Crate and Barrel's Leo All-Purpose Glass

(photos from crateandbarrel.com)

My dish and glassware accumulation was fairly complete, but I didn't have anything really suited for cocktails or hard drinks. I'd been thinking about picking up some old-fashioned and cocktail glasses, but I don't care much for the shape (straight sides) or balance of old-fashioneds (bottom-heavy). And while cocktail glasses have the mod-ness of the cone shape, drinking from one is like sipping from a giant tipped basin (inverse problem: top-heavy).

Then I saw these glasses in a Crate and Barrel catalog. Unless you love the previously mentioned glassware types, the Leo glass is a fantastic stand-in for as many as four different types of glassware.



The proportions, that petite stem, the fit in the hand are great. There's just the right amount of taper to the sides (nice for sipping from and holding). Its silhouette isn't exclusively tied to any one drink, so it can easily serve water, wine, cocktails, liquor, or juice.

Oh, and customer comments on Crate and Barrel's site mention serving parfaits and desserts in these glasses. Multiple uses are definitely a plus.

Crate and Barrel's Footed Dessert Dish

(photos from crateandbarrel.com)

I was registering for my wedding when I saw these dessert dishes, which were a nice-to-have as opposed to a must-have (over the years I've become more compelled to accumulate and consume less...so these are a guilty pleasure). But I couldn't resist, and happily one of my bridesmaids purchased these from the registry.

I really like the completely curvy shape of the bowl and pedestal. With dining items, I'm always interested in the storage situation, which means: can these stack? which they do to some degree:

However they slide around a fair amount. But, that's the compromise for getting the nice silhouette. As for use, these are great for ice cream, liquidy/creamy/chunky desserts, fruit, and so forth.



At one point I wondered, what's so appealing about footed dessert dishes like this? I think it's the fact that your dessert is up on a little pedestal, creating a little personal presentation. Why have poundcake and whipped cream on a plate when you can have it like this:

Super Cool

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(Do watch the video through before reading my notes.)

I can play this thing over and over and laugh at it over and over. The concept is great, the writing is great, and the actor who plays the cop has perfect execution and timing. I really wish they held like just a beat longer on the driver as he gives the sidelong look to his dog. The cut to the dog comes in just a little too soon, but aside from that, it's an awesome little commercial.