TABLEWARE
my favorite dinnerware, serving ware, flatware, glassware
I have a thing for cute kitchen storage jars. You can say that I feel under the spells of Opus Storage Jars.
World-famous designer Ole Palsby put its signature style in designing the elegant clean-cut Opus Storage Jars. The stainless steel Opus Funnel comes handy for neatly filling the jars with dry food. How cool is that!
I continue my exploration of Rosendahl catalogue when I spot the Grand Cru Egg Cup, a new addition in Spring 2008.
All the items of the Grand Cru range feature distinctive grooves. The stylishly utilitarian tableware collection can be dress up and down. I paired it for a brunch with the Grand Cru Crystal Dessert Plate to eat fruits with yogurt. That plate with high edge looks at its place at a casual breakfast or a dinner party.
Winner of IF Design Award 2007, the Opus Carafe and Opus Tumblers are part of a complete clear glass and fine bone china tableware family. This is a style that anyone can live with for years to come.
Use these as inspiration to set your table for a casual family brunch on Mother's Day. Better yet, give her one of these items on May 11th.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Opus Storage Jars at Zwello – price: $21.95 USD for a set of 5
Buy online: Opus Funnel at Zwello – price: $27.95 USD
Buy online: Opus Carafe with Lid at Zwello – price: $29.95 USD
Find: Store locator for Rosendahl products
Categories:
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 10:34 PM | Feedback (0)
With Mother’s Day in less than two weeks, I spot more gift ideas for moms who enjoy hosting outdoor entertaining for her family and friends.
My first suggestion is Late for Dinner, a new melamine collection at Anthropology.
My encounter with these pop-art flora plates on Hostess with the Mostess started the ball. For there, I looked for outdoor tableware that I can harmonize with Late for Dinner patterns.
My search brought me to the grandma macramé look of these Crocheted Food Cover shown here in Yellow and dark green. At the same time of the pop-art trend, the crocheted look was hip. The look reminds me of grandma, because we should not forget grandmothers on Mother’s Day.
The morning-bright flora of the Fresh-Squeezed Juicer and the Painted Garden Pitcher complete the communal look.
As you can see from the pictures, you can mix those with many solids and patterns.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Late for Dinner melamine plates at Anthropologie – price: $25.26 CAD - $24 USD set of 4
Buy online: Crocheted Food Cover at Anthropologie – price: $18.95 CAD - $18 USD
Buy online: Fresh-Squeezed Juicer at Anthropologie – price: $25.26 CAD - $24 USD
Buy online: Painted Garden Pitcher at Anthropologie – price: $18.95 CAD - $18 USD
Via: Retro-Mod Melamine [Hostess with the Mostess]
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
OUTDOOR
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Sunday, May 04, 2008 3:27 PM | Feedback (0)
Toast and Tables talked about the art of table setting yesterday. Sarah Dennis made the point that formal entertaining is a disappearing act. Sadly, I must agree with her.
I feel there are times that call for strict etiquette and beautiful table manners. It is one way to clearly state that an event is out of ordinary. All this made me realized that I was overdue for a post on table etiquette. I will review a few rules in well mannered eating customs.
Napkins and Flatware
The napkin at a formal dinner sits at the center of the plate. The fold must be simple. The place card is put on top of the napkin. Place cards are a must at a formal dinner party.
Silverware is used for formal dinner. Stainless steel cutlery is reserved for less formal events. Some people prefer eating the fish course with fish utensils made of stainless steel to avoid the metal reaction with lemon.
Soup and Fish Utensils
In a formal dinner, there can be from 6 to 12 courses. The rule is that you cannot put more than 3 utensils on each side. The idea is to leave comfortable space between each place setting.
The solution is to bring the extra utensils during the meal. Based on the menu, the soup spoon and the fish utensils are often brought to the table before serving. If you bring utensils at the table, the servers will put them in a tray for carrying.
British versus French Formal Table Setting
The formal table chart is set according to the British rule. One huge difference between the two cultures is that no butter knife and bread plate appears on the French table. In fact, the sales director at Arthur Quentin explained to me the other day that old French dinnerware ceramists adjusted their production for the North American market. Now they make the bread plate and butter dish.
Butter is never served at a formal dinner. Bread is optional and it only serves with certain dishes. In fact, bread cannot be served before the meal has begun. You put the bread on the tablecloth in France.
Dessert Cutlery
The dessert utensils are allowed on the table at the top of the plate. It is a common method but it is not the most elegant one. If the dessert utensils are already on the table, the server must then move the fork on the left and the spoon on the right of the place setting before serving the cheese or dessert course.
In the ultimate formal table setting, dessert utensils are brought at the table just before serving the cheese or dessert course. It feels so much more sophisticated. Visually, it also makes a better tabletop from the start.
Before serving cheese or dessert, the table should be cleared of everything except the centerpieces. The serving staff will clean the tablecloth with a crumb collector and carry the crumbs with a small plate. You probably have seen this practice in high end restaurants. Cheese and dessert silverware is then placed on the table.
