I have always admired your writing and your wonderfully creative approach to cooking and making a home. But in today's world there's something that feels a little tone-deaf about the process of no-expense-spared furnishing of the lovely new house and your kitchen. I admire your determination not to "cheap out," but an increasing number of people in this troubled country don't have that option.
Hi Chris, thanks for your note. I meant something slightly different -- that I don't want to rush into buying everything at once, which might encourage me to make quality compromises that I wouldn't make if I spaced out my purchasing -- but I get that it didn't come across that way. And I appreciate your point. Thanks for reading.
we need to find the place where it’s possible and helpful (and I guess where there’s a business model…) for discussions about the food, and habitations and “the stuff” that make life wonderful, lovely and ACCESSIBLE for people who live outside the bubble…. Suspect that this is not that place.
Hi Emilia, thanks for your note. I understand that this may not appeal to everyone -- while my renovation will be a consistent thread, I'm going to be writing about other people's homes, talking with experts, and covering the full landscape of what goes into creating a home that you love. There is a monthly free version (like this week's) and I want to make sure the free issues are filled with useful info, so if there are topics that you'd like to hear about for the monthly free issue, let me know!
As a potter myself, I recommend minimum 10 and preferably 12 to account for breakage. And I wish I could share a picture of my Bennington mugs in pink!
I agree with Monica—12 settings. Breakage and squeezing folks in. Plus sometimes I like one serving dish on the table that matches the ones we are eating from—sort of ties it all together! Love the black matte toilet seat! And the under sink storage thingy 😃Wish listed both!
I would get 12 as a minimum. Not only for the extra company that will be a given at some point, but if there is a specific pattern that you want and want those pieces to “match”, you may never get the chance again to get what you want.
Also, on the topic of Bennington pottery, it's a wonderful thing to keep an eye out for at thrift stores (and yard sales/flea markets this summer)...there are always stray vintage coffee mugs or bowls waiting to be found on a crowded shelf...
The cookies look delicious and easy. I googled subway cookies, and much to my surprise I got lots of copycat recipes for the fast food restaurant Subway...and the cookies they sell. Just FYI. Anyway, I will try these Subway Cookies.
Your writing is so beautiful and always makes me feel like I am on the journey with you!
As you were taking to your love of pottery I was wondering if you’d heard of a Philly based potter who makes beautiful items AND has a great backstory and felt compelled to share: https://www.feltandfat.com/
I was going to recommend fat + felt! I started to replace my tableware with the confetti “pattern” by buying a couple of pieces during sales or as seconds. They make me happy whenever I use them.
Thank you. And so funny that you mentioned this because I recently toured their factory in Philadelphia. I'm friendly with the founder, Nate, and agree that what they're doing there is special!
If you don't know about it already, you might be interested in the midcentury pottery from Ojai itself https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_and_Vivika_Heino, and other potteries from all around southern California (and northern, too)...
When I worked at Dean & Deluca in the late 80s, we sold blue agate Bennington and i bought tons of it with my discount: a massive batter bowl, a dozen mugs, smaller bowls, the lip bowls, chargers, salad plates. Eventually the store started carrying the white on white, which was then custom-printed with the D&D logo handwritten by my late colleague Gordon, who worked in housewares with me. We stop at Bennington whenever we’re up there, but I’ve found a lot of the vintage stuff up in Maine, in midcoast.
I love your writing - have followed you since Food Diary. (I wish Cooking for Mr. Latte were an audiobook).
If - as someone said 8 is too little, 10 is enough, I say get 12 to account for breakage. If a favorite plate breaks, you don’t want your heart to break with it.
I think 10 place settings but having 12-14 dinner plates is useful esp if your kids bring friends home (I rarely serve soup for 14 but often enough have a big crowd eating brunch for example)
There are at-home lead test kits that you can use; you can also reach out to a certified lab. Before the 1970s lead glazes were not regulated so it's fair to be concerned. ChatGPT said to avoid glazes that feel chalky or show crazing.
Regarding number of Bennington place settings- target 12
It would account for breakage and when you have to squeeze a few more at the table. 8 can easily become 10, your family of 4 + 6 guests
Great -- thanks!
I have always admired your writing and your wonderfully creative approach to cooking and making a home. But in today's world there's something that feels a little tone-deaf about the process of no-expense-spared furnishing of the lovely new house and your kitchen. I admire your determination not to "cheap out," but an increasing number of people in this troubled country don't have that option.
