TABLEWARE
my favorite dinnerware, serving ware, flatware, glassware
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.
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EVERYDAY
TABLESCAPE
TABLEWARE
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 11:19 PM | Feedback (1)
After my radio interview, I went for a shopping trip. Since I wanted to visit Zone, I headed to Westmount. Luckily, I discovered an adorable new store filled with an eclectic mix inspired by French style.
I talked to Danielle, one of the co-owners. The store is the labor of love of two girl friends. We even talked about our respective wedding photographers. It turns out that her wedding photographer trained with my photographer.
My wedding photographer Angela Campanelli opened the trail in Montreal for the updated style in wedding photography. Angela is so busy that she does not update her Web site very often.
What is in the Store?
Opened since May 2008, Madame de Pompadour proposes a small collection of tableware, home accessories, linens and kid clothing. Their catalog is updated frequently.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, August 02, 2008 10:04 AM | Feedback (0)
Every time we go to the States, I must take a peek at Crate & Barrel. I typically need a ruse because my husband knows it will take me a while to walk around the store.
I brought back only a catalogue from all my visits. What about the cute home accessories or the nice tableware that I spotted? This is now a thing of the past.
I am thrilled. I just learned that the first Crate & Barrel store in Canada is scheduled to open in September 2008. This leaves me some time for making space on my cupboards.
My dear husband should write this down on his agenda: extend our stay in Toronto the next time we go to a FacebookCamp.
Green Cooking
By this time, it may be late for the fun green and white 50s retro print of the Farmers Market line. The multi-purpose lidded Garden Market Storage Bowls would add a nice touch to your buffet or summer table. The flat bottoms with a ring of gripping rubber of the Market Bowl Set come handing during the cooking preparation stage.
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HOME decor
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, July 21, 2008 12:16 PM | Feedback (1)
Food covers are a necessity in certain regions. Unfortunately, they often lack style. This is not the case of these gorgeous bamboo food covers.
Available in three colors from the UK retailer Graham and Green, you can harmonize the bamboo food covers with a set of 3 baskets.
Like you can see on the left picture, the look feels more sophisticated if you mix colors. Repeat some key elements and have fun creating your tabletop.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Food Cover at Graham and Green – price: £10.95
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Baskets at Graham and Green – price: £12.95 for the set of 3
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:15 AM | Feedback (0)
We can always find unexpected creative products from the design team at Fred. This time, they outshine themselves with their latest collection.
My favorite new products from the Autumn 2008 collection are:
FINGERFOOD is an imaginative concept. The charming little plates with rings fit right on your finger to let you carry around hors d’oeuvres.
Fred is contributing a portion of the proceeds from the PEACE of CAKE mould to organizations dedicated to peaceful resolution of conflict, justice for all, and respect for human rights.
This little truck made from satiny porcelain rolls on real rubber wheels. I love the slogan for TOOTHPICKUP: it’s where to park your picks.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY supplies
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, July 14, 2008 1:56 AM | Feedback (3)
This UK glass and porcelain maker proposes a line of products that fits well into the casual modern entertaining lifestyle. By combining several pieces, you can easily reproduce the hip restaurant look at home.
What is great with LSA tableware is that you can serve cuisines from the World in their dishes. The key when buying an all white dinnerware is to put the emphasis on shapes. You need several interesting forms to add interests to your table.
I selected three collections: the Luna tableware, the Opal tableware and the Malo vases.
Luna incorporates bowls, serving platters and four sizes of plate. I really like the starter/dessert dish. Some suggest to harmonize Luna with the handmade Iona glassware series.
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ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, July 02, 2008 1:08 PM | Feedback (1)
The weather is bright, warm and sunny in Montreal. This is the perfect day for an holiday.
Like PoppyTalk, I wish to celebrate Canadian talents. Here are a few Canadian artists and designer products that are worth mentioning. Canada Day is the day to remember our roots so it does not matter that I introduced some in the past.
Housewares made by Canadians
The Trees storage box and the die cut felt trivets by bookhou are prettily modern.
Jenna Rose is another Canadian designer who makes wonderful housewares and fashion textile products. I have a thing for round textile storage box. There is an old-fashioned charm to her Rooftops Storage Box.
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HOME decor
ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, July 01, 2008 12:41 PM | Feedback (0)
Trois Femmes et Un Coussin imports and distributes high quality dinnerware made for restaurants, hotels and gourmets. They sell to the public too.
