table linen
There are 19 entries for the tag
table linen
Get inspired for casual summer entertaining with three different table linen looks.
I selected tablecloths from Simons, a retailer with stores in Quebec and Montreal. Simons sells women’s wear, men’s wear and home fashion at affordable prices. I often bought table and bed linens from their own brand.
Playing with Patterns
I cannot wait to throw a brunch with this setting. Everything starts with a china pattern. I am so glad that I selected the Chirp Dinnerware set because I can experiment with new tabletop styles.
I discovered that lots of accessories harmonize with the Asian feel of these teal and watercolor bird drawings. I did not expect that when I selected this pattern from the Simple Fine collection by Lenox. I chose this pattern because the drawings were cute and different from my own tableware. I wish to disclose that Lenox sent me a complimentary set last spring to get familiar with their line.
Categories:
LINENS
DINING
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 11:19 PM | Feedback (2)
Brighten your kitchen with a dash of yellow. You can start with a few accessories.
You can grab and nicely display the napkins and tea towels by Heather Moore of Skinnylaminx. This illustrator and designer from Cape Town, South Africa, makes beautiful table linens. Her gray and yellow look sophisticated when put together. The mix feels soft.
For a twist, use her 13.5 x 13.5 inch napkins as placemats for a dessert course or a simple breakfast. The plant and flower yellow pattern is printed on 100% cotton hopsack using water-based ink.
Heather owned cool plates and mugs. I would like to find similar, so keep me inform if you know a source in Canada or the USA.
The plates may lead to a new venture. Heather decorated these plates for the South Africa House! exhibit. She transferred 3 of her design on ceramic dinnerware. Each place setting is different and devised from one color palette. Check the rest on her collection on her blog. The patterns are all superb.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:42 PM | Feedback (0)
The French designers master the art of creating fun yet stylish textile patterns. And Atelier LZC continues to prove it.
We all need a few extraordinary sets to supplement our everyday tea towels. When placed on the right display, tea towels add visual interest to a simple room design. Tea towels often replace placemats and cooking mitts in the kitchen.
Entertaining Accessories
Why not put a tea towel instead a hand towel in your powder room when you entertain? Their latest Japon (Japan) and Souvenirs (Memories) models would compliment nicely an Asian party theme.
Bunny Maxwell sells a few items from Atelier LZC in the United States. They do ship internationally but you must call them to get the rates and timeframe.
The Parisian Gold Tray and the Nocturne Tray will add a definite French flair to your party. The trays are made from melamine.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 13, 2008 2:25 PM | Feedback (2)
I planned to discuss something else until I got a Facebook wall message by Janick of Creativadoration. Amongst other things, Janick informed me that she posted something this morning that I will probably like. Janick was right.
These napkins are lovely. The pictures by Jennifer Causey make these table textiles even more desirable. It was the perfect way to wake up.
The Secret Behind Plait Textiles
With savory names like Chocolate Wasabi, Cherry Clafoutis, Salted Raisins and Salted Caramel, Plait Textiles stimulates our appetite.
Categories:
EVERYDAY entertaining
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, June 10, 2008 1:43 PM | Feedback (2)
Kat Nouri of Modern-Twist sent me an email where she informed me of their exhibit with Rex Ray designs at SFMOMA.
I am thrilled. I think we should encourage companies that hired known artists to design their patterns. This way we get more exciting patterns on everyday items.
Matrix and Tangle by Rex Ray
Rex Ray is a fine art artist doing collages, paintings and design work,. Rex is also a celebrated graphic designer who worked extensively for the music industry. He designed book covers, more than 100 historic Bill Graham Presents rock and roll tour posters and music packaging.
Now, you can invite Rex Ray to your table with the two patterns he designed for Modern-Twist. Take your pick between Matrix and Tangle. Matrix is available in green or black. Tangle is in orange or copper. I am showing you Matrix because I enjoy it more.