Casual Luxury Table Accessory
Knife rests are a stylish table accessory if you plan to reuse the knives for more than one course. Do not put the knife on the knife rest when you are setting the table. The guests will deposit the knife on the knife rest between the courses to avoid spoiling the tablecloth. The knife rests signal to your guests that they should keep their knife. Knife rests are used exclusively in casual dinner.
There is no need for knife rests at a formal dinner. The utensils intended for the course are always removed at the end of each course at a formal dinner.
Stylish Tableware Accessories
If you are looking for items to set a formal table for yourself or as a wedding gift, check out these luxurious items.
- Butter Dish by Ercuis at Bloomingdales – price: $87 USD
- Fish fork and knife from Isatis Flatware Collection by Guy Degrenne – designed by Agnes Descamps
- Silverplated Galet Knife Rests by Christofle at artedona – price: $210.60 for a set of 4
- Vertigo Individual Butter Dish by Christofle designed by Andree Putman at Bloomingdales – price: $215 USD
- Vertigo Knife Rests by Christofle designed by Andree Putman, set of 4 available at Bloomingdales
- Crumb Collector Ramasse-miettes inox de poche at MeilleurDuChef.com – price: 4.60 €
- Alessi Ala Crumb Collector by Achille Castiglioni at All Modern – price: $30 USD
Have a look at the top picture that Sarah published on Toast and Tables. It is fine example of a formal place setting. It showcased China by Lenox, Stemware by Waterford/Wedgwood, Flatware by Vera Wang and a Tablecloth by Sferra.
>>> Sourcing:
Via: Disappearing Act: In this casual world, is formal passé? [Toast and Tables]
Categories:
GIFT ideas
BIG events
TABLEWARE
posted @ Tuesday, April 29, 2008 2:05 PM | Feedback (1)
To answer a reader request, I searched for more sources of Koziol. This time I searched in Canada.
I told you this week that was harder to find retailers in North America for Koziol. A sad thing!
A Confirmed Retailer in Montreal
I am happy to report that a small retailer in Montreal carries many Koziol products. Chez Farfelu Maison just received a new shipment of cool kitchen and bathroom accessories.
Missing Opportunities
As many small retailers in Quebec, Chez Farfelu Maison does not have a Web site. Specialized independent retailers often carry unique stuff but the lack of a well documented Web site makes the task of finding them a lot harder. I made 7 phone calls to dig one retailer that carries Koziol.
I think that retailers are missing on a great opportunity. With the current trend towards fun and colorful housewares and interior design, this should create a demand for Koziol products. A design that might not have exists in the past. Moreover, Koziol products are affordable for the masses.
I just sent an email to the Canadian distributor. I hope to get news soon It was quick (15 minutes in a Sunday afternoon, I should have checked back my email before posting). Diana Arn suggested Chez Farfelu Maison and Crash.
Update: Paulla Maxey of Crash contacted me. She told that they carry a fairly extensive inventory in Koziol and review the line continually for updates.
I dug so far three Canadian retailers:
Chez Farfelu Maison
838 Mont-Royal Avenue East
Montreal, QC H2J 1X1
p 514.528.8842
Crash
1551 Johnston Street, Unit 7
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
p 604.684.9922
open daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
- I found a store on eBay Canada Your New Gift with a few items. Unfortunately the coolest products I presented to you are not in the inventory except for the Pic Up.
I keep you posted on as I discover new sources.
April 29th, 2008 Update: Diana Arn also sent me retailers for Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.
RELATED POST:
+ Bring Happiness in Your Kitchen with Koziol
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:24 PM | Feedback (4)
Tea Forté showed its care for design from the start when they introduced their pyramid shape tea bags. The unique Silken-Tea-Infusers that are individually hand crafted feel luxurious. Many brides and grooms sent a delightful message with them as wedding party favors.
Innovative Ice Tea Pot
With the warm weather, we are longing for iced tea concoctions. Tea Forté Reinvent a classic. I have to agree when their ad says
Fresh and authentic flash-chilled iced teas with a boldly original tableside presentation.
Drinking tea is good for you and makes you feel good. Offer a few moments of relaxation to your mom by giving her this revolutionary brewing pitcher. Operating it is at easy as 1, 2 3.
- Pour boiling water over infuser
- Steep 3 to 5 minutes
- Pour over ice and enjoy!
If your mom likes a hot ice tea, she will probably appreciate the Morehouse Glass. This double-walled glass ensemble keeps your tea hot while remaining cool to the touch. A glass cover keeps your tea hot for a longer period of time.
Stylishly Modern Hot Tea Cup
If your mother is a fan of the Tea Forté, she will appreciate this elegant porcelain tea cup ensemble. Café Cup custom cover reveals the signature leaf and keeps the tea hot while steeping. Imagine serving your tea in those cups at your next dinner party. It is a beautiful sight for the stylish hostess.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Tea Forté Brewing Pitchers - two pitchers and lid – price: $42 USD
Buy online: Morehouse Glass double-walled tea cup by Tea Forté – price: $22 USD
Buy online: Café Cup by Tea Forté – price: $20 USD
Categories:
GIFT ideas
HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Saturday, April 26, 2008 10:40 PM | Feedback (0)
If you have followed me for a while, you probably know that I adore the UK store Habitat. For summer 2008, Habitat stylists did not fail to impress me.
