"Thy Kingdom come": Middle Kingdom comes to the NYIGF

Middle Kingdom simultaneously celebrates the traditions of Chinese porcelain and creates new objects both subtle and elegant. Middle Kingdom celebrates the traditions of Chinese porcelain while creating new elegant objects; hand-thrown jars, vases, bowls and teapots inspired by classic Song and Ming dynasty shapes.

These vibrant porcelain pieces by Bo Jia, a Chinese designer in Washington D.C., are made in the traditional Chinese porcelain capital, Jingdezhen. The shapes are modern, and so are the striking colors. The sizes in the selection ranges from 5-inches ($14.00) to 22-inches tall ($150.00). And since the price is so unbelievable, I like the idea of creating groups (in odd numbers). They are pictured in groups in both Country Living and Real Simple magazines.

With these unbelievable prices I think a group of them would make a perfect centerpiece or you could place one of each at your guests place setting at your next dinner party.

Each piece is signed with the handwritten Chinese inscription on the foot ring that reads: "Middle Kingdom, Bo Jia Clan" in a six-character arrangement similar to a traditional reign mark. The packaging is a beautiful handmade muslin box, making it the perfect gift for any occasion.


In New York these pieces are available at Global Table (107-109 Sullivan Street NYC 10012) and Abitare ( 309 Henry Street Brooklyn 11201).

Pillow Talk: Ankasa is more than fluff

Ankasa created embroidery for fashion’s top houses; they are known for their exquisite embellishments for Oscar de la Renta, Escada and Vera Wang, to name a few.

It comes at no surprise that they have been able to implement the same precision to detail from the world of fashion, into a luxurious home décor collection.


While at the gift fair I was able to view first hand their elegant pillows and bedding. Ankasa showcases elaborately executed handiwork that ornaments in uncommon style. The collection debuting next season is all about glamour. Honing in on their obvious fashion roots, the collection features crystal-encrusted pillows and the hot color combination of pink and black, which serves as a stylized counterpoint to the more masculine-influenced look of the croc-stamped leather pillow.

Rethink Pink: Can these rooms be turned into a tablesetting?

Forget little girls' rooms: Pink is a color for any area of the house.
Hot pink, soft pink and every shade in between are in vogue. Pink is showing up in accent pillows, wall paper, dishes and even bathroom doors. (above images: Oprah Magazine)


The pop behind pink:
In addition to carnations, prom dresses and lingerie, it harkens to the personal downside of the tough economy (pink slip), a classic cartoon ("The Pink Panther"), a pop star (Pink), a movie title (Pretty in Pink) or a television character (Pinky Tuscadero). (above images: Jean-Louis Coquet, Paris Noir, 5pc place setting, $325.00, Michael C. Fina; powder room at Provence Soho Restaurant).



The color’s strength:
Two words of advance for fashion mavens this season: Think pink.
Apparently, designers put on rose-colored glasses to design their current spring and summer lines, since that's what we're now seeing in stores. (above image l to r: Oprah magazine;Philippe Starck Baccarat black gobblets, Neiman Marcus).

Part of the color's strength seems to lie in its malleability. While it's often perceived as soft and girlie, it can take on a sexy slant when paired with black.


On the table:
Adding a bit of unexpected color can be a nice surprise for your guests. I recommend that people who are thinking about adding pink to their table shouldn't overdo it initially. A safe bet is to introduce it as an accent color. Pink can be a great color for a table napkin placed next to a black and white tableware. A dining table could include pink roses in a black vase or mix and match and add a pink charger or a pink salad/dessert plate with your table setting.
(images above row 1: Oprah Magazine, Ombrages dinner plate, Raynaud, $75.00, Bloomingdale's); row 2: Domino magazine, Uliveto Serving Bowl, $275.00, Nambe, Bloomingdale's).


The perfect touch:
Use pink however you feel comfortable. Hot pink and soft pink send very different messages. Hot pink, like red, conveys flirtiness or sensual passion. The hotter pinks are more high-energy colors, and are best used on tables where people congregate for a lively party.
Conversely, soft pinks are associated with innocence and relaxation; they are better used during quieter occasions like a small intimate dinner. (images above row 1: Zvizz by Orrefors vase, $105.00, Bloomingdale's; row 2: Marimekko Ruusupuu coffee mug, $9.50, Rosewood tea towel, $10.50, finnstyle).


No matter what shade you choose, pink is flattering to any tableware and will casts a warm glow on almost any table. (images above row 1: Fitz and Floyd tea set; row 2: Ladies Who Lunch, $40.00, Rosanna).

Beyond that, pink is just fun!

Stripe it rich: Up, down, or all around, there’s lots of ways to go with stripe

Whether they're on fabrics, furniture or a five-piece place setting, stripes stretch your decorating possibilities. Imagine their versatility:

Pinstripes, so tailored, reserved, calming.
Awning stripes - beachy, splashy, upbeat.
Mattress-ticking stripes. Don't they suggest a coastal cottage, a lodge or a porch?

(above l to r: Hemisphere 5pc place setting, $818.06, Artedona; image from Domino magazine).

(above: Rio bowl, $142.08, Artedona).

(l to r: Venice Beach collection, Ralph Lauren Home; Iittala Origo orange paper napkins, $8.75, Finnstyle).

Stripes not only run the gamut in setting a decorating tone; they combine well with other china patterns, these stripe vases from Caleb Siemon would add dimension and drama to any table.


For something so simple, the stripe has a remarkably wide range of variations, depending on the combination of colors used and the thickness of the lines. And they're seen across the board from casual, traditional to contemporary.


