Toast and Tables

Lovebirds: Lenox Chirp dinnerware

2008-07-12T19:23:00.003-04:00

With a wedding confection inspired by your porcelain pattern, you can have
your cake and eat off of it, too.

The whimsical spirit of these "Chirp" saucers, $12 each; mugs, $25 each; bowls, $30 each;
and platter, $191, all from Lenox is shared by the stunning watercolor birds on this cake designed by Kate Sullivan for LovinSullivanCakes, NYC, $1,000, serves 100.

Sea Urchin Vase: Let the sea flow onto your table

2008-05-30T01:48:00.000-04:00

Living miles from the sea needn't mean you can't have a little marine decoration on
your table. The sea offers a huge source of ideas and materials. Traditional tokens
of beach outings, seashells are celebrated for the beauty of their unique forms and
textures and often used as decorative touches in seashore abodes. But that coastal
address isn't necessary in order to enjoy the brilliance of the beach, with a host of
of products bringing it as close as the backyard.

Indulge a love of the sea with a few nautical inspirations. Water restores the soul,
so it makes sense that aquatic objects, sea urchin vases, would renew your table.
You haven't seen underwater action like this since you last went scuba diving.

sources: Michelle Rago and Brides magazine

Summer tables sizzle with colors and patterns

2008-05-29T00:36:00.000-04:00

Whether it's a laid-back picnic or lively dinner party, forget about setting a serious table.
After all, it's summer and that's the perfect excuse to dish out a table that's drenched with
color and wild with pattern. Since we have only a few months of reliable warm weather each
year, why not make the most of them and create a special place in your yard for summertime
dining and entertaining? With a little imagination, you can create an oasis for a daily escape.

TEA PARTY TABLE AND OCEAN THEMED TABLE SETTING

Play up the look with mismatched china cups, more than one teapot, posies from the garden,
and cupcakes frosted in a multitude of floral hues. Use plastic plates and utensils for a casual
sea-themed party. Sea shells function as flower vases, decorative centerpieces, and place
setting embellishments.

BANDANNA TABLE SETTING AND PINK TABLE SETTING

A humble picnic table can be set with as much care as your fine dining table. Dress up
a wooden picnic table with an embroidered cotton or lace runner, and use a few
strategically placed bowls and plates, like these bandanna-printed ones, to anchor
the cloth. Mix vivid flowers, saturated colors, and patterns to set an exotic scene.

FERN TABLE SETTING AND GREEN TABLE SETTING WITH ROSES

Mismatched silverware and china still look sophisticated with natural embellishments,
like a hand-picked fern frond. Even when dining outdoors, if your table's surface is in
good shape, like this one, you can forgo a tablecloth. Don't be afraid to use crystal goblets
outside. They add elegance to the table and look right at home next to antique flatware
and long, tapered candlesticks.

WHITE TABLE SETTING WITH FLOWERS AND PEARS

Improvise a "cloth" tablecloth by criss-crossing strips of burlap from a garden-supply
store, then layering lengths of crinkly white gauze over them. The effect is reminiscent
of antique linen culled from Grandma's attic.

(top photo - a refreshing palette of golden yellow and robin's-egg blue sets the scene. For
a casual yet stylish affair, mix upscale elements with down-home details. Burlap,
bandannas, and disposable pleats mingle effortlessly with fresh flowers and herbs).

source: Country Living magazine

Do The Bright Thing!

2008-05-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Summertime, and the living is easy and it's generously colored: bright, like a daisy;
pastel, like sorbets; and other hues that are as cool as a lake or pool.

This year there's a bumper crop of new designs, many of them on melamine, a rugged
plastic hybrid. It's dishwasher safe, of course, but improved methods of fusing colors
to the melamine mean the patterns won't chip or scratch in the dishwasher, either.
And the designs run the gamut from fanciful to elegant.

Solid-color plastics have not been forgotten, either. In the table setting above, the bright
colored goblets give the table a lift, as does the decoupaged teapot, especially when it's filled with flowers.

(above: Plate - "The oval shape of this plate is a fresh take, and it shows the pattern off
so well". Oval Batik Melamine dinnerware; Goblets - "Bright, vivid colors work anywhere
anytime". Jewel Tone Plastic Goblets; Napkin Ring - "The patterns and colors of Africa
are fascinating". 3.5" round Wooden African Mask Rings. Flatware - "Polished resin adds
sparkle to the table, think accessories, think jewelry". Shown in Orange)

All the tableware can be purchased at J.Roaman
Image source: House Beautiful magazine

Green Peace: take color cues from Mother Nature this spring when setting your table

2008-05-19T00:26:00.006-04:00

This spring, the freshest greens lean toward bright, high-contrast shades. From spring grass
to shell peas, citron to chartreuse, green lies at the root of this season’s most inspired table
settings.

Welcome guest to the table with personalized gifts they can enjoy at home. A garden
stake in a diminutive flowerpot allows friendships to blossom.

(above: create a miniature bouquet with an inexpensive bud vase, pretty grosgrain ribbon,
a guest’s monogram and a trio of tulips).

(above: decorate your table (clockwise from top left) with a custom-embroidered napkin
and place mat. Tie buffet napkins with string and arrange them in a compote. Candlesticks
become favors. A hand-embroidered fern. Candy strips. Scalloped edges ruffle peachy plates.
Mix and match napkins and rings. Vegetables are a visual treat. Present a set of napkins to
your hostess.

I continue to be smitten by the colors and images of garden-themed decor. Fortunately,
there's an array of product, from tableware to napkins and glassware, to satisfy nearly
everyone's green thumb.

Image sources: Martha Stewart Weddings and Country Living

Parrot tulips never tiptoe their way into blooming big, bright and brassy, they deserve a centerpiece all their own

2008-05-16T00:08:00.003-04:00

A centerpiece incorporating tulips should have a place on every table. They're colorful,
they're fun and they're great performers. They come in an impressive range of flower
forms - from simple upright goblets to the double blooms of peony-flowered forms -
and every color you could think of - except blue.

However, the frilliest, fluffiest and most flamboyant tulips of all are the parrot tulips.
They are a riot of multi-colored blooms with fringed, feathered or wavy edges. They are
actually "moving" flowers; they stretch and turn in response to the light.

Carolyne Roehm acknowledges an extreme love for parrot tulips. ``I'm drawn to their
odd streaks of craziness and their individuality - no two are the same. Looking at a
bundle of parrot tulips is like staring into a pool of the fantastic. I wonder: How did
nature decide to follow such an eccentric course?''

Roehm's fascination with these fancy flowers is demonstrated in the first photo with
the centerpiece she created.

For longest enjoyment, buy cut tulips when the buds are still closed but are beginning to
show the flower color. Before arranging tulips, prep the stems by re-cutting the stem tips.
A fresh cut opens the stems' water uptake channels. Unlike most cut flowers, tulips keep
growing in a vase. Plus, as they grow taller-often up to an inch-they tend to bend and move
toward sources of light. The fact that tulips dance in the vase is part of their charm. Don't
bother with flower food. Add fresh cool water to the vase every two days so they won't
drain the vase dry. Place tulips in a cool spot.

sources: Carloyn Roehm, A Passion for Flowers; Martha Stewart and Country Living magazine

Botanical Bliss: Naturally inspired tablesetting

2008-05-12T22:38:00.002-04:00

Imagine sitting down at the table to find a butterfly on your napkin, green moss under
your plate, bees swarming above and birds perched on your glass. And they all make
you smile. The butterfly is a napkin ring, the sheets of florist’s moss, transforms the
table into a woodland landscape, the bees are from the beehive lantern and the birds
are porcelain.

Butterflies, blossoms, and other botanical motifs bring nature's beauty to the table.
Host a springtime lunch in the garden or backyard. Bright table linens, whimsical botanical
decorations and a few nature-inspired accents make for a setting that infused with new life.

(above: White branch-shaped porcelain containers hold an assortment of pink blooms.
Spare tulips suit the sculptural look of this nature-inspired vase).

(above: Porcelain birds perch on the rim of the wine glasses, as if they’d alighted there).

(above: Hang America Retold's Beehive lanterns in your backyard for a warm glow
at night).

source: Myhomeideas and Country Living

Succulent settings

2008-05-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Now that the cherry blossoms have come and gone, the spring showers that bring May
flowers begin yet another cycle of plant life for the next season. However, for those like
myself, who lack green thumb expertise, those anticipated garden flowers may never bloom.
That’s why I like no-brainer plants. A plant that doesn't need even the slightest attention is
ideal. Not that I mind lavishing attention on a couple of exotic beauties, but not everything
can require nursemaiding. Perhaps that's why I like succulents so much. The only way you
can kill them is with too much attention.

Have you noticed the current interest in succulents? Succulents, original to dry regions
of the world, have been used as houseplants in cooler climates for many years. Suddenly,
it seems as if succulents are a new discovery. Magazine articles and the increasing availability
of plants in local nurseries and garden centers has turned non-plant lovers into gardeners
eager to try growing them.

With fleshy leaves which store water, succulents can usually go many days between watering,
making them desirable plants for college dorm rooms, people who forget to water, and people
who are away from home for extended periods of time. Succulents also make excellent
favors for wedding guest. The endurance of the succulent plant is unequaled and will leave
guests with a lasting and easy-to-care-for reminder of your wedding -- all they need is good
drainage and sun.

Another reason why I love succulents is that they look so good in groups. You can have
hours of fun arranging them, either in clusters of pots with similar or contrasting colours
and foliage, or in larger containers planted with several different varieties. Succulents can
be planted in shallow gardens, and the roots will spread out. They are fun plants to use in
tabletop centerpieces where you don't want height. Also, there are so many diverse types,
leaf forms and colors. It's like creating a tapestry. Being little can be advantageous and
beautiful!

Image sources: Martha Stewart, Brides and Country Living

Centerpieces of the week: Mum's the word (say it with flowers)

2008-05-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Giving flowers doesn't have to mean simply placing a call to the florist and leaving
all the creativity to them. With a little imagination, you can turn a bouquet into a very
personal gift. With an eye toward summer blooms, here are some style tips from Isabelle
Bosquet, she breaks a few rules -- to help you make your own knockout centerpiece for
mom.

Outdoor setting: "This bouquet of anemones, muscari, hyacinth, pink parrot tulips, and
lilac is an intended contrast to the china's pattern. Full of aroma, it is perfect for an
outdoor summer meal. "The addition of the artichokes was inspired from the green colors
on the plate," - Isabelle Bosquet.

Tropical Decor: Of the tropical display of orange and green cockscomb, protea, and roses.
"I adore this one because of the strong color and texture. The cockscomb and protea pick
up the colors in the china and napkin ring. It really looks like coral." - Isabelle Bosquet.

Peonies in Bloom: Don't underestimate the beauty of one kind of flower on its own.
"This bundle of pink peonies highlights touches of color in the china. And, a cluster of a
single kind of flower complements a more casual setting". - Isabelle Bosquet.

Of all the ways to let our moms know we are thinking of them on Mother's Day, giving
flowers is perhaps the most popular. And why shouldn't it be? So many gorgeous blooms
are at their seasonal best right now. Whether your mom is traditional or funky, stay-
at-home or out-on-the-town, a blooming bunch is the perfect way of showing how much
you appreciate her.

source: My Home Ideas

Guarantee a great start to her day: Mother’s Day breakfast special

2008-05-08T09:37:00.004-04:00

For many, breakfast is hurried, heads-down sustenance supplemented with caffeine.
Hold the social interaction. For others, breakfast is a business function, the food an
afterthought to early morning deal-making. But for me, setting an elegant breakfast
table for my mom on Mother’s Day is a splendid alternative to taking her out to dinner.
This elegant option provides a splendid opportunity, unhurried and uncrowded, for my
family to socialize and to show my mom how special she is.

Spoiling mom at a beautifully laid table is a lovely way to begin Mother’s Day. Whether
served in bed or at the table, making breakfast on Mother’s Day is a great starter for
mom's special day.

Tablesetting: gold-edge eggcup and butter dish by Legle Limoges. “Constance” bread-and-butter plate
(below eggcup), sugar bowl, and coffeepot by Bernardaud. “Illusion” teacup, saucer, and dessert plate
in endive by Haviland. “Derby Panel Green” bread-and-butter plate (with knife), dinner plate, and vegetable
dish (with flowers) by Royal Crown Derby. “Olivia” tumbler by Juliska. “Fairfax” silverware by Gorham.
Image, Martha Stewart magazine.

Birthday party under the “Big Top”!

2008-05-05T08:00:00.004-04:00

There was a time when "kid's birthday party"' meant a cake, some balloons and maybe
pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey. When I was a little girl my birthday party was a modest
affair in the basement. Not anymore. My sister and I have been planning my nephew's
party for weeks, we've chosen a circus theme - - - and we’ve been relentlessly incorporating
this theme in every element of the party, including invitations, music, games, craft
projects, snacks, cake, entertainment, favors and of course the table setting.

The circus has always been a part of my family’s tradition. I can remember the high-
wire artists performing their death-defying acts, the sugary, billowing cotton candy,
the popcorn, the ponies and the clowns. Some traditions just seem to slip away in the
churn of modern life but the joys of the circus is something that we wanted to pass
down to the next generation.

With easy-to-make treats, old-fashioned games, and party decorations to delight kids
of all ages, we let the sights and sounds of an old-time circus inspire us.

Birthday parties are often big events in children's lives but the bottom line is for children's
parties to be special and fun, whether they're simple home affairs or themed extravaganzas.

Source of inspiration/images: Country Living magazine

versaTYle! Dressing your table to fit your personality

2008-05-01T00:07:00.004-04:00

Setting your table for special dinners with family and friends, holiday gathering, or just
to give yourself a visual boast when you sit down to dine are great ways to express
your decorating personality. Tabletop is an extension to a larger fashion or
decorating statement and it doesn't matter if your style is exotic or eclectic, you
have endless options for dressing your table to fit your personality.

(above: for a personal addition to the table setting, make place mats from black and
white copies of snapshots printed on tabloid-size paper)

These images from Ty Pennington shows us that with the right basic pieces you can
design any table setting as the mood strikes. The right pieces can enhance a casual
setting or soften a formal atmosphere. But one mistake can throw off the whole look,
so when setting your table, look to coordinate, it will keep the mood right and the tone interesting.

(above: just-cut fronds make awesome place mats and bring a bit of nature to the table;
their color plays well off of the earthy tone dinnerware. Orange linens tie into other
hints of orange in the room).

(above: a new twist on takeout - create a centerpiece by slipping a vase of flowers or a
small potted plant in a to-go box. When dinner is over, it can double as a parting gift
for guests).

So, whether you're decorating your house or putting plates on the table discover
fashion-related looks that go with your personality. Dressing a table is a lot like dressing
yourself. For instance, casual-chic style pairs jeans with a dressy blouse, or a pair of
boots with a cocktail dress. It's all in the way you put it together. The same goes for the
table.

source: Ty Pennington at home, Pointclickhome.