Categories:
LINENS
DINING
posted @ Thursday, April 24, 2008 12:40 AM | Feedback (1)
The romantic feeling that you get when you visit an Anthropologie shop appeals even to a modernist like me. Once again, I felt under the charms of their lively dinnerware.
Fresh Floral Dinnerware
This Far Afield dinnerware pattern screams summer on the good way. It is perfect for hosting a brunch and for casual family events.
The plates, bowls and mugs are sold individually to suit your taste and budget. You can easily mix this bold floral pattern with solid color dinnerware than you already own.
Categories:
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:39 AM | Feedback (0)
I was looking for fresh ideas a couple weeks ago when I received the digital version of Canadian House & Home May 2008. It is their Green Issue. I want to give pointers for people who care for the environment but are not an aficionado. In short, I am talking about a green party that we can all do.
1. Serving Uncooked Food
Since we eat three times a day, how we cultivate, prepare and consume food has a huge impact of the environment. So why not rely less on the stove for this dinner party?
Besides serving the obvious salads, sushi, meat tartars and vegetarian dishes, what can you do? Canadian H&H reminded me of the raw food movement. I am not a follower but I can see some merits.
Raw Food Movement
Cooking raw requires new cooking techniques and recipes. Raw food is not to cook over 118 degrees Fahrenheit because higher heat degrades the enzymes that help the digestion system. I look at some recipes. Many are lengthy especially if you wish to reproduce the taste and texture of cooked food. If you are a novice, your best bet is probably to order from a raw food caterer or restaurant in your area.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
TABLEWARE
PARTY favors
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:52 PM | Feedback (3)
One year ago I told you about the Surya table linens by Simrin. Earlier this year, Simrin introduced rectangular trays, round trays and coasters.
The Construction
The trays and coasters are made with the same 100% handmade woven cotton from India used for the table linen collections. The fabric sits between ridged vinyls. The trays and coasters are shaped under heat and high pressure.
The trays are spill resistant and stain resistant. Manual labor plays a big role in making and finishing a tray. Therefore, each piece is unique.
The Patterns
Two out of the three linen patterns are available: Surya and Nature. The back of the Nature tray is brown while the back of the Surya tray is white. The Surya line carries a spring /summer breeze. Both patterns would look great at a party any day of the year.
Categories:
COOKING tools
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, April 11, 2008 12:52 PM | Feedback (0)
The birthday of a girl friend is coming soon and you are looking for unique gift ideas. If she likes to throw dinner parties, I suggest you take a look at Violet.
My delightful picks are:
1. American Honey Flight
It is a great gift to plan a tasting event. The set includes a detailed description of each honey flavor and its origin.
American Honey Flight consists of nine distinct regional honeys that can be paired with warm crusty bread or farmstead cheeses for an evening of culinary nuance.
price: $72 USD - see Morning Person
2. Contrast Cheese Board
This is serving board with two surfaces. Place your cheese pieces on the oak side. Nestle your bread slices and crisp breads on the glass side next to some nuts and pear quarters.
If you want to set a sandwich station, put the meat cuts on the glass, and use the oak board for assembly.
price: $65 USD - see The Hostess Chronicles
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, April 10, 2008 5:58 PM | Feedback (2)
With the death of packaged theme for home decor, the art of coordinating can scare some of you. Not everyone knows all to mix products into a tailored yet cohesive design.
Beginners who wish to mix styles can rely on a proven, simple method. Start by finding one thing (furniture, accessories, painting or plate) that you like and derive the rest from that element.
Practice with small projects like designing every week end a new tabletop. Why not reinstate the old-fashioned family dinner every Sunday? Use this occasion to also practice new recipes and food plating. Ask your family for help so everything runs smoother the next time you have guests over for dinner.
My 5-step guide to better design your tabletops
To teach you the basics, I developed a 5-step guide. More design rules are involved but these 5 steps will help develop your sensibility.
