Lovebirds: Lenox Chirp dinnerware

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.

Suited to a tea: A tablesetting with tea tins

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

Eggs-ceptional Easter Gift: Royal Copenhagen Flora Easter Eggs

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.

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

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.

Spring Into Action for Pastels: Kenzo tableware collection

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

May plastic champagne glasses be forgotten and never brought to mind

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

Perfect Pairing: Riedel Crystal and Living Beyond Breast Cancer

The Riedel company is one of the world's authorities on wine glasses and decanters and for the third year, Riedel has created a special, limited edition glass to benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Riedel will donate 15% of the proceeds from the sale of this glass to support those dealing with the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer and life beyond.



The first two glasses in the series, the Pink “O” wine tumbler (2005) and the Pink “O” Champagne glass (2006), sold out in record time, providing a donation of over $100,000 to Living Beyond Breast Cancer in the U.S. This year the glass is a Pink Vinum Rosé Glass with its soft pink stem and clear bowl. (above: Riedel Pink O Champagne glass, set of 2, $26.99; Riedel vinum pink rose, pair, $49.80. Both available at Bed, Bath & Beyond).



Wine decanters make a great wedding gift. Whether your friends have handcrafted redwood racking in their temperature-controlled cellars or simply enjoy a glass of wine with dinner now and then, any newlywed will gratefully receive these decanters. Real wine aficionados will especially appreciate that Riedel makes these decanters. They feature different sizes and shapes that are carefully designed to bring out the best qualities in wines.



These decanters are proof that with Riedel, you can always expect the unexpected—in dramatic fashion.

(Decanters shown above: Pomerol wine decanter, $249.00; Amadeo lyra decanter, $287.95; Pomerol wine decanter , $249.00; Crystal Dove wine decanter, $179.95, Tyrol wine decanter $156.95 ; All available at the Wine Enthusiast).

In the mix: Zak + NCBF

There was a time when mixing bowls and other kitchen tools were heard, but not seen - - stored in a dark closet after the day's work was done. But not today, kitchen tools are now, not only functional, they're fun, funky and being displayed in ways that are adding style and pizazz to kitchen countertops.



Color your kitchen with these mixing bowls by Zak Design. These are not your grandmother's mixing bowls. They're still used for mixing your favorite cake batter and serving your favorite dish; but they are better designed. These bowls fuse stainless steel and melamine in one product, resistance to temparature transfer, dishwasher safe and features a non-skid bottom.



Zak Designs is partnering with National Breast Cancer Foundation and will donate a portion of the proceeds of this line to the NBCF. Great cooking is a combination of fun, quality, style and convenience and these well-designed items, in the pink color, proves that products for a worthy cause don't need to be dull.

(Items featured: Zak 6pc pink mixing bowl set,$59.99; Zak 5qt. bowl melamine fused w/ stainless steel, $29.99; Zak soda fountain tumbler, $4.99; Zak large colander,$12.99. All available at LaPrima Shops).

Post Pink: DVDs for the Cure

Last month when Patricia of Mrs. Blandings blog contacted myself and some other woman and asked us to "post pink" on October 1st I responded with enthusiasm and told her I would be happy to participate. I don't know how many of your lives have been touched by breast cancer. For me personally, my great-grandmother passed away as a result of this disease. So when Patricia asked, I immediately responded "YES"!

Watching a movie may be good for your health. To mark National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, 20th Century Fox and MGM Home Entertainment have promised to donate a minimum of $250,000 to Komen from the sale of specially packaged "chick flick" movies in a DVD sleeve with a pink border.



Hosting a birthday party? A girl's movie night? In charge of snacks for your next meeting? Or maybe settling in to watch a new release with the family... pop some popcorn and try these bowls, these will make any occasion a sure hit.