Suited to a tea: A tablesetting with tea tins

2008-04-29T00:00:00.003-04:00

Spend a relaxing afternoon celebrating the women in your life! A Mother's Day Tea is
a way to pamper the women you love and admire. Brew a proper cup of tea and serve
it in the finest teacup you can find. Add tea sandwiches, some pasties or scones, whip
out your best linen tablecloth, add fresh flowers and candles, and any mom would feel
like a queen.

Tea doesn't have to be this predetermined snooty affair. It can be whatever you think
your mother, sister, aunt, grandmother or whoever would be honored with. You can
even use tea tins to bring an old-fashioned charm to the table.

Treat your guest to teas they love - - - and some they’ve never tired. Tea tins make an
elegant and eye-catching favor. Shown above is a decorative blue tin of jasmine tea,
$7, by MarieBelle New York.

As important, if not more important, is the talk at the tea. Ask each woman to bring a
tea cup and saucer - ask why they picked it. It's a way to share something significant and
it's not too personal. Fanciful, intimate, and simple to prepare, a tea party is a party like
no other.

Sources: Brides magazine, Martha Stewart and Country Living magazine

Disappearing Act: In this casual world, is formal passé?

2008-04-28T00:10:00.003-04:00

(above: China: Lenox; Stemware: Waterford/Wedgwood; Flatware: Vera Wang; Tablecloth: Sferra, Gracious Home)

Growing up as a child, my family sat down and had dinner together every night. I had the
chore of setting the table. Typically that meant putting the allotted number of plates
in the general vicinity of my family member, taking the forks, spoons and knives out
of the drawer and plopping them down next to the plate and if I was feeling especially
gracious, folding a paper napkin and placing it near the plate. However the holidays
were all together different! Setting the table for the holidays was more like an hour-long
production that involved linen tablecloths, silver stemware, finding the right mix of
charges, plates, bowls and my mother designing a stellar centerpiece.

(above: China: Lenox; Stemware: Waterford/Wedgwood; Flatware: Vera Wang; Tablecloth: Sferra, Gracious Home)

With America's easy lifestyle so much in the forefront, has the concept of formal dining
disappeared. Has our relaxed approach signaled the demise of long-standing dining
conventions - - and a trend away from formal entertaining?

(above: China: Lesesne; Glasses: Pottery Barn; Flatware: Pottery Barn; Placemat: Gracious Home)

(above: Plate and Mug: Pottery Barn; Glasses: Pottery Barn; Flatware: Pottery Barn; Placemat: Pottery Barn)

Despite today's relaxed lifestyle, formal dining is still an important part of many
people's tradition. So as we approach Mother's Day, here are templates to help you set the
table for a casual mother's day lunch or a formal dinner.

(above: The primary difference between a formal luncheon and formal dinner setting is the increased number of glasses
for red wine and champagne).

(above: For a formal luncheon, the table is set much as for dinner with a few exceptions. The presence of an iced teaspoon and iced beverage glass announce a daytime event).

(above: A casual dinner calls for less formal china and stemware, and stainless steel flatware is fitting for the relaxed setting).

(above: For a casual lunch, feel free to use heavier dinnerware, like these simple ceramic plates. Provide glasses for whatever beverage you plan to serve).

Source: My Home Ideas, Tablesetting 101

Centerpiece of the week: Ranunculus

2008-04-25T00:00:00.001-04:00

The ranunculus delights through sheer variety of size, form and shade, and few flowers
come in more hues than the ranunculus.

(above: This sunny bunch of large and small blooms boasts creamy white, muted yellow, pale orange, and mossy
green ranunculus; the texture comes from a mix of budded and open blossoms. White garden roses and yellow
begonias add volume, while weigela leaves complement the color scheme.)

As romantic as roses or peonies, but not nearly as commonplace, these bulb-grown blossoms
work in tight, formal arrangements or when placed in a simple, clear vase-all the better to
show off their curvy stems.

Looking for a cost-effective alternative to the rose and the peony? Try the lush, multi-
petaled ranunculus, a relative of the buttercup. You can create a striking bouquet with
a cluster of this showy, bowl-shaped flower. Ranunculuses resemble small peonies and
produce densely petaled blooms in a range of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red,
and pink; they are usually available in late winter and early spring.

Everything else about the plump and pretty bloom speaks of unbridled beauty, from its
tissue like petals that unfurl in tightly budded whorls to the breadth of colors in which it is
found.

Image sources: Martha Stewart Wedding and Country Living Magazine

Special Delivery!

2008-04-24T00:00:00.003-04:00

(above: bright yellow ranunculus, gold roses, perfumed freesia, ilex berries, and clementines form the warm
foundation, while dusty-miller leaves, blue-gray succulents, and leucadendron buds add contrast and texture.
Bouquet by Ariella Chezar, from Martha Stewart magazine)

I’d like to send a bouquet of thanks to Miss Shortcake over at Weddingbee for featuring
Toast and Tables in her post entitled “Pearls and Pedals and Petticoats, Oh My!” We both
agree that one could make a truly grand entrance or exit via a bike and that your transportation
could be turned into a theme.

Your photos are the record of the laughs, tears, hugs, and toasts that are bound to take place
throughout your wedding day so selecting a photographer to document your day is possibly the
most important hire you'll make. As for me, I found my shutterbug soul mate in Jessica Claire.
I love her candid shots, she has a real talent for capturing emotional and spontaneous
moments. Isn’t that bike shot gorgeous? It’s indicative of all her work - - - crisp images,
thoughtful compositions and good lighting. Make sure you check out her photo blog, you'll
spend hours trolling her site.

HAPPY EARTH DAY: An eco-chic tablesetting

2008-04-22T00:24:00.001-04:00

I definitely think the green movement is more than a passing fad. Over the last year,
shelter magazines and trade publications have spent space and energy focusing on green.
It has made me think, or at least wonder about organic place mats, bambo plates and
handmade ceramics. Every day I see more and more options and ideas that are
environmentally conscious. And yes, many of the ideas are perfectly suited for a eco-chic tablesetting.

Tree trunks used as flatware holders, available at your local nurseries. The flatware is from
Michael Aram's Forest Leaf Collection. It takes its inspiration from the intricacies of
form and texture found in foliage from around the world. Natural twigs cast in place with
stamped tops, in silverplate–add a piece of the forest to your place setting.

The succulent and grass centerpiece pair nicely with the Tourron line of ceramic dinnerware
from Jars Provence Design. Jars is handcrafted in France. The company, founded in 1857, has
been a family enterprise for four generations. By combining state-of-the-art technology with
traditional craftsmanship, Jars produces vividly colored settings and serving pieces that will
brighten your table every day.

All in all, there has been a long-awaited awakening to the needs of the planet as well as to our
personal well-being. When people are given the opportunity to make a difference, I think they
will positively modify their purchasing and consumer habits. This transformation will continue
as more people realize the link that exists between purchasing environmentally conscious
products and their personal environment. Being conscious of the environment is no trend,
it's here to stay.

Chinoiserie – looking east for tablesetting inspiration

2008-04-21T00:00:00.005-04:00

We can embrace the Chinese decorating principles of feng shui and dally with Buddhist
philosophy, but empty a room of everything but a floor covering of tatami mats, and we
panic. Where do we sit? Where is the television?

One way we have found to adopt Asian style is on our dinner tables. We are gaining a sophisticated appreciation for Asian food, and lately, we have taken the tableware into our homes as well.

Blue-and-white glazes are a popular color combination in China and Japan. Ever since
Marco Polo swept through Asia, the West has been enamored of Oriental style, interpreting
its decorative motifs on everything from textiles to tableware. Here are two chinoiserie
inspired designs, to give your table Eastern allure.

The Asian influence has been reinterpreted for contemporary day by Tiffany with their
Cirque Chinoise dinnerware. Tiffany Private Stock hand-painted limoges porcelain.

Set a classic table with this intricately patterned blue and white stoneware. Asian Toile
dinnerware by Horchow.

Asia continues to impact tableware designs, although it is yin in some and yang in others.
There is a Chinese menu of styles, ranging from traditional to new-age. Americans continue
to express an appreciation for Eastern culture and these two chinoiserie patterns puts a
fresh spin on the centuries-old look.

Wedding bike theme: It could lead to a wheely long marriage!

2008-04-16T16:32:00.003-04:00

(above: Cycle pattern, Slant)

Horse drawn carriages offer a grand entrance to a wedding. However, they are rarely
an option to get you to and from the other places you need to go. A limousine adds a
classy touch. It does relieve you from any driving issues you may have if perhaps things
get wild and crazy during the festivities; however one of the most interesting exits I've
heard about was the bride and groom exiting on a bicycle. So why not turn your exit
transportation into a theme.

(above: invitation, Greenwich Letterpress)

From the table setting and the invitations to the transportation, theme weddings are
becoming increasing popular. With the green trend going so strong every day we see
more and more options and ideas that are are environmentally and socially conscious,
ideas with style and integrity. Depending on your site, you can make a truly grand
exit via a bike.

So rather than jumping into a limo after your reception, take off on a bike. Capitalize on
that magic by attaching old-fashioned wedding bells, streamers and of course, a "Just
Married" sign to the bike basket.

(above: Channel bicycle, for more information, 800/937-9146)

Cycle off in style with the new Chanel bicycle. Not exactly created for mountain treks,
this luxurious two-wheeler adds an adventurous element to the iconic fashion house.
With a quilted leather saddle, handlebars, pump and chain guard (so as to not snag
your bridal gown), as well as three quilted bags, you'll be well-equipped to pedal with
panache.

Planning around a central idea - whether you choose a common interest, a shared hobby
or your transportation exit - personalizes the event and adds cohesiveness to your day.

Branching out with cool coral

2008-04-15T10:39:00.005-04:00

This endangered treasure of the world's oceans finds its way into handsome interpretations
for the table. And for Spring it's the color du jour!

(above: An Alberto Pinto creation for Raynaud, Cristobal dinnerware, available at Gracious Style)

Not quite pink, not quite orange, not quite red, some things can only be described as coral.
Coral can be found in the wild in many colors, but the most precious, prized for its alluring
color, is the coral-colored variety. Its unique sculptural form is as enticing as its color,
inspiring decorative motifs on everything from placemats to napkin rings.

(above: red coral placemats, Kim Seybert, Gracious Style)

Dress up your table with coral like with these tree branch shaped centerpiece scultures
in white. You haven't seen underwater action like this since you last went scuba diving.

Stylized coral patterns are at once exotic and sophisticated, endowing a spirit of wit and
fun. Perk up any setting with an unexpected accent of coral (a little goes a long way)!
Stylized and exotic, coral lends itself to artistic, sophisticated reinterpretations in every
aspect of the home. Whether it's presented in a vibrant eponymous hue or sun-bleached
to pale white, the overall effect is simply striking.

(above: Cristobal Turquoise by Raynaud available at Bloomingdales)

Design LiFE! Nicole Sassaman’s table setting

2008-04-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

Celebrity designer Nicole Sassaman has been featured on The STYLE Network’s "Area",
Fine Living’s “Lulu’s House” and HGTV’s “Designer’s Challenger”. She has a fresh, sassy
approach to design and has a keen eye for redesigning spaces that are beautiful and functional.

Nicole’s signature style shines through when she teamed up with Viking to create the table
setting at DIFFA”s Dining by Design. Using tableware from West Elm she incorporates
creativity, practicality and timelessness to create a sophisticated but accessible design.

West Elm is known for creating trendy, modern tableware with sleek lines, fresh colors and
exotic foreign nuances. I love the use of the aluminum and white square dinnerware. Nicole's
serene table design appeals to those who gravitate toward calming, neutral spaces or to those
with more modern tendencies -- people who like to live with subtle neutrals and fewer objects
cluttering their lives would love Nicole Sassaman’s style.

I’ve just ordered Nicole’s new book “Design Life”. Nicole knows how to create rooms that
are beautiful and functional, so, whether I’m decorating my kitchen or putting plates on my
table, I’m sure I can use this book to obtain decorating ideas.

Centerpiece of the week: Vitamin See

2008-04-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

For a dose of healthy sunshine first thing in the morning, look to this
orange monochromatic centerpiece.

This composition combines femma roses, ranunculus, orange chincherinchee,
hypernicum berries, three different types of geranium foliage, red rose
hips, Mandarin oranges and nectarines in an antique copper bucket.

For more tips on how to decorate your tablesetting with oranges. Check out
my earlier post this week entitled: Orange Spruce!

Source: Simply Elegant Flowers with Michael George

Party in the Garden

2008-04-10T00:00:00.003-04:00

As a New Yorker I have willingly sacrificed lawns and an open horizon line, living
and working in a concrete jungle makes the prospect of having a garden party all the
more tantalizing. An outdoor get-together is the perfect way to celebrate a graduation,
birth, or upcoming wedding. Everyone will welcome the sweet smell of new grass and
the cheerful busts of color beginning to emerge in the garden.

Here are 5 easy tips that will allow you to skip into spring with a carefree party that
invites everyone to gather together to enjoy the outdoors.

#1: Let your dining room chairs make an appearance alfresco. Add some slipcovers for a
splash of color.

#2: I love the concept of mix and matching. Combine antique china, ancestral silver, mismatched
glasses and contemporary chargers.

#3: In addition to hurricane lamps and votive candles, garden-themed Staffordshire figures
and miniature garden implements further enlivened the tabletops.

#4: Assemble a luxuriant bouquet on the buffet table. This centerpiece is a profusion of
forced white lilies, hosta leaves, and branches of variegated red-berried elder filled a large
antique urn atop the buffet table.

#5: Green glass complements the leafy hues of the surrounding garden. Place cards might
not seem necessary when guests are close friends and family, but they ensure that everyone
mixes, which always makes things livelier.

When butterflies and spring blossoms appear, consider taking the party outside.

Source: Southern Accents

Orange Spruce! Using oranges in your tablesetting

2008-04-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

With its golden color and refreshing flavor it's a perfect springtime
companion to your place setting. Like a cold glass of juice, oranges are a great way to
bring a dose of this uplifting color to your tablesetting without a major investment.

This spring, there is news to report on the color of tangerines and kumquats. Just as
orange is turning up in hip home furnishings, centerpieces are showing up in bold
orange too.

The mood and attitude of orange is friendlier than fiery, more welcoming than seductive.
For a dose of healthy sunshine on the table, look to this bright arrangement.

Orange, the color of the citrus fruit, is not for the timid. It's strident, highly visible, in
your face. Orange screams, ``Here I am!"

Put your fresh sense of style on the table and juice up your table decor with this
cheery hue.

images from: Brides, Hostess with the Mostess, Martha Stewart and Michelle Rago.

Hot new tablesetting color combinations!

2008-04-07T00:00:00.007-04:00

The hottest thing happening at wedding receptions isn't just on the dance floor - - - it’s on
the table, the centerpieces, the place setting and even the linens. It's big, bold color.
Years ago brides used color to accent their white wedding day decor, but now they're using
color to cover every inch of the wedding. From brights to neutrals, these four pretty pairings
will liven up your table décor.

1. Lime + Cherry
Layer the dominant color - red was chosen for this table. The plates are by CB2, linens by
Sferra, flatware by Georg Jensen, Vivian goblets by Juliska and white reception chairs from
Party Rental Ltd.