I am showing you their line of custom designed tableware. This modern series feels so much like summer. These items are pricier but not over the top. This is a place to shop in Montreal for wedding gifts.
The Candide oval platter (top left picture) sells for $120 CAD. The square dinner plate is $31.50 while the salad bowl is $34.50. This stylish breadbasket by Ferran Adrià costs $80 CAD.
I plan to stop by their showroom to get some plates and bowls for my prop collection.
3 Femmes et 1 Coussin
783 Gilford (corner Saint-Hubert)
Montreal, QC H2J 1N8
p 514.987.6807
Opening hours: Mon-Wed. 10-18 o’clock, Thu-Fri 10-19, Sat 10-17
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: 3 Femmes et 1 Coussin
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BIG events
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
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GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Monday, June 30, 2008 2:57 PM | Feedback (3)
Kat Nouri, the founder and creative director of Modern-Twist, informed me today about her latest products. I am a huge fan of Modern-Twist ever since I first lay my eyes of their products.
Modern-twist brought silicone to your table with placemats, fun coasters, napkin rings and wine tags.
This time, Kat introduces a new collection of modern and food-safe doilies. So no more paper lace cake dollies that you throw away at the end of the party.
Available in two patterns, Doileez deliver the same soft touch feeling and ease to clean than their reputable placemats. I owned several placemats than I totally adored.
The food-safe, hand-silk-screened Doileez are not just for decorating food presentations at parties. Doileez fit well under vases and centerpieces to protect fine wood furniture. The hardest thing will be to choose which one to buy between the Clusters or the Loop patterns.
Categories:
HOME decor
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, June 26, 2008 6:12 PM | Feedback (0)
You will use these 4 items over and over this summer. They will add style, function and a punch of color to your outdoor parties.
Jewel Flatware
I really like the four colors of the square enamels mixed together. Placing the four colors creates a more festive table than using a single hue. The magical number is to own 12 or 16 settings. So, it fits to buy a flatware set in each color.
Hot Buffet Station
If you already built an outdoor kitchen, the next thing is to set up a hot buffet station in your backyard. The brushed stainless steel BroilKing Buffet Servers come handy if you entertain a lot. The base can be used as stand-alone warming tray. Bring the set inside for an all-year long usage.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY supplies
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:48 PM | Feedback (0)
As I read the outline of this amazing culinary event integrating art and design every steps of the way, I felt some envy for the NOTCOT team that went to Monkeytown for the Dine on Design event.
I wrote down this address for my next visit on the Big Apple. Monkeytown is in Brooklyn, New York.
The most intriguing is the Back Screening/Dining Room where Monkeytown hosted performances with a meal. The back dining room has 4 large screens connected to a surround sound for multimedia performances. Communal seating for 50 persons adds warmth to the place.
Ultimate Integration Of Design And Performance In A Meal
Dine on Design paired dining and design in short-lived gastronomic events where designers, artists, chefs and performers are able to present new and event specific work in a dynamic setting.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Monday, June 16, 2008 11:23 PM | Feedback (1)
More and more men cook at home and organize parties. Obviously, they are looking for a different aesthetics. If your dad is one of those men, read this.
After the fact, the housewares list I gathered would also make perfect wedding gifts. Tell me what your think?
Flower Vases for Centerpieces
The first product is the Lichen’s new eweTUBE Felt vase made from 100% merino wool felt. This kit comes flat-packed, with two glass tubes.
Grab a few vases. Be creative on how you display them on your table. Spread the bases sitting upright with one vase on each felt base; stack a few to create a long line. When the base rests on the side, the two tubes fit into a base.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 2:42 PM | Feedback (2)
I already told you about purple and blue being the color of the moment earlier this year. The trend continues this winter. For Koziol, passionate purple and mysterious midnight blue are setting the tone.
I am happy to get a scoop and introduce Koziol’s Winter 2008-2009 True Blue collection. My preference goes to the five items I am showing you.
Multi-duty
Forged in a single piece, CAMILLA can be a watering can, a vase or a bag. It depends on how you feel and what you need.
Serving ware
LEAF-IT enables you to serve hors d’oeuvres, sushi, antipasti or tapas in style. It is available in a transparent violet and blue material.
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ALL occasions
TRENDS
TABLEWARE
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Monday, June 09, 2008 11:26 PM | Feedback (1)
Watching the first episode of the third season of Take It Outside gave me the idea of a Moroccan outdoor dinner party.
