Cast of CharactersIf you’re a fan of...

Cast of Characters

If you’re a fan of Mickey, Minnie and Winnie, collectible dinnerware and cookie jars by Treasure Craft will find a place in your heart.

Treasure Craft, a division of Pfaltzgraff, the nation’s largest maker of dinnerware, specializes in stoneware and earthenware products featuring famous characters. From trivets to teapots, spoon rests and salt and pepper sets, all are ideal accents for the home.

Among the characters are the usual Disney gang--Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, et al--Snow White and the seven dwarfs, the Muppets and the Simpsons. Pocahontas, the Lion King and “Toy Story’s” Buzz Lightyear are part of the crew too. This fall, characters from the motion picture “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” will be added.

“We consider this the fun side of our business,” said Paul Helgesen, president of Treasure Craft, which is based in Compton, and celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The handcrafted ceramic cookie jars cost $39 to $59, the trivets and spoon rests about $20. They are available throughout the county at JCPenney, Best, Linen ‘N’ Things, Home Express and Fedco, to name a few.

Dorm Decor

Think bold, not blase, when dressing your dorm room. JCPenney has put together furnishings that would get an A for style and price.

For instance, color blocked comforter sets ($60) and window treatments ($45) coordinate well with your favorite prints, giving your room some pizazz.

Trunks ($80) can work double duty, hiding clothes and acting as tables and extra seating. And to complete your look, don’t forget a rug and peel-and-stick borders ($20 for two 5-yard rolls) for the walls.

Coming to Roast

Preparing deli-style food is as easy as 1-2-3, when you use the Carousel Rotisserie by Sunbeam.

Small enough to fit on the kitchen counter, the vertical spit is fully enclosed for smoke-free cooking. It has a removable nonstick drip tray, a two-hour timer, auto-off safety mechanism, dishwasher-safe components and a large viewing window.

In addition to the vertical spit, there is a basket for cooking vegetables and other foods such as hot dogs, potatoes and corn on the cob.

The rotisserie (about $90) can be found in major department stores and those that carry small appliances.