Become aware of color combinations that you like. To help you choose the exact hue for
your wedding details, visit a fabric store or neighborhood paint shop and collect swatches
or chips of colors you might want to use.

2. Raspberry + Aqua
Alternate the colors in your linens and place settings, and top off with a lush floral
arrangement. Plates by Royal Doulton, napkins by John Derian, flatware by Towle,
wineglasses by Kenzo and water goblets by Anthropologie.

Where and how you use color really depends on the mood you are trying to create. The
best way to get started is to figure out what emotions you want your celebration to evoke.
A stylish eco-friendly fete?

3. White + Wood
Set an eco-friendly table. Handmade glass bottles, ABC Home; small wood bowls made
from sustainably forested acacia wood, Pacific Merchants Trading Co.; farm table and chairs,
place settings, glassware, and napkins rented (and reused) from Party Rental Ltd.

No matter what color you've chosen, chances are you will be able to find flowers in that
shade -- but that, of course, does not mean the blooms will be available or affordable. If
your dream flowers aren't an option, use neutral white flowers with centerpiece containers
or other decor elements in your color.

4. Pistachio + Gold
Muted greens and metallics soften up a formal wedding. The centerpiece has a lush,
luxe feel. Vintage hobnail vase filled with safari roses, hydrangeas, yellow ranunculuses,
gloriosa lilies and narcissus. Place setting by Party Rental Ltd.

A well-executed theme can create a wedding to remember -- but a poorly thought-out one
may be even more unforgettable. Don't overdo it with theme or color. Yes, it should appear
to guests that you've thought of everything, and theme should be incorporated into all
elements from place card paper to dessert plates. But knowing when to say when is key.

Source: The Knot

All dressed up at DIFFA's Dining by Design

2008-04-04T00:00:00.004-04:00

Visually stunning, breathtaking table designs transformed the Skylight. The dazzling display
of dishes, features tabletop designs by fashion designers, architects, artists and retailers that
would make even Martha Stewart pause in admiration.

Last Sunday I stopped by the annual traveling event, when it kicked off in New York City.
From simple and elegant to fun and festive to creative and outrageous, tables designed by
the likes of Ralph Lauren Home, Nautica, William Stubbs, David Starks, Ankasa and Crate
& Barrel were not only inviting but inspirational. Below I share with you more of my
photos from this event and I hope you find them to be inspirational as well.

Following DINING BY DESIGN New York, the installations will travel across the country
to various cities including Kansas City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco, Chicago
and Boston.

Dressing for dinner, table linen is back - and this fashionable Ankasa table is wearing it

2008-04-03T00:16:00.003-04:00

Just as clothes make the man, cloths make the table. You may have crafted an intricate
centerpiece and pulled together place-settings of fabulous dishes, but for each of these
stars to truly shine, they need to be shown off on the right backdrop.

The hallmark of the Ankasa look is its dramatic embroidery and they applied this look
on their table at DIFFA’s Dining by Design with its innovative couture-inspired table linens.

Ankasa’s background was in fashion, designing embroidered textiles for some of the top
design houses like Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta. With this table, they bring that same
fashion sensibility to the linen. What's unique about the embroidery is that the threadwork
is three-dimensional. It pops right off the textiles!

Table linens, like chargers, are the glue that pulls together a finely set table. To take your
table from so-so to sensational, first create the right backdrop by using beautiful linens.

Hues You Can Use: Benjamin Moore partners with David Stark

2008-04-02T00:17:00.002-04:00

It's great to collect paint chips when planning a room. Paint is available in literally an
infinite array of colors and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest
to change, and the least expensive.

With more than 125 years of experience, Benjamin Moore knows a thing or two about
color. For DIFFA’s Dining by Design, Benjamin Moore put the power of color into the
hands of David Stark. Using paint chips David Stark showcased the latest colors to
transform a birthday table setting.

This table setting shows that David Stark has a strong command of a color vocabulary that
is rich and wide-ranging, and he’s used it to articulate wonderful designs resonating with
creativity and ingenuity! In this table setting, color has not been used for color's sake---
rather, it has been judiciously applied with purpose, uninhibitedly used but with the
proper amount of restraint. His work brings color into the table and inspires all who
see it.

When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. While you
may feel that there are so many choices you're bound to find the right one. You may end
up feeling that there are so many choices, how do you choose; but David Stark and Benjamin
Moore gives us a place to start.

Dining by Design 2008: Ralph Lauren Home

2008-04-01T00:01:00.004-04:00

Black has always been chic; white is, well, white-hot right now. The cominbation of the two
makes a dramatic statement on the table and offers a sophisticated counterpoint to the
abundance of florals used for the table designed by Ralph Lauren Home.

Black is a key direction and it's very mysterious, yet very elegant. To have an edge,

you may want to soften it with a color combination to incorporate yellow.

One of the most novel ways to add a black accent is with lighting that features black

candles. It creates a very dramatic look like a shadow or a negative space.

With the classic look we've seen in furnishings, where traditional is strong but

it's refined, black and white tableware really seems to make the lines pop and with

the use of the silver trays it also goes well with the mirrored look that's all around.

Dining by Design 2008: William Stubbs, hosted by Architectural Digest

2008-04-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

Ralph Lauren Home wasn't the only tabletop purveyor putting black and white front and
center on the table at DIFFA's Dining by Design this year. The interior design firm
of William Stubbs also used the color combination on the table they designed for
Architectural Digest.

Black and white is really everywhere - - - from the more ornate as well as the crossover
styles. From baroque to contemporary, black and white in this tablesetting is used in a clean,
fresh way.

Bold black and white patterns pop up everywhere on this tablesetting, from the Rialto
dinnerware, with its geometric patterns that are similar to those mosaic tiles found in
Spain to Kim Seybert's white linen napkins trimmed in black passementerie.

This contrasting look is very modern and very versatile. You can complete your tablesetting
with a rich, jeweled napkin ring by L'Objet for a formal occasions or accenting with green
broccoli for a more casual feel.

Dining by Design 2008

2008-03-31T00:02:00.000-04:00

DIFFA’S Dining by Design is dubbed as the “the Cannes of tabletop”. It unites some of the
world's most talented, intriguing and celebrated designers, all expressing their passion and
creativity on the table. 2008 table host and designers are MacKenzie-Childs, Marc Blackwell,
Nautica, Ralph Lauren, CB2 and many more! From whimsical to elegant, I invite you to
join me this week. I will be sharing some of my pictures so that you can peruse the tables
and gain some fabulous entertaining ideas.

Dining by Design 2008: Nautica, Home by the Sea

2008-03-31T00:01:00.002-04:00

The Nautica table reflects the refined, carefree lifestyle that you come to
expect from Nautica.

Clean, white stoneware has stylish blue stripes that bring to mind sleek yachting designs.

Nautical-inspired dinnerware will be a classic addition to your table.

Dining by Design 2008: MacKenzie-Childs

2008-03-31T00:00:00.003-04:00

If your table could use a bit of whimsy, there is no better place to turn than to New York's
MacKenzie-Childs.

Since 1983, MacKenzie-Childs has been lightening decorating schemes with their pleasingly
eccentric designs.

From a farm in upstate New York, a core of talented artists and artisans produce trademark
color-drenched, multi-patterned and voluptuously decorated tableware.

Centerpiece of the week: Garden party blooms...

2008-03-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

The weather may still be a bit chilly for entertaining alfresco, but you can bring the garden
party indoors with charming decorations inspired by one of spring's most familiar offerings:
bright-green grass and a airy array of brightly hued spring blooms.

A narrow garden path cuts across this table - - - purple anemones, yellow poppies and
ranunculus, white narcissus and hellebores, and blue hyacinths. Use whatever is in season
and "plant" with a light hand so conversations spark across the garden.

For more inspiration on potted flower centerpieces, make sure you check out this week's
earlier post: "Going to pot: potted flowering plants gives your tablesetting an unforgettable
look".

A dazzling tablesetting with dahlias, dah-ling!

2008-03-27T00:01:00.001-04:00

If you are searching for the most versatile flower possible to grace a vase, you couldn't
do much better than dahlias. Celebrated for their myriad colors, size, and petals,
these flowers are also both fabulous for arrangements and I've been told easy to grow.
Plant tubers in spring and don't water them until they sprout. It sounds easy enough,
but I would need to verify that with my mother, the gardening expert.

I happen to love their big, colorful blooms and since bright, fiery colors will be all the
rage this summer, dahlias are the perfect fashion statement for your table.

Who can resist a pretty face like Sweet Lorraine' or the intriguing form of 'Anna Marie'?
For that matter, who wouldn't be inspired by any of the hundreds of magnificent dahlia
blossoms and want to use them as a theme for your next party.

But deciding which dahlia to use could be a problem since no genus except tulips offers
more variety of shape and color than dahlias. There are tall ones, short ones and sizes in
in between. There are many bloom shapes: cactus, pompom and ball-shaped. Flower size
ranges from dainty, daisy-like flowers and blossoms to big ``dinner-plate'' dahlias. They
come in red to white, orange, yellow, pink, purple and hundreds of shades in between.

Anyone who thought that dahlias were out-of-date and mumsy should think again -
because these big, bold blooms are back in fashion and perfect for your table whichever
type you choose.

Going to pot: potted flowering plants give your tablesetting an unforgettable look

2008-03-25T00:02:00.002-04:00

Mums and hydrangeas, like miniature roses, azaleas, gerbera daisies, calla lillies and
spring-blooming bulbs, are landscape plants that have become popular as decorative
houseplants.

It's very easy to transplant many of these onto your table from the garden after
they've finished flowering so that their beauty can be enjoyed throughout the year.

On the table, potted plants serve as focal points. Clustered together, they become
oases of beauty. Incorporating potted plants onto your table isn't just a matter of
scattering around a few varieties. There's a science to choosing and arranging them.

Match the plant style with your table design.
Avoid frothy or flowery plants in a modern setting. So-called "architectural plants,"
which have large stocks and bold leaves, work best with a contemporary look. Pair
blossoms with a pretty container chosen to complement your table decor, then parade
a row down a long table for compliments galore.

Cluster pots together.
Plant stands and pedestals help vary elevation. This works well if you've grouped together
the same kind of pot for a sense of unity.

For a wedding reception.
Send your guests home with a small potted favor to tuck in their garden—a growing reminder
of the fun they had at your glorious wedding. Your little secret: Flowering plants are deceptively kind to the budget.

Don't these examples and this flower potted cake make you want to start a little garden? It's
easy. All you need is potting soil, containers, and plants, and a place to display them. Your
first opportunity to create a contained garden is right on your table.

WILD THING! Safari inspired table setting

2008-03-24T00:01:00.001-04:00

It's going to be a jungle on the streets of Manhattan with all the sophisticated safari
styles heading our way. 'Safari Chic' is one of Spring 2008's leading trends. Last year,
during Fashion Week, when the designers showed their Spring 2008 collections, models
wrapped in leopard-print dresses and safari blazers made their way down the catwalks.

For those intrigued by the idea of a safari-centric celebration, show your wild side with
a safari inspired tablesetting.

In an out-of-this world African safari wedding, designed by Colin Cowie, he placed
mud-cloth covered chairs around a long table decorated with beaded Zulu chargers,
antique African dishes, and pyramids of brightly colored fruit.

The bride walked down a burlap runner to her groom. Hand-painted with a tribal motif,
the runner was customized with the bride and groom's names. Place cards made from
torn paper and burlap were accented with porcupine quills.

Style is going on a safari and now, the look is headed to the home with Ralph Lauren's
introduction of “Cape Lodge”. His new collection was inspired by an exotic estate with
echoes of safari. A warm earth-toned palette weaves together colonial, campaign and
Moderne furnishings in mahogany, rattan and tent canvas with vachetta leather, madras
and brass.

(above: Garrick placemat and dinner napkin. Buckle leather napkin ring, Rollins charger, Roake dinner plate,
salad plate and soup bowl. Dylan goblet and wine glass. Tablecloth fabricated in Borrego Madras in Tumbleweed).

And if you can only dream of such adventurous trips, just pick up some mud cloths,
bowls, and pedestals from street fairs, museum shops, and gift shops with a global
outlook and let your journey into the wild begin.

Eggs-ceptional Easter Gift: Royal Copenhagen Flora Easter Eggs

2008-03-21T00:01:00.001-04:00

Call off the Easter egg hunt -- I've found an" egg-stra special gift" for your Easter basket.
Swap the boiled, poached and scrambled variety for a porcelain egg. Royal Copenhagen
has introduced the Floral Easter Egg.

This series of Royal Copenhagen Easter Eggs speaks the language of flowers. The small
eggs are made of the brightest white porcelain and are decorated with white pansies,
yellow crocus, blue anemones and pale mauve violets. The shades have been carefully
coordinated to complement and work with each other.

The flower design itself is inspired by Royal Copenhagen’s first Flora Danica service
from 1790. Royal Copenhagen’s creative team has spent countless hours admiring
the original illustrations and carefully selecting the most beautiful spring flowers
to be printed on the eggs for Easter.

Tip-toe through the tulips: Centerpiece of the week

2008-03-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

You know spring is here to stay when the tulips come out! Throughout their colorful
history, these fashionable flowers from Holland have stayed in step with the tastes
of the times. Tulips are popping up all over these days--and not just in flower beds.

Pink tulips stand out in this Easter-inspired centerpiece. The sheer volume of this
centerpiece will wow your guests and infuse your Easter table with a heady floral
fragrance. They spill out of a large, round vase that echoes the table's shape. There
are lots of different colors and types of tulips today, making it easy to match your
interior. Tulips come in many shades of red, as well as other spring colors. Let
these eye-popping petals showcase your tablesetting this Easter.

source: photo, Epicurious.

This Easter, don't put all your eggs in one basket, display them in nest instead

2008-03-18T00:02:00.001-04:00

Apart from receiving presents from Santa in a Christmas stocking, finding a basket full
of candies from the Easter bunny was one of my favorite treats when I was a child. Now
with the arrival of spring, baskets are popping up all over. Many people will be using
them to decorate and organize their home, giving them as gifts and using them for a
table centerpiece.

(above: pussy willow nest, Martha Stewart)

Today, the basket tradition, now linked with Easter, still symbolizes rebirth, be it seasonal

or spiritual. All too often, though, the baskets that circulate among friends that are used as
centerpieces are pretty predictable. Why not replace your Easter basket with a bird's nest.

(l to r: Martha Stewart, Mini Nest, set of 4, $24.99, Williams-Sonoma)

Celebrating beginnings and new life, miniature bird's nests make lovely favors and each
creates a perfect setting.

(above: Faux Bois Tableware, starting at $10.00, Room Service)

Springtime calls for fresh flavors and bright colors, guaranteed antidotes to the winter blahs.
Whether the occasion is Easter dinner for the family or simply a time to enjoy the first signs
of spring, what better way to bring on the season than to incorporate a nest on the table.

