I’ve never been great at picking basics. When given the choice, it’s hard for me to not fall for the shiniest thing on the shelf. While I think being drawn to the unique is a strength of mine, it can just as easily be a weakness – especially in design. I continue to say the greatest lesson I’ve learned in creating a home is the fact that not everything can be a stand out. In order for a story to be a good one, there must be a few stars with lots of supporting characters, and the same can be said for creating an environment you love to spend time in. Some things must be more quiet. Don’t get me wrong, just because they’re quiet doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful and well designed. In fact, I think it’s these pieces that really make a room truly great – because good design is always in the details.
When Micah and I were engaged I registered for dishes, like most bride-to-be’s did. Instead of picking something practical I opted for something that excited me: bright red, ceramic, glazed dinnerware. I loved that set at first, but it didn’t take long for me to be frustrated by the choice. While the quality was decent, the dishes didn’t match with anything else I had and most food just never looked very appetizing on them. They were perfect for holiday meals, but brought no joy to the day-to-day. I had taken for granted the need for basics.
I soon realized that having simple, white dishes wasn’t a boring thing, it was actually a really beautiful thing! All food looked wonderful on them from a meal that took me hours to make to a piece of freezer pizza and they allowed me to mix and match other pieces in to change the look or feel I was going for. The problem at hand? It was hard to find something that was simple yet designed well, great quality to stand up to kids and the dishwasher, and reasonably priced. I ended up collecting random pieces from discount stores and the like, but never had a full set to feed a group of people. Within a month or two most of the pieces ended up with scratch marks or chips, and while I still preferred the white, it wasn’t something I was proud to serve food on.
APPETIZER PLATES | SALAD PLATES | FLATEWARE
When we renovated the kitchen I knew it was time to step the whole function of the space up. New kitchen essentials were on my list, and I found the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed pieces from Snowe. Snowe collaborates with European manufacturers, using only the finest quality materials. Because they work directly with these factories, they are able to offer exceptional products at a lower cost.
It might be a work-from-home thing, but I use appetizer plates like it’s going out of style. I always have! I’m a grazer and eating all day long means smaller portions – these things keep me in check and are just easier to carry around. They’re perfect for cutting up veggies and giving to the kids while they watch me cook dinner too. The dishes are all made of Limoges porcelain and are not only microwave and dishwasher safe, but oven safe too.
A good kitchen towel is hard to come by. This chef’s towel is big, durable, and beautiful.
My favorite part of the flatware is how nicely it cleans up. It’s rust resistant, 18/10 stainless and doesn’t spot or lose its luster even when your kids put it straight into the dishwasher covered in peanut butter. We’ve been using these for about four months now, and they still look good as new.
If you were to ask me what one thing every kitchen needed, regardless of style, inhabitants, needs, I would definitely say quality, well-designed, white dishes. Whether you’re getting them for yourself or for a gift wedding season is getting ready to pick back up they’re a buy you’ll never regret. You can check out all of Snowe’s incredible products here.
What is your number one kitchen essential?
*This post is in partnership with Snowe, but all thoughts, opinions, and selections are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Makerista possible!
Lisa says
I agree, white dishes are the best! I’ve never been a huge fan of “formal” dishes that get used a couple times a year maybe, but simple white dishes are so easy to dress up or down as needed. I stuck with good ol’ Corelle, but these are much more stylish!
I think I may be torn on #1 kitchen essential though–versatile dishes and good knives! I worked in a kitchen in college and got spoiled with professional quality and regularly sharpened knives…. then I moved in with a friend who bought her knives at IKEA. Ugh. If you cook even moderately, a respectable set of knives is a must!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I definitely think good knives are important too! I can’t say that I have really good ones though, ha. I have a basic block set and I have one good pairing knife that I use a lot, but obviously that’s not the number knife I should be using! Next on my list… 😉
Maryann says
Cutco best knives! They have a lifetime warranty. Their customer service is excellent as well. Every woman in my family has a set and they have had them forever. I finally got back into my house after total renovation and put mine to use and they are excellent!
themakerista@gmail.com says
That is something I still don’t have, good knives. I think it needs to be on my list!
Debbie Klausing says
Cutco is wonderful! I have had mine since college, back in the 70’s. Customer service is good too.
themakerista@gmail.com says
I guess I need to look into them then!
Summer says
White dishes are my favorite kitchen essential!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Can’t go wrong with them!
Pat says
I too like white dishes and coffee mugs, since they are easy to mix and match between styles. I inherited some Corelle dinnerware from my Mom and those have served me so well. Your dishes are truly beautiful;, however they are way beyond my price range.
themakerista@gmail.com says
They’re definitely a bit of an investment, but something you’ll have forever!
TNic says
This kitchen is absolutely amazing! I did choose white dishes when I registered from Williams Sonoma, and I always felt like I wasn’t bold enough, but honestly, I agree, food ALWAYS looks good on them! And I still have them after 15 years. I struggle with the opposite problem. I want to make bolder choices in big areas, especially paint colors, but so often, neutrals seem to do it in my particular small-ish house. It has taken me 3 months and I haven’t committed to a bedroom color. You know why? B/c I love your blog and colors so much, but I can’t get myself to choose color for my bedroom. I honestly don’t think at this point that it is b/c I’m not bold enough, it’s because this weird little bedroom of ours does not want bold color. I can’t get past the fact the fact that SW Repose Gray catches my eye everytime I scan past the umpteen large swatches I ordered for it. Still, I can’t convince myself that I am ready and willing, and not just making a safe choice. (I think my compromise in my head is going to be to paint the walls in our bathroom black. (They are tiled halfway up and the floor and wall have black and white tiles.) Is that bold? Probably not…still a neutral!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
If it makes you feel any better…I prefer calm master bedrooms. 😉 I love the idea of the black in the bath and I think you should pull the trigger on the RG in the bedroom…sounds soothing and lovely! Some things (like dishes, towels, and sheets) are always great as basics!
TNic says
Thanks Gwen, I appreciate the advice!! I am headed to the paint store today!
Laura Blanton says
Being so young when my husband and I got married, I honestly got a lot of things wrong when it came to our wedding. Haha (pre-pinterest problems…) But, being the simple girl that I am, I KNEW that I did not want china. Or anything patterned, printed or bold when it came to dishes. So I went with a clean, simple and classic white dish set and have always been so happy I did! I usually dislike “must haves” lists and/or posts, because they usually are somewhat personalized, but I could not agree more about having white dishes for any/ever/all occasions! Such great advice Gwen!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Love hearing that, Laura! And way to pick right from the start. 🙂 Thanks for the comment and have a wonderful rest of the week!
John Donovan says
Every kitchen needs the essentials, such as utensils, glasses, baking dishes, and pans. The goal is to stock the kitchen with all the right tools so that when it is time to cook, you’ll have everything you need to make the recipe taste great!
Gwen, The Makerista says
Good point!
kim-in-the-cove says
I bought white dishes 8 years ago and absolutely LOVE them! It’s so easy to add serving pieces and always looks good! You cannot go wrong with a classic.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Totally agree, Kim!
Sarah says
Glass pyrex bowls with lids. They’re sturdy enough to stand up to my kids and for me to take to the office for lunch, great for leftovers, microwavable, and they don’t hold smells or tomato sauce stains. And they look so pretty in the clear glass all stacked together, nice and organized. I registered for a set of 3 for my wedding 10 years ago and ended up getting two sets. Instead of returning the second set, I’ve kept and used all 6 almost every day.
themakerista@gmail.com says
That is definitely something I would love to have! I have a nice set of plastic tupperware with snap on lids, but I definitely wish it was glass!