Get the dish: Champagne Saucers

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



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

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


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

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

Cheers!

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

The glass is greener on a well dressed table

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



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


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

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

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


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

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

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

Cheers to stepping beyond the boundaries of expected style!

It's Crystal Clear: Water pitchers that give you a refreshing look at water

Whether bottled or served straight from the kitchen tap, water is the perfect thirst-quenching beverage. Water pitchers range from traditional to contemporary and from functional to artistic. Water pitchers are stylish - - - take your pick, you can't wrong with any of the pitchers shown above: (l to r: Juliska, St. Louis, Baccarat, Nambe, Riedel, Match, Michael C. Fina. Top: Juliska, all available at Michael C. Fina).

When paired with slices of fruit and vegetables and presented in a pretty pitcher, water becomes an easy, elegant beverage option for special dinners, parties, or under-the-stars soirees. And best of all, it costs just pennies a serving.

(l to r: Cha Cha pitcher, $26.95, Crate and Barrel; pressed glass pitcher, $16.50, Mothology).


(l to r: David pitcher, $300.00, Marc Jacobs, Street pitcher, $242.81, Waterford, Bloomingdale's).

(l to r: Lily of the Valley pitcher, $150.00, Tiffany and Co.; Sunflower pitcher $28.00, Anthropologie).

(l to r: Windsor pitcher, $115.00, Simon Pearce; Anoushka water pitcher, William Yeoward, $450.00, Neiman Marcus).

(l to r: Bee pitcher, $35.50, Ballard Designs; Mansion pitcher, $80.00, Tart).

Flavor water is the perfect antidote to a sultry summer evening. To make it, add subtly aromatic slices of English cucumber (which are virtually seedless), watermelon or small lemon wedges. Place flavored ice cubes in a large clear water dispenser, cover and chill for at least 5 hours and it's perfect for serving friends and family at a summer gathering. Garnish each glass with cucumber, too.

(l to r: Marseilles Beverage dispenser, $199.95, Scarlett Alley; Apothecary beverage dispenser, $80.00, Touchstone).

Tip from Martha Stewart: Condensation on pitchers can leave unsightly drips and make pouring a slippery endeavor. A linen dish-towel bandanna will absorb the moisture. Fold the towel into a triangle, and turn folded edge over 2 inches to form a collar. Wrap the fabric tightly around the pitcher's rim, and anchor by knotting the ends around the handle. Clear pitchers also make beautiful centerpieces.

Stemware: Little Black Glasses

The one thing that every woman can’t live without is the “little black dress”, it’s effortlessly chic and eternally classic. As in apparel and fashion accessories, the use of the color black on the table is timeless and elegant. This classic hue is embraced for its wonderful and endless versatility, which, depending on how you use it can make a table feel traditional or edgy, serious or sassy.

Look at how black was used to dress the table for Jennifer Skog’s bridal shower. When I saw it posted on Hostess with the Mostess I was in awe. Simply stunning!

Black is very much in fashion in almost every item for your table and the piece that I love most is black stemware. Why Black? Because mixing black with almost any other color can easily change the mood of your table. In the table above, black West Elm china is mixed with black Baccarat goblets by Philippe Starck for a sleek, modern tablesetting.

(above: Baccarat un parfait boxed set, designed by Philippe Starck, $2,070, Neiman Marcus.)

The graphic benefit of black, especially when teamed with white, has already been discussed. But, much like dressing up, black can bring out the best in other colors, too. Try accessorizing you table with black glasses.

(above: Black Cut-Crystal Glassware, $40-$175, Williams Sonoma Home.)

(l to r: Midnight champagne flute, 5 pounds, Urban Outfitters; Palais black crystal stemware s/2 $44.99, Noritake)

(above: Clear striped crystal Double Old Fashion, Highball, $40-$42, Barney's New York).

(l to r: Black Goblet, $14.95, Villeroy and Boch; Waterford Crystal red wine glasses by John Rocha, s/2, $160, Neiman Marcus).

(l to r: Baccarat Black Angel tall glass, designed by Philippe Starck, $510.00, Neiman Marcus; Black crystal wine glass, $60, Tiffany's).

(l to r: Skull and Cross bone DOF set, $ 295.00, Ralph Lauren Home; Talousse Glassware s/4, $27.80, Z Gallerie).

Most people think of black as too powerful, too depressing or too strong and not a color you would enjoy living with. Black is a wonderful color if people use it correctly as the background accents because it gives the colors on your table the strongest contrast.