WHY DO YOU LIKE AND COLLECT MATCHES?
I love free stuff you can take at a restaurant, so taking matchbooks was a no-brainer. However, I quickly realized the sentimental practice of materially marking a favorite spot or memorial time. Additionally, I think they are fabulous mementos for various stages of my life in NYC and how my “places,” tastes, and special spots evolve. I am now beginning to think I should write notes inside to remember the occasions.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONES AND WHY?
The matchbooks most special to me that I haven’t brought myself to use are the ones from my favorite restaurants, where I have formed great friendships and shared some of my best meals (food and company wise) in NYC, especially ones that have closed. I love the @happycooking.nyc dining group. I have had many happy memories at their restaurants. Sadly, @fedoranyc and @barsardinenyc closed, so these are extra special to me. Another favorite are all my @thejanehotel ones. The office for my first job was located in the basement of The Jane. We shared a storage closet with the hotel and that is where they stored all their matches. Needless to say, I stole a box.
WHEN AND HOW DO YOU LIKE TO ENJOY YOUR MATCHES?
While I have many, many candles—mainly from @joyastudio—I am truly awful at burning them. So, that being said, I barely use my matches. But I constantly enjoy them as decor pieces in my apartment. I collect antique jars and dishes. I keep my matchbooks in my guilloché enamel vanity jars, German antique china ashtrays, and a few silver dishes. The matches make great conversation starters and always lift my spirits to flip through.
