love a bit of classic glamour in their lives? Whether you're hosting a fabulous dinner party or a posh ladies luncheon, this Monsoon Glass Cakestand adds a timeless elegance. Perfect for pretty cakes and finger sandwiches, two pressed glass plates are supported by a sweeping metal spindle. Inspired by the magic of an earlier decade, the Glass Cakestand is £18 from Monsoon.
Monsoon Glass Cakestand - £18
Posted by Kate on August 5, 2010 12:07 AM
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I love to see materials used to create beautiful and dramatic designs, like these Anolon Brunello Steak Knives. The wood handles are carefully carved and sculpted, revealing the lovely layers. Not only comfortable to use, the knives are a feast for the eyes. The warm natural wood with its organic lines and shapes offers a wonderful contrast to the sharp precision of the ice-hardened carbon steel. Carefully balanced with full tang construction, these high quality knives offer both durability and precision. Presented in a fetching beech presentation box, a set of six Anolon Brunello Steak Knives is £49.99 from Cook in Style.
Anolon Brunello Steak Knife Set - £49.99
Posted by Kate on August 6, 2010 12:07 AM
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Despite being the longest and hottest summer we've seen in years, there have been very few barbeques. Everyone's been so busy, I think we may have to arrange one ourselves. I'm really tempted by the new and affordable Bodum Fyrkat Barbecue. A brightly coloured compact grill, the Fyrkat is perfect for cooking on the beach, patio or where ever you'd like to go. The tubular steel legs snake around the base of the enamel coated body, which is capped with a heat resistant silicone handle, protecting your fingers! Available in three fabulous colours, the Bodum Fyrkat is £35.99 from Lakeland.
Orange Fyrkat Barbecue - £35.99
Green Fyrkat Barbecue - £35.99
Black Fyrkat Barbecue - £35.99
Posted by Kate on August 9, 2010 12:08 AM
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When you're cooking there are hundreds of facts, conversions and times to remember, and if you're like me, they are very easy to forget or mix up. So the new Apron Guide by Suck UK a brilliant reference. Always to hand, the apron is printed upside-down so you can read it while wearing it and unlike a cook book, it's easy to clean off those grubby fingerprints and messy splashes by just popping it in the wash. Whether you've forgotten how long to roast the Christmas turkey, or how long to steam the veg the Apron Guide is always ready to remind you. A great gift for new cooks, the Apron Guide is £12.95 from Prezzybox.
Apron Guide - £12.95
Continue reading "Apron Guides by Suck UK" »
Posted by Kate on August 10, 2010 12:04 AM
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Even though the Olympics is two years off, the sponsors are already selling 2012 themed products. Ulster Weavers have just released this bright & bold commemorative tea towel, starting the countdown. Many of the sports we look forward to watching are represented by small dynamic graphics alongside the controversial 2012 logo. I have to admit for me the colours bring back bad memories of the 80s. So if you'd prefer something more understated I've also found this vibrant London Tea Towel by Maria Dahlgren. Here she captures the essence of London in a bold graphic style. Both Tea Towels offer contemporary design, while celebrating the vitality of London.
Two Years To Go Linen Tea Towel - £7.50
Red Dahlgren London Tea Towel - £11.75
Mustard Dahlgren London Tea Towel - £11.75
Posted by Kate on August 11, 2010 12:01 AM
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If you were taken by Maria Dahlgren's tea towel yesterday, I just have to share these Cellulose Kitchen Cloths. A Swedish invention, Cellulose Kitchen Cloths are an everyday item found in homes across the country. A combination of wood & cotton fibres, the cloths are absorbent, machine washable, long lasting and even compostable. Decorated with Dahlgren's graphic London print, they add a contemporary style to your washing up. Available in Burnt Orange, Turquoise Blue and Grass Green, the London Cellulose Kitchen Cloths are £3.50 from Hus & Hem.
