Bird is the word in tableware: Lenox introduces chirp, its newest dinnerware

Keep an eye out for birds -- indoors and out. They are the design world's newest
darlings. They are showing up on everything from dinnerware and tree top
centerpieces to cakes and invitations. At tabletop market Lenox introduced
their new “chirp” pattern.



The key to the current avian look is color - - think parrot green, robin's egg blue
and canary yellow. As part of the new “simply fine” collection, Lenox has crafted
this beautiful and highly fashionable design to appeal to the modern women. This
pattern with its bold splashes of teal and the water-colored birds is what inspired
the following "robin's egg blue and red" affair:


(top row: Martha Stewart magazine, bottom row: The Knot)

Though unconventional, this warm-cool combination is surprisingly elegant. Red
and robin's egg blue is one of my favorite parings, at once sophisticated and alive.


(above: Martha Stewart magazine, letterpress wedding coasters, Sesame
letterpress).

In America, birds have always been a classic motif; but if you'd like to incorporate
some flights of fancy into your next event, incorporate birds using this color
combination.


(top row: Martha Stewart magazine, Real Simple magazine, bottom row:
Martha Stewart magazine, The Knot).

Bold accents pop against white table linens. For a centerpiece, use a tree
with vibrant red and blue birds perched on the branches.


(above: Country Living magazine)

For something luxurious, place iittala Toikka bird at every place setting.


(l to r: Toikka birds, $275.00, blue pheasant, Gump's; Martha Stewart
collection feather bird ornaments, set of 4, $26.25, Macy*s).

Start with a deep red (red has long symbolized love and passion ) and
temper it with blue-greens ranging in intensity from pale to brilliant.
Set the tone right from the start by sending save-the-date announcements
to your guests with a robin's egg blue and red combination.


(above: Birds in Paradise, Ink and Wit; Engagement party invite, Sesame letterpress).

Don't forget your cake! This color combination will surely provide compelling
contrasts and give a look that's fresh and new and appealing.


(top row: Martha Stewart magazine, bottom row: Lovin Sullivan cakes)

Dining by Designer: Monique Lhuillier's new tableware collection

Monique Lhuillier will walk down the aisle next year - - - the Bloomingdale's
aisle that is. Lhuillier's designs will soon be moving from the runway into
home. With tableware, stemware, barware and giftware inspired by Monique's
best selling bridal gowns and fabrics from her evening gowns, believe me
this collection will appeal to the sophisticated woman!


(above: Atelier Blanc crystal giftware)

Monique Lhuillier will be introduced in a exclusive Bloomingdale's launch in
January 2008. I've seen the collection and it is a combination of luxury and glamour
with traditional values. I especially like the Atelier Blanc crystal barware with
its allover cut thumbprint designs, the wine glasses feel great to the touch.


(above: Tableware shown is Femme Fatale - features a raised natural
pattern in warm pearlescent gray)

Look for the national ad to roll-out in Martha Stewart's wedding magazine. The tag
line is "Life is short. Use the good china". I couldn't agree more, these pieces are
elegant for the most dressed up occasions and perfectly suited for everyday living.

Tabletop Fashion Week: "This is my cup of tea"

The tables are set and I couldn’t be happier. This fall, buyers return to the Big Apple for the
semiannual New York Tabletop Market. This weekend the showrooms around Madison
Square showcased all the newest tabletop lines and designs that will be hitting retail next
year. I was fortunate enough to visit many of the showrooms and I invite you to join me
this week at Toast and Tables where all my post will be revealing some of my favorite new releases.



ROYAL ALBERT CELEBRATES A CENTURY OF DESIGN
After hearing about the upcoming international launch of the 100 years of Royal Albert
collection, I had to visit their showroom first. Using ten patterns, Royal Albert is introducing
a new collection of products; the patterns are unique and reflective of popular designs and
international events over 10 decades. When leaving the showroom I received a great
parting gift - - - a teacup, saucer and plate in the Festival pattern (1950). It's beautiful, I'll
be sending it to my mom and I know she is going to love it! She is an avid collector of
tea cups, her display in the kitchen is stunning and this will fit in quite nicely.



(shown above: 1950/ Festival: Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952 at the tender age of just 25. Her
coronation was seen the world over. The post-war era saw bolder florals signifying a re-birth, with many designs
using typically English flowers. Festival features pretty harebells, with the blue of the flowers in the background
and boarders. All items from the 100 years of Royal Albert collection are packaged in unique deep pink and
burgundy Royal Albert hat boxes with illustrations of all ten patterns).

Looking at Royal Albert's signature delicate florals in many of the patterns, I immediately
started to think about how many of the products would look on a table at a Tea Party.
I love Tea Parties and think they are suitable for many celebrations. When you'd like to
host a party that isn't as involved as a dinner party, a tea party can be the answer. It's an
ideal format for a bridal shower or a little girl's birthday celebration.



