Chinoiserie – looking east for tablesetting inspiration

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.

Landscapes Inspire Tablescapes: New! Juliska ceramics

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!

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

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.

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

Brides: You're a shoe in!

If you're a soon-to-be bride like myself, I'm sure you're on the search for shoes that will offer comfort and style on your wedding day. I've got just the solution... In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, during the 14th Annual Shoes on Sale® event, QVC will offer more than 100,000 pairs of designer and brand-name shoes — all at half the suggested retail price. Shoes in the previous "Designer Salon" have included brands like Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Michael Kors, Cole Haan, Lulu Guinness, Stuart Weitzman and Marc Jacobs.

It started as a simple shoe sale.

Twelve years later, Shoes on Sale has become a critical part of the massive fight against breast cancer. This years events promises to be the biggest and best Shoes on Sale to date. When this year's event ends, it is expected that the total contribution from Shoes on Sale to the fight against breast cancer will top $25 million. As large as that figure is, it is impossible to put a value on the amount of awareness raised or guess the number of people that have become more informed about the disease because of Shoes on Sale.

Tune in to QVC on Wednesday, October 17, 2007.

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).

Hermes: Where “luxury” is still luxury!

Once upon a time, luxury was only available to the rarefied and aristocratic world of old money and royalty; luxury wasn't simply a product, it was a lifestyle! It meant something - - - a history of tradition, superior quality and a pampered buying experience. Today, the luxury market is less about quality and more about quantity. Well all is not lost; one luxury brand that still has a keen eye for craftsmanship is Hermès.




Hermès was founded in 1837 to produce leather good equestrian products and saddlery. Since then it is a name that has become synonymous with quality and style, bringing to its customers the very best in fashion, leather goods and stunning porcelain. Hermes porcelain is amazing and my all-time favorite collection is Chaine d'Ancre Blue!!!



Hermès have added another new collection of luxury lifestyle products to their plate – literally. Their new Fil d'Argent dinner service range is a 14-piece set that was designed by Henri d'Origny. Longtime Hermès customers will know Henri d'Origny from his iconic designs that have adorned Hermès' neckties for close to five decades. The interlocking chain pattern interacts with the Arabesques, while the muted white and gray colors exude a soothing and modern sophistication.



So what’s the story behind Hermès’s signature color “Orange”? I found this amusing tid bit in Dana Thomas’ new book “Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster”: Orange was the only color widely available during World War II to the money-saving benefits of raw-edge cutting, which had been marketed to the public as a cutting-edge, avant-garde innovation.



I am currently reading Ms. Thomas’ new book and I can’t put it down! Dana Thomas
has been the cultural and fashion writer for Newsweek in Paris for 12 years and she has written a crisp, witty social history on the luxury market that’s as entertaining as it is informative. It is a MUST READ!!!



While most so- called-luxury brands are run by massive corporations that focus only on growth, visibility, brand-awareness, advertising and above all, profits; Hermes is still made to the very highest of standards. I could only dream of a table setting completely adorned in Hermes porcelain; but for me just one teapot will do!

If you’re in New York check out the new Hermes store that opened on June 21. Rena Dumas is the architect of the Hermès store at 15 Broad Street.

Gaia & Gino puts "Turkish delight" in tableware!

One of the things I really love about blogging is the ability to meet "new" people from all over the world. She's in Istanbul and I'm in New York City; the ocean may divide us; but this incredible medium brought us together. Please allow me to share an email that I received from Eda Suner from Turkey recently:

"Hi Sarah I'm from Turkey Istanbul. I like your post I see it everyday :) This is for you... This link is about me and my husband (If you want to write it of course you can. :) - xoxo Best Regards, Eda Suner ".

Eda, thank you for visiting Toast and Tables and thank you for sharing the links. Eda's site is fantastic, darn I wish I could read turkish!!! (Eda you're going to have to translate some of your site for me, especially the toasted message and the bandana table runner, smile). - p.s. did you and your husband register at Pasabahce?



(above: The designs of Pasabahce, shows the taste for decoration is alive today. The brand is loved for its affordable finds and limited-edition glassware alike. Their shop is the spot for Turkish brides to register).

I wanted to take some time out to show a lot of love to Istanbul. This city is being reborn as a hot spot for shopping, dining, and modern design and one of the companies leading this rebirth is Gaia & Gino. I saw Gaia & Gino at the New York Gift show this summer and was stopped dead in my tracks, the product is unbelievable!!!! (pictures can not do it justice). Creating future design classics, Gaia & Gino is an award-winning Turkish home accessories brand with unconventional, innovation and emotional products.



(above: CALI - A gestural line that consists of 3 small budvases inspired by Ottoman calligraphy which can be seen in Turkish museums and mosques) .

Gaia & Gino - - - named for founder Gaye Cevikel's nickname and her dog Gino is known for creating gorgeous objects within a traditional context and has resulted in partnerships with some of the world's foremost design influentials.



(above: CEREMONY - Flower sticks made of Pyrex tubes. These sticks help you to have flowers at home at any time, filling the vase).

Designers such as Andree Putman, Arik Levy, Karim Rashid and Yves Behar were asked to translate the turkish forms into a sophisticated, innovative and intelligent product.



(above: LUCKY - Inspired by the patterns of the old Turkish figurative arts. The famous clove shape has been cleverly converted into a beautiful porcelian vase and bowl set. Shown with "Galactica'' centerpiece and "Creemy" tea and coffee set).



(above: WIKKED - A glass encased flame that playfully sits on the table. With its ever changing shape from every point of view it captures the viewer’s attention and radiates within the room. One hole is nice; but two holes are wikked. This candle also comes in black and can't you imagine this on a "halloween" themed table setting! Shown with ''Volcano" glasses).



