Tabletop Fashion Week: "This is my cup of tea"

The tables are set and I couldn’t be happier. This fall, buyers return to the Big Apple for the
semiannual New York Tabletop Market. This weekend the showrooms around Madison
Square showcased all the newest tabletop lines and designs that will be hitting retail next
year. I was fortunate enough to visit many of the showrooms and I invite you to join me
this week at Toast and Tables where all my post will be revealing some of my favorite new releases.



ROYAL ALBERT CELEBRATES A CENTURY OF DESIGN
After hearing about the upcoming international launch of the 100 years of Royal Albert
collection, I had to visit their showroom first. Using ten patterns, Royal Albert is introducing
a new collection of products; the patterns are unique and reflective of popular designs and
international events over 10 decades. When leaving the showroom I received a great
parting gift - - - a teacup, saucer and plate in the Festival pattern (1950). It's beautiful, I'll
be sending it to my mom and I know she is going to love it! She is an avid collector of
tea cups, her display in the kitchen is stunning and this will fit in quite nicely.



(shown above: 1950/ Festival: Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952 at the tender age of just 25. Her
coronation was seen the world over. The post-war era saw bolder florals signifying a re-birth, with many designs
using typically English flowers. Festival features pretty harebells, with the blue of the flowers in the background
and boarders. All items from the 100 years of Royal Albert collection are packaged in unique deep pink and
burgundy Royal Albert hat boxes with illustrations of all ten patterns).

Looking at Royal Albert's signature delicate florals in many of the patterns, I immediately
started to think about how many of the products would look on a table at a Tea Party.
I love Tea Parties and think they are suitable for many celebrations. When you'd like to
host a party that isn't as involved as a dinner party, a tea party can be the answer. It's an
ideal format for a bridal shower or a little girl's birthday celebration.



(above: In many parts of the world, tea time is an honored tradition of refinement and elegance. When you're
planning a tea party - - - adorn your table with your best china, silver, and linens. These add polish and grace
to the occasion, and in our "paper cup" world they remind us fondly of earlier times, images: Country Living
magazine).



(above: What children tend to enjoy most about tea is the ability to participate in a storybook tradition, that
is why I love this "Alice in Wonderland" theme party photographed by the amazing Jessica Claire! Throughout
history, children have found a pastime in holding tea parties, inviting their stuffed animals to the table and
practicing proper etiquette. Children and delicate china may not seem compatible, but something about the
elegant environment encourages kids to feel more grown-up and act accordingly, images: Jessica Claire).

Every year my mom's church has a tea party, I hope next year she pulls out her collection
and sets a table using the new tea cup and saucer that I'm sending her. Whatever your
reason for hosting your next tea party, enjoy a cup for me!

Wedding bells and whistles; ring in your day with a personal statement

(shown above: small bell, $78.00 Juliska; Vera Wang kissing bell, $24.99, Gately's).

In planning a wedding, the main goal today is to have a 'one-of-a-kind' wedding that will stand out in the memories of your guests as being extra special! Many couples are using themes to make their weddings more personal. Themed weddings allow people to bring in their ethnic and cultural backgrounds and to tell the story and embrace who the couple is.



(shown above: Make up Bell by Belleek, it is a tradition in Ireland to present couples with a "make-up" bell… This bell is rung when one partner is ready to "make up" and end any little quarrel., $29.99, Gately's; Wedding Bell, $30.00, Llardo).

On Friday I posted the inspiration behind my wedding theme, "Game Night", a family tradition that is special to Chip and I. Looking for ideas and suggestion to pull this theme together, I turned to my blogging friends and the feedback I received was unbelievable! Vane, Danielle and Natasha provided me with every available option you could think of! Now, all I have to do is pick the ones that I feel most perfectly makes the statement that I want to make.



(shown above: Vera Wang sterling silver love knots bell, set of 4, $65.00, Silver Queen; Silver Wedding bell, $59.00, Gorham; Silver Kissing Bell, $76.50, Lunt Silver).

Wedding theme or not, ring your day in with distinction. Put an end to the utensils hitting the glasswear and kiss in style. These wedding bells are the perfect wedding accessory, which can be rung by the flower girl announcing the bride's entrance, placed on guest tables or given as a cherished favor.



(shown above: african-american bridal bell, $195.00; bridal bell, $180.00, both available at Lladro).

Wedding themes also reflect periods such as Medieval, Elizabethan, Victorian, Civil War, Roaring Twenties, Art Deco, The Fifties or The Sixties. Some are based on locations: Kentucky Bluegrass, Southern Plantation, Western Ranch, the French Quarter. Others reflect a season or a holiday such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, or Mardi Gras.

Are you thinking of having a theme wedding? Do tell and let the amazing group of talent within the blogging community help you with the bells and whistles.

Wedding registry ideas for the "classic-crazed romantic"

Flowery chitz, covering the sofa and hanging at the window; penonies, roses and hollyhocks on a creamy white background; George I, Queen Anne and Victorian furniture, these are all the elements that denote the English romantic look. This look is a time-honored style in decorating a table. What's fitting for an ultra-romantic celebration? China and crystal suited to a princess. Surfaces swept with luxurious lace, and vases bursting with garden blooms.
(above: Old Country Rose, Royal Albert, 5pc place setting, $79.99, Macy*s; below: Federal Cotillion, 5pc setting, $145.00, Towle).



“The romantic is all about emotion, and fearless about exploring her many sides – as long as they’re feminine with a touch of tradition.” – Brides Magazine

Celebrate your flirty, feminie side with girly-girl glam. The ideal registry for the romantic look:

Think curves to match your curvy silhouette and ladylike ways. (pictured l to r: Millefleurs, Gien, 5pc place setting, $140.00, Michael C. Fina; long stemed bijoux tulip flute glasses, s/4 $88.00, Tabula Tua).


Floral china that’s pretty and poetic enough for a garden party. (pictured above: The Tien Manh Dinh Collection, Royal Crown Derby, accent plates, $190.00, Michael C. Fina. below: Stafford Flowers, Spode, accent plates, $154.00, Michael C. Fina).

Sculptural candleholders, cake stands, flowers and other pieces that convey a sense of occasion. Textures, and patterns, as shown above, with the variety of curvy ceramics, slipcovered chairs, a fringed tablecloth, and hints of pale green and rose in the fruits and floral dishware. (pictured above l to r: Bodo Sperlein's, baccara rose, $55.00, Lille; Brunch light candle holder, $39.75, Villeroy and Boch. below: Juliska cake plates, $100.00, Tabula Tua).

Lots of white accessories that work with a soft palette such as mint, peach, soft salmon, aqua blue and even mauve. (pictured l to r: Juliska salt and pepper shakers, $49.00, Tabula Tua; Frances Palmer pottery classic vase handle greek, 203-227-0740).