London Cellulose Kitchen Cloths - £3.50
Posted by Kate on August 12, 2010 12:00 AM
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I'm not usually fond of cutsie Salt and Pepper Shakers, but the new Squirrel Shakers from Cath Kidston are quite endearing. They remind me of the little figures you used to collect in boxes of tea; the way the rich fur texture is created through the glaze. Each Squirrel is munching on its own tasty nut, so they won't be squabbling on the table. Adorable critters that will charm both family and friends, the Squirrel Salt & Pepper Set is £15 from Cath Kidston.
Squirrel Salt & Pepper Set - £15
Posted by Kate on August 13, 2010 12:08 AM
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Summer is the season for fresh fruit and veg, and these bright and cheerful Mini Rose Colanders are brilliant for preparing small servings. Perfect for washing berries and herbs or simply displaying fruit on you countertop, the Mini Rose Colanders are an affordable way to bring fresh colours into your kitchen. The plastic bowls are pierced with a pretty spiral pattern in the base, while the petals of the plastic bowls act as handles. A vibrant modern design by Zak!, the Mini Rose Colanders are available in several colours from Amazon UK.
Red Rose Mini Colander - £5.96
Raspberry Rose Mini Colander - £5.96
Green Rose Mini Colander - £5.96
Orchid Rose Mini Colander - £5.96
White Rose Mini Colander - £5.96
Black Rose Mini Colander - £5.96
Posted by Kate on August 16, 2010 12:01 AM
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Haven't you always dreamed of grinding out pepper one handed? Well...maybe not, but the new Bodum Turnable Salt & Pepper Grinder is still cool. Vibrant and dynamic, the modern Bodum Grinder is coated in bright coloured slip-safe rubber, and arches expressively up from your table. An internal sensor notes its angle, and activates the powerful ceramic grater automatically when it's held over your plate. Fresh contemporary design, the Bodum Turnable Salt & Pepper Grinder from John Lewis adds a splash of colour to modern dining.
Red Bodum Turnable Grinder - £25
Green Bodum Turnable Grinder - £25
Pink Bodum Turnable Grinder - £25
Posted by Kate on August 18, 2010 12:07 AM
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For their 20th Birthday, OXO is returning to their roots. The Y-Peeler was the first tool developed for the Good Grips Range, and is still their most popular and best selling tool. To celebrate their anniversary OXO has created a festive red Y-Peeler that will be perfect for the Christmas holidays. OXO were kind enough to send us one in the post, and I have to admit I was impressed. The peeler cuts smoothly and more easily than you can imagine, removing only a wafer thin layer of skin. This ensures that you retain as many of the vitamins and nutrients just under the skin. You should soon see OXO Red Y-Peelers appearing in stores around the country, retailing for £5.50.
If you can't wait that long, you can get the Good Grips Y-Peeler in Black for £4.25 from Amazon UK.
OXO Good Grips Black Y-Peeler - £4.25
Posted by Kate on August 17, 2010 12:07 AM
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In a busy family home, it can be tricky to keep track of the shopping list. While you can try keeping a notepad nearby, we often find it's neglected. I wonder if these multi-coloured Shopping List Magnets would work better. Designed by letterpress printers, Harrington & Squires, each of these buttons lists a different kitchen staple. My only disappointment is that some key items are missing like carrots and biscuits! The Shopping List Magnet set includes 35 different magnets and is £20 from Not on the High Street.
Shopping List Magnets - £20
Posted by Kate on August 19, 2010 12:02 AM
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Baking came back in fashion when trendy ladies embraced the common cupcake transforming it into culinary art. But now the cupcake has gone mainstream, change is on the horizon. If you want to be on the leading edge of fashion you should check out the Whoopie Pie. A sweet American creation, it's really got bakers talking. Half cake and half cookie, the Whoopie Pie combines a spongy texture with sweet creamy filling. I'd place good money that soon you'll be seeing dramatically decorated Whoopie Pies popping up on foodie blogs in the near future. If you'd like to try your hand at these odd named treats, you can get a Whoopie Pie Pan from Firebox from £7.99 and a special Recipe book for £10.99.