Hi Chris, thanks for your note. I meant something slightly different -- that I don't want to rush into buying everything at once, which might encourage me to make quality compromises that I wouldn't make if I spaced out my purchasing -- but I get that it didn't come across that way. And I appreciate your point. Thanks for reading.
we need to find the place where it’s possible and helpful (and I guess where there’s a business model…) for discussions about the food, and habitations and “the stuff” that make life wonderful, lovely and ACCESSIBLE for people who live outside the bubble…. Suspect that this is not that place.
Hi Emilia, thanks for your note. I understand that this may not appeal to everyone -- while my renovation will be a consistent thread, I'm going to be writing about other people's homes, talking with experts, and covering the full landscape of what goes into creating a home that you love. There is a monthly free version (like this week's) and I want to make sure the free issues are filled with useful info, so if there are topics that you'd like to hear about for the monthly free issue, let me know!
As a potter myself, I recommend minimum 10 and preferably 12 to account for breakage. And I wish I could share a picture of my Bennington mugs in pink!
Thanks for your thoughts on numbers -- great to get an expert's view!
I agree with Monica—12 settings. Breakage and squeezing folks in. Plus sometimes I like one serving dish on the table that matches the ones we are eating from—sort of ties it all together! Love the black matte toilet seat! And the under sink storage thingy 😃Wish listed both!
Oh, and just purchased the cook book—very cool idea for a theme and yes! I, also, could forever eat dessert, breads, apps, snacks too!
Thanks for your thoughts on this, Carly!
I would get 12 as a minimum. Not only for the extra company that will be a given at some point, but if there is a specific pattern that you want and want those pieces to “match”, you may never get the chance again to get what you want.
Great points!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your "finds" ! Thank you for sharing. It's been a while since II've browsed "new" pieces, storage, etc.
Also, on the topic of Bennington pottery, it's a wonderful thing to keep an eye out for at thrift stores (and yard sales/flea markets this summer)...there are always stray vintage coffee mugs or bowls waiting to be found on a crowded shelf...
The cookies look delicious and easy. I googled subway cookies, and much to my surprise I got lots of copycat recipes for the fast food restaurant Subway...and the cookies they sell. Just FYI. Anyway, I will try these Subway Cookies.
Your writing is so beautiful and always makes me feel like I am on the journey with you!
As you were taking to your love of pottery I was wondering if you’d heard of a Philly based potter who makes beautiful items AND has a great backstory and felt compelled to share: https://www.feltandfat.com/
I was going to recommend fat + felt! I started to replace my tableware with the confetti “pattern” by buying a couple of pieces during sales or as seconds. They make me happy whenever I use them.
FELT + Fat!
Thank you. And so funny that you mentioned this because I recently toured their factory in Philadelphia. I'm friendly with the founder, Nate, and agree that what they're doing there is special!
I realized after I posted my comment that I likely found out about them from food52!! I stalk who you recommend 😂
Meg Ryan & Bill Pullman agreed on 10 in Sleepless in Seattle.
Ahh! I need to re-watch that.
Love your plans for your monthly free post.
If you don't know about it already, you might be interested in the midcentury pottery from Ojai itself https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_and_Vivika_Heino, and other potteries from all around southern California (and northern, too)...
Thank you for this rec!
I have a lovely (and somewhat large) collection of Bennington blue agate. I absolutely love it. Have fun on your quest!
Thank you!
When I worked at Dean & Deluca in the late 80s, we sold blue agate Bennington and i bought tons of it with my discount: a massive batter bowl, a dozen mugs, smaller bowls, the lip bowls, chargers, salad plates. Eventually the store started carrying the white on white, which was then custom-printed with the D&D logo handwritten by my late colleague Gordon, who worked in housewares with me. We stop at Bennington whenever we’re up there, but I’ve found a lot of the vintage stuff up in Maine, in midcoast.
How cool and lucky!
I love your writing - have followed you since Food Diary. (I wish Cooking for Mr. Latte were an audiobook).
If - as someone said 8 is too little, 10 is enough, I say get 12 to account for breakage. If a favorite plate breaks, you don’t want your heart to break with it.
I think 10 place settings but having 12-14 dinner plates is useful esp if your kids bring friends home (I rarely serve soup for 14 but often enough have a big crowd eating brunch for example)
I’m always hesitant to use vintage pottery because of the possibility of lead in the glaze, do you have any idea how to avoid/test for that?
There are at-home lead test kits that you can use; you can also reach out to a certified lab. Before the 1970s lead glazes were not regulated so it's fair to be concerned. ChatGPT said to avoid glazes that feel chalky or show crazing.