Marian McEvoy is a Muse

Hooray for 1stdibs.com! While visiting their site this morning, I was thrilled to see that they have announced that Marian McEvoy will be joining the editorial team to cover the new monthly column, “The Talent”. Marian will dive into the lives of designers and dealers who are using 1st dibs in their search for great design. While editor-in-chief of House Beautiful she was the first to discover 1stdibs and introduced them to thousands of readers. I am sure they are thrilled to have her take on this column since Marian is always at the fore front of design.



As a lover of a well-dressed table, Marian McEvoy is definitely an inspiration to me. The former editor-in-chief of Elle Decor and House Beautiful, is famous for her unique vision, sophistication and experience in the home lifestyle and design category. All china lovers have a special place in my heart, Marian especially, when interviewed by Food & Wine magazine this is what she said:

What do you like to collect?
I'm a china nut—I have eight sets, most of them vintage or antique. Swid Powell, which no longer exists, is my favorite modern china maker. They had Charles Masson [the owner of the Manhattan restaurant La Grenouille] design plates with a pink pattern, a white border and a little black band that are really chic. I like china that has white on it somewhere, whether it's the pattern or the border.

If you could design anything for the table, what would you pick?
Plates. If Swid Powell were still in business, I'd want to design something for them, but now I'd probably choose Bernardaud. My great-grandmother painted porcelain. She bought Limoges standards, hand-painted them and then had them fired. She used them as chargers, but I like to serve food on them instead.

Marian McEvoy is a "Muse" to many, here are a few:

I'm a loyal Domino reader and I think Deborah Needleman scored a major coup by hiring her as a columnist. Marian's column is my favorite every month!

Who will ever forget the EBay showhouse in 2003. When executives at the online auctioneer was looking for a new way to highlight their home furnishings category, they turned to renowned interior designers and set them loose on the site. Each of the designers -- Laura Bohn, Christopher Coleman, Jamie Drake, Tiffany Dubin, Glenn Gissler and Marian McEvoy -- was given a room or set of rooms to design, a budget based on room size, and a request that 80 percent of the items be purchased on eBay. Marian's dining room was my favorite!



In Annie Kelly's book "Rooms to inspire: decorating with America’s Best Designers", twelve trendsetting designers were chosen to bring a fresh point of view to creating interiors for a spectrum of living spaces. This selective group includes Marian McEvoy and others like Kelly Wearstler, Muriel Brandolini, Jonathan Adler, and Simon Doonan.



I am happy that Marian McEvoy continues to expand her love of houses, interiors and the philosophy of stylish living to ultimately inform, help and delight readers like myself.

Moraccan style reception: A magical carpet ride

This morning I received a email from the lovely Maryam from MyMarrakech. Maryam is in Essouira, a small white-washed chilled out market town on Morocco's West coast. She has limited web access; however she wanted me to share this comment:

Sarah,
I can't post comments with my little machine but I checked out your post. Could you post the comment below for me?

What a beautiful post! This is great inspiration for me, even living here in Marrakech. I like your fresh and modern interpretation. This is just begging for some great Moroccan food and perhaps a nice mint cocktail for guests! Sarah, I am in Essouira but will try to remember to link your entry with my next blog post. Please remind me if I some how forget.

Thanks for the lovely post!

Cheers,
Maryam



The thought of Maryam in Morocco visiting the wonderful art galleries, shopping the many artisan craft stalls in the winding alleyways (the woodwork in Essaouira is famous as being one of the oldest artistic forms that has thrived in the town) and eating the delicious cuisine made me think about a Moraccan style wedding reception.



Wouldn't it be magical if you could sweep your guests off their feet with this rich, exotic reception that celebrates Moroccan style!



all images courtesy of: Modern Bride

Arabian nights: Moroccan style on the table

Last week Maryam from My Marrakesh sent out a request for some bathroom inspiration for her Guest House, Peacock Pavillions which she and her husband are building in Marrakesh, Morocco. In true fashion, the design community within blogosphere responded and provided Maryam with some wonderful inspiration. Everyday I am fascinated with the incredible talent that I see posted on blogs and these women provided some amazing examples of Moroccan style: Anna from Absolutely Beautiful Things, Julie from Bellevivir, Kate from Girl Meets Glamour and Patricia from Patricia Gray Inc. All these women have a great eye for style and I was truly inspired.



Moroccan chic is ultra-fashionable and easy to create on the table. It's a bohemian, layered style with decorative detail supplied by intricate metal lanterns, bold tableware from New Arcadia Studio and the laser-cut rubber trivets, wine-bottle mats and coaster sets by Images d’Orient which come in brilliant colors and Moroccan tile patterns would look perfect on the table.



