Grey's Anatomy

Black and white has always reigned supreme as the base fashion colors and it happens to be one of my favorite combinations, but between the boldness of black and the purity of white lies gray, a mixture of the two. (shown above: Ribbon tablemats, Chilewich; Coupe Collection, french grey, from $25.75, Heath Cermanics).



Grey is the new black - - - move over black the slightly muted counterpart is stealing the show! The popularity of gray is on the rise, fashion loves grey this autumn and now this sophisticated catwalk color is slipping effortlessly onto the table.

From charcoal to heather you can find this color on plates, vases, glasses and textured tableware items. (Shown above: Brushed metal vases,$129.00, Brocade Home; Continential water goblet, $210.00, Michael C. Fina).


(above: Ceramic plate, gravure grey, $63.00, Jars, Michael C. Fina; iittala grey aalto vase, $33.00, Finn Style).

HOW TO GET THE LOOK

Very pale grey is softer and can be more interesting than white.

Start with grey placemats they make a great base to your table, and draws attention to any other piece that you want to show off.



(above: mixed stripe tablemat, Chilewich; grey placemat, $8.95, Cb2).

I love the grey look with metallics - especially silver and bronze.
For sharp chic, add a touch of shiny glass and silver metals such as chrome, steel or aluminum.



(above: image from Zara Home Autumn/Winter 2007)

Use lots of different greys, layering them throughout a room, adding splashes of contrast to get a good color balance.




(above: Hemisphere dinner service, JL Coquet, from $113.38, Artedona; Kate Spade, June Lane, from $38.00, Michael C. Fina; Spirit 16pc dinnerware set, $74.99, Target; ripple plate, Alex Marshall Studio; Globo Salad Bowl, Smoke, $99.00, Lekker).

Thing is, grey is actually a practical and flattering color. Like black and white, it is more of a statement than a color. I would argue that it is not boring; it is neutral and makes for a great alternative to plain o' white when registering for dinnerware.

Table setting Inspiration Board: Feather Luster

You don't wear fur, even if you could afford one and you would never buy an alligator-skin handbag. I'm starting to think that maybe feathers are the ideal alternative for glamour girls with a conscience? It's tempting to believe so. Designers have staged something of a revival in feather- wearing this year, why look at the feather braclet by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vitton. I was so inspired by the braclet that I created yet another board.

"The feathers are flying" and they're landing on the table. Add some feather luster to your table with these tableware items.



(above: Louis Vuitton feather bracelet, $2,310 at Louis Vuitton, Feather placemats, Chateau X by Jane Krolik; Place setting by Jessica Howard ceramics).

Feathers make wonderful accents for fall arrangements. They are perfect accompaniments for foliage, flowers, fruits, vegetables, cones, and any dried material. Feathers are available at many flower shops and craft stores in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Many are dyed to enhance the hues and to give a wider selection of colors for varied decorating backgrounds. They may be added to a simple pot of ivy, or they can become the focal point in mantel urns. Add some to your fall table decorations or fill an interesting container with a group on a side table.



(above: Large Peacock eye platter, $45.00, Bongenre).



(above: feather napkin,$120.00, Vivre; Artensian salad bowl,$55.00, Tracy Porter; Feather hair clip, K. Autumn; Gold Athena Tray, $79.99, Lunares Home; invitations, boutonnières , bouquets, all images from Michelle Rago).

Even a novice can add a few feathers and achieve a little pizzazz. Working with beautiful bird feathers is certainly an easy way to add a special look with truly a minor amount of effort and time. So go ahead, strut your stuff like a peacock!

For even more "Feather Luster" fly right over to Perfect Bound, prepare yourself for take-off, her post will blow you away!

Table setting Inspiration Board: Prepare for Preppy

Remember the polo shirts with the collars up, slip-on boat shoes, argyle socks and plaid shirts? OK, so I’m dating myself; but back in high school I was all about the preppy look and even over the years, my fashion style has never strayed too far from a “classic style”. So when Jenn asked the question on her blog post yesterday, “What are your Fall favorites”, my reply is “Preppy Chic”!
(shown above: Liria by Oscar De La Renta, 5pc place setting, $250.00, Michael C. Fina; Darcy Skirt, $185.00, J. Crew).



(clockwise: party mats, set of 25, $20.00, The MacBeth Collection; plaid evergreen dinner plates, pack of 8, $5.50, Plum Party; Plaid vase in green, $995.00, Tiffany and Co., 1.800.843.3269; Houndstooth napkins, $25.00, Horchow).

Preppy Chic is a huge trend this fall, and was seen on the fall runways in shows such as Luella and Balenciaga. Watch for preppy looks such as argyle sweaters, polo shirts, knee length shorts and miles of plaid to be high priorities. The preppy look is being mixed with other trends such as metallics and patents, to give it a fun, modern twist.

I created this inspiration board full of great accessories to inspire different ways to add the preppy chic trend to your table. Enjoy!



(row 1: Alyssa Ettinger coasters, set of 4, $39.00; plaid tray, $26.00, Pfeifer Studio)
(row 2: Alyssa Ettinger vase from $120.00, Ralph Lauren Herrington and Glen Plaid barware, from $39.90, Bloomingdale's)
(row 3: Houndstooth coaster, $24.99; Wilton Armetale, Sowers Gifts)
(row 4: Tartan photo flask,$14.99, Urban Outfitters; Garrick tartan throw, $250.00 Polo Ralph Lauren).
(row 5: Large check bon bon dish, $135.00, Burberry; Holiday tartan plaid platter, $55.30, Lenox).
(row 6: Paisley cocktail napkin,$11.99, Gumps San Francisco; Patterned plate set, from $30.00, William Wayne and Co).