I am a sucker for kitchenware and cookbooks.
I LOVE going to kitchenware shops, op shops and caterers supplies investigating nifty gadgets that I really don’t need, or that weird and wonderful book to add to my 230 cook book library. I LOVE feeling the heaviness of a good cake tin, or the balance of a high carbon steel knife in the palm of my hand. I LOVE imagining how I could use that design and shaped plate or bowl or glass to serve such and such a dish. I LOVE searching out quirky and culturally specific cooking and serving implements. I LOVE the shiny glow of copper pans and the heavy grunge of solid cast iron pots.

And often these things come home with me. Especially if they are mementos of my travels…

Ahh–if kitchenware/cookware shops are to be described in spice terms, E. Dehillerin in Paris would be “Ras el hanout–the top of the shelf”. My favourite, non sleek, practical, wonder world of pots and pieces.

I have been there on two separate occasions and have had the most helpful and friendly service one could desire. Having my boys with me on one occasion was the cause of devoted attention once Franck discovered that boys were interested in cooking. We were introduced to our first Opinel knives–boys pen knife size–and myself a classic No. 8 folding knife “the one every one has as their first Opinel” according to Franck. Something we will treasure. Olive scoops made of olive wood from Provence were bought with glee, as were metal brioche skewers with roosters or wild boar or Fleur de Lys as handles. Snail forks and pots were the choice of one boy.

I am more than happy to post their web link: http://www.e-dehillerin.fr/en/index.php

When I cater for a function, I can’t help but be cuisine type/theme oriented and have been known to specifically hunt out crockery and other table dressing to match.

Some call me anal. I say I have a close attention to detail..
Once, years ago, in catering for a medieval themed wedding banquet for a friend, I sourced some earthy terra cotta fruit and serving bowls and platters at the most insanely bargain price from the famous Robert Gordon Pottery. They were an experiment for them and exactly what I had in mind. I bought the whole 50 or so pieces, they looked fabulous laden with fruit, roast meats and vegetables and breads. I still have them to this day.

For a 40th birthday Moroccan themed afternoon tea, I bought wonderful bronze and pewter platters and cake stands and bowls from op shops, to be homes for the Moroccan dips, nuts, fruits and pastries that graced a rose petal-strewn banquet table.

Do I go on? I admit it.
I have been a kitchenware and cookbook bower bird.
I should stop.

There is no more room in the attic. There is no more room under the beds, no more room in the wardrobes, no more room in my husband’s study. There is no more room in my study.

I am learning to restrain myself. I am learning to pare down and keep and appreciate the classic, foundational equipment.

But even like after a full meal there is room for dessert, there is room to dream, look, touch and appreciate lovely ware.
And maybe give a loving home to some interesting little thing.