The glasses from New Aracadia Studio are wonderful for Pimms. Try fragrant ice in your Pimms. Pop fresh mint leaves into an ice-cube tray before you add the water and freeze it.



Create the atmosphere with these dramatic Moroccan and Mexican-inspired lanterns that illuminate with candles through tiny pinholes to create an intimate evening glow. Delicate yet dramatic, they light up tables, pathways, beaches and backyards.


(l to r: latern,$195.00, Plantation home LA; season metal lantern, black, $50.00, notNeutral)

The new fez collection from Roost would be great for serving exotic snacks and nibbles. Place pistachios in a large bowl and place a smaller bowl in the center for the shells. Samosas are ideal – serve them on the Moroccan-style trays.

Host your own Arabian night with a mix of these elements. Before the summer is over, try having a sophisticated, bohemina dinner while the sun sets, it’s sure to feel so organic!



For more information on Moroccan design check out the articles written by my blogging friend, Holly from Décor 8.

Get the dish: Champagne Saucers

There is ongoing speculation as to the origin of the saucer champagne glass. Some have said that the glass was modeled after the breasts of Marie Antoinette. Others have said they were created by Madame du Pompadour, the mistress of Frances Louis XV, as a gift for his lover. These theories are possible as champagne was invented in the 17th century and the saucer champagne glass was first introduced in England around 1663. Over the years the tulip shape has gained in popularity, so much so, that we never see this older version. Many seem to prefer the tulip as the bubbles have the space to form and rise to the surface. However, the saucer also has neat attributes as you can really smell the aroma and feel the bubbles when in use.



(l to r: Brianna champagne saucer, $84.00; Jessica champagne saucer, $84.00, both Juliska).

Lately, I have noticed a interest in the saucer champagne, also known as the champagne sherbet, as its secondary use is for ice creams and soft desserts. The reason for the resurgence is the effect of changing styles in both home décor and spirits.


(clockwise: Waterford Lismore Essence champagne saucer, $79.50, Neiman Marcus; Posh Cocktail dessert glass, $8.95, Crate and Barrel; Palais champagne saucer, $68.71, Nachtmann;
Marc Jacobs Waterford, David, $65.00, Macy's).

There is the growing popularity of spirits like Prosecco, Bellinis and Champagnes, over wines for cocktail hour. It can be kind of hard to find saucer champagnes in the US, but in fact they are still made by most of the top crystal companies. I’ve put together a group of both traditional and modern styles, from Marc Jacobs to Juliska. These are a few of my favorites. Never to early to start planning for the Holidays.

Cheers!

(above: Vera Wang Duchesse saucer champagne, $40.00, Macy's).

The glass is greener on a well dressed table

Perhaps taking a cue from the season's springing flowers, stemware -- from regular glass to expensive crystal -- is filled to the brim with color. Color is king right now and green glassware is a beautiful way to liven up any table. I love the way Carolyn Roehm set this table using green glasses.



Chartreuse, Kelly, Emerald and Hunter are all bold, vibrant shades of green flaunted for years by the fashion industry, well they have now spilled onto the table. The fun and elegant glassware makes its mark, offering style-laden options fit for lavish celebrations or everyday dinners at home. A full lineup of shapes and styles turns these drinkware options into anything but ordinary.


(l to r: Hand-cut crystal Bamboo martini glass with green bowl and six-sided amber stem, Moser, $125.00. Handblown, hand-cut crystal viden double old-fashioned in chartreuse, artel, $164.00, 866-448-7683. Crystal goblet with green bowl, Laura Japy, $48.00, bloomingdale’s. Teardrop-cut crystal Cerdagne champagne flue in chartreuse, Saint Louis, $200.00, Michael C. Fina. Handblown cased-glass Kawali goblet in Anise, Christofle, $170.00, Pavillon Christofle, 877-728-4556. Pressed-glass Marquis tumbler in green with laurel-tree pattern, Waterford, $49.00/4, Bloomingdale’s. Handblown etched-crystal Merian white-wine glass in emerald, Mottahedeh, $210.00, Michael C. Fina. Frosted-glass Bangalore show glass with floral motif in green, Kenzo, $90.00/4, Unicahome.com)

(above: Transglass recycled vase by Emma Woffenden & Tord Boontje ,$38.00, Re-modern)

Are you looking for a great way to liven up a party? Using color can be a way of expressing your personality on the table. Are you environmentally conscience and would like to set your table with a "green" point of view. The Transglass collection features glassware vessels made from recycled wine and beer bottles. The sharp lines, clean forms, and original bottle colors express positive attitudes about beautiful design that's kind to the environment. Whether it's a big catered party or a dinner for six. Try setting your table with colored glassware. Green carries color and reflects light like no other material; the stemware just sparkles like emeralds.


