Okay, so maybe I can’t have that (not right now, anyway). But I can round up the prettiest, most evocative Med-style kitchen accessories around, and try to bring a little southern sun into my kitchen:

1. Terracotta pizza plate from Jme Jamie Oliver; 2. Primary Confection Measuring Spoons from Anthropologie; 3. L’Espice jar from Anthropologie; 4. clay oven dish by Rice, handmade in Tuscany and sold by Chest of Drawers; 5. Tagine from Le Cruset; 6. Jumbo tea towels from John Lewis; 7. Campagna Oca plate from Vietri; 8. Olive wood cutting board from Tuscan Cutting Boards.

But oh, what a beautiful one. Kusmi, a 140-year-old company with its origins in Russia but head office in Paris, certainly makes a beautiful product. The brightly coloured, mildly baroque tins are lovely to look at, and the fact that each variety has a unique design makes you want to collect them all (hmm, someone went to Marketing 101…). If their multitude of fans are to be believed, the tea itself is delicous, too.

Which is why I’ve finally taken the plunge and ordered myself an Essentials sampler pack. I plan to use the 24 teabags (2 each of the 12 best-selling blends) to suss out which flavours I like best, and they can go on my Christmas list. Perhaps my own charmingly-styled countertop is not too far off!

Potholders are quite retro, and can sometimes also seem out-of-date with all the high-tech oven mitts around these days. But Redstitch’s are bang up to date, with a modern shape, useful hook and great colours. My favourite is this lovely white pair, though there’s something here for every taste.

Do you know rice, the Danish homewares brand? I stumbled across it yesterday in a local boutique, and was instantly smitten with its products and message. The company motto, “people care – we care” speaks of their business practices; products are designed and developed in Denmark, but produced in developing nations under fair conditions. Involved with several charities and initiatives aimed at eliminating poverty, the company even finances a school in Burma! Of course, the products are great too, so without further ado, check out some of my favourites:

From top: Vegetable-printed Aprons; Ceramic Dipping Bowls; Set of 4 Cake Tins; Washing-up Brushes; Set of 3 Scourers; Plastic Cooler Tanks, Silicone Pastry Brush.

Doesn’t it seem like walking into a Bison store would be a multicoloured dream come true? I love how fashion-led the products seem; they even have a colour palette which changes yearly! I’m feeling the greens, greys, and forget-me-not blue… you?

Just the other day I was browsing the lovely Yvestown when I came across something I knew would be perfect for today’s post. Nina is a Dutch student, designer and craftsperson who has the loveliest Etsy shop. Working with new and vintage finds, she hand-paints ceramics, screen-prints, collages and takes photographs. Here are some of my favourite items from her shop.

I used to love making spirographs when I was little, and this spirograph bowl, made from a vintage piece, takes me back:

The lots of dots teapot has the most elegant 1960′s shape, contrasted with those fun polka-dots:

The dots and buntings sugar and creamer set might just be my favourite. I adore the shape of the pieces and the whimsical designs:

This folklore and fun breakfast set would be wonderful for a child. The traditional Dutch designs are original, while the dots and bunting are a fun addition:

There’s a wealth of design on this adorable cake plate set, from flowers to birds and bunting, too. I especially like the bright red dress on the cake plate:

Be sure to check out Nina’s blog and Flickr photostream, as well.

lyn swan

I love the colour of these mini balloon bowls:

The larger balloon bowl in white is special, too:

What a lovely petite porcelain cup… perfect for an espresso:

Check out this sculptural watering can:

I covet this cheerful green tray. Perfect for cookies or other nibbles:

clayswan

If you’ve been searching for a salt pig, then search no further. I love this bright yellow one:

How perfect is this JUNK vessel for storing pencils and other items?:

I dig the fluidity of this creamer and sugar bowl set:

This teal vase would be lovely with or without flowers:

These two tiny trays are perfect for serving or storing:

Sabre makes an incredible selection of flatware, including the colourful Natura range. I have this cake cutter in pea green:

All the porcelain tableware is great, but my pick is the Rick Rack pattern. Maybe it’s the designer in me coming out, but this retro throwback is just so covetable:

While there’s a range of tablecloths and other fabric items in the Textile section of the site, I like the White Dots tablecloth best:

I love the look of the Gustave napkin ring, available in 12 colours:

Colanders by catchesthelight:

trix by michaelatacker:

Rainbow buckets by tanakawho:

kochbuecher by kstenqnen:

yummy cupcakes by scpgt: