Etsy's Handmade Blog
Featured Buyer: Michele Foley of Chow.com

This week's Featured Buyer is Michele Foley, an associate editor at CHOW.com, the destination for food, drink, and fun on the Web. Michele handpicks almost all of the products that make it onto CHOW, whether it be via her monthly product column called Wanted or through the TWICE-YEARLY gift guides. She's a huge fan of Etsy and has featured its wares on CHOW before—below are some of her favorite food related items, ripe for holiday feasting.

I've always been a big lover of good design. I'm enamored (and envious!) of folks who have a talent at being crafty and creating beautiful things. Doing product coverage for CHOW has been a great experience for me. As a result, I've spent way too much money on things for my home and have met a ton of really cool, smart designers. Whenever I am picking out things for the site or myself, I make it a point to showcase items that are unique and made with love. Etsy is an obvious place for me to turn!

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Bon Appetit Creepy Crawly Dinner Plate
by foldedpigs

The bon appetit creepy crawly dinner plate from foldedpigs appeals to my fondness towards entomology. I also like how it plays on ones fear of finding bugs in food. To me there's something intriguing about pairing the delicate with the scary.

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Handmixer Sterling Silver Necklace
by ballandchain

When I saw this handmixer sterling silver necklace, I knew it was the perfect gift for all my friends who love to cookit's got wonderful kitsch appeal. I'm just starting to invest in jewelry myself, and I like pieces that can be fun and personal like the ones ballandchain makes. 

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What's the Word Platter
by MayLuk

I recently started taking letterpress printing classes, which has turned me into a bigger font nerd than I already was. It's no surprise that this What's the Word Platter from MayLuk became an item to covet.

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Block Print Nest Apron
by artgoodies

I love all the items in artgoodies shop, but have especially fallen for the block print nest apron. I've always been a fan of vintage prints, so I like that she incorporates old biology patterns into her work. There's also something great about a waist apron: wearing one make me feel like I'm wearing a cute, new skirt.

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Set of 3 Tea Towels
by Patapri

Patapri's wares just ooze with cuteness, from the patterns to her great use of color. Her set of three tea towels made perfect (and super appreciated) holiday gifts for three of my friends last year.

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The Buttermint Tiles
by maiziejane

I'm all for using tiles in the kitchen, whether they're hanging on the walls or serving double-duty as trivets. The Buttermint Tiles by maiziejane are really fun and remind me of something I'd find in a 50's kitchen, from the pastel palette to the vintage-y appliances.

(Learn how-to make your own trivet in this Etsy How-Tuesday video.)

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Stream O Conciousness
by nonfictiondesign

Interesting dinnerware is a great conversation-starter, which is why I like nonfictiondesign's Stream O Conciousness platter. It's as if she took all these bits of life's ephemera and served them up on a plate.  
 
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Hot Air Balloon Tea Towel
by annabelwaterman


I have a thing for tea towels. They can instantly change the mood of a kitchen by adding pops of color and design in unexpected places. In my home, I have a collection of towels that are actually used, and others that are just for display. The bold red annabelwaterman uses in her Hot Air Balloon Tea Towel is really lovely. Looking at it makes me feel like I'm on vacation somewhere dreamy and fun.


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Porcelain Replica Milk Bottles
by alyssaettinger

The minute I saw Alyssa Ettinger's Porcelain Replica Milk Bottles on Design*Sponge, I was smitten. Not only did I feature them on CHOW, I bought three for myself. I like that they are hand-cast using real antique milk bottles—I use mine to display fresh cut flowers in the living room.

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Seven Deadly Sins Coffee/Tea set
by Trixiedelicious

Trixiedelicious is yet another Etsy seller I cannot get enough of. She reclaims old plates and cups to make her wares, putting bold words on delicate pieces of china. Her Seven Deadly Sins coffee/tea set would be great for a tea party with friends, and the fact that every set you get is really an original (hand painted by her) is pretty cool.

And now, Michele shares some of her favorite Thanksgiving recipes!

Working at Chow has given Michele a lot of food insights. If you're looking for inspiration for your Thanksgiving table this year, check out Chow's Thanksgiving for Six Holiday Menu.

I am torn between two recipes as my personal favorites. If you're eating turkey this Thanksgiving, how about Bacon-Wrapped Turkey with Pear Cider? (Check out this fun video showing the turkey being prepared!)

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Looking for a side dish or a vegetarian option? The Creamy Carrot Casserole is another favorite.

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For more Chow's Thanksgiving menus, check out their Holiday Hub!

Thanks to Michele for all of her amazing picks! Check out CHOW.com for the latest in food, drink, and fun.

Hungry for more shopping?

Featured Buyer Series | House Warming Gift Guide | Food Posts

Tags apron, Chow.com, cups, design, dishes, dish towel, drink, edibles, featured buyer, food, Guest Curator, holidays, housewares, housewarming, jewelry, Michele Foley, party, platter, recipes, shopping, tea towel, turkey, vegetarian
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56 comments     Login to add your own!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. dogties

Wonderful article,
amazing recipes,
& awesome items!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. LittleMaryMoo

Wow, what great items to add to your kitchen or to give as gift to the foodie in your life. Thank you!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. Shutterkate

Hah! That turkey is INSANE, and I'm pretty sure my husband would love it. Those carrots look mighty tasty as well.

Nov. 19, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. VKnO

I'm getting hungry.......
Great article!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. tortillagirl

Excellent finds. Can't help pointing out my favorites, tho: The Stream o consciousness platter and trixiedelicious's cups!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. uncharted

love the buttermint tiles...

Nov. 19, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. TeenAngster

The carrot casserole looks so, so good to me.