(above right: Cristallerie de Portieux wine glasses, $40.00, Michael C. Fina)

As you enter the holiday season, forget traditional stemware and set your table boldly and creativity, by using green stemware.

(above left: Baton vases, $5.99, West Elm)

Cheers to stepping beyond the boundaries of expected style!

Initial Impact!

Long before Carrie Bradshaw popularized the nameplate necklace on HBO's Sex and the City I was all about personalized jewelry. I can remember the “initial” gold charm I just had to have with my first gold chain. The initialized goods trend comes and goes, remember the "Laverne & Shirley" sweaters and the letter stick-pins?

(l to r: letterpressed monogram cards, $16.00; Archipelago Monogram Candles, $25.00; both from Anthropologie).

For me the trend has never lost its spell and I think initals are a great way to express creativity, individuality and identity. For my fellow Brides 2 Be, check out Darcy's post today about personalizing your invitations with a monogram.

(l to r: initialized coaster, $26.00, Iomoi; Glass plate, decoupage with gold leaf back, letter"r" shown, $156.00, Superdeluxe NYC)

Coming off the heels of the New York Gift show, the “initial impact” is coming on strong! Intitals are hot, people like the idea of embellishing with a monogram or initials. If the gift show is any indication of what Buyers are ordering for their stores this Fall then it looks as though retailers are looking to cash in on the personalization trend. (booths shown below: Two's company, Keena and John Derian).

These pictures were taken outside the window of the Anthropologie store in Rockefeller Plaza: monogrammed wood-and-metal pedestals, wood salvaged from bygone railroad tracks handcrafted into consonants and vowels and did you ever think matte metal would spell understated elegance.


You've installed shelves in your new home and now you need to add a few accessories between the books. Let's see, there's a plant, a framed photo and a vase. But if you want your space to have something more, something personal that carries good design. Why not stake your claim on that space in a most graphic way by adding letters?

(above: Typesetter Plaques, starting from $19.50, Ballad Designs)

(above: printer letter stands, $26.00, Anthropologie)

(above: recycled wood alphabet letters, $16.00, Anthropologie)

Small initials look good on small things. But if you move the alphabet into the decorating arena, you need to go large. Singled out, any one of these 26 characters becomes an art element. Do I have to spell it out for you.

(above: Red Letters, John Derian, $45.00, Abitare)

(top row: spelling bee fabric letters, $12.00, Anthropologie; bottom row: wall blocks, Rae Dunn, Magenta Inc., (510) 849-3888)

Agate plates: Eco-chic is taking it's place at the table

Eco-chic used to mean wearing a message tee in support of the environment or, at best, a stiff dress made of hemp. But the fashion industry seems poised to go green on a more significant scale. H&M has just launced an organic line of clothes, as has Barneys New York.

Eco-chic is not only appealing in apparel but it has taken its place at the table.
Eco-chic dishes, place mats and tablecloths are all available and don't require a major monetary commitment - - - think hemp linen, bamboo utensils and agate coasters. (as shown above: agate coasters, $60.00, MoMa Store).

Walking down 34th Street earlier this week, I was inspired by this Astro Gallery window. The agate is beautiful. Cut and polished from raw Brazilian stones, agate is formed when water flows through lava holes, depositing silica that adds to their shimmering beauty and stunning luminous colors. The new agate serving platters from VivaTerra has the original stone edge intact and are ideal for cheese, sushi, or any hors d'oeuvre needing exquisite elevation.


Making the most of what nature offers requires an artistic eye and skilled craftsmanship and I think agate captures the beauty of nature with their intriguing ring patterns. Combine ecology and elegance to your table by adding these agate pieces that uniquely fuse exceptional quality and design with eco sensitivities.

(above: agate bottle stoppers, $25.00; agate bowls, $50.00, Uncommon goods).

VivaTerra or living earth is one of my favorite stores. They are a front runner in promoting the eco chic lifestyle. They offer distinctive home and artisan products that beautifully merge ecology and elegance. With a commitment to design, quality, and sustainability, VivaTerra achieves a balance between well being and living well.

(l to r: agate geode bookends, $129.00, Viva terra; agate collection, Roost, 415-339-9500)

Henry Beguelin's leather box is topped with an agate, a stone believed to ease sadness and promote regeneration.


(above: Scatola bijoux leather box, Henry Beguelin, 212-647-8415)

According to those who believe gems carry metaphysical properties, amethyst provides patience and balance, while citrine aids prosperity. Metaphysics aside, these polished stones and bowls promote beauty in your display or on your table.

(top row: Gem Point, Citrine and Amethyst; Mineral Bowls, Moss Agate, Amethyst and Rock Crystal, all Roost, 415-339-9500).

(bottom row: agate plate, $70.00, Uncommon Goods; quartz point, $350.00, Ruzzetti and Gow).