Once again, Habitat stimulates our imagination for casual entertaining. Looking at Habitat setting teaches how to create a unique experience. I enjoy especially their kid theme outdoor rooms.
Kid Party Theme
The camping trip in the backyard is an archetypal kid party theme. You With outstanding decorations, your outdoor party will stand apart. Use great props to create the theatrical illusion. Plan several activities to keep the kids occupied all night long.
The GERONIMO tents are simply adorable. I cannot imagine one kid that would not be thrilled to have a sleep over in these cute tents. Another must have for a kid party is OLI, a fresh olive green pigment lacquered eucalyptus kid picnic table.
The second picture showcases the MAUI deckchairs and the MINI WORLD rugs. Cushions play a huge role in a kid rooms. Here, you see the BELLA toy, the MAP cushion and the BIG MOUTH cushion.
MAUI is available in adult and kid sizes in saffron, orange, ginger, nut, aqua, charcoal, multi-color lined, multi-color urban pattern.
Outdoor dining and picnicware
The delicately neutral floral patterns of UTOPIA melamine picnicware collection goes with solid color dinnerware. Make your own assortment of round tray, plates, bowl, drinking cups, salad bowl and servers.
For an eclectic look at your next outdoor party, mix porcelain plates with earthenware bowls with melamine serving ware. You can even mix the LANDSCAPE porcelain dinner plates with COULEUR pieces and use the round UTOPIA tray. Punch your table by selecting an accent color from COULEUR - which is the French word for color.
I hope these three pictures will inspire you to host an amazing outdoor party in the coming weeks.
Sourcing:
Buy online: OLI kid picnic table at Habitat – price: £149
Buy online: MAUI deckchair in saffron – price: £6
Buy online: UTOPIA round tray – price: £8
Buy online: LANDSCAPE dinner plate – price: £6
Buy online: COULEUR earthenware dinnerware set in red – price: £35 for 16 pieces
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2008 12:35 AM | Feedback (1)
I felt in love with the work of Fernanda Bourlot, an artist from Buenos Aires, Argentina who now lived in Boston, Massachusetts. She likes simple things that feel luxurious. As suggested by the name, everything at Simplemente Blanco is from the white palette.
The Design Philosophy
Her collection carries a modern rustic charm. Simplemente Blanco believes in balance, symmetry, calmness and pureness. Fernanda Boulot design brings us peace via the simplicity of the forms and the serenity of the spaces. Simplemente Blanco loves fresh interiors and I would add: comfort.
I compiled two lists of outstanding gift ideas. You bring on any of them as a housewarming gift or as a hostess gift that you are staying over for a few days.
For the Kitchen
The Oval Wooden Tray is perfect for the upcoming summer cottage season. From the Eating section, check out the Special China section and the dandelion table linens.
Gardeners Knee Pad is a must for anyone who enjoys gardening. It can be practical and decorative. You may question the wisdom of a white textile if you wish to use the object. But if you can wash in the machine, this knee pad will stay clean. Unfortunately, the Web site contains no product details.
The flower carrier is wonderful. You can also use it as a shopping bag when you buy bunches of flowers at the flower market. A message to my friends and family: this flower carrier is on my wish list for my upcoming birthday.
For the Bathroom
Fernanda Bourlot thinks that a home must contains just what they need and nothing else. You do not need to forgo style and beauty to live by this philosophy. Her bathroom collection is a proof of that.
You can decorate your bathroom with pleasing bathroom products. The irresistible Assorted Soap Boxes certainly qualify.
The Golf Ball Soap is a set that any hostess can provide to her stay over guests. Mark the Golf Ball Soap Bag on your Father’s Day gift ideas. The linen farmer bag is a wonderful packaging. I think it looks more precious this way.
Where to shop
These were my favorites but there are more to see of their Web site. The showroom is a by-appointment only. Consumers can visit Simplemente Blanco retail place called On the Side located at 40 Waltham Street in South End, Boston. On my next trip to Boston, I will schedule a visit for sure.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Simplemente Blanco
Via: What To Do... Fernanda Bourlot on decor8
Categories:
HOME decor
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
posted @ Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:19 PM | Feedback (0)
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.
Table Linens
If you prefer white china, go for the table linens. Bright, vintage-style floral patterns bedeck white poplin, trimmed with red stitching and dotted ruffles with the Rondelet table linens. Two sets of napkins complete the Rondelet collection.
You can also check out the Pavot Tablecloth with sunny yellow piping. The crochet and crimson pompom border Scarlet Marigold Table Linens has a fresh Spanish vibe.