Romancing the stone: Incorporating pebbles in your tablesetting

2008-03-17T00:09:00.001-04:00

(above: beach stone placemats, $ 19.95, Wrapables)

"Rock on" may be a uniquely American call to party, but when it comes to decorating your
table, rocks, stones and pebbles can have an altogether different effect on your mood. When
incorporated into your tablesetting, stones can create a soothing effect to balance the
hectic pace of modern life.

(l to r: Martha Steward wedding, InStyle wedding)

For a centerpiece, stones teamed with candles, fruit, and flowers create a new visual
excitement on the dining table. Here's a beautiful way to weight menus or napkins down
at an outdoor wedding -- and identify tables at the same time. For each plate, you'll need
a smooth, unpolished stone, add the table number with a rubber stamp and ink pad; if you
make a mistake, just wipe clean. Do the stamping a day or two before so the ink can dry.
Scatter more stones down the center of the table to follow through on the theme.

(above: beach stone coasters, set of 4, $9.95, Wrapables)

Pebbles are the latest hot trend in stone-theme decor and they're showing up in everything
from placemats to coasters. You don't have to build a Japanese rock garden in your back
yard, however, to take advantage of the pebble trend. Decorator items made from and
inspired by pebbles can be found at any home store. Add a whimsical, light-hearted
element to your table with the underlying peaceful persona of stone.

(l to r: candy rocks, Martha Stewart; rock centerpiece, The Knot)

Centerpiece of the week: Cracking into an egg-citing Easter egg

2008-03-14T00:01:00.001-04:00

There's no telling what stunning creations you can hatch with an egg, a little glue and
a lot of creativity. Create a vase using a blown-out ostrich egg. The inspiration for this
eggs-citement is from Martha Stewart.

An oversize eggshell filled with flowers unites two symbols of spring in a single
arrangement. Look online for blown-out ostrich eggs (which cost about $10). Using
a tape measure and a pencil, mark dashes around the top, each about 2 inches from
the existing opening. Connect the dashes with thin painters' tape, creating a circle,
as shown. Fit a Dremel drill with a cut-out blade. Wearing protective goggles, hold
the egg securely in one hand while using the other to drill just inside the taped line.
Remove painters' tape. Next, tape fine-grit sandpaper, right side up, to your work
surface. Run the cut edge of the egg over the sandpaper to smooth and level it. Use
floral adhesive to secure egg to a small compote and to secure a narrow vessel inside
the egg. Fill vessel with water, and add flowers.

A Hoppy Easter tablesetting

2008-03-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

With Easter almost here, the bunnies in store are multiplying like -- well, like rabbits.
May the Easter bunny hippity-hop into your home and become apart of your tablesetting,

How did the rabbit become so prominent in our celebration of Easter? Well, if the kids
ask, inform them that the furry fellow with the long ears was revered in ancient Egypt
as a symbol of the moon. And, inasmuch as the date of Easter is determined by the
full moon, voila! the concept of the Easter Bunny evolved. Easter always falls on
the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox (first day of spring)!

Easter is a time of the year when people get together to celebrate and it has always
been a grand family get-together at my Godmother’s house. After church and our
Easter egg hunt, everyone gathered around a beautiful table for a scrumptious dinner.

When setting your table this Easter, why not start with a central theme. Whether
your taste runs to whimsical Easter bunnies or spring florals, coordinating your
tablesetting around a central theme will make a more effective seasonal statement.

Landscapes Inspire Tablescapes: New! Juliska ceramics

2008-03-11T00:16:00.001-04:00

Intricate, extravagant detailing and unusual shapes herald Jardins du Monde - - -
Juliska's celebration of the splendor, artistry and romance of four of the world's
most beautiful gardens. These highly designed and lavishly detailed pieces add
depth, exuberance and whimsy to the Berry and Thread collection, and they're
equally beautiful standing alone.

The Jardins du Monde Collection pays homage to gardens in Italy, France, Spain,
and England known for their exceptional creativity and visual excitement.
"Landriana" marries the grandeur of the Italian garden with a lush England style.
"Villandry" is all about formal patterns, harmony and majesty. "Alcazar" represents
an exotic and lavish blend of cultures. And "Heligan" speaks to the romance of a lost,
walled garden.

The black glass pieces are chic and sensual. The color is so deep and rich that its core
is aubergine. Juliska introduced goblets, candlesticks, tea lights, hurricanes, vases and
compotes.

Juliska embodies a fresh take on classic design - timeless European elegance updated
with imaginative new interpretations and a healthy dose of modern-day functionality.
It represents for me an entertaining and living attitude - - - timeless, romantic and
always effortlessly chic. I hope you're inspired by Juliska, just as I am!

Bloom Service: Philadelphia Flower Show and floral dinnerware from Anthropologie

2008-03-10T00:11:00.004-04:00

Now that I've turned my clock up a hour, all I can think about is spring! Bright, warm days.
The smell of thawing earth. The ubiquitous yellow of daffodils and forsythia. Short sleeves!
Well, I can't have that for about five more weeks; but there was a pseduo-spring of sorts
unfolding last week at the Philadelphia Flower Show.

On Friday I went to the Philadelphia Flower Show and beyond the creativity of the
exhibitors, I admired how they brought the best in horticulture to the convention center.
I'm sure my Mom, a natural born gardener, can attest that it's not easy tricking a summer-
blooming plant or a flowering tree into producing its very best blooms on a cold March
day. There was one exhibit after another that was absolutely gorgeous. I've enclosed
a few of my pictures. Enjoy!

I adore flowers -- all kinds, all colors -- and I especially love how they can bring a table
setting to life. The beauty of fresh foliage speaks for itself, bringing a touch of spring to
the table any time of the year.

Moving away from solids, floral patterns in tableware have come on the scene bursting with
spring and summer goodness. These floral patterns may hint at the traditional, but lean
toward retro and modern designs, with bursts of bright tones sure to please any design
palette.

Anthropologie's Kew Bouquet dinnerware and Watercolors dinnerware pop with up
close visions of blue and yellow flowers making way for a more modern approach
to floral dinnerware.

If you're creating a tablesetting and want to make florals a part of the look, there are
a few design basics you should know. Florals can actually be one of the simplest color
schemes to put together because floral patterns often features a range of shades and
colors that will coordinate with solid dinnerware.

The natural beauty of flowers, whether in touches large or small on your table can be
fresh and beautiful way to make your table inviting.

Crowing touch: Centerpiece of the week - Queen proteas and hyacinths

2008-03-06T00:00:00.003-05:00

The right centerpiece pulls your entire table together. They are an important
part of your wedding reception's decoration. When you're creating them yourself
the key is to keep them relatively simple; but still be elegant and beautiful.

That is exactly what Kara Janx & Sharone Sohayegh did for their reception's
table decor. They wanted to create a symphony of flowers on every table so
they filled a mix of vintage glass bottles with Queen proteas and hyacinths.
Beautiful!

For more pics of Kara Janx and Sharone Sohayegh's wedding check out
InStyle Weddings

Women who create beautiful tableware: Tracy Porter

2008-03-05T00:25:00.002-05:00

(above: Sweet Cecily dinnerware collection, Tracy Porter)

Tracy Porter, a Wisconsin native, started a hand-painted furniture business with her husband
out of the chicken coop of their Midwestern farm. She is a self-taught artist. She is not
formally educated in design. Instead of going to college, she moved to Europe for two
years to model, which exposed her to so many cultures and opened her eyes to the possibilities
of design which enabled her to hone in on her own design ideas.

(l to r: Lemon Chiffon dinnerware; Vivre dinnerware; Horchow)

I have always been a fan of Tracy Porter's work and for the last two days I've been enjoying
the two-part interview that my friend Ronda over at "All The Best" had with Tracy and her
husband John. Make sure you check it out!

(above: Auguste Coq dinnerware collection, Tracy Porter)

"Dream with Your Eyes Open", that's Tracy's philosophy. Each of her tableware pieces are
inspired by color, music, texture and smell to awaken the senses. Her dinnerware, glassware
and accessories emphasize the casual trend, the mix-and-match concept and the handcrafted
look.

(l to r: Artesian dinnerware; Corvina dinnerware; Horchow)

Tracy Porter's studio is located on her farm in Princeton, WI. Even though the Porters still
live on a farm, the business has certainly moved out of the coop. The Tracey Porter Home
Collection has expanded vastly since its early beginning. Today it includes bathtubs, area
rugs and other products.

Her tableware can be found at Horchow and online at Tracy Porter's website.

Showered With Style: Event Planner, Tara Guerard's baby shower

2008-03-04T00:01:00.003-05:00

A baby shower is supposed to be a happy occasion, so why do so many people cringe at
the thought of attending one? Sometimes it's even the mother-to-be who is thinking of
an excuse to leave before it starts. To make a baby shower the pleasant experience it should
be for everyone involved, it's important to have a plan beyond some snacks and the opening
of gifts. However, traditional shower activities -- bottle bowling or name games, for example,
shouldn't be on the schedule. They're the things that make people cringe most.

If you're hosting a shower, just do your best to throw a party that fits the mother's (or the
couple's) style. That is exactly what the women of the event company Soiree did when they
planned a baby shower for their boss, Tara Guerard. They took into consideration that Tara's
taste is a little bit more modern with some traditional aspects. Nothing too silly. And in honor
of the modern mom-to-be, the women dispensed with the fussy and froufrou for a thoroughly
elegant garden party celebration.

Tara Guerard, event planner and author of Southern Weddings, has built a reputation for
putting on parties that are memorable as they are detailed. Her friends and colleagues returned
the favor when they planned her baby shower. To read all about Tara's fantastic baby shower
and to get advice for hosting your own flawless fete, pick up a copy of this month's Southern
Accents magazine.

Tablesetting with "Sting": Raynaud Ombrages collection

2008-03-03T00:01:00.007-05:00

What's black and yellow and stylish all over? If I were to ask Rachel Burger and Jenny Bauman
of Bliss Events they might answer, "A table setting!". In nature a flash of black and yellow
usually equals danger, but when seen through the eyes of these creative event planners, the
message is pure honey.

Just as for years the pairing of pink and green called to mind the WASPy chic of Connecticut
country clubs, black and yellow make a sharp and sting-ulating statement. The table setting
designed by Bliss Events is a bold, tonic concoction that looks like a collision between
neoclassicism, glamorous old Hollywood and elegant modernity--all of it drenched in the
the strong color combination of black and yellow.

The best part about this color combo is that it's a look you can't really bumble. Take a look at
Raynaud's Ombrages collection, it's très chic! The china has a captivating modern floral
design, continuously reinterpreted in different colors. This rich variety is vividly reflected in
the presentation plates, dessert plates, cups and saucers. These artistic combinations are
available in two different color ranges: in black, white and platinum or in yellow, white and
platinum. You can also follow the mix and match principle and combine the two color ranges
because each piece is harmoniously coordinated with the other.

So whichever way you choose to make your point in black and yellow, you're sure to be the
bee's knees.

Isabelle De Borchgrave's Fiesta Collection at Target: Reader Question

2008-02-29T00:30:00.001-05:00

Q: Sarah, the Fiesta collection is EXACTLY what I have been looking for! Thanks so much
for posting this! One question, though.... Do you know when it will be available? The only
items on Target's site right now are from the Botanical collection.
Thanks!
Mara, The Simper Things

A: Hey Mara, great question! The collections designed by Isabelle De Borchgrave are
extremely popular at Target and they tend to sell-out very rapidly. I've just confirmed,
that the Festive collection will only be available from March 23 - May 23.
ACT FAST this collection won't be there long. Enjoy!

A Passion for Paisley: Incorporating the motif in your wedding theme

2008-02-29T00:02:00.000-05:00

I not only love the enduring quality of the paisley motif, which has lived on throughout
centuries but also its meaning. One paisley symbolizes the life force, growth, and renewal
while two paisleys conjure up the flow and interaction of two polar energies (yin-yang),
the totality of which encompasses creation. What a perfect motif for a wedding! What
a perfect motif to use on a tableware collection. Set your table with tasteful style
with this beautiful dinnerware collection from Neiman Marcus.

Event producer Tara Guérard of Soirée drew upon the elegance of black-and-white to
craft a ceremony and reception rich in symbolism and style. Guérard turned paisley into
a key wedding element to appear throughout the party.

Black piping on the couch cushions, black-stained wooden coffee tables and a black-and-white
paisley lantern overhead all brought the party’s decor scheme together.

Even the food doubled as decorative and symbolic elements. A apple-green green cakes
features an ornate paisley pattern "stitched" in white icing.

For more paisley, see the post below: Paisley takes on a whole new look: French bull
tableware

Source:
Images - Brides.com

Paisley takes on a whole new look: French Bull tableware

2008-02-28T00:00:00.002-05:00

If "paisley" makes you think of dense, paramecium-shaped swirls in rich dark colors like
brown, navy and hunter green, it's time to take another look. Today's interpretations of
this classic pattern are lighter and livelier (imagine acid green, Aegean turquoise and
lipstick pink), often freed to float on a bigger background.

Paisleys are enjoying a real resurgence, and they're also being used very differently than
in the past. Years ago they were used in the way that had an opulent, masculine orientation.
Today, they have a broader area of use. Jackie Shapiro, designer of French Bull houseware s,
is celebrated for her sizzling color combinations. The Pink Paisley collection includes a giant
multi-color paisley motif splashed on a pink background punctuated by chartreuse, aqua
and orange.

Paisley is a wonderful design motif. For a cleaner, crisper look, mix paisley with more
contemporary bright colors and unusual textures. For your table you can turn pretty
bandannas into vibrant and useful accents. Idieh Design used a colorful paisley motif
on a stationery design and gave it a more contemporary feel.

The Paisley patterns of old often had subtle colors but today caution is thrown to the
wind. Strong pinks and turquoise blue dominate many designs.

Dining by Designer: Isabelle de Borchgrave’s launches new tableware collections at Gien and Target

2008-02-27T00:30:00.003-05:00

Isabelle De Borchgrave is a world-renowned Belgian artist recognized for her elegant
and classic artistry, and for her intricate paper-designed creations. De Borchrave's
creations can be seen in exhibits and fine hotels throughout Europe.

Isabelle De Borchgrave's new tableware collections at Gien and Target are bursting
on the scene with spring and summer goodness. These floral patterns may hint at
the traditional, but lean toward retro and modern designs, with bursts of bright tones
that will surely please your tabletop design palette.

(above: Gien Jacinthe collection, available at TableIdeas)
Gien is the most prestigious maker of earthenware, "Faience," in France. The
history of Gien dinnerware dates back almost 200 years. Gien tableware takes
inspiration from many sources and this spring they will be taking inspiration from
Ms. De Borchgrave’s love of art, entertaining and travel. The new collection, Jacinthe,
designed by Isabelle De Borchgrave has a garden inspired motif. Set your table
with warm colors and bouquets. This collection will blossom on your table like
a sunny summer day.

(above: Isabelle Party, Fiesta Collection, available at Target)
Isabelle De Borchgrave brings her hand-painted artistry and her love of celebrations
to Target in her beautiful collection, Isabelle Party. This spring, she continues to expand
her Isabelle Party collection of artful paper party décor with the Fiesta and Botanical
collections. Everything from paper plates and napkins to disposable chair covers
and tablecloths are sure to liven up any bash.

