One of the pleasures of working in a ceramics studio full of other people, as I do, at the Hyde Park Art Center, is that I get to see some beautiful things being made and talk to the people making them. Some of the most appealing pieces I’ve seen up close lately are made by Amanda Gentry. Her elegant forms and smooth, smooth surfaces are so nice to touch, they pretty much beg to be picked up. All of her pieces are hand-thrown, and all are food-, dishwasher-, and microwave-safe. Or you can just hold them! Amanda sells these small porcelain salt and pepper cellars ($30 for the pair) and other lovable cups, bowls, and serving pieces on Etsy.

—Joanne Trestrail