International shopping
I am also glad that Anthropologie is one of the friendly US retailers that ships to Canada. Their latest ecommerce system has been up for some time now. People from 34 countries can now shop in their currencies and received at home the marvelous products at Anthropologie.
I went to Anthropologie a couple of times with my husband and he does not get that vibe. Me, I enjoyed it! Anthropologie is definitely a girl thing.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Far Afield Dinnerware at Anthropologie – price: $10-$14 USD
Buy online: Rondelet Tablecloth at Anthropologie – price: $32-$98 USD
Buy online: Pavot Tablecloth at Anthropologie - price: $24-$108 USD
buy online: Scarlet Marigold Table Linens at Anthropologie - price: $32-$108 USD
Categories:
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
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.
There are recipes for beginners. The Cold-Cured Salmon Gravlax is one of them. This is a dish that everybody will feel comfortable with. The raw food recipe from Canadian House & Home May 2008 is basically the traditional Scandinavian Gravlax recipe with agave nectar instead of sugar, Kosher salt and the leaves from 3 sprigs of fresh tarragon plus 4 sprigs of fresh dills.
11 More Tips to Plan Your Eco-Friendly Party
Some of these tips are my own, others I read in the Green Issue of Canadian House & Home.
- Serve flavored tap water in a pitcher. Use frozen fruits or fresh herbs. To set a chic love of nature feeling, make own water popsicles as I shown you last summer.
- If you are looking for glamour, make your own sparkling water with the vintage seltzer bottles. They look fabulous. From art deco to Hollywood style, they are a whole array to dig up.
- Buy local organic produces as much as possible. Limit the use of manufactured, processed food
- Rely less in power kitchen equipment. You can prepare homemade dips in five minutes with a manual food processor. Look at the dip recipes featured on the Kitchen.
- Freshly cut herbs boost the flavor of any dish. Cultivate your own herbs. It even decorates your kitchen.
- Use organic fabric napkins and tablecloths. I am showing you the latest eco friendly fabric collection designed by Lara of Kirin Notebook. The colors complement the party theme. It shows that you do not need to look blah to be eco-friendly. Look for organic cotton, bamboo and hemp.
- Retrain from using paper and plastic tableware. Or you can use Bambu dinnerware and flatware. The Bambu collection looks so organic.
- Have a candlelight dinner. To create a nice mood, spread solar power landscape lamps around your house for a soothing glow. You could also hang decorative LED lamps.
- Make a centerpiece with organic locally grown flowers.
- Play in the background the series Earth by the BBC on the big screen. So people can appreciate the beauty of our Blue Planet. There is nothing more convincing than seeing with your own eyes.
- Give each family a trio of herbs in a terracotta pot or a tree growing kit as party favors.
I feel the big message of Earth Day is to fall in love again with our planet.
Sourcing:
Learn more: New organic eco friendly fabrics! On Kirin Notebook
Buy online: Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series – price: $59.95 USD for the Blu-Ray version
Buy online: Starfrit Manual Food Processor – price: $24.99 CAD
Buy online: Natural tree-growing gift-kit at CadOsphere – price: $14.95 CAD
Photo credits: Cold-Cured Salmon Gravlax, Seltzer bottles, Noma Eco-Bright Light – Canadian House & Home May 2008 issue
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
TABLEWARE
PARTY favors
posted @ Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:52 PM | Feedback (3)
The common theme is obvious this week. I am presenting you a dinner party invite, a kitchen gadget and a beautiful tabletop.
black . white . bliss for twoguitars :: Let's Eat
I enjoy the vintage look of these charming Gocco-printed invites from twoguitars on etsy. Twoguitars is inspired from his various obsessions and addictions: filmmaking, photography, music and travel.
Produced by a graphic designer, black . white . bliss showcases beautiful design things black, white and a few shades in between
GlamNest for LUXURY BEAT… On Tired Feet – Day One
This post reviewed what is going on at The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. If you are planning an upscale kitchen, you probably look at pot fillers, those handy faucets that hover over cooktops and ranges to make pasta boiling more convenient.
Hansgrohe innovates with the first countertop-mounted unit. Before pot fillers were restricted to wall mounting. Now homeowners have more flexible design options.
Toast and Tables for Design LIFE! Nicole Sassaman's table setting
I enjoy reading Toast and Tables. It is not surprising since Sarah and I share a love for nicely dressed tables.