(l to r: Image from House Beautiful Magazine; Colorado place setting, $236.81, Artedona).


(l to r: Taro stripe appetizer plate, $1.95, Cb2; Signature stripe legacy stripe tote, $298.00, Coach).

(above: Cubist stripe dinner bread and butter plate, $45.00, Marc Blackwell).

The eyes do follow the direction of the stripe, so take that rule into consideration when choosing between horizontal and vertical stripes. Diagonal stripes create power and movement. They are very dramatic, not restful. They should be used in small doses.

(above: Funky diagonal dinner plates s8, $6.50, Plum party).

Stripes are classic. From the stripes down the side of tuxedo trousers to the traditional ticking on an old-fashioned mattress, stripes are everywhere. All the major designers have always used stripes.


Where would Sir Paul Smith be without his "signature stripes"? They started off on shirts, but these days, they can be found on china as well as numerous accessories. Jackie Shapiro's French Bull also uses stripe, their multi stripe coasters adds a contemporary twist to stripe.

(above clockwise: Image from Domino magazine; coffee pot, 200 pounds, mug, 45 pounds, breakfast cup and saucer, 79 pounds, all from Paul Smith).

Rosita Missoni has also elevated stripes into high fashion, subverting the straight into eyedefying curves, zigzags and chevrons that career over cushions, bound around bolsters and push onto plates.

(Image: Missoni showroom, Missoni Carousel coffee pot, $417.00; salad plate, $59.00, Michael C. Fina).


American fashion designer Jackie Shapiro of French Bull’s trademark is her bold graphic stripes.

(l to r: Iittala Origo Serving Bowl, $42.00, Finnstyle; Storage container set, $26.00, French Bull).

The stripe is always in style. It mixes nicely with most other china patterns, so it can be used to update a table without entirely changing it. They pair easily with florals and prints, giving the eye a bit of geometric relief. They accent solids and complement plaids. The variety of stripes and patterns means there is one for just about every setting. Try mixing striped and floral patterns, using color to link the two.


(row 1: Melody stripe dining table, $1,298.00, Anthropologie; Tropical stripe dinnerware $24.99, Target).

(row 2: Fassett Fiesta Stripe Napkins, $32.00, Pottery Dessert plate, $58.00, Potluck Studio).

(row 3: Tienshen Spectrum Stripes 16pc, $49.99, Macy's; Legacy stripe bangle, $98.00, Coach).

To stripe it rich on the cheap, change the look of your table by using a stripe.

The Global Table Summer Series - "Proscht" to Switzerland.

The summer season is here and like many of you my thoughts have turned to summer vacation. Just as there is an array of vacation options available stateside and seaside, at home and abroad, tableware options are no exception.

From your back door to the world's front door. Join me this week as I celebrate the culture and environment in which wonderful tableware is created all over the world. Welcome to the second installment of this week's global table summer series.


Chocolate, watches and the Matterhorn - could anything be more typically Swiss? Adding to that list, in the small idyllic city of Winterthur, Switzerland, a group of artisans have been charming Swiss residents with handcrafted tableware for more than two decades. Now Felix Vogler, Founder and Creative Director of Terra Keramik is bringing his shiny, playful, colorful ceramics (think M&M’s) to the United States.

(l to r: serving bowl, $98.00; cappuccino cup, $32.00)

(l to r: small plate, $24.00; dinner plate, $38.00)

(l to r: soup bowl, $29.00; fondue pot, $89.00)

( l to r: tea pot, $102.00; coffee mug, $28.00)

From teapots to fondue sets, each piece is accented in platinum and signed by the artist. The pieces are triple-fired using an energy-reducing clay and finished in a choice of eight brilliant glazes. I love this collection! The platinum edging gives each piece a sleek, sophisticated look.

“Proscht” to Switzerland.

(l to r: tablesetting image featured in Southern Accents, July 2007; White dinner plate, $38.00)

The Global Table Summer Series – “Salud” to Mexico

It's upon us--that season in the sun. (Ahh, the summer time). This summer, if you plan to travel to a Caribbean beach or to an exciting city far from home, I wish you safe travels. And if you decide to stay close to home, Enjoy! Have big fun. Celebrate our rich culture at some great places all around the USA.

Inspired by Domino magazine’s “Around the world décor” article that appeared in the April 2007 issue, I invite you to join me this week as I celebrate the culture and environment in which wonderful tableware is created as well as the people who create them all over the world.


This week at Toast and Table’s is a celebration of travel and today we’re traveling to Mexico City to explore DFC.

(l to r): Decanter $356.00, drinking class $55.00, shot glass $41.40; Science series vases – 4L Beaker vase $495.00, 2L Beaker vase $227.00, Prega vase $495.00, Tall vase $39.00, The Future Perfect, 718-599-6278.


(above: image from Domino Magazine, June 2006. Instant collection, glass beakers, their unusual shapes and measurement markings are the epitome of geek chic - and they have an airy sophistication).

DFC is dedicated to the marring of traditional Mexican techniques and styles with modern design to create objects for home and commercial use. They are currently working with artisans from across Mexico in materials ranging from aluminum, hand-blown and scientific-grade glass, traditionally-cast ceramics, to fiberglass, silver, and fur. DFC is proud to collaborate with artisans utilizing techniques that in many cases have remained unchanged from millennia, and with families whose expertise often dates back through generations.

(l to r): Explosion series dinnerware plates (hand-glazed stoneware) – charger, $80.50; dinner, $57.50; salad, $34.50; cake, $34.50; pitcher, $92.00.

A Toast to Summer! In many cultures, toasting is common and to not do so may be a breach of etiquette so “Salud” to Mexico!