I love cake stands. Probably because I love cake and the thought of putting it on pedestal for all to see is highly appropriate in my craven little mind. I came across <a href="http://www.etsy.com/featured_seller.php?featured_user_id=5110319">vessels and wares</a> by means of a <a href="http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/2010/06/th.html?cid=6a00d8341c6a0853ef0133f11a6e63970b">very popular blog</a> on this here interweb and was immediately smitten. Not only does Jeanette do a wonderful line of cake stands, including cup cake stands, but she also does a line of 'vegan ceramics' called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vegandish">Vegan Dish</a> with absolutely no animal by products.

So check out some of my favourite picks from Jeanette's stores; that would be a great addition to your kitchen and home.
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.148481208.jpg" alt="Casserole" width="400" height="400" /></p>
<strong>Casserole</strong>

Currently on someones registry (I hope they get it!!), this beautiful stoneware casserole is the perfect dish for a winters stew, or a summer <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/ontv/shows/chucks-day-off/recipe.html?dishID=9895&amp;titleid=229156">potato salad</a>!  I love the colours in Jeannette's work, subtle and fresh they look like a colour wash and the vibrant tones make me feel happy. As I mentioned, this casserole is listed <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48556027/r-e-g-i-s-t-r-y-for-silverstein-and">for a registry</a>, but as they are custom order you can probably drop Jeanette a note about getting one made up for yourself. Just $78!
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.151335329.jpg" alt="Custom Wedding cake stand" width="400" height="360" /></p>
<strong>Custom Wedding cake stand</strong>

Such a good idea, and a nice personal touch for anyone getting married soon. These custom wedding cake stands come in both <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49408304/custom-small-wedding-cake-stand-made-to">small</a> for $68 or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46067551/custom-large-wedding-cake-stand-made-to">large</a>, priced at $180 and feature nice little hand worked touches like the bride and grooms names, hearts and the wedding date handwritten in script around the edge.
What a wonderful wedding gift or keep sake that can actually be used over and over again! If you don't have occasion for one of these, there are other great <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45084449/small-cake-stand-grey-lace-cake-plate">non-wedding</a> cake stand <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45308867/set-of-3-eyelet-cake-plates-with-ribbons">options</a> to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/39692753/medium-scallop-cake-stand-in-white">choose</a> from.
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.151516046.jpg" alt="berry bowl strainer and scallop saucer" width="400" height="322" /></p>
<strong>berry bowl strainer and scallop saucer</strong>

'A Collander with pizzazz'! I love it. I eat berries on a near daily basis and having an adorable collander to wash them in then eat from is essential. At least it is to me. This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49463384/large-berry-bowl-strainer-and-scallop?ref=v1_other_2">beautiful strainer</a> is fit to go from sink to tabletop without looking out of place in either scenario. Simply gorgeous!
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.131370346.jpg" alt="Vegan Dish - Cake stand" width="400" height="360" /></p>
<strong>Vegan Cake stand</strong>

Well now, how about this? A vegan cupcake stand. For vegan cakes, by a vegan (well..you don't HAVE to have a vegan cake on it, but really - if you didn't ...that would just be wrong). I love the fact that it says 'vegan' around the rim <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/42933469/vegan-cupcake-stand-in-purple">of this stand,</a> perfect for a party where you have guests of mixed consumption tendencies...It can be a bit frustrating when you are at a dinner party, eyeing a dish and asking your meat eating friends, 'is there meat in that? it is vegetarian/vegan??' Now, those questions will no longer be necessary!
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.145848255.jpg" alt="Cozy Vegan Mug" width="400" height="360" /></p>
<strong>Cozy Vegan Mug</strong>

Also from the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vegandish">Vegan Dish</a> line, these cozy mugs are brilliant. I love mugs of interesting shapes and sizes. Especially ones that encourage you to <a href="https://shop.maxbrenner.com/product.aspx?prd=3">cradle the mug</a>, eat from the mug and otherwise engage in activity with a mug that just smacks of 'over familiarity' . Case in point the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/47739753/vegan-cozy-mug-in-azure-with-flower">vegan cozy mug</a>. It's wide brim and low height make it perfect for grabbing a spoon and scoffing the contents. Again the colour palette is nice and bright, and although priced at $22, its one of this mugs that would fast become a favourite and make all your other common mugs just plain jealous.

So there you have it.

<em>images courtesy of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vesselsandwares">jeannette zeis</a> stores mentioned</em>