April 2008 Entries
With what I do for living, you will not be surprised that I watch HGTV Canada a lot. HGTV just launched their blog cutely named Style Sheet.
Style Sheet blog design is adorable. It is so girly with a summer vibe. They manage to keep their posts short yet instructive.
I leave you with a story about a Laundry Room makeover they did on The Style Dept.. The laundry room was filled with nifty accessories and electronics. I recalled watching that episode. The Splurge Vs Steal Column is also interesting.
My little moment of pleasure, they like At Home with Kim Vallee (ref. blog roll).
Announcement
I will not post on Thursday; I have an important appointment that will occupy me all day long. Starting next week, I will be featuring 2 Guest Bloggers. I will keep the names a surprise.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, April 30, 2008 10:53 PM | Feedback (3)
I must confess that I am a magazine junkie. A few months ago, I bought a new cooking magazine from Australia called delicious.
I first read the Entertaining Special Issue, very appropriate for me. Fans of Jamie Oliver will be delighted to know that he is a regular on delicious.
The Entertaining Issue
The December 2007/January 2008 issue featured Jamie Oliver’s fresh festive flavors, Bill Granger’s laidback lunch and a profile on Wolfgang Puck. We visited a Café in Tasmania, explored the Basque cuisine, and baked seasonal sweets with Nigella Lawson.
The recipes are tasty and not too complicated. The pictures are exquisite. Delicious was voted the World’s Best Food Magazine. I do not know when, but I kind of agree since delicious is one of my favorite cooking magazine.
On stand, an issue of delicious costs the same as Donna Hay magazine but I feel that each issue of delicious packs with more stuff.
Categories:
IN the press
FOOD + drinks
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, April 30, 2008 1:31 PM | Feedback (3)
A couple years ago, the Spanish brand Lekue introduced the nifty Luki Lemon Squeezer designed by Luki Huber. This silicone lemon squeezer is practical because each half lemon has its mold and you can store everything as it is in the fridge.
The Lekue Duo Silicone & Ceramics Quiche Mold combines the perfect materials for the job. The scratch-resistant ceramic base assures the right colored dough and the flexibility of the silicone makes it easy to remove.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, April 30, 2008 11:20 AM | Feedback (3)
I visited the Poggenpohl showroom in Boston this winter. For a modernist like me, seeing the MODERN PURISM collection was a real treat. I would like someday to own one of those kitchens.
Design for the Way You Live
Poggenpohl makes amazing storage system. Everything has its place with cute containers and spacers. I was going to talk about their cool storage system for the kitchen. As I assembled my montage, a trend emerged. Therefore, I will talk about kitchen layouts.
If you planning a new kitchen, the first thing you should consider is how you like to live and entertain. By answering these questions, you will make the space fits your lifestyle. Then, you can start to look at finishes and nifty storage gadgets.
I must stress out that you must design for the way you live, not the way you dream of living. So be true to who you and your family are.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, April 29, 2008 5:35 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.
Categories:
ALL occasions
BIG events
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, April 29, 2008 2:05 PM | Feedback (1)
I am certain that many sessions of Guitar Hero or Rock Band will happen in graduation parties this year. These games create an ambiance immediately.
With some bars hosting Guitar Hero nights, you can say that this video game is the new karaoke.
Cool Jazz and Cool Shooters by Fred
I introduced last year the fun cocktail accessories by Fred & Friends. Cool Jazz and Cool Shooters were designed in 2005. But I did not try them until now.
So I was glad when Anouk, the owner of giftOsphere (CadOsphere in French) told me that she added to her inventory Cool Jazz and Cool Shooters by Fred & Friends. I met Anouk through the social media events in Montreal. She is really nice. Her online store, CadOsphere ships in Canada and internationally.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, April 28, 2008 5:05 PM | Feedback (6)
I adore custards for their smoothness and velvety texture. From what I read this morning, custards produce the best chocolate puddings in the world.
In the United States, many Chefs wrote on their menu Pudding instead of Pot de crème to trigger the emotional connection that people have with puddings. But the best puddings are in reality Pot de Crème, a French recipe. In Quebec, we will call it Pot de crème.
I am showing you again the delicious Chocolate pot-de-crème, caramel and Maldon salt that my husband enjoyed at Laloux last winter.
Custard is a creamy preparation made with eggs and cream or milk, thickened with heat. Some recipes call for a bain-marie (double boiler) while other do it on a skillet. But one thing for sure, always melt your chocolate in a double boiler.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, April 28, 2008 12:14 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.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
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!
