LINENS
tea towels, table linens, placemats
Get inspired for casual summer entertaining with three different table linen looks.
I selected tablecloths from Simons, a retailer with stores in Quebec and Montreal. Simons sells women’s wear, men’s wear and home fashion at affordable prices. I often bought table and bed linens from their own brand.
Playing with Patterns
I cannot wait to throw a brunch with this setting. Everything starts with a china pattern. I am so glad that I selected the Chirp Dinnerware set because I can experiment with new tabletop styles.
I discovered that lots of accessories harmonize with the Asian feel of these teal and watercolor bird drawings. I did not expect that when I selected this pattern from the Simple Fine collection by Lenox. I chose this pattern because the drawings were cute and different from my own tableware. I wish to disclose that Lenox sent me a complimentary set last spring to get familiar with their line.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLESCAPE
TABLEWARE
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 11:19 PM | Feedback (1)
I felt in love with the work of two more Etsy sellers today. I love to shop on Etsy as I am telling my girl geek friends at lunch today. I find that my friend Tanya is a huge fan too.
In her Etsy Take Five Tuesday, decor8 introduced five amazing etsy sellers. Simple design note cards and stationery usually grab my attention. That is why I enjoy the work of Wendy Chung for Dozi Design.
I have a thing for Finnish design. Syko stands for whimsical and happy designs in patchwork and appliqué. She sews hand made housewares. Her cushion covers are adorable. Her laundry bag and shoe bag would be practical when you travel.
Categories:
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:59 PM | Feedback (1)
Brighten your kitchen with a dash of yellow. You can start with a few accessories.
You can grab and nicely display the napkins and tea towels by Heather Moore of Skinnylaminx. This illustrator and designer from Cape Town, South Africa, makes beautiful table linens. Her gray and yellow look sophisticated when put together. The mix feels soft.
For a twist, use her 13.5 x 13.5 inch napkins as placemats for a dessert course or a simple breakfast. The plant and flower yellow pattern is printed on 100% cotton hopsack using water-based ink.
Heather owned cool plates and mugs. I would like to find similar, so keep me inform if you know a source in Canada or the USA.
The plates may lead to a new venture. Heather decorated these plates for the South Africa House! exhibit. She transferred 3 of her design on ceramic dinnerware. Each place setting is different and devised from one color palette. Check the rest on her collection on her blog. The patterns are all superb.
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ALL occasions
LINENS
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:42 PM | Feedback (0)
The French designers master the art of creating fun yet stylish textile patterns. And Atelier LZC continues to prove it.
We all need a few extraordinary sets to supplement our everyday tea towels. When placed on the right display, tea towels add visual interest to a simple room design. Tea towels often replace placemats and cooking mitts in the kitchen.
Entertaining Accessories
Why not put a tea towel instead a hand towel in your powder room when you entertain? Their latest Japon (Japan) and Souvenirs (Memories) models would compliment nicely an Asian party theme.
Bunny Maxwell sells a few items from Atelier LZC in the United States. They do ship internationally but you must call them to get the rates and timeframe.
The Parisian Gold Tray and the Nocturne Tray will add a definite French flair to your party. The trays are made from melamine.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 13, 2008 2:25 PM | Feedback (2)
I planned to discuss something else until I got a Facebook wall message by Janick of Creativadoration. Amongst other things, Janick informed me that she posted something this morning that I will probably like. Janick was right.
These napkins are lovely. The pictures by Jennifer Causey make these table textiles even more desirable. It was the perfect way to wake up.
The Secret Behind Plait Textiles
With savory names like Chocolate Wasabi, Cherry Clafoutis, Salted Raisins and Salted Caramel, Plait Textiles stimulates our appetite.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, June 10, 2008 1:43 PM | Feedback (2)
I came across this little design studio in Vancouver that is making cute, 100% organic cotton handkerchief. Hank and Cheef can also custom make handkerchiefs for weddings corporate events and promotions.
A Little Bit of History
Kleenex was intended as a facial removal tissue at first. It became a handkerchief substitute later when some employees with allergies at Kleenex started to use the disposable tissues.
Let face it, handkerchief should never be used in our modern societies to blow your nose. What about our other facial little cleanup needs?
In Our Daily Life
We use disposable tissues for things that we could do with a piece of cloth. So maybe for these facial tasks, we could envision a more eco-friendly alternative. People with allergies and parents with young children will find them useful for drying the tears.
I am not ready to do it at this point. Maybe at some point, handkerchiefs will become fashionable as the reusable shopping bags. I cannot predict.
Categories:
FAMILY style
LINENS
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 4:21 PM | Feedback (1)
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)
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)
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)
With Easter at the corner, you may visit friends or family from out of town as home guests.
Beside taking care of their sleeping quarters, I feel the bathroom is the most important room to prepare in advance. For a stay longer than one night, you can plan on having an extra key ready at their arrival.
I gave you some tips on how to prepare the bathroom so you and your guests enjoy their time together.
My checklist
- Set everything in advance, so you will get more time to enjoy the company of your guests. Your guests will feel welcome right away and enjoy a more comfortable stay.
- Vary the colors or the patterns from one towel set to the next. Your guests must be easy to identity which towels they were assigned to.
- Prepare a well-stocked basket / shelf on the linen closet with the basis: soap bars, body wash, hair products, razors, hair dryer, moisturizing lotions. Place in jars: cotton balls, hygienic cotton swabs, adhesive bandages, and tampons.