(above: In many parts of the world, tea time is an honored tradition of refinement and elegance. When you're
planning a tea party - - - adorn your table with your best china, silver, and linens. These add polish and grace
to the occasion, and in our "paper cup" world they remind us fondly of earlier times, images: Country Living
magazine).



(above: What children tend to enjoy most about tea is the ability to participate in a storybook tradition, that
is why I love this "Alice in Wonderland" theme party photographed by the amazing Jessica Claire! Throughout
history, children have found a pastime in holding tea parties, inviting their stuffed animals to the table and
practicing proper etiquette. Children and delicate china may not seem compatible, but something about the
elegant environment encourages kids to feel more grown-up and act accordingly, images: Jessica Claire).

Every year my mom's church has a tea party, I hope next year she pulls out her collection
and sets a table using the new tea cup and saucer that I'm sending her. Whatever your
reason for hosting your next tea party, enjoy a cup for me!

Women who make beautiful tableware: Dishfuls of Doodles and Milani Home

Rich and voluptuous. Complex and nuanced . Exotic and spicy. These adjectives
describe the dominant color trends from the fall runway, and it might not be
a coincidence that they could also describe the kind of tableware created by
the two women I am spotlighting today.


(row 1: square serving platter, $20.00; serving platter, $20.00.
row 2: small serving bowl, $15.00. row 3: rimmed serving bowl, $20.00;
vase, $20.00. All available at Dishfuls of Doodles Etsy store)

Mary Imig Gallimore of Dishfuls of Doodles adds Exotic and spicy color
to whiteware bowls and platters by embellishing them with her one-of-a-kind
painted design, making festive (yet ultra functional) centerpieces and gifts.
Tammy Milani of Milani Home combines voluptuous patterns, rich color,
luscious metal finishes, black glazes and carved textures. Her creations serve as
art pieces, existing on their own, or functioning as practical pieces for every use.


(row 1: Shadow Leaf collection, starting at $67.00; Ralph cups, $25.00; row 2:
mona tumblers, $24.00; If Pigs Could Fly bowls, $50.00; row 3: Mona Serving
bowls, $46.00; Verona plates, starting at $28.00; all available at Jack Cecil ).

With a collection named “If Pigs Could Fly”, Milani Home is answering the call
of the young consumer who is clamoring for uniqueness. The product offerings from
both women are filed with contemporary and casual shapes, handcrafted designs
and configurations, and bolder colors.

Tableware is awash in the brilliant hues of fall. Bring your fun, cheery personality
to the table with these colored plates, hand-painted mugs and signature serving
pieces.

All buttoned up: Make them apart of your wedding

(above: button cake, The Knot)

Antique, mother-of pearl, plastic or metal--gorgeous buttons are just crying
out to be used to make unique, one of a kind items for your wedding.


(above: serendipity06, Etsy, button invitation)

Buttons pull us together day after day, fastening our skirts, closing our jackets,
but often goes unnoticed until we discover one missing. I credit Vane from
Brooklyn Bride who actually got me thinking about the button and it’s many
uses when she posted ABC Buttons.


(above: images from Charles and Marie and Cake Milk Paperie)

In doing research, I learned that years ago people clipped buttons off worn
clothing to pass down as valuables. Carefully preserved in tins or boxes for reuse.
I think a family heirloom like this would be wonderful incorporated in a wedding
bouquet.


(above: Wedding bouquet and centerpiece, both images from The Knot)

Buttons can be found at flea markets and antiques stores. I'm not sure where
Brooke found the beautiful coasters she bought me for Christmas last year but
aren't they fantastic! The coasters and phone album would make great
Bridesmaid gifts.


(above: button coasters, birthday gift from Brooke; mother of pearl photo album,
$19.99, White Aisle)

For the creative Bride, buttons can offer a fantastic source of inspiration for a
wide range of do-it-yourself creative crafts. You can take buttons out of their
familiar context to showcase them on invitations, cards, favors and table linens.


(above: button sachel and button soap, White Aisle)

Buttons make charming closures: Punch holes in the box's lid for the button, slip
wire through, and fasten on the underside; tie a ribbon to the button's base, loop
it around the box, and wrap to secure.


(above: images from Martha Stewart)

With ideas like these, you'll never take another button for granted, even when they
come in the form of jewelry or a picture frame.



(above: button bracelet, $198.00, Anthropologie; Links of London classic
button cuff links, $195.00, Saks Fifth Ave; square buttoned up frame, $14.95; buttoned-up frame, $19.95; both available at Anthropologie)

Dining by Designer: Marc Jacobs is pushing petals

Move over, sunflowers. Daisies are the cheerful new floral motif
appearing on all sorts of tableware accessories, from dinner plates
to tea pots. Flower power these days has more to do with the
current interest in nature and gardening and the daisies all-natural
air of innocence has a very modern appeal.