This tabletop was created for DIFFA’s Dining by Design event by the celebrity designer Nicole Sassaman. Nicole teamed up with Viking and displayed for the occasion the aluminum and white square dinnerware from West Elm. The result is fresh, modern and elegant. I like this tabletop because it is not over ornate. Over ornamentation was my major complaint about the 2008 DIFFA’s Dining by Design edition.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Lets Eat, Set of 5 Gocco Dinner Invites by twoguitars on etsy – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Aluminum and white square dinnerware from West Elm – price: $16-39 USD
Categories:
PAPER goods
KITCHEN tools
TABLEWARE
posted @ Monday, April 14, 2008 1:15 AM | 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
3. Weighted Sphere Vase
Exotic single blossom can be stunning. The hand-blown glass sphere anchors the stalk while a separate clear glass cylinder let you position the blossom. Create a beautiful effect in a flash.
price: $72 USD - see The Hostess Chronicles
4. Coffee Mate
The knit cover retains the heat. I used a French press pot every morning and I want to design a cozy for it. So, you can imagine that I like the Coffee Mate. This Danish model comes with a built-in filter and drip-free spout. Easily to use than French press pot.
price: $78 USD - see The Hostess Chronicles
5. Magnum in the Middle
The wine rack is designed for seven wine bottles: 6 regular size and 1 large format. Even if you have a wine cellar, having a wine rack like this is useful. You can place the rack on the buffet table if you are having a wine and cheese party.
price: $85 USD - see The Hostess Chronicles
6. Geranium Cocktail Napkins
Any hostess needs several sets of pure linen napkins. These ones are printed with a delicate geranium leaf.
price: $40 USD - see Natural Selection
About Violet
This small retailer aims to be constantly on the lookout for what is Fresh, Foremost, and Quintessential. Unfortunately for Canadians, Violet only delivers inside the United States. I will continue to check around to see if I can find a Canadian source for these products.
Sourcing:
Buy online: The Hostess Chronicles department at Violet
Buy online: Morning Person department at Violet
Buy online: Natural Selection at Violet
Categories:
PARTY supplies
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
posted @ Thursday, April 10, 2008 5:58 PM | Feedback (2)
Things can be bold, cheerful and playful and still convey a mature look. Fun tableware goes hand in hand with spring and summer entertaining. I went on a lookout for festive glasses to decorate in a flash your table settings.
I started my search with the Scandinavian designers since designing lively and fun patterns is one of their strength. I found what I was looking for at BodaNova. Founded in 1971 in Boda, Sweden, BodaNova is now part of Iittala Group.
One Tube - Four Glasses
The tube package is really neat. With pattern names like Joy Smile, Joy Fun, Joy Happy, Joy Play, One Tube - Four Glasses conveys Glad to Be Here when you give it to the hostess. Handy to carry around, you can buy a set or two for when you go to picnic.
With its retro vibe, One Tube - Four Glasses is the perfect gift for people who like to chill in a cocktail lounge atmosphere. The glassware design would also be perfect for a kid party.
Fun-Filled Nature Inspired Glassware
One year ago, the Season concept was launched (middle right picture). Designer Barbro Wesslander for BodaNova played with her sense of color, style and fantasy. Season comes in green, yellow, red and black. The series includes a glass, a small plate, a serving plate, a tray, tablemats and serviettes.
For spring 2008, Barbro Wesslander has created the Blossom series (top right picture). The patterns are clearly more organic. You can serve all sorts of coffee, chocolate drinks and beer in the Blossom’s Blue Flowers and Brown Flowers. In fact, the Brown design includes three round metal canisters that are ideal for storing tea, coffee, cocoa and sugar.
For an alfresco dinner or Mother’s Day, go with the Green Plants or Pink Plants. This year pink and green is a hot color combination, so you can mix both. It is easy to imagine yourself sipping a fresh juice or a glass of rosé in the Plants design. Three rectangular canisters for serving crisp breads, crackers, biscuits and sweets complete the Green Plants family.
Crisp Breads
I am a fan of crisp breads. I stopped eating crackers and replaced then by crisp breads about five years ago. I typically buy two kinds: the Light Rye and the Dark Rye by Ryvita. These are made in England. To inspire you to eat more crisp bread, I took a tasty photo from Wasa Web site, they are the world's largest producer of crisp bread.
Stock several crisp bread bags on your pantry. You will be ready to make canapés for improvised parties. Why not borrow the Insalata Caprese on crisp bread idea from a Ryvita advertising campaign?
Sourcing:
Buy online: BodaNova One Tube - Four Glasses Joy Tumbler at GreenerGrassDesign – price: $32 USD for 4
Learn more: Blossom Collection by BodaNova
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
posted @ Tuesday, April 08, 2008 12:40 PM | Feedback (0)
I was inspired by too many objects when I was writing my Dotted Theme for a Girl Graduation Party post, that I created a second mood board.
This one is an exercise in pattern arrangements. See how a traditional pattern can take a new life when it is harmonized with hip patterns.
My Design
You can leave the top open of the Teeny Green Dots Lunch Box to use them to store vintage mil bottle filled with non alcoholic cocktails or juices. Next to a buffet table, use them as a container for the napkins. Below is the Chain Link pattern from the MacBeth Collection. Chain Link is offer in Pool (blue) and Apple (green).