Whoopie Pie Pan - £7.99
Whoopie Pie Book - £10.99
Posted by Kate on August 20, 2010 12:00 AM
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A while back someone asked us to suggest some contemporary placemats, and I've kept an eye out ever since. Today I found these pretty Cork Dinner Mats by Ferm. Decorated with a dynamic tree silhouette, these mats combine natural materials with an organic pattern. A brilliant contrast to the clean lines of your contemporary china, the Ferm Placemats will add depth and sophistication to your table. Available online from Scandiliving, a set of two Ferm Cork Placemats is £9.95
Set of Two Ferm Dinner Dinner Mats - £9.95
Posted by Kate on August 23, 2010 12:04 AM
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For a designer there nothing quite like flicking through a book of pantone colours. It promises such potential, holding the perfect combination of colours within its tabbed pages. So when Pantone created a line of kitchen products I was immediately enamoured. These Pantone Tins are their most recent addition. Great for cakes, cookies or even kitchen clutter, these designer tins offer modern style and organisation. Though each tin features the same white band around the bottom, there are seven different colours so you can easily tell them apart. A great way to tidy your kitchen and pantry in modern designer style, the Pantone Tins are £13.50 from Pedlars.
Pantone Tins - £13.50
Posted by Kate on August 24, 2010 12:04 AM
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Step back into the seventies with The Original Slush Mugs. The only place I know that still has slushy machines is the cinema where they cost a fortune, but the Slush Mug turns your favourite drinks into a delicious icy treat for pennies. Just place the white core in your freezer overnight. Once it's frozen pop it back in the mug and pour in your favourite drink. Stir for about five minutes and you'll have that fantastic cold texture you love. Unfortunately it's the sugar in the drinks that makes it slush, so low-cal diet drinks won't work, but there are plenty of other options. Mix up your favourite juices, sodas, alcoholic cocktails or even coffee for your own retro revival. Perfect for hot summer days, The Orignial Slush Mug is £8.99 from Firebox.
The Orignial Slush Mug - £8.99
Posted by Kate on August 25, 2010 12:07 AM
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If there is one thing Dan has an opinion on, it's toasters. As far as he's concerned, Warburton's is the only real bread and such all toasters should be designed to fit it. I think the new Tefal King Size Toaster might be exactly what he's looking for. Not only does this toaster take the taller loves, but it also gives thick doorstop slices an even browning. There's an extra high-lift feature so you'll never burn your fingers trying to fish out those smaller slices and eight browning settings, so you always get the perfect toast. It even features a scratch-resistant, fingerprint-proof stainless-steel finish, so it will always look good on your counters. A great choice for bread lovers, the Tefal King Size Toaster is £59.99 from Lakeland.
Tefal King Size Toaster - £59.99
Posted by Kate on August 27, 2010 12:06 AM
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When it comes to cooking there are two basic approaches, there are those that treat it like an art and those that approach it as a science. The artist love throwing ingredients together and consider recipes a loose guide, while the science types prefer exact measuring and clear instructions. The designers at Mode have taken this idea rather literally with their Earl Lab Flask Sets. Inspired by the iconic Erlenmeyer chemistry flask, the Earl sets bring a functional minimalism to contemporary tables.
The Earl Salt and Pepper set features a single hole through the corks, while the bigger Earl Oil & Vinegar set has stainless steel pourers running through the corks. The oil drizzler also has a breathing tube, so you'll always get a smooth flow whether you're shaking it over salad or cooking. Simple and quirky, the Earl Oil & Vinegar Set is £19.99 while the Earl Salt & Pepper Set is £9.99 both from Totally Funky.
Earl Salt & Pepper Set - £9.99
Earl Oil & Vinegar Set - £19.99
Posted by Kate on August 26, 2010 12:01 AM
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