Antique beads salvaged from damaged wedding baskets adorn new ones
I enjoy meeting friends in Chicago for a few days of shopping, catching up, good food and more shopping. Always on my “must see” list is a small store filled with tabletop, accessories and one-of-a-kind home decor from around the world named Material Possessions. These hand-crafted wedding baskets made by master artisans in Sumatra already have caught my attention. Palm fibers are woven using traditional techniques and adorned with antique beads salvaged from damaged baskets.
I love the odd size (8 inches by 16 inches) of the Tabriz Rug Collection serving platter, too. It is handmade from Limoges porcelain and has a finished 14-k gold edge – a gorgeous serving piece you would have trouble putting away for storage. The collection is limited to only a few other pieces; a mug and dessert plate.
Hand-forged steel chopping tools are designed for cutting herbs and vegetables or slicing cheese. What perfect hostess gifts to keep on hand and help avoid a last minute rush. I always like to buy something for our home when traveling, and any of these would serve well as a daily reminder of time spent with friends.