The Party Girls invites by Inviting Company are suitable whether you are preparing a Sweet 16 birthday for a girl, a graduation party or a girl night out. You can send them to your girl friends if you want to throw a Before Movie Cocktail the premiere of the Sex and The City movie. Add $50 for printed invites by thermography, lithography or value printing (I do not know what this means)
Pop Ink makes the retro style heavy-duty melamine plates. Their plate illustrations range from the whimsical with a touch of kitsch to lovable drawings. Each set of four plates are packaged in a jewel-like acrylic display box. The designs by Pop Ink are sure to inspire to throw more parties. I select a botanical design called Plant Food.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Metal Lunch Box at The MacBeth Collection – price: $48 USD, $35 for the mini
Buy online: Party Girls invitation cards at Paper Affairs – price: $13 for 10 unprinted invites
Buy online: Pop Ink Plant Food Melamine Plate Set at Velocity Art & Design – price: $36 USD for 4 dinner plates
Categories:
PARTY ideas
PARTY supplies
TABLEWARE
posted @ Monday, April 07, 2008 1:23 AM | Feedback (0)
A late Friday afternoon post calls for a relaxed and entertaining topic. It is a night to go out with friends and have friends over for a cocktail before going out.
Talking about a dinnerware set for chic casual entertaining fits well with that spirit. So let's introduce one of my favorites this season.
If you are looking for touches of spring to add to your home, look no further at the tableware collection from Kenzo for inspiration. The designer took vibrant colors of nature as its inspiration.
The idea is to mix the patterns with solid colors. The result is a unique and lively tabletop since everybody will coordinate it to their taste. Harmonize it one day with solid color plates for a different look.
Produced by a team of amazing artisans from France and Italy, the Kenzo tableware proposes a new take on old meets new. I will like to display this tableware on my table.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Kenzo Dinnerware at Micheal C. Fina
Categories:
TABLEWARE
posted @ Friday, April 04, 2008 5:32 PM | Feedback (2)
A look at entertaining essentials: a beautiful dinnerware to serve great food, a glamorous living room to enjoy the sunset and a stylish outdoor room to sip your cocktails.
My 3 picks of the week
Blue Orchid Designs for Style Spotlight: Terra Keramik
This post introduced a new line of environmentally friendly dinnerware. This dinnerware is über stylish dinnerware according to Liene of Blue Orchid Designs. I really like the vast selections of rich, saturated glazes. You can select eight exquisite colors. The platinum rims bring sophistication to sophistication to an otherwise simple design.
If you are interested, the online store of Terra Keramik operates from Connecticut. They currently deliver within the United States, Canada and Australia.
Blue Ant Studio for moree
Lounge Tisch is produced by Moree from Germany. The light of Lounge Indoor can be controlled by a dimmer. In the evening, Lounge Outdoor fashionably illuminates any terrace or garden. Use a colored bulb to manually update the Lounge table to a color that fits your style or a party event.
Design To Inspire for Carlu Seaver
Have a look at the impressive portfolio of Autralian stylish Carlu Seaver. On top of interiors, Carlu Seaver also styled food related shoots. Look at this one-of-a-kind lush carpet. What a view from a glamorous, mid-century Hollywood style living room. I love it!
I wish to live you on this quote by Virgina Wolf (posted by Liene):
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Terra Kemarik Soup Bowls – price: $29 USD
Buy online: Terra Kerarik Dinner Plates – price: $38 USD
Buy online: Moree Lounge Tisch Outdoor at Einrichten Design – price: 495 €
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
posted @ Monday, March 31, 2008 3:35 PM | Feedback (1)
Even though I am a modernist, I still fall under the spells of old-world charm. That is why I enjoy browsing the Horchow’s online catalogue. For spring 2008, their inventory is getting better.
I selected some pieces for designing an easy entertaining Spring / Summer tabletop. These are pieces that you will cherish for years to come. You can mix and match them with lots of things.
An inside look at my Spring tabletop
The star of your table will be the hand-painted Scribed Poppy Dinnerware. The pattern looks fresh and fun.
For the traditional look, place a natural tone tablecloth on your dining table. If you want a fresher look, opt for the hip Chilewich Tablemats. To reproduce the look of the wooden table on this picture, use the Woodgrain Tablemats in driftwood or pecan.
The Santa Fe Stoneworks Steak Knives add character to the table. Dad is sure to like those steak knives. So make a note for Father's Day. The handcrafted stainless steel Recamier flatware by Marisopa set is made of Norwegian birch handles with a dark teak finish. Overall, the table look is gender neutral.
Timeless serving ware
From Gracious Goods, I select pitcher with a beautifully ornate cast aluminum base. A pitcher is a must for serving water and ice tea. For a dessert table, you cannot go wrong with the Domed Pedestal Servers and the matching Round Platter. The dome pedestals are all the rage for a few seasons now. I do not think this trend will go away soon because they add sophistication instantly. Therefore it makes sense to splurge in one or two remarkable pastry dome pedestals.