- Consider all the dinnerware and the home accessories that you have on your house.
- Examine them carefully individually and collectively.
- Pay attention to the shapes, colors, textures, finishes and emotions.
- Look for both similarities and contrasts.
- Let flow your creativity and explore compositions and concepts.
Categories:
EVERYDAY entertaining
TABLESCAPE
COOKING tools
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:34 PM | Feedback (1)
This talented artist grabbed my attention because her work titled A light's drawing. The usual suspects appear as silhouette shadow on the placemat.
Regarding at her portfolio, Sandra Bautista probably did it for an artistic purpose. But I find the concept to be chic and fun for entertaining. If you find a place where we can buy those, please inform me.
About A light's drawing, her creator Sandra Bautista says:
Everyday light draws for us...but we never realized...
The graphics on the whole set come from the real shadow so that all objects are related to each other and when using it you will discover all of them.
A time saver for entertaining
If you are too busy, you would not have to bring the plates at the table. But make sure the glasses, the napkins and the utensils are on the table before your guests arrive. One inspiration that complements those placemats is the diner restaurant experience. You can insert the flatware in three ornate glasses, jars or flower vases.
Categories:
EVERYDAY entertaining
TABLESCAPE
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, February 26, 2008 8:26 PM | Feedback (1)
If you follow me, you probably noticed that I am a fan of the Lekker store. For the ones that do not know this store, it is an indie store with a single location. Their reputation is due to their unique inventory.
The owner is a Natalie van Dijk Carpenter, a woman born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She currently lives in Boston. Nathalie often traveled across Europe to bring to America amazing design products. Nathalie imports home décor accessories, tableware and furniture that otherwise would never be available in the United States. Innovative USA brands find some shelf space at Lekker like my new fave, Modern Twist from California.
Staying in a hotel that was only 10 minutes by foot from Lekker, I could not miss the opportunity to check the store.
Dinnerware for entertaining
Although Lekker does not carry formal dinnerware set per se, you still find several options for when you are having friends over. Let me assured you that the dinnerware collections are as interesting in person as online. I adored the comfortable, modern and stylish shape of Elixyr Collection by Kahla.
Categories:
EVERYDAY entertaining
TABLESCAPE
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Wednesday, February 06, 2008 12:22 AM | Feedback (1)
Instead of a design mood board, I composed one around potential gift ideas. I will tell you all about why these items have baby shower written all over them.
Aprons
You probably know by now that I adore aprons. And with a new baby, the mother needs more than one for years to come. It is not because you have a baby that you should stop being fashionable. Since you have less time for yourself, it is better to protect your clothes while you are running your daily errands in the house. For example, when you start to give solid food to your baby, the apron protects your clothes up to a certain point.
This Cherry Tart Chef Apron is from an etsy’s seller called BellaBeeDesigns. A hostess version was also available; I just bought it. Every Bella Bee’s apron is handmade with designer fabrics that are 100% pre-washed cotton fabrics. She used designers like Amy Butler and Joel Dewberry. These aprons are created to withstand many years (even generations) of use and washings.
Categories:
COOKING tools
BABY showers
ALL occasions
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:30 AM | Feedback (0)
The sales start January 10th, 2008. Exceptionally both stores will be open on this Sunday, January 13.
Since 1975, Arthur Quentin sells European tableware, kitchenware and home decor items to those practicing the art of gracious living. They mostly carry high end French Country style and Italian pieces. Bleu Nuit shares the same philosophy but for bed and bathroom linens.
It is time for me to get that fabulous pure linen hemstitched table cloth and matching napkins that I saw last fall. Arthur Quentin has in store one of the largest selections of Gien's dinnerware.
You got until January 26 to save up to 50% of specified products, 30% of others and 20% on everything in the store.
