Design Happens

Thanks to our guest blogger, Brian Balthazar, HGTV Director of Programming

Okay, I have a confession to make. I have a bizarre addiction, but not the chemical kind. I have an unhealthy fondness for serveware. That’s right. Even though Manhattan living doesn’t usually allow for the hoarding of items — particularly in the tiny kitchens typical of NYC apartments — I have far too many platters, plates, pitchers, and glasses than any one person needs.

I know it’s easy for some to scoff at certain multi-millionaire domestic doyennes (I won’t name names) who display a spectacular party setup that necessitated going out and buying special glasses and plates to coordinate with one occasion, but not me! (Remember, I said I have problem here.)

Let’s be honest. Whenever you and your friends leave a party, the talk immediately goes to just how fun, well-planned, or sometimes even awful it was. And I’m convinced that with the right presentation, even the simplest food and drinks seem thoughtfully planned out. They even look and taste better. And really, once the nosh and beverages start rolling out, the good times will follow!

And so, here are some of my favorite new finds:

Remember how every September you’d head out to buy school supplies? I liked that part more than actually using the stuff. These platters and cups are called “Memo” from Fishs Eddy.

Great as a cheese plate, you can use a grease pencil right on the plate to identify what fromage your guests are enjoying. You could even use a Sharpie! With just a little glass cleaner the writing will come right off. You could also use the pens to identify who sits where, then (carefully) toss a slice of pizza on it.

Speaking of school, imagine how your guests will react when your usual movie night includes a viewing of your favorite high school flick, (The Breakfast Club or Sixteen Candles, if you’re asking me) and foods served on these cool cafeteria trays:

From BlackInkBoston.com, serving your guests a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some carrot sticks will somehow feel like a more thoughtful gesture than just throwing it on a standard plate. (I’d go out and get those small cartons of milk for authenticity.)

Even if you’re not in New York, simple New York classics would look better on this New York City plate from the Moma Design Store.

Part of several pieces available, this platter would make a plate full of hot dogs or soft pretzels somehow seem more chic. Ask each guest for $1.50 per dog, and you’ve got the NYC street vendor thing down.

If you’re not into eating on the street, or paying the fifty bucks for the platter, then why not spring for these cool World Dinner Placemats, also from MOMA Store, which feature alternating city maps of four of the world’s greatest cities: New York, Tokyo, London, and Paris.

Finally, I’m back to an earthenware lover’s idea of heaven, Fishs Eddy, where their new line called “Floorplan” can’t help but attract the eye of any architect, home lover, (or in my case an HGTV Director of Programming). It’s exactly what it sounds like: plates featuring the floor plans of everything from small efficiency apartments (on the butter plate) to a two-bedroom (salad) right on up to the platter. To date, it’s the only “penthouse” I’ve bought in cash upfront.

I bought some different sizes, but I’m not sure what I’ll be serving on them: An hors dourve in every room? Post your ideas below.

You’re invited to my place for the next party, but I may need some help doing dishes!