Rae Dunn, by Magenta

Once upon a time I was lucky enough to have a friend who worked for home and gift retailer Magenta, and after a late summer warehouse sale, I walked away with a glut of Rae Dunn ceramics — including her chair mugs and party plates. I clearly remember getting into the car and peering yet again into the box with gleeful child eyes, still blinking at my good luck. Sadly, over the years, several of these pieces have come to untimely ends and I mourn their absence on my shelves. Along with my mismatched collection of bird plates, the handmade pieces of Rae Dunn hold a special place in my heart and in my kitchen.