LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - November 9, 2010) - Pacific Merchants Trading Company, a leading importer and distributor of gourmet products and gifts for the home, has set the table for a holiday season that renews a rich history of luxury in American kitchens in the form of Price & Kensington teapots and Mason Cash mixing bowls and pudding basins. The British brand's 200-year history and classic beauty make the items ideal both for holiday entertaining and as timeless gifts that friends and family can pass down to their children.

AGELESS BEAUTY MEETS MODERN LUXURY -- MASON CASH CREATES HEIRLOOM PIECES TO ENJOY FOR GENERATIONS

Mason Cash handcrafted ceramics can be traced back to Derbyshire, England, circa 1800. The nostalgic feel of the "white and cane" glazed earthenware gives a special flavor to whatever you're whipping up in the kitchen. Cooking icons like Julia Child and Martha Stewart have regularly used the brand; even the Queen of England relies on Mason Cash for Christmas pudding gifts -- a venerated English tradition.

"Mason Cash represents a return to fundamentals: kitchen essentials crafted with pride, and meant to last a lifetime," says Bruce Mannis, owner of Pacific Merchants Trading Company, a family business focused on making well-made luxury pieces affordable for American families. The company is the exclusive U.S. importer and distributor of Mason Cash products. "Families enjoy these hand-crafted pieces year after year, then pass them along to gather more cherished memories. The beauty, durability and practicality molded into each glazed earthenware piece has earned Mason Cash an honored place on generations of holiday tables."

While Mason Cash products may offer a sweetly nostalgic remembrance of your grandmother's favorite piece, the line is anything but old-fashioned. The mixing bowl's raised pattern hasn't changed in more than 100 years; and the pudding basin has been unchanged for more than 200. Simplicity of design gives Mason Cash bowls and pudding basins a timeless beauty that's as at home in an upscale dining room as it is in a country kitchen.

With a full array of sizes, a unique best-seller is the 14-inch diameter mixing bowl -- the only mixing bowl of its size available in the United States. Oversized proportions make it perfect for kneading bread and preparing favorite family recipes for the holiday meal and is beautiful all year long, even as a kitchen centerpiece holding fresh fruit. Plus, it's lightweight and maneuverable for easy use.

Mason Cash also produces mortar-and-pestle sets, stoneware bakeware and heavy stoneware pet bowls, all oven-, microwave-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe.

PRICE & KENSINGTON STONEWARE TEAPOTS -- A MODERN TWIST ON A 17^TH CENTURY CLASSIC

Price & Kensington's much-loved steeping teapots are functional and cheerful pieces that perk up any countertop. Based on the 17^th Century "Brown Betty" design, these stout, rounded teapots reached the height of popularity at Queen Victoria's court and have remained a style icon ever since. The classic shape encourages tea leaves to swirl gently with the addition of boiling water, producing a rich, full-flavored and less bitter tea.

An array of rich glazes and a vivid, festive designer palette ensure Price & Kensington stoneware teapots and accessories complement even the most contemporary surroundings while still managing to evoke a sense of connection to a rich history -- encouraging users to slow down, unplug, relax and enjoy the soothing ritual of sitting down for a cup of tea.

"It's easy to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle during the holidays," says Mannis. "Brewing a pot of tea to share is a wonderful excuse to relax. You can splurge without guilt and spend some time connecting with the people you care about over a special blend of tea poured from a Price & Kensington teapot. Making time to enjoy our favorite people over the holiday season is the most priceless gift of all." 

These durable teapots come in both 2-cup and 6-cup designs and 9 vibrant colors. To round out the tea party fun, Price & Kensington also produces tea caddies, 6 colors of matching tea mugs and boxed sets that include creamers and sugar bowls. Teapots are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. They're also surprisingly affordable, so you can spoil yourself without breaking the bank.

Kitchenware from Mason Cash and Price & Kensington represent an enduring tradition of welcoming loved ones with heartfelt luxury and style. Dress any table with these quality pieces that bring function and beauty together for a memorable family holiday by shopping at www.pacificmerchants.com or at your favorite gift shop, specialty store, or kitchen store, including Whole Foods, Dean & Deluca and Viking culinary stores.

About Pacific Merchants Trading Company: Founded in 1992, Pacific Merchants is an established leader in the gift, gourmet, kitchenware and tabletop industries. Based in Los Angeles, Calif., they are known for attractive, well-made products and competitive prices. Pacific Merchants is dedicated to supplying the specialty independent retailer with boutique products not commonly sold through mass merchants. Best-selling lines include Acacia woodenware (Acaciaware®); Mason Cash ceramics; designer placemats, runners and coasters; and Price & Kensington teapots and tea accessories. Pacific Merchants sells online via its website and through such retail outlets as Whole Foods, Sur La Table, Bloomingdales and fashion forward online store Gilt.com. High-end hotels and destinations that rely on its products include Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Mandalay Bay and the Wynn Las Vegas hotels. For more information, visit www.pacificmerchants.com.

Contact Information:

CONTACT:
Lauren Ellermeyer
949-733-8679