The manufacturer of this six-slice, chrome toast rack describes it as "modern" and "funky" but when I saw it, I immediately thought retro and 50s. I love kitchen appliances and accesories from that era and have a toaster that was one of my mother's wedding gifts. It doesn't work anymore and is beyond repair, but I love the lines and look of it so much, I can't bring myself to throw it away; there's even a full page picture of that toaster in my cookbook, which is littered with pictures of my ...

Have you ever seen such a ridiculously fabulous cake stand? It's amazing the things you stumble upon when you're bored out of your mind at two in the morning and trawling the internet for an insomnia remedy. It reminded me of those flapper dresses that women loved wearing in the 1920s. Even the plainest of cakes would have a certain cachet, served on this (ever so slightly) over-the-top stand. It's actually for weddings but we could all use a little beauty in our lives, even on ordinary days....

These glazed ceramic bowls scream "MEDITERRANEAN" and will cheer all but the most stoney hearted. They're sold individually at USD 7.95 a piece, have  a capacity of 16 oz and measure 9 inches across. I think they're pretty enough to use out of the kitchen; for holding bars of soap or potpourri in a Mediterranean themed bathroom for instance, if you've got one or want one, now. They caught my eye probably because I've just come back from an island vacation and remain in island withdrawal. Pity...

Well, what else, after my most loved tea, if not my most coveted teapot? If you've ever tried to find a black teapot, you will know that it's virtually impossible. Fret no more. I have been dreaming about this dark and gleaming beauty since I first laid eyes on it. This glazed stoneware teapot by Rosanna is part of the Rococo Noir tableware range that includes a sugar and creamer set and pedestal cake stands. It's inspired by 18th century French Rococo art but given a modern and dramatic twis...

If you're as batty about antique or retro glassware as I am,look no further than Laurie Leigh Antiques. Just bat your lashes at this gorgeous pair  of double cased hock glasses. They took my breath away. Hock is an archaic British term for German wines in general or specifically German wines from the Rhine region. From St Louis, France. Circa 1920. Height: 7¾ inches. Price: £595.00. For full details see here.