(above: Isabelle Party, Botanical collection, available at Target)
De Borchgrave, who began painting at age four, believes that entertaining is an art and
art is entertaining. She views every occasion as a blank canvas and feels that vibrant colors
and bright patterns are all that are needed to create a celebration like no other.
De Borchgrave's new collections can be summed up by her motto "Que la fête commence!"
"Let the party begin!"

Put a fork in it: Trends in flatware rentals

2008-02-26T01:31:00.003-05:00

Beautiful food and drinks are a joy to behold — but they do, in fact, need something
to hold them. That's where china, glassware, flatware and linen come in. A stylish
flatware choice can be an event’s finishing touch – or the jumping off point for the
whole look. Here is a sampling of rentals that will perk up your table.

(l to r): The mod Scandia from Classic Party Rentals, the elegant Bugatti from Toronto's
Higgins Event Rentals and the simple Empire from Washington’s Select Event Rentals.

(top to bottom): Rope Pattern, $1.19, available nationally from Classic Party Rentals.
Wooden handle design, $.60, available nationally from Broadway Party Rentals in
New York. Twig pattern, $0.87, available nationally from Classic Party Rentals.
Copper handle twist, $1.19, available nationally from Classic Party Rentals. Aqua,
$.60 Cdn, from Higgins Event Rentals in Toronto. Copper rope, $.055, available in
Washington D. C. and surrounding areas from Select Event Rentals. Ultra, $.50 Cdn,
from Chair-Man Mills in Toronto. Acrylic fork, $1.50, available in Southern California
from Los Angeles’s Town & Country Event Rentals.

Flatware is an accent piece that ties together the various elements on the table,
from the charger to the tablecloth. It dresses the table up or down: the right pattern
can enhance a casual setting or soften a formal atmosphere. But one mistake can
throw off the whole look, so when choosing flatware, look to coordinate, keeping
the mood right and the tone interesting.

For your next party, try renting flatware. A pretty table doesn't have to be expensive,
but it helps to have a little imagination, a plan and time.

Source: BizBash/New York; March/April 2008 issue.

Spring Into Action for Pastels: Kenzo tableware collection

2008-02-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

Lilac, pale pink, powder blue, lemon and mint green are sweeping into stores like a haze
of wild flowers across a spring meadow. And while this color story will reach full bloom
come spring, it’s not to early to start thinking about the pastel palette and how it can be
used best when setting a spring table.

If you think that Easter egg colors are too fussy or old- fashioned for a tablesetting, you
only have to look at the current shades - - - pinks, purples, greens and all kinds of
pastels are in vogue. But it's not a bright pink or a lime green. It's a refined pink, or a
sherbet green. It’s soothing. Any will add punch to a variety of tablesetings and design
styles.

Pastels work well in combination with other pastels. Blend goldenrod with deep blue,
bottle green with pale pink, or turquoise with terra cotta. Black acts as a terrific neutral
with pastel colors, just as it works wonders in your wardrobe. Metallic accents mix well
with soft pastels.

Pastels can be soothing and cool on any type of table and more versatile than you might
expect. A more contemporary table can get a new edgy look with pastels because you can
select stronger, solid shades and add some with prints in retro patterns. A great example
of this look is evident in the Kenzo tableware collection. This unique and diverse collection
of Kenzo china illustrates the artistry and vision of the designer. He has chosen ateliers in
France and Italy to create this unique collection of Kenzo plates and dinnerware.

Sources:
Images - The Knot, Brides, Martha Stewart and Better, Homes and Gardens
Tableware - Kenzo, available at Michael C. Fina

Feast For The Eyes: Martha Stewart’s prop room.

2008-02-23T00:00:00.002-05:00

There are those who find every excuse in the book to go out for dinner. And then there
are those – like me - who find every reason to stay at home and entertain. The best hosts
and hostesses know we eat with our eyes. That's why a simple meal can be turned into
a party with an imaginative and evocative table setting.

I’ve always been inspired by the table settings found in the pages of Martha Stewart's
magazine. In one issues, perhaps, there’s a formal table set with bone china and silver
candelabra atop crisp white linen; next month, a contemporary table with custom-designed
china, hand-colored printed linens and custom-made pottery. Still another time, I may recall
a Provence theme with red and yellow linens, glazed earthenware and impromptu
arrangements of peppers, vegetables and wildflowers in antique jugs. Now I know where
those tableware items are stored!

The collection of tableware in Martha Stewart’s prop room just blows me away! I could
spend hours in this room. Just remember, whatever your style or budget, whether you
put it together with old family treasures or pricey new trends, the hallmark of a great
tablesetting is creativity and individuality.

"Living My Life Like It's Golden" – L’Objet dinnerware goes for the Gold

2008-02-22T00:00:00.005-05:00

Sensational shimmer. Exciting sizzle. Magnificent sparkle. And incredible shine. All
that glitters at the 80th Annual Academy Awards this Sunday will be gold! Gold is rich
in symbolism, implying solid value (Fort Knox), superior performance (Oscar trophy),
enduring love (wedding bands). What a reassuring thing to have around the house and
on the table.

Gold unfolds a richer, brighter, slightly more formal ambience onto the table. It goes
from modern to formal, day to night, subtle to utterly spectacular. Not limited by
convention, it’s ageless and it doesn’t get any easier than that. The color brings a touch
of elegance to everyday dining and can be found in every category of tableware from serving pieces to stemware.

Caution though: All gold on the table is over the top. Use gold as an accent piece. A gold
charger and a gold plate and gold flatware, all at the same time is definitely not the way to go.

"And the winner is"… Elad Yifrach, creator of L'Objet, a line of dinnerware and accessories.
Everything he touches turns to gold. With a beautiful set of L'Object napkin rings, chargers
or salt and pepper shakers, you will add dramatic impact instantly to your table. When
everyday objects--like what your salt and pepper come in--have a certain sheen, your
routine becomes less, well, routine. It's a matter of dressing up your life right now. Hey,
every meal is an occasion so make it golden.

Source: Incorporating such distinctive materials as 14-karat gold, Swarovski® crystals,
and fine Limoges porcelain paste, L'Objet creates expressive, luxurious tableware. All
dinnerware patterns shown above can be found at Horchow.

DINING BY DESIGNER: Ralph Lauren’s new Mayfair collection is simply glamorous “daahling”.

2008-02-21T00:00:00.009-05:00

Fashion designers rely on reviving styles from bygone years and the late 1940's look is one of
the most enduring. This post-war period was about originality, innovation, sophistication
and understated glamour. Design, cut and details were priorities and for Ralph Lauren to
take his influence from this period is testament to its legacy of style.

Ralph Lauren’s new Mayfair collection is fashioned with modern elegance and
undertones of 1940s glamour, the sophisticated tableware collection is layered with
silver and pewter metallics, natural woven materials and black, white and cream accent
pieces.

When decorating your tablescape with a glamour theme - - - don’t hold back. As long
as the table is dressed up, rather than down, it’s bound to succeed. There are many
ways to interpret this style to suit your taste and budget. Your table can either dazzle
with color and quality, in a layered luxury look with a eye-catching chandelier. It can
feature pretty, feminine boudoir details that have a subtle, soft approach with delicate
flower patterns, lace, embroidery and jewels; or it can echo a chic, contemporary
monochrome with bold printed textiles and oversized mirrored chargers.

Your tablesetting shouldn't be a slave to current trends; it should just be inspired by them
and then decorated. Your tablesetting should always be set to suit your own personality and lifestyle.

When life gives you lemons - create a table with fresh squeezed style!

2008-02-20T01:24:00.008-05:00

I never throw out a lemon without using it somehow. This bright yellow fruit provides vibrant color as a garnish and decoration, and its tart and tangy juice perks up flavors, provides health benefits and is one of the more popular solutions to everything from blackheads to cleaning copper pans.

Lemons add a sparkle to any meal. Squeeze a lemon onto fish before grilling, grate lemon rind to pasta and stuff a chicken with a lemon when roasting. I love to experiment with new ways to decorate the table and using an ingredient from the menu is just a fresh way to add a bit of unexpected fun to a centerpiece.

Lemons provide some splendid ideas for decorating the table that are festive, unusual and can be done at the last minute and won't cost you more than the meal. The minimum requirement is a trip to the fridge; the maximum, a stop at the nearest grocery store.

What do you get when you pair luscious fruit and gorgeous flowers? One of the most popular tableware patterns, Villeroy & Boch's "French Garden" dinnerware. Add a fruity twist to your table with the French Garden pattern which provides a unique freshness in a tableware collection. Country fresh, sunny, uplifting creamy shades of buttery yellow and serene celadon green unite four decorated porcelain patterns in this collection. Mix and match these colorful and provincial designs of fruits, lattice, and flowers to bring the allure of a French garden into your home.

(above: Villeroy & Boch "French Garden" Dinnerware, starting at $15.75, available at Macy's)

Put the squeeze on lemons, and the results are far more than lemonade.

Adding lace to your Tablesetting: The frill is definitely not gone

2008-02-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

The ultimate destination for Valentine's Day - - - La Perla and Victoria Secret!
Happy Valentine's Day, today's post is about all things lace. We all know what it
looks like, but how do you translate it into your table décor. Are you one who
fills your drawer with Wolford and your cabinets with Walmart? Bring some
flair onto your table with these lacy items.

In the world of fabric, lace is the finishing touch that completes everything from
linens for the home to wedding dresses and christening gowns. Lace has been
part of the home and men's and women's wardrobes for centuries. When lifestyles
relaxed, lace was relegated to women's intimate apparel and special occassions.
In tableware, I am seeing some new twists to an old favorite. Instead of weaving to
form lace, Welmade products put a meandering lace pattern on bone china and glass.
Martha Stewart crafts has great eyelet favor boxes inspired by vintage lace.

Lace is proving that it will be around for at least another season. The bowl shown below,
this elegant version is a sweet, romantic piece that was inspired by old handkerchiefs found in Israeli vintage shops and made of stainless steel.

(above: Black lace bowl, Talila Abraham, 2006, $98.00, MOMA Store)
As to the whole lace phenomenon, you might say the frill is definitely not gone.

(above: Lingerie Dinner Plate and Vase, Chantilly Lace, Magenta, Inc.)

Objects of my affections

2008-02-13T00:20:00.000-05:00

I've fallen madly in "LOVE" with these plates and pillows.
Don't they just capture the spirit of Valentine's Day?

(above: love paperweights, love plates, set of 4, Rae Dunn, Magenta Inc.)

(above: Love pillow, Maison de Vacances or call Calypso Home, 212-925-6200)

(l to r: love plates, John Derian, $200.00, Dean and Deluca; heart paper weight
$56.00, John Derian, ampersand)

(above: Love pillow, Maison de Vacances or call Calypso Home, 212-925-6200)

(above: love bird plates, $175.00, Set of 4, D.L. & Co., Barneys New York).

Dining by Design: "And the Oscar goes to..."

2008-02-12T01:24:00.000-05:00

Whew, the February fashion marathon is over. The two most recent shows -- New York
International Gift Fair and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week--- brought to market the season's
best wares from tabletop manufactures and fashion designers.

"Oscar's fall show was, in a word, divine. We swooned over the sleek, graphic--gold
column gown, glam little floral print skirts, and the flurry of fur trimming. Whether he's
belting a cardigan or covering sheepskin with beautiful sequins and embroidery,
Oscar defines modern elegance." - Glenda Bailey, Editor in Chief, Harper's Bazaar.

After conquering fashion, renowned designer Oscar de la Renta turns his multiple
talents to tableware. But great patterns don't necessarily translate directly from
the runway to a plate. The products must convey the lifestyle feeling the designer's name
connotes to consumers. Oscar de la Renta china is designed by the renowned creator
of couture himself and what does translate is the essence of good design and good taste.

The bold colors and patterns of Oscar de la Renta dinnerware are characteristic
of the Dominican-born and world-renown designer. These stunning china patterns
were originally hand painted by Oscar de la Renta himself. First ladies, modern women,
and fashionable persons across the globe wear Oscar de la Renta clothing, and your
table will look just as fabulous adorned in his designer dinnerware.

Source: Oscar de la Renta tableware can be found at Michael C. Fina.

LOVE AT FIRST LIGHT: Votives add instant style to a tablesetting

2008-02-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

On a cold winter night, there is nothing more inviting than the warm glow
of burning candles. And if the night is Valentine’s Day and candles brighten
the table setting, what could be more romantic? Candlelight is an important
element, and it's the easiest way to set an intimate and romantic mood.
Whether your tablesetting is totally traditional or ultra contemporary, candle
votives can provide the perfect finishing touch to your decor.

Votives make more impact when they are used en masse, so be generous with
quantities. Think of these candles as the “little black dress'' of your tabletop;
they can be used for any occasion, for all occasions, and they will always look right.

(l to r: bolton votive, $49.00, Horchow; lotus flower tealights, $15.00, Well Dressed Home;
mercury votives, $16.99, Pottery Barn).

Flickering votive candles in glass holders cast amazing patterns and colors on white
or ivory tablecloths. Bring the soft, flattering light of votive candles to dinner tables
in attractive holders.

(l to r: sealife tealights, $20.00, Well Dressed Home; bone votive, $34.00, Sara Paloma;
polka dot votives, $12.00, Pottery Barn).

Nothing creates instant elegance like candlelight. The ambiance they generate will
last well into the night. Use only white or ivory candles. The glow of the flame on
a simple creamy candle is unbeatably elegant, whatever your style.

Seal it with a kiss this Valentine’s Day

2008-02-07T16:01:00.000-05:00

(above: Kissing salt & pepper, Karim Rashid, $79.00, Nambe)

As Valentine's Day approaches, here’s a question for American couples. What are
the elements that can truly make or break a memorable kiss? A national wide
survey reveal that American couples said: the right atmosphere (29 percent surveyed)
and the element of surprise (24 percent surveyed) topped the list for the main
ingredient of a good kiss.

(above: Kissing candlesticks, Karim Rashid, $79.00, Nambe)

I think Nambe makes a great kiss as well! Their classy and classic Kissing salt
and pepper shakers can really leave a lasting impression. These smoochers are
great conversation-starters, especially if you mention they're in the permanent
collections of museums and have won all kinds of design awards.

(above: Hug salt and pepper shakers, Karim Rasheed, $99.00, Nambe)

Add an extra element to your Valentine's greeting this year -- surprise that
special someone by sending their Valentine sealed with a hug and a kiss!

Get to the heart of the matter with Kosta Boda

2008-02-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

As Valentine's Day approaches, hearts and the like show up on many retailer's shelves,
even in tabletop. This exuberant collection from Kosta Boda gets right to, well, the
heart of the matter: hand-painted Hearts plates, bowls, vases and glassware made
cheerful and loving with bold red, hand-painted hearts.