It seems that several products I selected are quite popular because a bunch is back-ordered right now. Some items will be available in April, others will arrive early May. So you should be able to get everything for the upcoming Mother’s Day brunch if you want to.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Recamier Flatware at Horchow – price: $188 5-piece setting, serving spoon and fork are $106 each
Buy online: Scribed Poppy Dinnerware at Horchow – price: $169.90 USD 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $65 for 4 dinner plates
Buy online: Gracious Goods Pitcher at Horchow – price: $130 USD
Buy online: Gracious Goods Round Platter – price: $175 USD
Buy online: Gracious Goods Domed Pedestal Servers – on sale: small $103.90, large $175.90
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TRENDS
TABLEWARE
posted @ Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:43 PM | Feedback (1)
I discovered a wonderful French porcelain maker today. I am not just showing you their vessel. REVOL targets the hospitality market which explains these amazing food presentations. Wow!
Since 1789 from Saint-Uze in France, the culinary ceramic maker REVOL draws its inspiration from the heart of the Rhone valley, famous for its wines and gourmet cuisine. The vessel they produce response to today’s culinary trends.
European products are often available in a vast array of colors. Les Froisses, translating into Crumpled Tumblers, is available in 14 colors. This 9–piece collection is used for hot beverages, appetizers, tapas, French fries and desserts this stackable tumblers.
Like I said in earlier, Breakfast dinnerware constitutes an under-used category. But maybe te stunning dishing seduced me. Anyway, Breakfast delivers the basic vessel for a stylish morning meal.
A novelty, the Belle Cuisine series delivers a cocktail terrine, a collection of 4 mixing bowls, an individual portion stew pot and more.
XS food responded to the mini-portion craze. REVOL offers more than 30 miniature creations designed for mises en bouche, little mouthfuls and delicacies, and condiments.
Sourcing:
Learn more: REVOL
Categories:
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
posted @ Wednesday, March 19, 2008 12:15 AM | Feedback (0)
I have been a fan of Sagaform for many years now. Sagaform produces innovative kitchen accessories with beautiful simple lines at an affordable price. And did I mention that Sagaform is Scandinavian?
I particularly appreciate Sagaform for their amazing serving ware. They are designed with casual entertaining in mind. Here are my picks from the 2008 Sagaform catalogue.
Bamboo by Peter and Eva Moritz
This entertaining collection is made of farmed bamboo. The line is quite complete with serving bowls, serving / cutting boards, sandwich plates, butter knifes, serving spoons, and salad utensils.
A fun feature is the spoon fitting sleekly over the edge of the bowl. This way, there is less stuff on the buffet table. The cutting board has an unusual, two-circle shape with a handle placed on the middle.
Herb Pot Trio by Pascal Charmolu
Sagaform's herb pot is one of their most popular items. Now, this acclaimed design can fit three pots. The popularity of the herb pot is not slowing if you base your assessment on the coverage on the blogosphere lately.
Made of stoneware, Herb Pot Trio is the coolest manufactured watering pot for fresh herbs on the market. You water the herbs through the corner hole. Nothing beats the taste freshly harvested herbs. Bring this excellent housewarming gift filled with your favorite herbs.
Café by Lovisa Wattman
I really like the ingenious mug with saucer / lid made by Lovisa. The handle of the saucer / lid makes it easy to carry the mug when it is hot. A scone or a small muffin fits into the hole .
People do not receive often breakfast dinnerware as a gift. For that reason, they can be more appreciated. Beautiful and handy, this set is a wonderful way to start your day or to serve tea in the afternoon.
Bar I Club and Caviar Bowl by Matz Borgström
The colorful base of the Bar I Club glassware featured the hot colors of Spring 2008. Your guests can identify these glasses instantly through colored base.
For a punch of class, get the stainless steel Caviar Bowl Set. They would be perfect next to your Club Champagne glasses, Martini glasses and Schnapps glasses.
Bar I Wine by Pascal Charmolu
If you are looking for hip and fresh design for wine accessories, do not look further than Bar I Wine. The The Wine carafe comes with a silicone holder, stainless steel cork and a drying rack. The wine cooler is wide enough to hold the Wine carafe, which is a rare thing.
The Wine carafe set and the Wine cooler are two more creations by Pascal Charmolu, a French citizen who has lived in Stockholm since 1984.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Sagaform
Buy online: Bamboo Small Serving Bowl with Spoon at Relish Design – price: $34 USD
Buy online: Bamboo Salad Utensils at Relish Design – price: $22 USD
Buy online: Bamboo Serving/Cutting Board at Relish Design – price: $34 USD
Buy online: Sagaform's Trio Herb Pot at A+R store – price: $36 USD
Buy online: Club Caviar Bowl Set at Scandinavian Details – price: $30 USD
Buy online: Club shot glasses at Scandinavian Details – price: $30 USD for a set of 4
Categories:
EVERYDAY
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
HOSTESS gifts
posted @ Monday, March 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Feedback (0)
With a name that translates to What is it?, you expect unusual products from C.Quoi. This French design studio offers a feast of whimsical yet practical objects for the home.
C.Quoi produces several objects for the kitchen. I select my favorites for entertaining. Perfect for a brunch, these luxurious items add more than charm and beauty to your tableware.
After reading what makes them so special, I convey that each one will make a one-of-a-kind wedding gift or housewarming gift.
