Working for a section like Home&Garden, we are tempted almost daily by all the beautiful things we see for our abodes. Of course, we can’t possibly fit all of these items into our already-cramped houses and apartments, nor can we afford to buy them all. But we can share them with you. So, just in time for the 4th of July, here are the H&G staff’s picks for the perfect summer pitcher. And check back in the coming months for a few more of our favorite things.
–Tran Ha, tha@tribune.com
There’s nothing better to show off summer drinks than a beautiful glass pitcher. But it was the cubic shape of these handblown Woodbury pitchers from Simon Pearce that really seduced me. (You see, I have a thing for square serving pieces.) They’re simple, and simply irresistible.
Cost: $60 for small (6 ounce); $110 for medium (24 ounce); $125 for large (64 ounce)
Sawbridge Studios, 153 W. Ohio St., 312-828-0055; 1015 Tower Ct., Winnetka, 847-441-2441. www.sawbridge.com
T.H.
I love this “Floral Enchantment” ceramic pitcher, handcrafted with feminine grace by Mexican ceramic artist Matilde Servin. Its bulbous shape symbolizes abundance and nurturing, and the slightly raised hand-painted motifs of flowers blossoming on a blue trellis create a nice surface texture. Because it is crafted without molds or stencils, if it were mine, no one else would have another just like it.
Cost: $88.95, plus shipping
www.novica.com
— Mary Daniels, mdaniels@tribune.com
It makes me giggle. This ceramic pitcher, suitably named Aphrodite, has a great sense of humor. Place a bunch of flowers in it and you’ve got a splendid centerpiece for your summer fete. If nothing else, it will get folks talking.
Cost: $450, plus shipping
www.mossonline.com
— Lana Gwinn, lgwinn@tribune.com
Often simple’s the best. Take the simple flowing lines of this Tangerine Sky pitcher, for instance. And couple that with its cheery color, its sturdiness and its price, and you’ve got my pick. (This 42-ounce pitcher is made of pro-grade stoneware.)
Cost: $14.99
www.target.com (available online only)
Elaine Matsushita, ematsushita@tribune.com
Is it a pitcher? Or is it a piece of glass art? That’s what I like about the Ona, which looks great when it’s doing its job of dispensing liquid or just standing empty on a table or buffet.
Cost: $24.95
Crate and Barrel; for stores, call 800-967-6696 or visit www.crateandbarrel.com.
— Karen Klages, kklages@tribune.com