Categories:
ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, April 26, 2008 10:40 PM | Feedback (0)
After beauty products, why not talk going out purses? Some women go crazy for shoes. I enjoy beautiful shoes but I prefer purses.
Every stylish woman should own at least a collection of purses to accessorize with her outfits. As I go to many cocktail events for business and pleasures, evening purses are a must for me.
New Going Out Handbag
My closet will host a new going out handbag soon. I like purses with a personality. Coriander, the latest pattern at Oktak seduced me. I selected the paprika color because bright colors are popular for summer 2008.
I bought my first going out handbag from Oktak last summer. The unique frame purse cleverly integrates the closing mechanism in the handle. I was surprised by how well it works. The design carries a feminine vintage vibe that I enjoy.
Categories:
ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, April 26, 2008 6:34 PM | Feedback (0)
Event design is a huge market. Big brands have the monetary wealth to indulge in fabulous event decor. They make us dream and inspire us.
Let's me introduce you to the lavish creations from a prolific Australian three-dimensional design studio Gloss Creative.
Founded by Amanda Henderson in 2001, Gloss Creative merges the world of Visual Merchandising and design. They call their style Grand Simplicity. Gloss Creative works in four areas: marquees, runaways, set design and floral styling.
In case you do not know, marquee is the British term for a large tent set up for an outdoor party, reception, or exhibition. What I am showing you here are tents designed for the haute society horse races in Australia. I am talking about the Melbourne Cup Spring Racing Carnival events.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
DISHING tips
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Saturday, April 26, 2008 2:33 AM | Feedback (1)
My blog is about harmonizing décor and beautiful things. This post does not fit the bill.
The idea of transforming a train into a showroom is cool. Sadly, IKEA did not convince me with the décor they put on. Maybe, it is a cultural thing.
Showroom On Rails
For the opening of its new store at Port Island, IKEA did a huge promotion. The Kobe Portliner Monorail was decorated with fabrics of the new IKEA collection. Each wagon featured a set of bright seating. They even add a small drape panel on every window.
Frankly, it does not really look good. IKEA fails in trying to show too much. There are too many clashing patterns in my opinion. The showroom would have been more effective if they limit to one color family. And show several ways to incorporate it into your life.
Remaking the train interior is quite an achievement. It is also a test for the quality of their fabric. Japanese trains are extremely busy. I have not read a story on who these temporary showrooms wear off. I am curious to know.
Categories:
HOME decor
OFF topics
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, April 25, 2008 12:52 PM | Feedback (5)
Living in a 4 season climate enhances the joy that we feel when the warm weather comes back.
It is the best time to introduce the summer 2008 collection from a brand that symbolizes Design, Happiness, Life and Values. I am talking about Koziol, the German company that was founded in 1912 by Bernhard Koziol.
Design, Happiness, Life and Values was the 4 world themes that they presented at the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt last February. The summer 2008 Koziol collection hit the shelf mid-March 2008. I am showing my favorites.
Outdoor Entertaining
A must outdoor entertaining is the new PURE series with carafe, cups, bottle cooler and tray. A specially engineered lid keeps out dust and insects. Cool! The same lid keeps in ice cubes and lemon slices while pouring.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
KITCHEN tools
OUTDOOR
ALL occasions
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, April 24, 2008 3:36 PM | Feedback (7)
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:
FAMILY style
LINENS
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, April 24, 2008 12:40 AM | Feedback (1)
Modern Furniture That'll Make You Jealous is Hepper's punch line. I do not always agree with marketing slogan but in this case it is true. The beautiful room pictures illustrate that this hip pet furniture line would not clash with your home design.
I discovered Hepper last fall if I remembered correctly. If you are living with cats or a tiny dog, check out their catalogue. The cats and dog beds are available in wide range of beautiful colors. You should find one that will harmonize with your home decor.
Cool Cat Beds
Several models are proposed to fit your pet lifestyle and its preferred lounge style. Originally designed for cats, the line can be used for smaller dogs (up to 50 pounds for some models). Knowing my cats, they would enjoy these beds.
And you would not to break the bank to buy some Hepper’s pet furniture either. It costs more than the mass manufacturer ugly stuff at the pet shops. But it is but a fraction of the price of the luxury RONDO Stand by Cat Interiors.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, April 23, 2008 10:30 AM | Feedback (0)
Recycle is good, reuse feels great! If you possess things that I do not use anymore, the green solution is to make sure someone uses your old stuff. Go ahead and unclutter your home. It makes sense economically and ecologically.