203 Bread Basket by Karine Jollet
203 is a linen bread basket filled with cherry pits. You can warm the bag in the microwave to keep your bread hot. 203 can be closed like a purse to keep your bread fresh or opened for serving. If you are looking for an indulgence, 203 is the bread bag for you.
RBE Egg Basket by Karine Jollet
I really like the modern country style of this unique egg basket. RBE is padded with straw in order to delicately impregnate the eggs with its countryside aroma. I do not know if it works but the idea sounds charming as long as the scent is delicate.
Ouf Egg Cup by Kittypong Wanapinyosak
You probably need practice to elegantly use this Kotibe wood egg cup. Ouf exposes the egg so much that the egg is practically suspended in the air. The concept is to let you decide the angle from which to eat your soft-boiled egg. It is cute but I fear it will be too hard to maneuver on the morning.
Sourcing:
Buy online: 203 at dedece+ – price: small $95 / large $125 AUD - sm 48 € / lg 67 €
Buy online: RBE egg basket at dedece+ - price: $80 AUD
Buy online: Ouf at dedece+ - price: $27.50 AUD - 15 €
Categories:
EVERYDAY
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
posted @ Saturday, March 15, 2008 10:00 PM | Feedback (1)
It is not because you are born in 1850 that you are not young at heart. Urban Colors shows a younger, hipper side of Emily Henry.
The Urban Colors collection injects a sense of fashion into the traditional ceramic cookware brand. And to stay current, Emile Henry adds two more colors and new shapes to the Urban Colors collection.
You now have a choice of five tasty colors, each named after a food: Muscade (nutmeg), Poivre (pepper), Figue (fig), Granny and Litchi.
Accessorize your kitchen
With the open shelving trend in the kitchen, you need remarkable vessel. We may admire the bold and lively kitchens that we see in the magazine but must people are not ready to commit. Kitchen cabinets are such a huge investment that we select materials that we can live with for a long time. This fact typically translates into neutrals.
The easiest way to update any neutral kitchen is by infusing a punch of colors through accessories. Why not do it through your everyday oven and tableware? When you get tired to see them, you simply hide them in your closed cabinets.
The quality
All Emile Henry cookware are made using Ceradon, an exclusive process which improves the qualities of traditional pottery. Three good reasons to buy Emily Henry:
- A highly resistant glaze which does not scratch or craze
- Highly resistant to chipping
- Highly resistant to heat and cold
Sourcing:
Learn more: Emile Henry
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
TRENDS
TABLEWARE
posted @ Friday, March 14, 2008 5:25 PM | Feedback (2)
Typically, that would not be my first choice of vessel. But there is a “je ne sais quoi” that I like about these two collections at Williams-Sonoma.
Strangely while I was assembling my board, I realized that they work together. When you entertain with kids, it feels stylish to integrate children design with fun grown-up patterns as long the two patterns share some commonalities.
How to get the vintage look
The Nostalgic Easter series display a center design inspired by 1920s Easter cards. If you have young children, you can use these all year long because the illustrations carry a children book vibe.
The folkloric design from the 17th century of Provence is draw in richer tones. When you examine Provence closer, you realized that the pattern stays within the same color palette than the Nostalgic Easter collection. Furthermore, the magical forest of castles and animals theme continues the storyline. Provence is ideal for entertaining with kids.
For a vintage European touch nothing beats the white Alfi Thermal Carafes. In production since 1914, this German made carafe will look sharp at your breakfast table. Use this carafe to serve the milk, tea or coffee at the brunch buffet table.
The blue Oval Stoneware Basket, available in 6 colors, is a hot entertaining item. After heating the basket in a 350°F oven for approximately 15 minutes, you tucked inside breads, muffins or croissants so they stay warm at the table.
A rectangular ceramic baker is a must in every kitchen. The ruffled Auberge collection by Emile Henry is cuter than most.
Devilled Egg Platters
If you host a brunch, make sure to prepare deviled eggs. They are making a comeback. The Nostalgic Easter Deviled Egg Platter can safely cradle a dozen deviled eggs or whole hard-boiled eggs.
If you prefer a clean line deviled egg platter, Crate and Barrel carries a minimalist round egg plate. This Crate and Barrel Exclusive can hold 2 dozen eggs.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Set of 4 Nostalgic Easter Plates at Williams-Sonoma – on sale at S28.99 USD
Buy online: Nostalgic Easter Deviled Egg Platter – on sale at S28.99 USD
Buy online: Egg plate at Crate and Barrel – on sale at $19.99 USD
Buy online: Provence Platters at Williams Sonoma – price: $159 small, $199 large
Buy online: Oval Stoneware Basket – price: $49 USD
Buy online: Alfi Thermal Carafes – price: from $179 to $239 USD
Buy online: Emile Henry Ruffled Auberge Rectangular Baker in Dijon – price: small $58, large $64
Categories:
HOLIDAY
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
posted @ Friday, March 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Feedback (0)