(l to r: hearts vase, $100.00; hearts ice bucket, $50.00; hearts plate, $75.00, Kosta Boda)

The Hearts collection was designed by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien. She is foremost a
designer in glass, but one look at this series reveals her passion for painting. In this
collection, her signature style shines through - - - saturated colors painted resolutely
and boldly onto the surface of the glass as though it were a three-dimensional canvas.
“Glass with personality”

(l to r: hearts flute, $100.00; hearts bowl small, $75.00; hearts platter, $100.00; Kosta Boda)

Now through Valentine’s Day, order $150 of Hearts items and receive the small Hearts
bowl for only $25 (reg. $75). Just enter promotional code HEARTS08 during the
checkout process at Kosta Boda. Kosta Boda collections are wonderful gifts for
Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, bridal, anniversaries, birthdays, housewarmings, even
baby showers, and many other ”hearts and flowers” occasions.

For Valentine's Day: Tiffany's knows about hearts

2008-02-01T11:52:00.000-05:00

The day we associate with romantic love, Valentine's Day, is fast approaching and
we all know that “romance” is a byword of Tiffany’s. It's such a romantic place and
they have a rich history of many important customers who have bought their engagement
rings there. Abraham Lincoln bought a string of pearls for his wife from them. John
Kennedy presented many items from their store to Jackie Kennedy. Bound by confidentiality, Tiffany & Co cannot reveal who their customers are and what they buy; but we all
know that they range from presidents, kings, queens and Hollywood stars.

What's delightful, however, is that Tiffany & Co. does not cater exclusively to the rich;
there are also items for all budgets. Just walk through the doors and chances are, you'll
be able to pick something up that doesn't cost the earth. What's more, anything you buy
from Tiffany's comes in one of those darling robin's egg blue boxes with Tiffany & Co. on
the lid and matching shopping bag.

As much as I love flowers and chocolate, who wouldn’t love a gift from Tiffany’s this
Valentine’s Day. Here are a few tableware items I’m craving:

Elsa Peretti Thumbprint bowl, $175.00; Tiffany weave cake plate, $155.00.
Urchin teacup and saucer, $75.00; Windham beer mug, $35.
Atlas Vase, $160.00; Audubon moka coffee pot, $200.00.

Dining by Designer: Farewell Valentino Garavani

2008-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Valentino Garavani, always known by only his first name, held his last show in
Paris last week. Considered one of the most influential designers of the late 20th
century, he waved good bye to the fashion industry for good. A perfectionist with
an unparalleled sense of fit and fabric, he has dressed royalty, first ladies and movie
stars in his signature scarlet dresses and tasteful couture.

Valentino is the king of chic. His fascination is always with elegance and beauty
and his tableware is no exception. Valentino dinnerware is vibrant and fashionable,
lending a stylish flare to your table. This selection of Valentino china is decorated
with delicate flower patterns and lace. His signature reds and distinctive "V" logo
proclaim that this tableware is unmistakably Valentino.

So with his iconic red dresses at his side, Valentino bowed out of fashion. Alessandra
Facchinetti, a former Gucci designer who is considered better suited to lead the
group's expansion into new markets and product lines will replace Valentino at
the couture house.

source:
Valentino Spring, Michael C. Fina, Five piece placesetting, $288.00
Valentino Red & White, Neiman Marcus, dinner plate, $85.00
Valentino barware, Neiman Marcus, DOF glasses, $75.00

I'm "bowled" over by these vintage football plates

2008-01-30T00:55:00.000-05:00

Before the televisions are strategically placed around the room and the furniture
rearranged for optimum viewing pleasure, the first order of business when
planning a Super Bowl party is the menu and setting the table! Without proper
decorations, your Super bowl party will be incomplete. To liven up your table
and give it the feel of a bona fide football party, add some creative touches to
your table.

You'll score big with these vintage football plates from Williams-Sonoma. Use them
to serve your favorite football-watching fare, from appetizers to sandwiches.

If creating a football-rich environment is too great a task for you, make sure you stop
over to Hostess with the Mostess for some help. Jenn, has posted an awesome looking
super bowl party buffet. Also check out this month's issue of Real Simple for some
ideas.

Although many hosts have favorite dishes they prepare annually, the most
successful parties incorporate a good variety of finger foods conveniently placed within
arms reach. Your decorations may be great, but if the snacks and main dishes aren't hits,
no one will be pleased -- there's nothing scarier than a hungry mob of football fans on
Super Bowl Sunday! For great Super bowl recipes visit Martha Stewart.

Whether you're planning a Super Bowl party out of love for the game or just the desire
to host a fun, relaxing party have FUN and may the best team win!

Speaking of cookies: Girl Scout cookie selling season is upon us

2008-01-29T11:16:00.000-05:00

In an annual rite that is still going strong, Girl Scouts across the country have
kicked off their 91st season of cookie sales. New to the eight varieties of cookies
in 2008 are Cinna-Spins, crispy cinnamon snack swirls that are only 100
calories per pack and Lemonades, savory slices of shortbread with a refreshingly
tangy lemon icing. Having a cookie buffet full of Girl Scout cookies is a great idea.

Throw a cookie party in support of the Girl Scout Financial Literacy Program.
In this program, girls learn important skills in the art of developing objectives,
project planning and implementation, budgeting and financial responsibility and
teamwork, self-confidence and community awareness. The cookie season is all
about individual entrepreneurship — using cookie selling to teach Girl Scouts how
to manage money, create a business plan and win customers.

To find the nearest cookie-selling troop near you, click here.

How sweet it is: A Cookie Buffet

2008-01-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

A cookie buffet is a fun way to top off a special event or wedding reception and it allows
guest to gravitate to the cookie of their choice. This week, a good friend of mine launched
his cookie business! To celebrate this joyous occasion, Brooke and I decided to host and
style his launch party. Everything turned out fantastic and everyone loved the cookie
buffet we set up.

In our buffet, we used Vietri cake stands to elevate the cookies offering in every sense.
We also used apothecary jars that showed off the ingredients used to make the cookies.
We placed small platters and plates around the cake stand and set the beverages,
cutlery and napkins at the end of the table so guest were free to reach for the cookies.

Milk and cookies are the perfect pair. For a unique touch, we served the milk out of
vintage glass milk containers.

Presentation is everything and when it comes to presenting your guest with a special
take home box this rings especially true. All our guest were given these beautiful
boxes with bite size cookies inside.

It's entirely acceptable to set out a variety of tableware patterns. We alternated the styles
as we stacked the plates. If you don't have 24 glasses or silver for 20, borrow from friends
or call a party-rental company.

I loved our invitation, we downloaded this template from Real Simple's website. They
conveyed such an old-fashion charm, just like the cookie, which are made from a family
recipe past down over generations. We printed the invites on kraft paper, punched a
hole in the upper-left hand corner and tied a knot using baker's twine.

A special thanks to our friend Jeff who was on hand to take these amazing photos!

Madame Butterfly: tablesettings that allow you to just "wing it"

2008-01-23T00:06:00.000-05:00

In science, a person who chases butterflies for a living is called a lepidopterist. In
tableware, there are lepidopterists too, although they are more commonly known as
contemporary tabletop designers and retailers. These winged wonders have long
served as popular motifs in fashion and accessories. Now, they've migrated to the
table for a fresh garden look.

By the looks of things at retailers like Pottery Barn, Horchow and Abitare, it
appears that butterflies have landed in colonies upon the spring tabletop offerings
in the form of decoupage platters, hand painted dinner plates and melamine trays.

The humble monarch butterfly is taking center stage at fashionable weddings.
Since throwing rice or confetti has been deemed environmentally incorrect, wedding
guests have been inventing more earth-friendly alternatives. Now, more and more
brides and grooms are exiting the church amid a fluttery curtain of butterflies. A
butterfly release symbolizes new beginning and a new life. The distinctive orange
and black butterflies often land on the couple and flutter around them for several
minutes before flying away.

You don't need a net to capture the beauty of those dazzling butterflies. You can
bring butterflies to your next party by incorporating them in your decor. Suspend
garlands of monarchs for a dazzling party backsplash or send invitations in a clear
box with feather butterflies (resources can be found in the Feb 2008 issue of InStyle).

Butterflies continue to fly as a interesting tableware motif and since back-to-nature
is in vogue it is a perfect way to introduce elements of nature into the home. Butterflies
are fun, unexpected and their colors are simply stunning.

Registry Bliss at Perfect Bound

2008-01-21T12:22:00.000-05:00

Marking the start of a new year filled with weddings and registries, Anne from
Perfect Bound, contacted me and asked if I would contribute to a fun, week-long
series that she is doing called "Registry Bliss"! This series will spotlight the
eccentric and luxurious items that would be included on the "Dream Registry"of
5 different bride-to-be bloggers.

Today, she is featuring my "Dream Registry"! Ranging from the La Cornue
Cornufe Stove to the Goyard Picnic trunk to the Dyson vacuum cleaner, I chose these
items not only because of their style and design but also because I would definitely
use them all the time. I guarantee you these blue-chip items wouldn't end up returned
or in unopened boxes gathering dust in my parent's basement. Here's to champagne
wishes and caviar dreams!

"Registry Bliss" can only be seen this week at Perfect Bound. Make sure you stop by
and check out other dream registry items. If you have a "dream" registry item, I would
love to hear what it is...drop me a comment.

Women who create beautiful tableware: Nambe introduces Eva Zeisel's new dinnerware

2008-01-18T09:55:00.000-05:00

Swooping up and around in whimsical curves, the ceramic designs of Eva Zeisel seem
to almost come alive. Her work is playful and round and begging to be used, not just
admired from behind a glass case. That’s why Nambe' has teamed up with Eva Zeisel
to create museum-quality tabletop pieces that you can enjoy everyday. A new
category for Nambe, this dinnerware set contains a bowl, plates, stemware and
candlesticks made of Nambe's very own signature metal alloy.

The aspect of interaction holds as the signature twist that Eva Zeisel gave to
modernism and continues to pass on. She was the first designer in America to
produce an all-white modernist dinner service and she continues to produce
to this day. Nambe is thrilled to introduce “Eden” by Eva Zeisel. The resplendent
curves and resonant shapes are very signature of Ms. Zeisel. Subtle nuances
are revealed in luminous white glazed porcelain and Nambe’s signature metal.

Eva Zeisel is a true living legend, a modernist designer who's work continues
to fascinate me and other lovers of design as much today as they did when
she first started designing.

Dining by Designer: Thomas O'Brien

2008-01-15T01:38:00.000-05:00

Forget about Ralph or Calvin, and don't even mention Tommy - - - it's Thomas. Yes,
he may look a bit like Ferris Bueller's older brother in tortoiseshell horned-rimmed
glasses, but the engine behind the New York shop Aero and design firm Aero Studios
is well on his way to becoming a recognized national brand in his own right.

Not since partnering with Ralph Lauren has the esteemed silver house of Reed & Barton
teamed up with a boldfaced design name. Thomas O'Brien is helping catapult one of
the most prestigious tabletop and giftware companies into the 21st century. With
hundreds of items across all tabletop categories, Thomas O'Brien's collection includes
dinnerware, stem and barware, flatware, accessories and gifts.

O'Brien's take on classic styles - which he calls warm modernism - is familiar but fresh,
casual but elegant, masculine but feminine, new but old, sensual but simple. Stylistically
and practically, this thoughtful, well-designed collection has it all.

Dinnerware ($90 to $130, five pieces), flatware ($60 to $65, five pieces), stem and
barware ($12.50 to $50 a glass), and giftware ($35 to $150) bear O'Brien's warm
modernism signature.

All tableware available at Bloomingdale 's.

It's a jungle out there: tablesetting takes a walk on the wide side

2008-01-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

But if you're brave and let zebras stalk your table, you'll be echoing the hottest trend for
the season. The zebra is now being heavily promoted in home decor magazines and
retail stores. The images below were taken from Domino magazine and J.Crew.

The zebra patterns were forever the favored prints of famed decorator Billy Baldwin
and fashionista Diana Vreeland. The black and white or brown and cream colored
curvy lines were injected into rooms and fashion outfits to lend crisp contrast,
vitality, style and personality.

(l to r: Hot Flowers by Versace by Rosenthal, starting at $25.00, Bloomingdales; Zebra
stripe serving bowl, $32.90, Tracy Porter, Horchow)

Now, zebra patterns are showing up in various ways in your table top decor. The
interest in animal prints is driven partially by their versatility. The zebra pattern
is different things to different people: A sophisticated and even glamorous design
statement, adding luxury and richness to a setting. A touch of whimsy, fantasy
or fun. A way to bring a bit of the natural world or one's ethnic heritage into one's
home. Or an element of surprise to an otherwise conventional table setting.

(l to r: Zebra plates, $25.00, William Wayne; Zebra dinnerware, starting at $100.00, Vivre)

Because I believe in setting an eclectic table, when it comes to using zebra patterns,
mix and match. Graphic prints look great with zebra patterns with bold colors and
strong geometric patterns. Florals look right with zebra patterns, in the English
colonial spirit and jungly floral designs are particularly compatible.

(l to r: beaded zebra coasters, set of 6, $23.70, Z Gallerie; Zebra print place mats, set of
4, $382.00, Horchow)

When it comes to zebra patterns, flexibility is the key. Look around your kitchen and
see if the animal print would work as well in another part of your home. Then if
you get tired of it, you can always let it slink away to your bedside table, bathroom
vanity or coffee table.

(above: Zebra tray, $49.95, Z Gallerie)

New Year’s resolution #3: Recycle

2008-01-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Recycle! Renew! Reuse! This most appropriate mantra will be heard everywhere
this year as people are starting to realize that eco-friendly designs make sense for
both people and the planet.

Most of us have at least a few pieces of cracked, chipped, and mismatched tableware
that haven’t seen a table in years, languishing in some dark upper cupboard, evidence
of life past. But some gifted designers are proving that one woman’s trash is another
women’s treasure. Breathing new life in old tableware and creating provocative works
of art, worthy of any table.

Designer Sarah Cihat, rescues orphaned ceramic pieces from thrift stores and resurfaces
them. Her much adored ceramic tableware line, Rehabilitated Dishware, is a collection of dishwasher-safe plates, bowls, and creamers rescued from thrift shops and then lovingly reglazed in bright candy colors and quirky patterns.

Esther Derkx is the Sarah Cihat of The Netherlands. Dutch designer Esther Derkx takes
vintage teapots, cups, creamers, and the like and decorates them with screen-printed
images of dancers and athletes. Classic English roses and leaf motifs join kitschy leaping
girls in bikinis and briefs-clad guys doing yoga. Because Derkx scours flea markets for
original pieces, the entire line is one of a kinds. And the porcelain and bone china she favors
come from far-flung locales like the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and Bavaria, so you’re acquiring a piece of history in the process.

New Year's Resolution #2 - Keep it Simple

2008-01-10T12:14:00.000-05:00

The first ever Real Simple guide to planning the wedding of your dreams is
now available exclusively at Crate and Barrel stores and online beginning today!

Real Simple Weddings forgoes the intricacies of overdone nuptials, providing only
stylish, streamlined approaches to the key elements of your big day - the gown,
the flowers, the cake, the reception. With surprising ideas for centerpieces, favors,
and stress-reducers, as well as all-inclusive checklists and organizational tools.

Here's a sneak preview inside the pages of the new book.