Reuse
Even if you prefer buying new products, you can still participate in the equation. You simply have to donate or to sell your old stuff. Second-hand markets are getting more popular. It helps people that are less fortunate and it reduces your footprint of the landfill.
Think twice before you buy a new thing. It is best to buy better quality items because they perform well over a longer period of time. They are the ones with the best reuse value.
The socialite never wears the same dress twice for events. So why not rent night gowns, bridesmaid dresses and even your wedding dress? A few specialized shops around the world rent high end handbags. I kept my wedding dress for 13 years now; nicely sealed like we are supposed to. I decided to sell it to a store that updates used wedding dress. I should have done it many years ago.
Categories:
OFF topics
TRENDS
posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2008 1:43 PM | Feedback (1)
If you mother is the Bree Van de Kamp type who brings delicious sweets everywhere she goes, make it simple for her by giving her personalized stickers, tags or stamps for Mother's Day. I found adorable models on etsy.
Baking Stickers
LittlebeaneBoutique has several models. Pink is a dominant color is her design. She sells the stickers by sheet of 12 stickers. I like the pink mixer and whisk.
Kitchen Stamps
OfficialInitial produces well-made custom 3" by 1.5" stamp. I like the Cupcake mounted rubber stamp where the name of your mother can be printed.
Categories:
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2008 10:24 AM | Feedback (1)
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.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2008 12:35 AM | Feedback (1)
The latest episode of HGTV's Designer Guys was just in time to close my Earth Day coverage. The Designer Guys were called to give shape to the Tastemakers Celebrity Gift Lounge at Toronto International Film Festival 2007. Reusable, reclaimed and recycled act as the foundation.
My favorite ecological foundation, the World Wildlife Fund-Canada was official charitable partner. They raise funds and provides information for their Save Our Climate campaign.
Located in a 1250 square foot banquet room at InterContinental Toronto Yorkville hotel, the room had a temporary facelift to fit the event. The facelift required the use of temporary solutions that would not damage the original surfaces.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
TRENDS
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, April 21, 2008 5:51 PM | Feedback (0)
My Two friends Muriel Ide of MI2 and Nathalie of Gustav & Nat voyagent tagged me. I am glad!
This tagging exercise gives me the chance to talk about a topic that is dear to my heart. I never spoke about it on my blog. I am talking about makeup and beauty products.
My mother taught me that a woman never goes out without makeup. She is a feminine, business woman. She taught me how to properly cleanup my skin and apply a skin cream when I was 13 years old. I cannot be absolutely sure that I have fewer wrinkles because of my daily skincare routine but it does hurt for sure. So why take the chance?
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Monday, April 21, 2008 2:06 PM | Feedback (9)
These days, I am thinking about how I can set up a studio place to demonstrate actual tabletop settings. I also need a craft station plus a storage cabinet for my props. I am reviewing more and more products, so where do I store them?
My Dilemma
I could convert some spaces at home to serve double duty or I could simulate a dining room at the office. Each option has its pros and cons. Our commercial lease will finish at the end of the year and we do not plan to renew it at this point. So I feel it would be a temporary thing if I do it at our current office location. But it can also be a testing ground to see what works and what is not.
My Inspirations on Flickr
I was in search for some inspirations from the creative crowd. I found plenty on Flickr. I particularly like the happy color card catalog reduc uploaded by bitsandbobbins. This is from an Apartment Therapy Semi Home Tour.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, April 20, 2008 11:08 PM | 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.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:19 PM | Feedback (0)
For a few annual celebrations, Sprinkles Cupcakes creates specific designs. These limited edition cupcakes are a quick and chic way to personalize your party or to simply highlight your day. The next four calendar events are in April and May.
Passover – April 19 to 26
Flourless Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with a Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean glaze. A blue Star of David put the finishing touch to the Passover cupcake design.
Earth Day – April 21 to 25
Like they did in the past with the Pink Ribbon strawberry cupcake, Sprinkles will donate the proceeds of a dedicated cupcake. The proceeds will go to local tree planting and environmental care organizations. To show your support, get a vanilla cupcake with a green tree on the top.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, April 18, 2008 5:37 PM | Feedback (0)
My friend and painter Bettina Forget hosted a great party last Saturday (April 12th, 2008) to commemorate the anniversary of First Man in Space. Yuri Gagarin became the first human to reach space on April 12th, 1961. Yuri orbited the Earth.
