Beautiful Utensil Holders for the Kitchen

A little while back, Bestie D and Bestie M came to Santa Barbara to visit me.  We've been friends since 6th grade.  As usual, we had a great time together: laughing, eating, talking, and reviewing bad (in a good way) reality TV.

We also went to the Summerland

- a cute little town just minutes outside Santa Barbara.  Summerland has some really fantastic art and antique shops.  Bestie D made a major purchase of a large (and beautiful) painting for her home.  I wasn't quite as lucky - but I did purchase an antique pitcher from France, which I am now using as a colorful utensil holder in my kitchen.

This is a traditional pitcher used in France during the 1950's and 60's to advertise for Ricard pastis.  Pastis is an anise or licorice-flavored liqueur that was created by Paul Ricard in 1932.  Later, pitchers with the Ricard logo were used for bringing water, juice, or milk to tables in French cafes as a way of marketing the popular alcoholic beverage. I was immediately drawn to this charming keepsake of a French tradition.

I had been wanting to get my cooking utensils out of the drawer.  When I saw this pitcher, I knew it was perfect.  It adds a great pop of color to my kitchen and it has the authentic French flair I love so much.

This pitcher is now on display in my kitchen.  Nearby, I added a cute set of cicada salt and pepper shakers which I purchased from a little shop in Provence.  I like the way the yellow eyes echo the yellow of the utensil holder.

When thinking about a utensil holder for the kitchen,

I prefer to think out-of-the-box and use something that is both beautiful and functional.

While I used a pitcher, there are a variety of items that make great utensil holders.  I found a bunch of great inspiration on Pinterest.

Fleeing France used some time-worn planters and left their patina in-tact.  I have a similar white planter and this would be a lovely way to use it.

Source:  FleaingFrance.com

Bestie D and I both love pigs. It's an inside joke between us.  When I spotted this inspiration on Pinterest, I immediately thought of her.  This utensil caddy was from Pottery Barn but, unfortunately, it is no longer available.  Maybe, I'll try ebay...

Source: Pottery Barn (no longer available)

Tidbits and Twine and Savvy Southern Style show that great minds think alike.  They both chose to showcase their kitchen utensils in lovely silver champagne buckets.  I love champagne and I think this idea is genius!

Source:  tidbitsandtwine.com

Source:  savvysouthernstyle.com

Blue and white chinoiserie is that rare combination of classic and on-trend.  A beautiful chinoiserie vase or vessel makes for a chic, glamorous utensil holder in the kitchen.  It adds a pop of color to any space, while almost acting as a neutral.

Source:  theglampad.com (original source unknown)

Finally, if you cannot find the ideal container in your home or at an antique store, you can always find stylish and inexpensive options at IKEA or Home Goods.  These stores carry great containers that could be used to hold utensils as part of a vignette.

Source: dose.com - (from IKEA)

Source: diyandcraftsdecoration.com

Do you display your utensils in your kitchen?  If so, what do you use as a caddy or holder?  I would love to hear your ideas!

Linking up:

Life on Lakeshore Drive - The Bouquet of Talent
http://www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com/2016/07/the-bouquet-of-talent-linky-party-203.html

The Charm of Home - Home Sweet Home
http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=5014918533&blog=2418446

Our Southern Home - Inspiration Monday
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The Dedicated House - Make It Pretty Monday
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The Scoop
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A Stroll Thru Life - Inspire Me Tuesday
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2016/07/326th-inspire-me-tuesday.html?utm_source=bloglovin.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FznvhK+%28A+Stroll+Thru+Life%29

Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays
http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=5027121827&blog=3922579

Dwellings - Amaze Me Mondays
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