Can I just say that I love Eric Adjepong? I was introduced to his magical cookery when I first saw him on the Food Network's Tournament of Champions in season three. He creates food with flair and let's be honest, the man's got style. So it's no surprise that Crate & Barrel's tapped him for a gorgeous new collection of over 60 kitchen pieces that range from an enameled Dutch oven to hammered textured glassware, decorative baskets, and an insanely chic punch bowl that I can't stop obsessing over.
The colors in this collection are everything and are perfect for spring and summer, while the woods and metals are totally evergreen. This collection is relaxed yet refined, airy yet grounded, all at once. According to Adjepong, this collaboration is meant to reflect the water, wood, golds, and sunburst yellows of Ghana, where he spent time as a child with his grandparents.
"The food, clothing, and jewelry that influenced this collection bring important parts of my past to people's kitchens and living rooms to make cooking and entertaining pieces as functional art," he says.
The collection blends Adjepong's West African heritage with his NYC upbringing and is bound to set dinner parties ablaze all across America. Bonus, you can get your hands on these pieces right now online or in a Crate & Barrel store near you. And now, a moment for the good stuff:
Kuruwa Teal Hammered Glass Tumbler - $9.95 each
These slightly textured tumblers come in a color palette that invokes inspiration from the vivid colors of West African markets. Get them in teal, grey, amber and clear.
Ndwono Ne Ya Dark Acacia Wood Mill - $34.95 each
Are they candlesticks? Decorative pieces for your kitchen island? Nope. They're just the most stylish salt and pepper mills you'll ever lay eyes on. Crafted from sustainably sourced acacia wood, the horizontal grooves serve both form and function, allowing you to grind rock salt and peppercorns with ease.
Sobolo Glass Punch Bowl and Marble Stand - $89.95
Welcome to the aforementioned piece that had my attention from the get go. This clear glass bowl has a slight texture inspired by Ghanaian metalsmiths and Adjepong recommends filling it with a batch of Sobolo, the West African hibiscus punch for which the bowl is named. The bowl rests on a pedestal of cool, beautiful teal-green marble. And honestly, my new punch bowl won't be complete without the most stylish ladle on the planet.
Nea Onnim Gold Metallic Trivet - $24.95
I love me a really good gold moment and this one's got the perfect ratio of brass-to-gold hue. This trivet is elegant, but not in your face. Plus, it's bound to match my cabinet knobs and pulls perfectly. It looks like a piece of jewelry that's about to adorn my kitchen counter. The Nea Onnim is a Ghanaian symbol that represents lifelong learning and the quest for knowledge - lay that on your guests at your next dinner party and you're sure to be the hostess with the mostest.
Adidibea Shapes Printed Cotton Napkin - $12.95 each
More stylish touches to match my kitchen. Did I say I love this collection already? This little ditty is inspired by modern Ghanaian prints and fashions - contemporary and eye-catching with a subtle elegance.
Ayowa Dark Grey Clay Communal Bowl - $49.95
Constructed of gray, glazed terracotta, this bowl will go straight from the oven to your kitchen table. It's a stunning way to showcase one-pot meals and effortlessly bring your family together for an easy yet elevated meal.
These pieces just barely scratch the surface of a seriously stunning collection from Chef Adjepong and Crate & Barrel. If your kitchen's feeling a little ho-hum and you're in need of a little change, ditch the boring basics and spice up your kitchen with some serious cultural flair - you can thank me later.