(above: teacup, $32.50; mini jug, $100.00; saucer, $15.00; covered
sugar, $130.00; coffee cup and saucer; beverage pot, $250.00; all Marc
Jacobs, Daisy Blanc)

The daisy's flat simplicity makes it a popular contemporary
graphic motif and who better than Marc Jacobs to make this
beloved country flower (used in his new dinnerware pattern -
Daisy Blanc), sweet and funky at the same time! His crystal flower
pots are fabulous and would look great filled with daisies. Of all
the flowers daisy flowers are the flowers, which can be used for
decorating any part of the house. Daisy flower arrangements can
be used for decorating your dining tables or your coffee tables.


(above: Glass flowers, $165.00; Flower pot vase, small, medium, large,
$150.00, $275.00, $350.00, Clare Collection by Marc Jacobs)

The elegance and simplicity of Marc Jacobs new china dinnerware,
Daisy Blanc, is sure to add a touch of high fashion to your tabletop.
This pattern is a variation of this past seasons, hot color
trend, yellow. It is a color that looks good on the table any season.
Clear, buttery shades make it perfect for a spring or summer table.
Mustard, gold and saffron can warm up your table in the fall.


(above: Fall 2007 images, New York Magazine)

Let Marc Jacob's Fall 2007 collection inspire your table's color
combination! Personally, I'm loving yellow and gray. Look
for a post soon on how to incorporate both colors on the table.

Fall Foliage: decorating with leaves

We are approaching the time of the year when most people are looking
more into the interior of their homes for beauty rather than outside in
the yards and gardens. Even so, many of us are finding ways to bring some
of nature indoors by decorating with fall leaves. Fashioning them into table
centerpieces, wreaths, candle rings and napkin holders are just some of
their uses. (above: Carolyn Roehm, Presentations)



One of the best things about fall is the color palette. I love the warm hues
and earth tones that reflect the changing leaves, perfect for a Fall wedding!
Decorating a wedding in autumn is almost effortless because nature does
most of the work. A variety of dried leaves all in deep autumnal hues, need only
minimal arranging for a lovely effect. (above: Better Homes and Gardens, Acorn
leaf napkin ring kit, $9.99, Martha Stewart crafts)



Did you know that Fall is the second biggest wedding season after summer?
If you’re planning a Fall wedding, incorporate leaves into your 'special day 'with
some of these festive, leafy decorations. (above: Autumn wreath kit, $24.99,
Martha Stewart crafts; Grooms cake, The Knot; Fall bouquet, $80.00, Kate Parker
Weddings via handcrafted wedding; Autumn leaf wreath, Better Homes and Gardens).



According to Martha Stewart, if you are going to be using fallen leaves, gather
them about two weeks in advance. Lay them between sheets of paper towels,
then let them dry between the pages of a phone book. Replace towels every
few days. When real leaves just won't do, you can still use the motif on your
favor's box and wouldn't your guest be delighted to find inside leaf shaped
brownies or chocolate. (above: Country Living magazine and Brides)



A table with pressed leaves is perfect for your escort cards. The leaf motif can
embellish the cards or you can use them as the card themselves. In an entry-hall table
or as a centerpiece, complete the look with nuts and more dried leaves arranged
in a glass bowl.



Wreaths and garlands: Don't limit wreath-making to Christmastime; there
are abundant materials available in the fall for creating lovely decorations
that will last through the season. A colorful collection of preserved leaves
are striking when densely clustered on a wire wreath form.



Start collecting those leaves, make way for fall and winter. Full steam ahead.
If collecting leaves is not for you, above are some great leaf accent plates that
you could easily mix and match with your current table decor.
(above: leaf plates, Roost; decorative leaf dishes, $58.00, Gump's; Harvest
leaf platter, $44.00, Pottery Barn; large foil leaf plate, $4.99, Target).

"Women Who Make Beautiful Tableware": Amanda Ryznar and Jessica Rust

One of the reasons I started Toast and Tables is because I wanted to
celebrate the spirit and style of different tablesettings. If nothing else,
I hope this blog inspires you to create a table that reflects who you are.
I think that when friends and family gather around the table it becomes
more than a piece of furniture, it becomes a personal place invested with
our emotions, our memories and our dreams. As the holidays are a time
to take pleasure in families gathering together why not add to the enjoyment
by making the table a feast for the eyes with handmade items.




I love handmade tableware; I think it adds a great deal of creativity and
individuality to the table. Handmade tableware is finding great success
because more and more consumers want to depart from mass-produced
pieces. Every Friday I would like to spotlight, “Women Who Make Beautiful
Tableware”: a weekly feature on some of the most creative women in home décor.

