Every since my first visit to Italy in March 2006, when we were served house wine in ceramic jugs of various sizes, shapes and patterns, I have wanted a wine jug of my own. I loved the casualness of house wine served in a ceramic pitcher, with tumblers to drink from. Plus I often buy Fontana di Papa's Castelli Romani (red) and Colli Albani (white), and would like to be able to have something smaller than a 2 litre bottle sitting on the table from which to refill my glass.
I've looked high and low but, until today, hadn't come across a pitcher that called my name. I recently bought a plain glass carafe for a buck or so at a junk store in Maitland, but considered that merely a stop gap measure until the perfect jug appeared.
MN and I were driving home from the Valley (we'd spent yesterday at the Berwick United Church camp, with Valerie and her daughter) and as we drew close to home, I suddenly thought that I should go to Winners/Homesense today. I had a feeling that I would find my wine jug. So along I went and...what should my eyes behold across the aisle? AHA, there IT is!! My perfect pitcher!! Clearly my awesome psychic powers were bang on today.
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! I chortled in my joy!
...to paraphrase a line from Jabberwocky.
Imagine my further delight when I flipped it over and discovered what was stamped on the bottom:
Oh be still my Italy-obsessed heart...such raptures ensued that I enticed myself into buying two matching platters! (Have I mentioned that it doesn't take much to excite me?!?) But to take possession of all three pieces for a measly $40, how could I possibly have resisted? The pitcher is perfect for about a litre, but will hold up to a litre and a half.
Here are my beautiful new acquisitions:
My pretty wine jug:
The matching set:
The smaller platter:
The larger platter:
Comments (11)
Beautiful and what a steal! Do they ship?
Posted by girasoli | August 1, 2008 3:47 AM
Posted on August 1, 2008 03:47
Oh I am SO pleased for you, and envious too! :)
Posted by Leslie | August 1, 2008 4:05 AM
Posted on August 1, 2008 04:05
I don't think they ship. But if you want to check them out, I just added the links to the stores. It was actually at Homesense, not Winners, where I found these gems. The store is a combo, and I always forget they are two separate divisions...
I plan to stop in again on my way home and pick up another pitcher! Surely I need one for red wine AND one for white! ;)
Posted by Anne | August 1, 2008 7:17 AM
Posted on August 1, 2008 07:17
Those are so beautiful! What a great find. I'd definitely go back for another pitcher. :)
62 days on the countdown clock!
Posted by Annie | August 1, 2008 8:47 AM
Posted on August 1, 2008 08:47
Hi Anne, those are very beautiful. I like the elegant design and especially where it was made!
Excellent choice and for $40 what a fabulous price.
Congrats on the great find!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | August 1, 2008 11:00 AM
Posted on August 1, 2008 11:00
Anne, What great finds! Congratulations on the successful hunt! I have the exact small dish which I found at our local Marshalls but did not find any other matching dishes... Lucky you!
Posted by Eden | August 1, 2008 2:10 PM
Posted on August 1, 2008 14:10
They are gorgeous! What a great find.
Posted by María I. | August 1, 2008 6:41 PM
Posted on August 1, 2008 18:41
Ok, so I went back for a second pitcher and ended up coming home with three more pieces! The pitcher, plus an smaller platter, and a shallow dish that will be perfect for a mini-casserole or a hot dip. Now I have one of everything they had on the shelf. "Oh goodness mom, you're such the Italy dork" said Miss Ninja...
Posted by Anne | August 1, 2008 7:54 PM
Posted on August 1, 2008 19:54
Annie,
I'm also an "Italy dork" :-)
Posted by María I. | August 2, 2008 3:25 PM
Posted on August 2, 2008 15:25
Anne, those are absolutely lovely -- what a find! I hit Homesense now and again, but not with enough frequency to ever score something so beautiful! And Italian, at that.
Lovely! And look at your countdown clock go -- just 59 days until your trip!
Posted by sandrac | August 3, 2008 6:23 PM
Posted on August 3, 2008 18:23
Sandra - I only go once in a blue moon too but I just had a feeling to go on this day. Serendipity reigns supreme!
María - nice to know I'm in good company :)
Posted by Anne | August 3, 2008 10:24 PM
Posted on August 3, 2008 22:24