I give a high mark at Kelly Deck for the way she divided that backyard. Eight people easily sit on her custom made bench. It would be cool to have the space to build one on my own backyard.
The Décor
Stock plenty of cushions on the sofa and lay down a few large round cushions so people can sit on them.
Create a vibrant tabletop full of jewel tones. Prefer the earthy feeling of ceramics. Mix mosaic patterns with solid plates and bowls. As you can see from the tea picture at the bottom, you can mix lots of rich hues.
If you cannot find any Moroccan inspired dishes, I propose you check out the Sausalito dinnerware collection. Despite its Mexican influence, the colors of the collection harmonize well with this theme.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, June 09, 2008 12:30 AM | Feedback (2)
If you are a fan of Mud Australia ceramic dinnerware and you visit Sidney this summer, plan a stop at their first ever retail store.
The store is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
mud australia store
134 Edgecliff Road
Woollahra, nsw 2025, Australia
t 61 2 9389 5580
RELATED POST:
+ Handmade porcelain collection of Mud Australia
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TRAVEL
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Thursday, May 29, 2008 5:47 PM | Feedback (0)
I was looking for unique gift ideas when I spotted three amazing kitchen tools at Generate. It is worth noting that this US retailer ships to Canada and the United States for free.
Serving ware by Zoocreative
First, Zoocreative reinvented the eating tray by converting two of its corners into armrests. Your arms rest comfortably on the grooves of the Delica Table tray to deliver a more enjoyable dining experience.
A table tray, a coffee tray and a small tray compose the line. The Delica Tray series won several awards including the prestigious Reddot design award 2007.
The Ameba Collection consists of a set of coasters, plate chargers and placemats. The plate chargers can be used as a trivet set. These would look great on a buffet table.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, May 28, 2008 2:03 AM | Feedback (0)
Father's Day is the third Sunday from now (June 15th, 2008). I will give you a head start with these tasteful and practical gift ideas for your dad.
Picnic Drinkware
The red and aqua outdoor tumblers, hi-ball glasses, wine glasses and jugs by John Lewis remind me of the hip nautical palette I showed you two weeks ago. I enjoy these gender-neutral festive hues for summer.
Picnic Blankets / Rugs
For lunches on the grass or free summer concerts in the park, a picnic rug comes handy.
I have never seen picnic blankets as fashionable as the John Lewis Ascot Picnic Rug. Very British style!
But dads may prefer the more masculine brown or navy John Lewis Picnic Rug in a Bag. The look is also more casual.
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EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, May 26, 2008 11:57 AM | Feedback (0)
I hosted a casual Mother’s Day event this year. My husband and I invited our mothers for an intimate breakfast.
My husband cooked wonderful omelets. I have to say this was his best ever. He prepared a Swiss cheese and mushroom omelet with freshly cut chives from our garden.
Tableware
We kept the tabletop really simple. The beauty emerged from the charming plates and cups. It was also the first time I ate in my new Chirp dinnerware set by Lenox. This 2007 pattern is so adorable.
I could have placed the plates over my Birds 'n Trees placemats from Modern-Twist like I shown you here. But a checkered tablecloth caught my eyes that morning. I bought this cotton tablecloth at La Maison Simons last year.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:31 AM | Feedback (0)
Kitsch has a good and a bad side. For me, this patio snack set is on the cute good side. I came across this 1950's cute milk glass breakfast or snack set through Jenn Ski’s blog.
I bought it from a friendly etsy seller. She inquired if the package arrived intact. Blue Sky Days sells fine vintage and handmade goods that she collected over the last 8 years.
This set brings a new style to my tableware collection. The design feels fun and out of the ordinary. In the 1970's, my mother has milk glass cups, so I guess there is an emotional connection. My husband likes it too.
This snack set is ideal to serve breakfast. Since I prefer drinking my morning coffee in a larger cup, I can serve yogurt or a fruit in the cup and put my toasts on the plate. Luckily, it harmonizes with my coffee/tea cup from my Chirp Dinnerware set by Lenox.
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EVERYDAY
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, May 13, 2008 12:58 AM | Feedback (1)
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.
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ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
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.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
OUTDOOR
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
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.
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ALL occasions
BIG events
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
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.
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!
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ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
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.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
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.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
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.
Categories:
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
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)
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
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PAPER goods
KITCHEN tools
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
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
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
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.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
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).
Categories:
PARTY ideas
PARTY supplies
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
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.
Categories:
TABLEWARE
DINING
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.
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
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.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TRENDS
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
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.
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DISHING tips