Pretty Little Things In My Kitchen

Many items in home kitchens are so practical and so utilitarian and for most part, so plain and lifeless looking!  As a result kitchen tools are usually rather boring to look at as well. How attractive is stainless steel, hard plastic, or clear glass? Recently many small appliances, mixers, blenders, pots and pans are showing some color. Even a little bit of color seems to brighten up a kitchen. When I look about my kitchen most pops of color are from things not taking up kitchen space because of their function, but because of their color and pattern. Things I will never really use in food preparation or serving. True, many dishes are colorful and interesting, but they are tucked away in cupboards, or only dusted off and put to use on special occasions. I think my daughter, now grown with her own well-equipped kitchen, must know I feel this way. So imagine how happy I was this past Christmas to open this precious, small package and unveil the most beautiful measuring cups I have ever seen. I love them! They’re mine! Yes they are a bit fragile but I use them carefully and sense I am indulging myself each time I do. Some sad day one of these little hand-painted beauties will chip or crack, but hopefully not until they are packed away for my estate sale!  When not in use they sit on a little shelf by my window and catch the sun most of the day. They add color to my kitchen, and remind me of who knows me well enough to place them under my Christmas tree.