(above: GIANTS - Created from clear crystal and named after natural crystal formations, take your pick from Herkimer and Heliodor. Heliodor is a yellow variety of beryl found near Rossing, Namibia and is prized as a gemstone. Herkimer is an exceptionally clear quartz crystal from Herkimer County, New York State, USA. The Giant Giants Mega Heliodor 8 shown above is exclusive to Moss. Shown with ''Snob'' glasses).

For more on Istanbul, House & Garden magazine does a incredible profile on the city in this month's issue, click here to check out the slide show and Vivre has also put together a deco guide full of Turkish delight.

A cut above the rest: Laguiole knives

They're beautiful, feel great in your hand, cut effortlessly and will definitely be on my wedding registry. Table knives by the French firm Laguiole (pronounced "layole") have a handle on the hottest shades, horn or wood. The blades are as elegantly crafted as they are beautiful to behold.


(above: Laguiole steak knife set, $98.00, Anthropologie)

Laguiole is one of the oldest and best respected names in French cutlery. For over two centuries, craftsmen of Laguiole have been making distinctive knives known to the world as Laguiole Knives. Laguiole knives are pocket knives often with a small corkscrew. The style has evolved and led to a range of some of the most handsome cutlery to be found anywhere. There are Laguiole table knives, Laguiole carving sets and, of course, the Laguiole corkscrew, also known as the sommelier knife.


(l to r: Laguiole spreaders, set of 4, $39.00, Williams-Sonoma; Laguiole steak knives, $350.00 Dean and Deluca)

These days, they've become a symbol of uber-style among those who are attuned to such things, due perhaps to the neat bas-relief bee that sits at the point where blade and haft meet and an appreciation of the nifty mechanism which forces the blade to collapse. A Laguiole knife is presented to each president of the French Republic. Sonia Rykiel is said to own one. And Philippe Starke, who seems unable to leave the slightest thing untouched, has refined the design for the 21st century.



(l to r: Laguiole Steak Knives $330.00, Horchow; Laguiole exotic wood handles, set of 6 $570.00, Moss).

Ooohh so many choices, what’s a girl to do?

(image at top: Laguiole Wilmotte, set of 6, $670.00, Moss)

Neiman Marcus steps up to the fashion plate

"The cake's on Neiman Marcus" or it will be when you serve on these fashionable dessert plates.

In 1907, Herbert Marcus, his sister, Carrie Marcus Neiman, and her husband, A.L. Neiman, all under the age of 30, started Neiman Marcus with one simple but ambitious idea: to bring the luxury, ready-to-wear fashions of New York and Paris to Dallas.

Neiman Marcus is celebrating 100 years and in true NM fashion they will be providing its customers with only the best high-end fashion by releasing exclusive designs from some of the world’s most celebrated fashion houses - - - handbags by Judith Leiber, shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti and clothes by Monique Lhuillier.

For those not concerned about fitting into a designer label, you can at least eat on one. To me, food is like fashion anyway, with the right accessories, it can look pretty chic. This isn't to say that a luscious dessert can't make a statement on its own. But serving up fare on these gorgeous plates takes it to another level. Exclusively for Neiman Marcus, French designer, Gien, has created these fashionable dessert plates that can give your dessert even more appeal. When they're not showing off your newest recipe, they can make a fashion statement in your kitchen niche.

(above: Fashion Plates, set of 4, Gien, $100.00, Neiman Marcus).

Home Sweet Atticus Home

There's no place like home and there's nothing like Atticus Home. With a desire to build a socially responsible business around their shared love for good design and entertaining, Atticus Lyon and Marcela Sheridan have developed a line of distinctively designed tabletop accessories.

(l to r): Bamboo bowl, $135.00, Vivre; Large modern bowl, $110.00, Bloomingdale's

Fusing sleek, modern design with traditonal craftsmanship and techniques honed to perfection over centuries, Atticus trays and vessels easily complement any decor, from classical to contemporary. In the picture above, East meets West: The bamboo bowl is steeped in tradition yet touched with the modern element of black lacquered. The ebonized wood bowl is sculptural and functional, it would bring sophistication and contemporary style to any table.

(above): White lacquer and sand-cast aluminum rectangle tray, $250.00, Vivre

The rectangle tray and the large bowl below are from the Palm Beach collection. It's 60's inspired and the luxury is in the clean lines and sculptural shape.

(l to r): Palm beach large bowl, $300.00, Vivre; shimmer bud vase, $35.00, Bloomingdales

The Atticus line is designed to stimulate the senses with surprising combinations of texture and form. Cool metals find harmony with warm, exotic woods and supple. Each piece is handmade using plantation-harvested wood and other luxurious materials.

(l to r): Bamboo bowls, $95.00 - $120.00; Bamboo salad servers, $57.00 - $65.00; Bloomingdales

My favorite collection is the Bamboo collection. Serene and traditonal, the rich grain of plantation-raised wood just gleams with a deep rosewood finish. I love the way the wood is complemented by the sand-cast aluminum handles.


(l to r): Shimmer round stand, $190.00 ; The Bamboo tray is $100.00; Bloomingdales

(l to r): Shimmer Tray, $98.00; Shimmer Wine Chiller by Atticus, $215.00; Bloomingdale's

(l to r): Shimmer diamond vases, $35.00; Bloomingdale's; Wave dinnerware, $125.00, Vivre

The simplicity of the pieces creates the perfect backdrop for entertaining. There's no place like Atticus Home.