Personalize any of the hundreds of trays, platters and catchalls by Macbeth there. I love Macbeth’s big beverage tubs and their Tote Along flatware carriers ($38). They’re super charming and useful for transporting silverware whenever summertime outdoor dining is on the menu.
Monogram-ready bags and laptop cases by Carrie & Tuck also delight (one in hot-pink canvas with white piping especially). Sassy Bee also carries Boatman Geller, one of my favorite paper lines. Their preppy invitations, stationery and photo cards are ripe and ready for individualizing. Don't miss their customized cell phone cases, either.
Planning a dinner party? You may want to add Placetiles to your shopping list. Sassy Bee sells these darling ceramic place cards ($36 for a set of six). Circular with white beading on their borders, they stand alone and come with dry-erase markers. Write your guests’ names in the center, and there’s even a slot where you can place flowers, providing another opportunity to add something individualized and special.
Adding seasonal, celebratory and specialized details to everyday serving ware is what the Nora Fleming collection, sold at Sassy Bee, is all about. Start with one of her white ceramic serving pieces — be it a bread tray ($37), a pasta serving bowl ($50) or a square dimple-edged server ($40) — and then select brightly colored “minis” (they’re about 3 to 5 inches tall) that pop into small holes on all the serving pieces. For summer I love the blue crab (pictured), the charcoal grill and Uncle Sam’s hat, which would have perfect for the Fourth of July. The shop carries a birthday hat, a carrot, an apple, a tennis ball, a champagne bottle and many more minis, too. All are priced at $12 apiece.
Sassy Bee is at 11400 Huguenot Road, Suite 115, in Midlothian. Stop by and meet the owners, Kim Mayes and Cassie Omohundro, one of whom is in most days. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