New Year's resolution #1 - Find the silver lining in every dark cloud

2008-01-09T00:28:00.000-05:00

(above: Jasper Conran for Wedgwood, Platinum; Waterford, Ballet Ribbon,
both available at Bloomingdale's)

With 2008 in full swing, I know many of you have made at least one New Year's
resolution. I, too, have made personal and professional goals for 2008. Top on
my list is to celebrate life! Holidays and milestone dates are not the only reasons
to celebrate, just gathering with friends and family around the table is reason enough
for celebration. That means not only coming up with a menu and cooking a meal but
setting a beautiful table and a easy way to do that is with razzle-dazzle metallics. They
instantly add glamour to your table.

(above: newest collection from Haviland, Allure, satine platinum, Michael C. Fina)

When it comes to formal china, platinum-banded place settings are the most popular.
I know several brides, like myself, who have registered for platinum-banded china.
The reason many couples are picking traditional patterns, such as gold- or platinum-
banded plates is because there are so many ways you can change the look of it.

(above: the dinnerware that I'm registering for, Match Pewter, Convivino)

(l to r: Anne from Perfect Bound registered for Lenox, Westerly Platinum and my girlfriend Stephanie is registered for the Paola Navone collection)

There's no doubt that platinum has proven to be golden in the fine china category.
Initially perceived to be a trend, platinum is here to stay. Part color, part texture,
the heart of the appeal of platinum is the reflective shimmer that gives depth of
character to surfaces and finishes. You can make a regular day special by setting
a table that's glitzy and atmospheric. Cheers to everyday!

Dining by Designer: The Martha Stewart Collection with Wedgwood

2008-01-08T01:48:00.000-05:00

Homemaking was a dreary chore until she made it an artisanal pursuit. And built
an empire! Distinguished by inspiring ideas, rich how-to information, and iconic
images, Martha Stewart has elevated the familiar elements of daily life. With
all of her products, whether it is a sheet set from Martha Stewart Collection at
Macy's, a special tool from Martha Stewart Crafts or a holiday card from Martha
Stewart designed digital photo products with Kodak. No matter how you look
at it, she has influenced the way Americans think about, organize and manage
our homes.

It is no surprise that Wedgwood has collaborated with Martha Stewart to create
a thoughtful, beautiful line of tabletop items. From the simple to the elaborate,
artful details and distinctive Martha Stewart palette and patterns allow for a
traditional display or can be intermixed to create a personalized look.

Inspired by some of Martha Stewart's favorite pieces of china - modernized for the
needs and tastes of today's discerning bride and entertainer. Each china pattern
is available in 5-piece place settings, ranging in price from $99-$159. Each of the
six stemware patterns offers Wine, Goblet, Flute, and Iced Beverage styles and
range from $30-$37 per stem. The flatware ranges from traditional to modern
and ranging from $45-$60 for a 5-piece place setting.

"I have always been an avid collector of fine china, crystal and silver, and my
personal collection includes many Wedgwood pieces I am very proud to own. Our
new line with Wedgwood offers a range of beautiful and timeless pieces that can be
collected and enjoyed for years to come just like my antique pieces"

- Martha Stewart

The Martha Stewart Collection is exclusive to Macy's.

Start the year off White: dramatic, colorful presentations look best on neutral-toned plates

2008-01-07T00:13:00.000-05:00

With the growing popularity of the Food Network, Top Chef and other cooking
programs many people are looking for ways to create restaurant-quality meals at
home. I know for myself, I’m not only looking at what tools and utensils the professional
chefs are using, I’m also looking at how they plate the food. What I’ve noticed is that
stark white dinnerware sets the stage for today’s food. Even for a home cook, like myself,
illusion is the key: a disastrous culinary misadventure can be salvaged when I place it on
a pristine white plate.

(l to r: Calvin Klein Circles, Bloomingdales; Bernardau Louvre, dinner plate, $32.00, Horchow)

With today's eclectic menus, anything goes, and since everything goes with white it
continues to sustain its popularity. A major advantage to using white dinnerware is
its price niche. White dinnerware is the least expensive in any manufacturer's lineup.
Economics aside, the aesthetically pleasing properties of white also account for its
appeal year after year.

( above: Juliska Berry and Thread dinnerware, Juliska)

White china is dynamite if you want to put more interest on the food. But white can be
improved upon, for the hottest, trendiest new look in tableware, try mixing and matching
whites with patterns and color.

(above: Astier de Villatte Regence, John Derian)

With the broad range of stylish white dinnerware on the market today, "setting the table"
to suit your personality, your home's decor, your food and your mood is easy, affordable
and lots of fun. The white dinnerware that I’ve mentioned here are just a few of my
favorites.

(l to r: Rosenthal A La Carte, Tatami, Scoop, Nimbus; Ralph Lauren Spring Lace, Bloomingdale's)

Women (and men) who make beautiful tableware: Marcela Sheridan and Atticus Lyon

2008-01-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

With handcrafted tableware designed to stimulate the senses with surprising
combinations of texture and form, this Texas company is a fresh face in the
centuries-old china market.

I was so happy to see Atticus profiled in this month's issue of Southern Accents magazine.
I'd written about the brand in a previous post entitled, "Home Sweet Atticus Home"
as I am such a huge fan of the entire collection. Crafted from luxurious yet
environmentally friendly materials, such as buffalo horn, sand-cast aluminum and
sustainable woods, each piece is a functional work of art!

What I love most about Atticus is its founders - - - Marcela Sheridan and Atticus Lyon.
They wanted to make tableware for the customer who wanted to live with beautiful,
smart and casual things and that is exactly what they did. Atticus left his job in the
high-stakes world of investment banking because he needed a creative outlet. After
five months of extensive research he and partner Marcela Sheridan, who studied
product design at Parsons School of Design decided to try their hand in the tabletop
market and in 2006 they introduced their first line. There is something to be said for
those that are able to step out of their 'comfort zone' to follow their passion.

I think we can all be inspired by Atticus and Marcela. As we start this new year, is
there something you yearn to achieve - - - start your own business, take a class, design
a website, create a blog or make tableware? If there's a dream in your life - - - something
you yearn to achieve, or merely something it would be so much fun to try - - - don't put
it aside, do it now. Yes, now. Don't put off tomorrow what you can do today.

Atticus dinnerware can be found online at : Bloomingdale's, Vivre and other fine tabletop
retailers.

Take charge in 2008: Haviland Laque De Chine

2008-01-02T01:05:00.001-05:00

At the start of the new year you may have defined a few goals for yourself.
Well, don't stop with your goals, to define and embellish your table setting all you
have to do is "charge it"!

Many may remain hesitant, if not skeptical, about buying chargers, why would
anyone buy a plate that was either immediately whisked away before dinner or sat unused
underneath the actual dinner plate? Because chargers are like picture frames, outlining
your favorite tableware and highlighting it's beauty.

My favorite chargers are Haviland's Laque De Chine which are available in an array
of vivid colors. Slightly larger than a dinner plate but smaller than a platter,
chargers are simply for decoration, not for food service. You'll find chargers
on formal tables and being used for casual dinners. To me, they are essential
for any well-dressed table because these super discs elevate the look of the
tabletop in a flash.

May plastic champagne glasses be forgotten and never brought to mind

2007-12-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

A regular glass tumbler will do fine if that's all you have on hand, and even clear
plastic is OK for a picnic or an evening concert in the park. But with New Year's on
Monday, it's time to chill the champagne and bring out the nice glasses and toast
the new year!

(l to r: luxembourg champagne flute, $68.00, Faberge, Bodanica; Lismore crystal toasting flutes, $135.00, Waterford)

Here are some caveats and suggestions regarding glassware that will provide you
with beaucoup de bubbles and a better tasting champagne.

(l to r: champagne flute, Saint Louis Crystal, $175.00, Michael C. Fina; Denise champagne flute, $45.00, Tiffany and Co.; Linear platinum champagne glass, $21.60, Kim Seybert;
Onde champagne flute, $80.00, Baccarat; Love Knots toasting flutes, $60.00, Vera Wang;
Victoria champagne flute, $90.00, Juliska)

The long, narrow Champagne flute is much more common these days than the saucer-style
glass. The wine doesn't slosh around and spill as easily as it does in a saucer glass. The
bubbles also can be seen more easily as they make a long bead to the surface (the best-
quality sparkling wines have bubbles like strings of tiny beads that seem to never end).
And it's easier with a flute to get your nose close to the wine to enjoy the aroma - and that's
good because taste is greatly enhanced by smell. Whatever glass is used, may sure it is
squeaky, clean and dry, with no soap film or streaks.

(l to r: Edge flute, $9.95, Crate and Barrel; Foster flute set, $175.00, Ralph Lauren)

Best of all is a crystal flute with no etchings or adornment that interferes with seeing the wine
Besides its elegance, the character of fine crystal adds a sparkle that enhances the natural sparkle of the wine. So when you raise your glass at midnight, ring in the New Year with style. Cheers!

Image source: Yum Sugar

This Christmas

2007-12-25T00:59:00.001-05:00

"May we set an extra place at the table this Christmas, as we remember the hungry,
the poor. May we wrap an extra gift this Christmas, as we remember the lonely,
the confused. May we give an extra hug this Christmas, as an expression of love to
those around us. May we spend extra time in meditation this Christmas, as we
remember all the blessings we've received - - - beautiful gifts of life and peace"

- Norma Woodbridge

Above are holiday cards that I received from fellow bloggers who participated in
my friend Vane's holiday card swap. It was so great going to the mailbox and
getting these handmade cards, you guys are extremely talented. I hope we can do it
again next year.

To all my readers, I can't thank you enough for all your support, comments and emails.
It has been such a pleasure getting to know you and sharing my love of tableware
with you. Merry Christmas to you and enjoy the day!

Cheers to the well-dressed table,
Sarah

SEAson’s Greetings: Coastal tablesettings

2007-12-24T02:53:00.000-05:00

Forget about Jack Frost nipping at your nose - better to slather on the sun block.
Dreaming of a White Christmas? You must mean the sand in your sandals. While
I’m here in New York with snow and freezing temperatures, there are people along
our coastlines that are basking in the glow of Christmas in a warm sun. Those living
along the coast have indeed put their own twist on the holiday. The key to coastal
style is bringing the outside in.

Bring the coast to your table with Cool Blues - silver accents sparkle when paired
with dinnerware in watery hues. Natural Neutrals - texture—from smooth mother-
of-pearl to rough pebbles—adds interest to a soft, white setting with fish sea horse
napkin rings and place card holders. Bold Black and White - who needs red? Go
for drama with starkly contrasting plates and accessories.

Remember the holidays only come once a year. Make this year count by updating
your holiday decor with coastal flare like sea shells and star fish. Family and friends
will cherish this special time for years to come thanks to your creativity and thoughtfulness.

Images sources: Coastal Living, Country Living and Coastal Christmas

A Blue Christmas Doesn't Mean the Christmas Blues

2007-12-19T01:01:00.000-05:00

Blue is especially appealing because it matches many people's home decor
and many people have blue motifs in their homes. So boundless is blue that
you could pair it with red this holiday for a surprisingly elegant look.

Start with blue-greens ranging in intensity from pale to brilliant and temper
it with a deep, orangery red. No color combination is as endlessly versatile as
this dynamic duo. Here we see it change moods - - - cooling the modern with
aqua, igniting the exotic with chocolate brown, and raising the sophistication
level of traditional with white.

Yes, there are annual trends in holiday decor and this combination is one
of them. Blue and red are not only hot choices for Winter 2007 look out
for this combination in the Spring.

Image sources: House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Hostess with the Mostess,
and Real Simple.

Hooked on tradition: Candy canes, an old-time treat, used for holiday decor

2007-12-18T02:16:00.000-05:00

Candy Canes are so festive, they just scream, "Christmas!" Candy canes are one
of the most recognizable symbols of the season. Not only are they a sweet treat,
they're used for decoration.

Sunday while talking to my Mom on the phone she spoke so fondly of the history
and symbolism associated with this product. It didn’t take me long to realize
that the candy cane is one of the few decorative things that we still have at
Christmas that retains the original symbolic meaning.

(above: Candy cane dinnerware, from $7.35, Golden Rabbit)

Candy canes were, according to popular legend, invented in the 1600s in Cologne,
Germany, by a choirmaster who shaped sugar sticks into shepherds' crooks in an
effort to focus the attention of his restless students during a lengthy Nativity program.

While the crook symbolized the staffs carried by shepherds visiting the newborn
Jesus in Bethlehem, the red stripes were originally intended to represent the
blood shed by Christ at the time of his scourging and crucifixion.

The candy is hard because Christ is the rock of ages. The flavor is peppermint,
which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family, used in the Old Testament
for purification and sacrifice and Jesus is the pure Lamb of God, come to be a
sacrifice for the sins of the world.

So, now every time you see a candy cane, remember what the Christmas candy
cane symbolizes. "Jesus is the reason for the season."

Image sources: Country Living, Hostess with the Mostess and Better Homes and Garden

"Season's Grrrreeting": My favorite dog dinnerware

2007-12-17T01:27:00.000-05:00

Ask pet owners, and they'll admit that their dogs are "part of the family." This
isn't news. But in my Godmother’s home, her dog Sebastian, has been elevated
almost to the level of a child or a best friend.

Dog owners, just like most people spend a great deal of time, money, and effort
getting just the right furniture and accessories for their home; they want the best
fashion accessories and pampering personal care products for themselves; and
they indulge in gourmet treats for friends and family. So why shouldn't they
apply the same standards when it comes to purchasing for their four-footed furry
family?

(l to r: Gucci dog bowl, $120.00, Neiman Marcus; Arca Horn dog bowl, $585.00, Elements)

Today, you have dogs that are "lapping up the luxury" in designer dinnerware. Dog
bowls have certainly come a long way from the ubiquitous plastic bowl my family
dog had when I was a kid.

(l to r: Juicy Couture dog bowl, $55.00, Neiman Marcus; woven leather dog bowl,
$520.00, Bottega Veneta)

These are some of my favorite dog dinnerware patterns. If you’re a dog owner you
might want to consider these when stocking merchandise for your pampered pup.

(l to r: dog bowl, $50.00, Jonathan Adler; dog bowl, $19.93, Kate Spade, Michael C. Fina)

(l to r: dog bowl, People Will Always Need Plates; dog bowl, $40.00, Daisy dog studio)

(l to r: medium dog bowl, $18.50, Golden Rabbit; food and water bowl, Gaia and Gino)

THINK PINK (and green) for a Christmas tablesetting

2007-12-14T06:48:00.000-05:00

This year’s must-have for Christmas is not a gadget; it’s not even a toy. It's
the color pink. At retail, designers have made it the hot fashion color and
Victoria’s Secret even has a line of casual wear named after the color.

People, especially those with a polished décor, want their holiday decorations
to reflect the overall mood of their homes. It's all part of the designer look that
is slowly creeping into holiday decorating. Red and green are no longer the
hot holiday colors, they been supplanted by other combinations - - - like
pink and green.

Pink and green make a punch color pair. This duo is preppy and chic all at once.
These colors are easy to mix and you can use pale, medium or bright hues.