Nov. 19, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. dollyknits

This is the most excellent article! I have hearted nearly everything. I LOVE Ballandchain and MaizieJane. Super.

Nov. 19, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. Thinkoutsidethebox

I too am in LOVE with that apron from artgoodies. What is is about a waist apron that makes one feel so professional and organized? I need to have that apron!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. bonitastreet

Great collection of stuff for Thanksgiving! I love MayLuk's plates.

Nov. 19, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. LeahSutton

Fantasic pics, I've found a few favourites here! Thank :)

Nov. 19, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. kjoosupplies

This sound perfect! Thanks for sharing*

Nov. 19, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. maupoo

Great selection. Love to try out the recipes.

Nov. 19, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. ronniegunn

Bacon Pear Turkey. Yep, it's a done deal at our house. Loved your picks.
Thank you Michele. Keep spreading the word!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. LegendSpiceCompany

wow...I LOVE your website www.Chow.com - that cranberry pie looks yummy that is on your homepage :) I make a killer Cranberry Meringue Pie myself!(oldddd family recipe).... I might be able to be bribed to share the recipe ;-)

Nov. 19, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. kimmchi

i love that eat plate!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. sillylittlelady

Whoa didn't expect recipes in a Storque article! Neato torpedo!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. neawear

Heyyy those are MY eggcups in the Etsy Mini! lollll ;)
Waiting for them to arrive in the mail :D

Nov. 19, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. EJPcreations

What a great article!!! YAY recipes!!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. swellvintage

love that steam o consciousness plate! x

Nov. 19, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. dreaminofbeadin

I'll be adding many of these to my own personal wish list. Great finds!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. pseudobunny

Great article! I really need some of those things...the cockaroach plate..the tea set...the bacon wrapped turkey...OH MY GOD!!!
Thanks for letting me know how empty my life would be without etsy & chow.com!!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 5 p.m. adornmentsbymilani

What a cool website. I'm a big foodie so those recipes are def something I'd try.

Nov. 19, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. michelemaule

Yay! Another Michele with one L :)
Oh! and really great finds. Very cute. The little nest apron is so sweet!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. novadesigns

Thank you. Now I know what to cook my boyfriend for thanksgiving.... he's american, I'm swedish and I have never cooked turkey before... :o)

Love your picks. Where did you get that top you are wearing? It's very nice!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. elisasherejewelry

Great picks! Michele has fantastic taste. Also, I'm a huge chow.com fan.

Nov. 19, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. LaCometaLab

Thanks for the discoveries, Michele, what a lovely (and yummy) selection!!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. westcorinthstudio

Great choices; thanks for sharing!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. nostalgiaorganics

Great choices, Michele. I agree, lovely!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. chainchainchained

yum!!!!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. RareEarth

Wonderful Picks! That creepy crawly plate gave me the shivers though. LOL

Nov. 19, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. RaeGun

awesome picks

Nov. 19, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. cakehouse

fantastic picks! i *heart* may luk's platters.

Nov. 19, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. SimpleTraditions

wow, I love everything especially the tiles!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. ZestyB

ummmmmm...bacon

Nov. 19, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. kittyd

I better not let my kids see the bacon wrapped turkey recipe...they think everything is better wrapped in bacon.

Nov. 20, 2008 at 12:29 a.m. BluCille

The milk bottles are awesome!

Nov. 20, 2008 at 12:33 a.m. NBsCloset

Yes the Barbecue Bible I love that BOOK!

Nov. 20, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. TheSingingBird

great article! and now i know another website to guide all the foodies in my family toward, thanks! :)

Nov. 20, 2008 at 12:59 a.m. go2girl

I did not even realize etsy featured buyers! That's great. More proof that you can really find anything and everything here on etsy!

Nov. 20, 2008 at 1:08 a.m. kusu

Beautiful choices as well as recipes! I can't wait to try the recipe for Creamy Carrot Casserole!

Nov. 20, 2008 at 5:51 a.m. WelcomeToLaLaLand

The handmixer necklace is sweet!!

Nov. 20, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. KnitKnit

Wow, great article! Love the handmixer necklace and "eat" plate!

Nov. 20, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. olivebrown

great picks!
i particularly love the porcelain milk bottles.

Nov. 20, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. LoveAppleBoutique

Great article. I love the Set of 3 Tea Towels by Patapri there so cute. Thanks for the recipes.

Nov. 20, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. ksewingbasket

The work of alyssaettinger is superb. Hats off to the bacon wrapped turkey.

Nov. 20, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. buttercupbloom

Seriously? We are so-totally making that Bacon Turkey this year! Brilliant.

Nov. 20, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. momomatic

Fantastic idea (the featured buyer). And wonderful picks!

Nov. 20, 2008 at 7:32 p.m. tisana

great ideas, thanks!

Nov. 20, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. glassbyhelene

I want your job. Thanks for sharing a piece of your life.
Helene

Nov. 21, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. expressyourself

Wonderful article.Thank you very mach for the recipes.

Nov. 22, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. prettypeonies

oh my.. love that ' what's the word ' pink plate !!

Nov. 24, 2008 at 2:19 a.m. hoganfe

I will be trying that casserole soon!

Nov. 25, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. Angelique4you

I love people like yoy, they get away from chinese market. I hope Etsy gets more around. Happy Holidays

Nov. 27, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. shujayat

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Honestly, it's a spam! But I hope it doesn' matter much to you. In fact, It's a good addition to your comments. Well, it's upto you if you accept it or not.
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Nov. 27, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. bashayer

thanks for sharing the recipes!
Great pieces and finds!

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