The Decor
The loft apartment was nicely decorated for the event. Several guests rented or made cool science-fiction costumes.
Astronomical art exhibit of paintings done by Bettina coupled with the projection of space images and astro-art iMovies created a wonderful atmosphere.
The Space Agency gave us posters, pins, stickers, tattoos so people without costumes looked more festive. Individual gift bags greeted us at the door.
The Drink Menu
Russian vodka was on top of the alcohol chain. The signature drink was Cosmonaut, a drink made of vodka and Tang. At the bar station, the Space-Themes Drink menu was filled with Apollo ‘n Lemon, Sputnik, Saturn V, Soyuz Capsule, Voyager, Mir, Rasputin and Sea of Tranquility.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
REAL-LIFE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, April 18, 2008 2:41 PM | Feedback (0)
Since we must all eat more Omega-3, I was looking for a salmon dish when I started to watch the Puff Pastry episode of French Food at Home. I found my match with the stylish and delicious Salmon en Croute.
Puff Pastry Tips
You can make your own dough but it is quicker to go with store-bought puff pastry sheets. Puff Pastry is hard to make. I do not recommend it for novice. What is great about Puff Pastry is that it produces airy and multi-layer buttery dough. It is delicious. Very French.
If you never work with puff pastry, here are a few tips:
- Work on a very cold marble top - put it on the freezer and get it out just before usage
- Freeze the dough and work fast with cold hands. The dough is hard to handle once it started to warm
- The egg-wash glaze will prevent the rising, so be careful when applying it. You can apply the egg-wash glaze with your hands on the side
- Make sure to pre-heat the oven at a high temperature, typically 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Puff pastry requires a temperature shock to rise properly.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, April 17, 2008 5:25 PM | Feedback (0)
My friend Jennifer Mitchell of Design Hole is in Milan right now for The Salone Internazionale del Mobile. This is the leading event in the home/contract furnishing sector at global level. If you want to what’s new and really capture the trends, the Salone Milano is the best to go.
Being an interior design from Detroit, Jennifer is right in her element. Obviously, she reports daily on what she is seeing at the Salone Milano 2008. Looking at her reports so far, I identify one trend: the return of the wire frames as a key furniture design.
Emu Outdoor Living
The Re-trouvé collection designed by Patricia Urquiola for Emu adds a feminine touch to the garden. The wire is available in several colors. You can see the influence of French classical chairs in the Emu Outdoor Collection. This is not surprising since Re-trouvé translates to To Find Again.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, April 17, 2008 10:11 AM | Feedback (0)
Umbra is announcing the launch of their stylish eco-friendly collection designs. Their effort concentrates on the materials used to manufacture their products. It is a step on the right direction.
Giving a Second Life to Paper
Adin Mumma created from stacked reprocessed paper and recyclable paper board frame the Pulp Bulletin Board. The result is a unique yet practical bulletin board for your home office or the kitchen message center.
Degradable Plastic Trash Cans
Once in the landfill, the new manufactured Umbra trash cans will break down 10 times faster than regular plastic. It would be marvelous when the degradable plastic that biodegrades in 20 years instead of 200 become the norm. Until then, we have to start looking at companies that are making an effort.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, April 16, 2008 4:21 PM | Feedback (0)
I want to apologize to all my readers for the inconvenience. You probably experienced a loading problem when visited my blog over the last week or two. I am happy to report that everything is back to normal now.
I tried to pinpoint the problem over the last few days. Eureka! I just tracked down the script from an external party causing the infinite loop.
So from now on, there will be no more just for fun external widgets on my blog. I will program only what is necessary to run my blog.
You may have noticed that I made several changes over the couple of weeks to simplify my blog layout. The category system had a facelift. I spotlighted previous stories. More changes are scheduled.
Thank you for your patience and your trust.
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Wednesday, April 16, 2008 2:21 PM | 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
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:39 AM | Feedback (0)
For a second year in a row, Veuve Clicquot asked Karim Rashid to design a limited edition product for the brand. Only 500 Globalights have been produced for a worldwide distribution. This is something for the rich and famous.
Remembering the Loveseat
The first time, Karim Rashid updated the 18th-century French armchair with a modern pink loveseat for Veuve Clicquot. Karim opposed two flower petal shaped seats. When you examine them after the fact, they could have been inspired by eggs too. At the center, a classic Clicquot yellow ice bucket ensures that sip your glass of champagne at the right temperature.
What is Globalight?