BLEU NUIT
3913 Saint-Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2W 2M4
p 514.843.5702
ARTHUR QUENTIN
3960 Saint-Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2W 2M2
p 514.843.7513
Categories:
HOME decor
OFF topics
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, January 09, 2008 10:48 AM | Feedback (1)
Last month, we sadly cancelled a trip to Boston where I planned a visit to Lekker. That is probably why there was the first retailer I think of for my Thanksgiving tablescape.
The basic elements of my tablescape
My starting point was the Dibbern Gold Leaf Dinnerware Collection. This modern bone china collection adds sophistication to a contemporary table. This set wins more points because it is dishwasher safe.
A gold flatware is preferable in this case. I went with the clean lined Due Ice Oro Collection by the Italian brand Mepra. This 18/10 gauge stainless steel flatware has a brushed gold finish.
This dinnerware and flatware combination will stay with you for years to come and the look is appropriate for all occasions. For your upcoming Holiday events, simply change the accessories to create a seasonal look. The reusability factor is important because each place setting does not come cheap.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY entertaining
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, November 20, 2007 2:59 PM | Feedback (3)
Using colors is the easiest and the cheapest way to decorate a room or a table. The style, the shape and the motif of an object determine whether it is chic or not.
Colorful items look more festive. That is why I like to play with colors when I create a party design.
Each piece makes a strong statement on its own. If you put together these three objects, you will have the basis of an amazing tabletop.
1 | Design Hole
Instinctively, you see these stunning pitchers next to a modern dinner set. But beside bona china dinnerware, the contrast between the old and the new operates its magic.
The glass blowing artist and designer that created those pitchers is named Nicholas Kekic. The cheapest place where to buy his pitcher is iluren, at least from my research so far. On his Web site, you can get matching tumblers at $40 a piece.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOME decor
COOKING tools
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, October 28, 2007 11:48 PM | Feedback (2)
This French company is sold around the world which makes Genevieve Lethu brand one of my favorites for my blog.
I spot this dinnerware through an advertisement on Le Journal de la Maison, a French magazine. I enjoy the mix of classic and modern design of the Corso fiorelli. The style is perfect for casual entertaining.
Featured on Genevieve Lethu's Autumn/Winter 2007 Magazine, the company talked about it in these terms:
Deep round shapes, pure lines, silky materials, a dinner service that you choose, as the clothes you wear.
The dinnerware line is quite completed with several options for plates, bowls and cups. Kitchen linens complete the look.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Corso fiorelli dinnerware collection by Genevieve Lethu
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
COOKING tools
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, September 14, 2007 10:21 AM | Feedback (0)
I told you last week that I updated three inspiration boards that compete in the Wedding Board Contest organized by the blog Style Me Pretty. It is my way to feature the ideas of her readers.
Why not recycled these wedding boards for a milestone birthday party? I highlighted the couple of changes I made from the original board with a pink square.
The first board is the Pure, Sweet Sophistication wedding board created by EZ. Bluish-greys with chocolate brown are one of my favorite color palettes.
Sept. 5, 2007 Update:
I digged a little bit further and I found out that EZ is the girl behind the blog Creature Comforts.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FORMAL entertaining
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, September 04, 2007 1:17 PM | Feedback (0)
Dish towels are a necessity but we indulge ourselves by getting groovy ones. If you put them on display in your kitchen, the typical brands from Wal-Mart or the supermarkets won’t do.
Household linens can set the mood of a table and a kitchen. If you dinnerware are monochromatic without patterns, you can use geometric, organic, bold graphic textiles for your tablecloths and napkins. This is part of the new wave to set up a table.
Finding cool dish towels that are part of larger household linen collections is a dream comes true. That is what you got with Simrin. Introduced last year, we did not know yet of any stores that carry the brands. Hostess with the Mostess blog, a fan, discovers that you can get the surya collection at Plum Party. Tablecloths, table runners, napkins and kitchen towels are available in chartreuse, aqua, brown and orange.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, March 03, 2007 4:14 PM | Feedback (0)