(l to r: Cherry red popcorn serving bowl, $30.00, Waechtersbach; Buttered popcorn bowl $11.99, Fred Flare)


(l to r: Popcorn square vase, $40.oo, Plum Party; Small popcorn box, $2.19, Giant Party Store)


( l to r: Over and Back 5pc set, $29.99, Target; Popcorn Bucket, $29.95, Williams Sonoma)



(l to r: Burlwood bowls, starting from $48.00, Jayson Home and Garden; Whirley Pop wooden bowl, $16.99, Target)

Player's Club: Tableware finds for your next Game Night and the inspiration behind my wedding theme

Chip and I are learning so much from my parent’s, who recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. We are learning that the key to harmony and happiness in their relationship comes from the flip of a card in a game of gin rummy, the sound of dominoes slapping the table and the advancement of the checkers across the backgammon board. I love the fact that after 40 years of marriage my parents still play games together!



(shown above: Kate Spade gin rummy coasters, set of 4, $35.00, Park Ave Gifts; Playing Card dessert plate, $35.00; Playing Card Mug, $35.00; both available at Tiffany & Co).



(shown above: Oscar de la Renta City Collection: Domino Place Card Holder, Domino Frosted Cocktail Shaker, Domino Lacquered tray).

Growing up, “Game night” was the foundation of my family's quality time. The sharing and laughter that occurred when my family played board games or cards together has made for some lasting memories and created a family tradition. Now that I am getting married and starting a family of my own, Chip and I will continue to uphold this "Game Night" tradition because we’re learning that it can do wonders for a relationship. I am even considering having a "Game Night" theme for my wedding.



(clockwise: Chess Bar Collection dof, $70.00, Reed and Barton; Kate Spade Gin Rummy decanter, $125.00, Four-suits-vodka, $550.00, Steuben glass; Dice bottle stopper, $75.00, Ralph Lauren Home; Spice Dice, Unica Home).

What does playing board games have to do with relationships? A lot, actually. As a new couple, it is a fun excuse to meet new neighbors, hang out with old friends or spice up a dinner party. It's also a great way to gain a little insight about those you think you know: Who knew that your soon-to-be, sweet mother-in-law was so competitive or that your future father-in law was a sore loser? (Well, Chip knows now…)



I hope these tableware finds have inspired you to log off the computer, put down the blackberry, invite people over and have a “Game Night”!




( Inspiratation for my wedding reception: Escort cards made out of playing cards; cocktail hour
hors d'oeuvres would consisit of slides, pigs n' a blanket, mini grilled cheese, veggie, etc.; domino and checker filled centerpieces, board games at the children's table, deck of cards for favors, etc. Do you see where I'm going with this? The best theme wedding I've ever seen is "Grade School Sweethearts", check it out at Brooklyn Bride and check out the post Vane did just for me entitled, "For Sarah: Ulimate Game Night Wedding", she's unbelievable and provided me with so much inspiration for my themed wedding! Vane, THANK YOU, these invites are fantastic)!

Board games are hot! Yes, Monopoly and Scrabble are good board games; but look at these luxurious alternatives; they are perfect for the stylish high-roller who takes their play seriously:



(shown above: leather traveling backgammon set, 98 pounds, Links of London; Acrylic backgammon , $625.00, Vivre; Glass dominoes set, $595.00, Polo Ralph Lauren; Medieval Chess Set $2500.00, Lladro; Jonathan Adler Utopia Playing Card Box, $125.00, Barneys; Small Poker Game set, $290.00, Vivre).

Setting Pretty

O.K. so you’re hosting your first family dinner and can’t remember if the bread plate goes left or right of the dinner plate. Does the knife go inside the spoon or outside? Pretty soon, your dinner table setting looks like a child’s tea party, not the pretty Martha Stewart inspiration you had in mind. The basic table setting does have rules and here are two great tricks to help you remember the order of plates and utensils:


First, picture the word “FORKS”, The order, left to right is: F for Fork, O for Plate (the shape!), K for Knives and S for Spoons. (Okay – you have to forget the r, but you get the idea!)


Second, holding your hands in front of you, touch the tips of your thumbs to the tips of your fore-fingerers to make a lower case ‘b’ with your left hand and a lower case ‘d’ with your right hand. This reminds you that ‘bread and butter’ go to the left of the place setting and ‘drinks’ go on the right.

Some other things to know:
Knife blades always face the plate
The napkin goes to the left of the fork, or on the plate
The bread and butter plate and knife are optional

My table setting would look little like this:



Special thanks to Emily Post and Daisy Chain!