If you have a favorite Potter or know of an extraordinary Ceramist, please
email me, I would love to feature their work. Today, I bring you the work
of Amanda Ryznar and Jessica Rust:


AMANDA RYZNAR



Amanda Ryznar is the craftsman behind YogaGoat Pottery - - -
the name was derived from a doddle she did in a notebook of a
goat while doing yoga. After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts,
Magna cum Laude in 2000 from Slippery Rock University she worked
for 2 production potteries in Vermont.

YogaGoat Pottery, which Amanda started in 2005, makes handmade
porcelain tableware inspired by nature and patterns on wallpapers
and fabrics. Amanda says, “I love being the person who made
someone's very favorite mug, or the vase they will enjoy even
without flowers. Bright colors on pure white porcelain are where
I have found my voice in clay”.

I am extremely taken with the personalized wedding or anniversary
bowl. You can order this bowl with your name, dates and decoration
of your choice to commemorate your special day. These bowls are great
and I’m thinking of ordering one for Chip and I. Check out her Etsy
shop for more information about the bowl and her other fabulous pieces.

JESSICA RUST



Jessica Rust, needs no introduction, she has captured the hearts of many
with her tableware designs that commemorate weddings, anniversaries and
other events that need celebrating. Abby Jean over at Style Me Pretty is
currently sponsoring a give-a-way of one of her Limited Edition bowls.
Act Fast! Go over to Style Me Pretty now and participate in this fabulous
give-a-way.

When you have a piece of handmade pottery in your home, you have a connection
with whoever made it. That human connection is important. When you choose
good crafted work for your home, something that's done well, you have a
piece that you can see yourself passing on. Join me every Friday as we
celebrate "Women Who Make Beautiful Tableware".

Putting it out on the table(top): The inside scoop on Anna's birthday party

Anna, here's to you - - - "It is not the years in our life, but the life in your
years that count!" Happy Birthday.


(above: Daisy Cake, Martha Stewart)

Tell me where does this woman find the time and energy?!?!? She's an interior
designer, she owns a shop in Brisbane Australia called Black & Spiro, she's the
blog author of Absolutely Beautiful Things (one of my favs), this week she's guest
blogging over at Design Sponge and last week she threw herself one swanky
birthday party! *whew*



When I saw the pictures from Anna's 30th birthday party posted on her blog, I
emailed her and asked if she would share with me her inspiration. She happily
responded and I'm so excited to pass along the inside scoop. Thanks Anna for
your insight! Everything looked "Absolutely Beautiful".


(above: Anna decorated the table in pink, yellow and white with tin buckets filled
with daisies placed down the centre of the table).

1. What was your inspiration? Are daises your favorite flower? Being that Peppers Spicers
Peak Lodge is out in the country I felt that daisies in tin buckets suited this look and I
just wanted it to be very simple. Usually I do lots of different types of flowers down the
centre of the table but this time as I said I just wanted it so very simple.

2. I love what you did to the napkin, is that a certain type of knot? No just simply knotted and
played with a bit to make them sit perfectly. I have to attribute this style of napkin tying to
my mother as this was her idea a while ago and I just love it as I am a huge fan of bows!!

3. Oh! the pink ribbon on the wine glasses were the perfect touch! Did you do that to tie
into the napkin? If you look really closely I tied a small rose onto each wine class with
the pink ribbon and yes I used the pink ribbon to tie in the pink on the napkin.

4. I love that you chose square plates. Did you have a choice between square and round?
Square plates were the only option so I can’t be credited for that but I agree that they
looked really great!!


(above: Anna had a special birthday lunch on Saturday beginning with drinks on
the lawn. Each person received a hand-painted parasol to use outside for the
drinks and then a sit down lunch inside in front of the fireplace).

5. What were your place cards leaning against? They were leaning against a soap wrapped
in paper with handwriting saying what sort of soap it was. This was just a small gift to
each of my guests from me.

6. Lastly, did you find conversation difficult with a long table? Oh no definitely not! It was
really fantastic – the conversation flowed really well and people just got up and moved
around a bit which I loved! I love long tables. I’m not a fan of round tables.


I was so inspired by Anna's yellow and pink color scheme that
I put together a mood board of my own.



(clockwise: Ombrages dessert plate, Raynaud, $61.00, DeVine Corporation,
Anna's place setting, images from Brides and The Knot).


Tabletop recommendation for the bride who loves the yellow and pink theme.


(above: Rutherford Circle Pink dinnerware, floral accent plate, Kate Spade
collection available at Bed, Bath and Beyond).

More pink and yellow... Mackenzie over at Something Old, Something New
posted these beauties by who else but J.Crew!



Mackenzie says, "Shoes! Shoes always cheer me up. Especially pink or yellow
satin ones, worn under beautiful white wedding gowns. Even better because
they're under $200.00."

I couldn't agree more these satin Mary Janes are fabulous (with or without the
wedding dress).