This time, Karim Rashid engineered a new champagne holder. The asymmetrical ovaloid illuminates the bottle. In fact, you do not know which one is more precious. The object is sensual, pink and divine. I love it! Karim explained his creative process:
Categories:
ALL occasions
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, April 15, 2008 4:54 PM | 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)
Each couple has a story. I happened to meet a TV actress not too long ago. I am telling her how I could relate to her storyline because my husband and I got together a little bit the same way of her character.
I am telling you that because people do not always know or remember how you became a couple. If you have an interesting story, one of most memorable things you can do for your wedding celebrations is to splurge on personalized designed invites, place cards and paper goods.
I have to warn you: Be ready to be swept off your feet with the bespoke portfolio of Chewing the Cud Weddings. Their attention to details is totally divine. But craftsmanship and exclusivity have its price tag.
Chewing the Cud was founded by Viola, a graphic designer from San Francisco. To know the extent of her talents, look at what she did for her own wedding.
Categories:
PAPER goods
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, April 14, 2008 6:37 PM | Feedback (2)
I intensify my coverage of eco-friendly solutions until Earth Day. I will write an eco-friendly story every weekday until April 22nd.
I am starting the week with cool ultra compact shopping bags. The key is to carry your reusable shopping bags with you all the time. Since I live in the city, I do most of my shopping by foot. Therefore, I need bags that will fit into my purse.
I also prefer shoulder bags because they leave your hands free if you carry a small load. These are my favorites lately.
Flip & Tumble | First place
Flip & Tumble seduced me with their new summer colors and this catchy phrase:
A bag that’s designed for those of us who only seem to remember our reusable bags the moment we need them.
The 24-7 bag fits my lifestyle. The vibrant summer colors look amazing. Flip & Tumble will start shipping tomorrow, April 15th, 2008. Their Web site has a cool visual Add to my Shopping Card applet too. I just ordered three bags like in the picture: a raspberry, an aqua and a lime. I will tell more after a few shopping trips.
Categories:
TRENDS
FAMILY style
HOSTESS gifts
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Monday, April 14, 2008 11:31 AM | Feedback (8)
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
Categories:
PAPER goods
KITCHEN tools
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, April 14, 2008 1:15 AM | Feedback (0)
I am persuaded that kids can eat anything if you trained them early to expand their taste buds. Several of my friends succeeded with their infants. My husband never ate the kid menu at the restaurant. He was ordering snails when he was 4 years old.
Different continent, different eating habits
In Europe, kids are used to eat more aliments at a younger age. At least, it was true in the past where they did not rely on fast food as we do in North America. In Italy, eggplants with chocolate is a children treat.
Even though, you cannot find Menus Bébé outside France, I think there are good lessons to be learned. I presented this brand on my blog because it conveys the stylish living message I am aiming for. This baby food brand is about variety, fresh products and developing taste at the youngest possible age.
Menus Bébé was founded by Jenny Careno, a French mother of Swedish origin. Like many small businesses, the adventure started when Jenny gave birth to her little girl Maya.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, April 11, 2008 7:18 PM | Feedback (4)
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:
KITCHEN tools
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, April 11, 2008 12:52 PM | Feedback (0)
The May 2008 of Canadian House & Home is the Green Issue. It is full of eco-friendly advices and products. What caught my eyes are 3 entertaining details.
Trough sink
The first one is an advertising picture by Ciot. The marble slat is gorgeous. It looks so modern.
I wish I have the space to install a through sink. Typically, you integrate the through sink in your preparation area. When you entertain friends, you use this long and narrow sink to chill bottles of wines, champagnes and beers. Check out the model by Kohler. This trough sink exterior dimensions are 60" x 8-1/4" with a basin depth of 5-15/16".
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
ENTERTAINING
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, April 11, 2008 12:41 AM | Feedback (1)
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)
James Van Vossel is a designer from Belgium who creates fun furniture and housewares. He designs both for adults and children. But I think that he shines the most with his kids collection. Here are three products from his 2008 collection.
Ergonomic playing and sitting ball
The three handles of the inflatable Z-ball are positioned to give a better position to the child. The side handles give more support so the child can sit more in front.
I imagine a child room or a playroom with a trio of Z-balls to reproduce a lounge feeling. The children can even play video games while sitting on the Z-ball.
Modular cubes
Connect is another take on a concept done several times on the past by other designers. What James Van Vossel's design brings new to the table are the big elastics that hold the cubes together. It is so cute!
Categories:
HOME decor
KIDS party
FAMILY style
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, April 09, 2008 4:09 PM | Feedback (1)