(Place setting above: Plate - Isle of Skye, set of 4, $120.00, home, james!. Flatware - Toursade natural olivewood 5pc place setting , $208.00, Mariposa. Glassware/tumbler - Ella large tumber, $54.00, Juliska. Salad/Bread plate - Jasper Conran casual blue salad plate, $14.99, Bed, Bath and Beyond. Napkin - Liberty of London classic pattern, $35.00, Daisy Hill, Elements of Chicago).

Fall colors: Kkooll’s way of bringing them to the table.

Labor Day has passed. Summer vacations are over. Schools have reopened their doors. September marks the beginning of autumn and with the nights closing in and the end of those wonderful summer vegetables, it is nice to change to the great earthy flavors that encapsulate autumn and winter.

Fall is an idyllic time for comfort food, thoughts of winter soups, stews, my mother’s casseroles and that wonderful aroma of onions and herbs drifting through her kitchen during family dinners.

This holiday try a tagine, a Moroccan stew that requires a little patience, and a bit of the cook's soul. It must simmer for a good long time, until the spices have melded artfully, until the meat is more tender than you guessed it could be and until the dried fruit has begun to melt into the thick, dark sauce.



When the tagine is brought to the table, your guests are greeted with rich, spicy aromas that waft up as you raise the lid. I suggest using one in the Kkooll Collections line. Kkooll Collections imports the highest quality, handcrafted ceramics in Morocco. They are high in design, pure in line, unique and stunning – with the beauty of each piece matched by its practicality. The designs and color ways are new and exceptionally beautiful.



If you’re planning a holiday dinner this season, think about stews. Stews are often overlooked; but take a second glance, because these dishes have many virtues. They can be made ahead, and they take well to either buffet or plated service. Best of all, though, you can add garnishes to transform any stew from comfort food to a stylish party dish.

(above: Kkooll Collections, 212-646-233-3769, Global Table)

Kitchen Kouture: Aprons strings tie me to my past

Aprons strings, those humble yet powerful domestic symbols, tie me to traditions, evoking memories of all the cooks in my family who have shaped my everyday meals and holiday feasts through the years.

To kick off the fall season, I asked Brooke to draw a new illustration - - - a modern, fresh, stylish woman who embodies the Toast and Table reader. When Brooke finished the drawing and showed it to me, I loved it immediately and loved the fact that she included an apron!



My great-grandmother, Sarah, was a fabulous hostess - - - while stirring, simmering and sautéing she’d wear her “practical apron” and then she’d slip into her hostess version to serve the food and mingle. I swear she probably had a different apron to go with every dress, they were clearly her fashion accessory. These aprons by BellaPamella is a modernized version of her aprons.



The apron's threatened demise has as much to do with changes in fashion as it does with changes in meals. Who needs an apron if you're wearing casual clothes that can be tossed in the washer? And who needs an apron to microwave a frozen dinner or open a Chinese takeout carton? It doesn't matter if I'm ordering takeout or cooking in, when I want to feel sexy in the kitchen, I turn to my apron by Jessie Steele. Great news!!! If you head over to "Life in a Venti Cup" you can enter to win a hip Jessie Steele apron with matching oven mitts.



No longer tied to the concept of a mere uniform for domestic chores, aprons have become a wardrobe essential. The new generation of domestic goddesses demanded stylish aprons and designers were paying attention. Needless to say, some of these aprons, like the ones shown above by Delilah Crown, are more about looking fabulous than they are about keeping sauce off your skirt. And there's nothing wrong with that!



(lst row: camel apron, waffle apron, leaf apron; $65.00; Virginia Johnson)
(2nd row: vintage apron top; $165.00; Camp On Perry)

Fall kicks off the holiday season, so as reach into your drawers or closets for a protective covering to tie around your waist, may you feel a connection with the past, and a kinship with those before you who took pride in the endless details of homemaking. I know I will.



(above: Ivy League apron; $61.60; Kitsch n' Glam)
(1st top photo: Needle Art Apron; $24.00 - $32.00; Anthropologie)