There are many ways to incorporate this strong color trend on the table; an easy
way would be to incorporate either pink or green stemware to your place setting.
Perfect for the holidays, pink and green is a fun combination and hotter pinks are
more high-energy colors, which are great when used in rooms where people
congregate such as the dining room or kitchen table.

(top row: giddy glass, $12.00, Anthropologie; kassie goblets,set of 6, $39.99, Target).
(bottom row: backyard wine glass and champagne flute, both $18.00 at Anthropologie).

“Visions of Sugar Plums”: A Holiday Tablesetting inspired by “Twas the Night Before Christmas.

2007-12-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Silver bells, partridges in a pear tree and Rudolph the red-nose reindeer are
more than just images from popular holiday songs. They are also among the
themes we use for decorating our homes at the holidays. Used year after year,
I think these tried-and-true themes sometimes seem stale. If you’re looking to
infuse a fresh look into your holiday décor, let the line, "visions of sugar plums
danced in their heads," from “Twas the Night Before Christmas inspire you
to inject purple into your holiday preparations.

Purple? Of course. Purple was prominent on the fall runways, from Anna Sui
to Vera Wang. The color has leapt off the catwalks and is now everywhere - - -
in bedding, window treatment and tabletop accessories so why not Christmas
décor. Matthew Mead demonstrates on his web site some phenomenal ways to use
purple, from gift wrapping to creating gift tags (the gift tag shown above can be
downloaded from his site). Make sure to visit and check out the many craft projects.

From the rich purple associated with royalty to the distinctive hue of the
orchid plant, from sumptuous plum to delicate lavender, purple can boost
creativity and feed the imagination. It is a perfect way to add glamour and
grace to your holiday tablesetting.

Perfect partners for purple need choosing with care:

Purple with gold is traditional, ecclesiastical and royal.
Purple with bronze and silver metallics is eminently modern.
Purple glassware looks great, especially by candlelight.
Purple is a fashion shade, so use it for easily changed napkins, tablecloths,
candle votives and Christmas ornaments.

Red and green will always be needed, but if you want to be more daring this
holiday, let the vision of sugar plums inspire you!

Pining for simple holiday decor from treetop to tabletop

2007-12-10T00:10:00.000-05:00

Pinecones appear seemingly everywhere at our feet this time of year and yet we
hardly notice them. Those with a keen appreciation for nature's gifts know that
pinecones offers a bounty of decorating ideas. Bringing them indoors for the
holidays can give your tablesetting a rustic, homespun flavor.

To create holiday decorations with pinecones, gather cones from your yard,
pick some up at a craft store or purchase a hand sculpted, porcelain pinecone
from Coe & Waito. Alissa Coe and Carly Waito are the creators of these
beautiful pinecones. Through these objects, they hope to express their
admiration of the elegant perfection of nature. So whether you dust them with
glitter or slip cast them in moulds, pinecones will add a real organic appeal to
your tablesetting.

The differing sizes, shapes, and textures of pinecones inspire many possibilities
for their creative use:

Pinecones make a trimphant return to the tree a glittering ornament, welcome
guest with a dramatic swag of pinecones and holiday greens. Dress your holiday
table with a pinecone display in place of a floral arrangement.

When you place these adornments alongside the season's bounty, you'll likely conclude
that nature has come up with some wonderful decorating ideas.

source: Country Living magazine and Martha Stewart Living.

Menorahs: A lovely addition to your festival of lights

2007-12-05T00:03:00.000-05:00

(above: classic menorah, $34.00, Pottery Barn)

The lights that are kindling in thousands of homes across New York City are
beacons to the memory of wars won, of miracles wrought, of religious freedom.

(l to r: classic menorah, 29.95, Crate & Barrel; menorah, $160.00, Nambe)

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah began last night at sundown with the traditional
lighting of the nine-branched candelabrum called a menorah. For eight days
the candles will burn, a new one added each night, as reminders of the divine
presence of God and the miracles he brings to the faithful.

(clockwise: Mariposa menorah, $160.00, Saks Fifth Ave; Waterford menorah,
$300.00, Horchow; skyline menorah, $130.00, Jonathan Adler; Rivington
menorah, $350.00, Maxwell Silver).

Today, many artists have taken the menorah from a lamp used to commemorate
the miracle of the oil to an opportunity to explore the idea of religious objects
as art. Many people choose a traditional menorah for ceremony and artistic
renditions as year-long decorative objects .

(above: Candorah, $315.00, U+ Design Collection)

They range from serious to whimsical. With such beautiful offerings available,
menorahs can be part of household decor beyond the holiday season.

(l to r: Olive Branch menorah, $210.00, Michael Aram; Salusa glassworks menorah,
$149.00, Barney's)

I’ve shared a few of my favorite menorahs and it is my hope that people
permanently display them rather than box them up. Menorahs are a piece of
Judaica art that can really enhance the home and make a beautiful centerpiece
for the table.

Dining by Designer: Ralph Lauren - A Christmas theme where you can put your best face forward.

2007-12-04T00:23:00.000-05:00

There was a time when clocks served one purpose: to let you know what time
it was. Today, clocks do much more than that. They make a decorating statement
by complementing, even enhancing, the look of a room. And they can make a
statement about Christmas.

With their bold graphics, nostalgic charm, and center holes for hanging, old
clock faces make inspired ornaments.

Clock faces add an interesting theme to holiday decorating. Extend the clock
theme to the table with this set of four charming brunch plates by Ralph Lauren.
Whimsical clock theme varies with each plate for a unique and stylish table setting.

Use vintage clock faces tied with pretty ribbon as ornaments. Match your clock
themed tree with your gift wrap and choose from the same color palette. All it
takes is a collection, or even an idea for one, to spark an exciting theme for your
holiday decorating.

Source: Country Living magazine, Assorted Clock Brunch Plates, $79.99,
Polo Ralph Lauren.

Bring the Tartan touch to your holiday tablesetting

2007-12-03T00:25:00.000-05:00

There are few patterns that spread cheer quite like tartan plaid, the classic
fabric distinguished by intersecting, multicolored stripes. Tartan has long
served as an inspiration for designers of everything from haute couture
to furniture. Designers who've made tartan an integral part of their work,
range from punk-inspired provocateurs Vivienne Westwood, Jean-Paul Gaultier,
and Alexander McQueen to the more refined fashions of Ralph Lauren and
Burberry. It's time to bring a splash of color on to your holiday table with
the most iconic of Scottish fabrics - tartan

Love it or loathe it, tartan is a favorite Christmas theme for many. Shown above,
the tablecloth is an antique Scottish shawl on which red-glass dishes and goblets
sparkle. Little details like old postcards, place cards, tree napkins rings, plaid
ribbons, and a tartan fabric ornament, which can be taken home by guests as a
token, all enliven the table.

Braveheart did battle in it. Queen Victoria decked Balmoral in it. Madonna donned
it to strut around the stage. Tartan, the beloved symbol of kin, clan and nation
to the Scots, has evolved into the one of the world’s favorite fabrics. Update red
and green Christmas colors by using a very "of-the-moment" pattern in tartan
fabric and bows.

The bold checks of tartan fabric may still be used to make traditional kilts, cozy
travel blankets and ribbons for shortbread tins but, as pictured here, it can be put
to more fashionable use. But, if the idea of your table being covered in plaid
frightens you, then why not go for tartan tableware accessories instead?

Source: Lenox Holiday Tartan dinnerware. Buffet Platter, $63.20; vegetable
bowl, $137.60; cup, $34.40; fruit dish, $46.40; macy's.

"My True Love Gave To Me": A Twelve Days of Christmas collection

2007-11-28T01:16:00.000-05:00

For most of us, getting a few strings of lights on the house, a wreath on the door,
and a tree up in the living room is a holiday decorating job well done. For true
Christmas aficionados, like my mother, that’s barely a start.

Why have just one Christmas tree when she can have four, one wreath when she
can have five, her line of thinking goes. She’s a super-decorator and a holiday house
wonderland is her goal.

Of all the trees in the house, my favorite is the tree in the living room decorated
with all crystal ornaments. I credit my mother with inspiring my holiday tradition
- - - for twelve consecutive years I presented her with a Waterford crystal ornament
from their “12 days of Christmas” collection. Last year was the last ornament in
that series; however now I’m looking to build upon her “12 days of Christmas"
theme. Here a few of my favorites:

row 1: Waterford sixth edition flute, $85.00, Macy’s, Plates, $99.95, Williams Sonoma, Glassware, $29.99, Macys
row 2: Napkins, Gumps, Haviland six geese a laying, Haviland, $22.00, Rubylane,Cake plate, $4,000, Neiman Marcus
row 3: Appetizer plates, $96.00, Rosanna, Napkins, $49.00, Williams Sonoma, Sakura 5 golden rings, $21.99, Replacements

For more 12 Days of Christmas themes, make sure to visit Snippet & Ink on
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On these days, Snippet and Ink will be
posting some amazing boards inspired by the 12 days of Christmas.

Below are two of her boards:
Board #1 – Partridge in a Pear Tree

Board #2 – Two Turtle Doves

Dining by Designer: Happy, Happy Holidays from Jonathan Adler

2007-11-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Long before he made his debut as head judge on "Top Design", he made a
splash with his own hand-thrown pottery. America "hearts" Jonathan Adler.
The potter-turned-designer has created a complete Jonathan Adler Home
Environment, an upbeat and groovy universe he envisions as "happy,
handcrafted, and luxe".

He can put breasts on a vase and we'll buy it; turn a turtle into a ornament,
and we want if for our Christmas tree; needlepoint the ace of spade on a pillow,
sell it for $165.00, and we all sigh, "J'adore".

Adler is a riot of fun! He is Jewish and from New Jersey and can be found
speaking Franglais - - - it’s all about “a soupcon" of this and "moiself" that.
His official aesthetic is "happy chic," and this means Jonathan Adler is always
chipper, never dressed in all black and eternally encouraging his followers to
put clown art on the wall.

As a living icon of modern design, his work is at the forefront of style. His
unconventional approach to ceramics has single-handedly taken pottery from
hippie to hip. If your holiday décor calls for something clean, modern and
“happy”, like this skyline menorah, look no further than Johnathan Adler.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T00:05:00.000-05:00

Vivre exclusive: Set of six. Like an antique treasure from the Savannah,
these decoupage plates add safari excite to the table.
Animal Glass Plates, $945.00

Decorating ideas for Holiday cards

2007-11-21T08:38:00.000-05:00

Like the first robin of spring or the changing leaves of autumn, the first holiday
card always signals a new season. It marks the beginning of an annual affirmation
of personal connections that, in today’s fast-paced world, is becoming more
important than ever to me.

I was so happy when I saw that my friend Vane over at Brooklyn Bride was
hosting a “Holiday Card Swap”. I’m a huge fan of cards; I send them to
my family and friends all the time. When I mail cards it is my way of reaching
out to the people in my life to renew and reaffirm our relationship. Here are
some ideas to weave those holiday cards into colorful arrangements for your
home.

Today is the last day to take part in the “Holiday Card Swap”, so click over
to Brooklyn Bride and sign up if you're interested. Since I've started blogging,
my personal contacts have widened, I’ve met some amazing women and this
gives me the opportunity to share the holiday season with the women that
I’ve been in contact with all year, as well as those that I haven’t.

Speaking of cards, Nicole of DearNic has launched her new line of Christmas cards
today on Etsy, make sure to check them out!

images: Country Living, O at Home, Better Homes and Garden and RedBook

Dining by Designer: Kate Spade's new dinnerware - see, spot, fun!

2007-11-20T00:02:00.000-05:00

Handbag designer Kate Spade adores them. Like her handbags, footwear,
sunglasses and stationery her collections are infamous for taking traditional
designs and updating them with whimsical touches. Have you seen her simple
black bag with the surprise polka dot lining? This new dinnerware collection,
Sag Harbor, which will be in stores next year, is true to the Kate Spade style.

These are not the polka dots of yesterday. Kate Spade did them in chocolate
brown, navy and green with white, it's a new twist on and old classic. People
think polka dots are little, but when you blow them up big like she did, they
because fresh and modern.

Polka dots evoke a fun, playful and whimsical spirit and are a great motif
for a wedding. Polka-dotted designs are part of the retro craze. Brides are
taking retro and making it a lot more contemporary. Polka dots are being
used in a way that's funky, fun and fashionable. Take these cakes for
example.

The term polka dot first appeared in the 1880's, when both the dots and the
dance were especially popular. As you see from these images, today's dots
have a bolder vibe than their predecessors. With loud colors and a retro
feel, they are more colorful, playful and graphic.

Kate Spade has a way of translating her fashion look into tabletop, enabling
one to dress their table as they would themselves with flexible, mix-and-match
designs. So your formal plates can come out of the china cabinet more often when
you accessorize with playful items like these.

This Christmas, mix things up with the Spruce Street collection. The vibrant
rich colors and entertaining designs lend personality to the table.

images sourced from: The Knot, Brides, Martha Stewart and Southern
Weddings.

invitations: custom made by Ceci New York.

dinnerware: Kate Spade, Spruce Street, mugs set of 4, $75.00;
tidbit plates set of 4, $50.00; both available at Michael C. Fina.

What the Fork! Flatware from A to Z

2007-11-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

If flatware sounds a little, well...flat, remember that beautiful flatware adds the
perfect sparkling touch to your table. From durable sterling silver (which actually
looks better the more you use it) to easy-care stainless steel, today's flatware
is available in patterns that complement any style, whether you're traditional,
country or downright funky. The classic five-piece place setting is your starting
point - serving pieces like carving forks and gravy ladles can complete your
flatware registry.

(l to r): A is for Alain Saint-Joanis, $400.00; B is for Buccellati, $775.00;
C is for Christofle, $161.00.

The knives, forks and spoons that you'll use with your china and crystal - - -
not any flatware will do. Look for an attractive design that will match
or complement the good looks of your dinnerware. Here are some flatware
patterns from A to Z:

(l to r); D is for Deco City, $150.00; E is for Ercuis, $878.00; F is for French Regency,
$259.95; G is for Gorham, $259.95.

(top to bottom): H is for Hannah, $84.00; I is for International, 259.95; J is for
Japanesse Bird & Bamboo, $75.00; K is for Kirk Stieff, $278.95; L is for Louis XV,
$319.95; M is for Michael C. Fina, $449.95.

(top to bottom): N is for Neoclassico, $449.95; O is for Odiot, $2,149.00; P is for
Puiforcat, $460.00; Q is for Queen Elizabeth, $299.95; R is for Reed and Barton,
$229.95; S is for Sarong, $85.00.

(l to r): T is for Todd Hill, $55.00; U is for Union Square, $55.00; V is for Village of
Sienna, $50.00; W is for Wallace, $450.00.

(l to r): Y is for Yeoward, $975.00; Z is for Zambesi, $145.00.

Traditionally, brides-to-be register for sterling or silverplate flatware to use with
formal china and stainless steel for everyday. These days, couples are selecting
the style that best fits their lifestyle. Always choose flatware that suits you.

source: all flatware available at Michael C. Fina