- Have enough space to hang the wet towels. Since you may not have enough wall space in your bathroom, install a few extra double hooks instead of more towel bars. Install temporary over-the-door hook on the guest bedrooms. A fun idea from Finland is the towel clips. The kids will love having their own clip to hang their towels. You never know, the towel clips may persuade your kids to clean up every day, at least for a while.
- Leave some free storage bin or shelf in the shower or bath tub so you get can leave their products. The cling corner bin by Umbra is a simple solution that you can remove when you guests return home.
- Provide a pair of plush slippers for each guest that you can throw in the washing machine. Get the average size for women and for men.
- Do not worry if you forgot something. Your guests would not mind since they felt welcome from the start.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FAMILY style
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Saturday, March 15, 2008 3:09 PM | Feedback (1)
This talented artist grabbed my attention because her work titled A light's drawing. The usual suspects appear as silhouette shadow on the placemat.
Regarding at her portfolio, Sandra Bautista probably did it for an artistic purpose. But I find the concept to be chic and fun for entertaining. If you find a place where we can buy those, please inform me.
About A light's drawing, her creator Sandra Bautista says:
Everyday light draws for us...but we never realized...
The graphics on the whole set come from the real shadow so that all objects are related to each other and when using it you will discover all of them.
A time saver for entertaining
If you are too busy, you would not have to bring the plates at the table. But make sure the glasses, the napkins and the utensils are on the table before your guests arrive. One inspiration that complements those placemats is the diner restaurant experience. You can insert the flatware in three ornate glasses, jars or flower vases.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLESCAPE
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, February 26, 2008 8:26 PM | Feedback (1)
I usually suggest kitchenware as hostess gift ideas. But etiquette does not rule out bringing something else. If you are staying for the weekend at a friend house, you can give her something more personal.
Magazine bags, tote bags and wallets will thrill the fashionista and the ones that like to be organized. I received an email from Oktak announcing that everything in the store is 10 to 30% off until August 7, 2007.
For a hostess gift, take a look at the Pink Kitchen fabric. Select either the magazine bag or the square rainy day bag. Or you can choose zipped pouches or framed mini pouches in other fun and colorful fabric.
Arriving with a handmade product is usually perceived as more thoughtful gift. It feels more special. And you are almost sure that the hostess does not own the exact same thing.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 29, 2007 11:45 PM | Feedback (1)
Beautiful tea towels are a little indulgence. If you let them hang around your kitchen, even your everyday dish cloths must look good.
Make sure to keep a few special ones in your entertaining supply kit. Typically, friends end up washing the dishes. The stylish hostess proudly reveals her exceptional tea towels when she has company over.
So why not get a set of tea towels as a housewarming or a hostess gift? To make it simple for you, I compiled by top 3 dish cloth sellers on etsy.
PataPri from Chicago: Designed and Hand printed by Yuko Uemua
Make your kitchen happy by adding colorful and pretty kitchen tea towels is the mantra of PataPri. I bought several tea toweIs from PataPri last June. I adore them. The color palettes, the hand printed patterns and the strong sewed hanging hook. Their tea towels are made of 100% white linen.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 24, 2007 12:41 PM | Feedback (4)
While you are shopping at LU Prints, take advantage of the reduced prices through July 15th, or while supplies last!
I suggest you take a look at the set of 4 Leafy Placemats on sale at $16, the Leafy Apron on sale at $25 and my favorite, the Geese Apron. The Leafy is slighty shorter than the Geese Apron.
LU Prints creates beautifully crafted waist aprons and kitchen linens. All their textiles are hand screen-printed patterns.
The characteristics of a good entertaining apron
I suggest you wear a waist apron instead of a full size apron when you are throwing a party.
First of all, waist aprons look more fashionable because we can see your top outfit. Secondly, your apron will not appear on lots of photos. So, you will get the impression that you spend more time hanging out with for your guests.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, June 28, 2007 2:05 PM | Feedback (3)
I have a love affair with aprons since I started to cook in my teens. But finding a good looking one is a hard task. My love affair with aprons is well known fact. My brother gave me one or two aprons over the years for Christmas or my birthday. He even got me a practical gardening apron that I use when I planting my flower boxes.
I discover domistyle long time ago in a Sweetspot.ca newsletter. I fall in love with their funky aprons right away. Two young women started domistyle out of unfulfilled desires. Like me, Jessica and Vanessa did not find in stores aprons that were cool enough for a stylish hostess. They create two lines for women in 2003. Since them, they add a fun collection for kids.
Called Fresh and Funky, their two collections are best described with the words sleek, sophisticated, feminine and fun. Canadian and US retailers are listed on their web site. The aprons are sold for $39 CAD, the mini-aprons are at $32 and the kid aprons at $30.
Categories:
FAMILY style
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, March 07, 2007 3:07 PM | Feedback (0)
Dish towels are a necessity but we indulge ourselves by getting groovy ones. If you put them on display in your kitchen, the typical brands from Wal-Mart or the supermarkets won’t do.
Household linens can set the mood of a table and a kitchen. If you dinnerware are monochromatic without patterns, you can use geometric, organic, bold graphic textiles for your tablecloths and napkins. This is part of the new wave to set up a table.
Finding cool dish towels that are part of larger household linen collections is a dream comes true. That is what you got with Simrin. Introduced last year, we did not know yet of any stores that carry the brands. Hostess with the Mostess blog, a fan, discovers that you can get the surya collection at Plum Party. Tablecloths, table runners, napkins and kitchen towels are available in chartreuse, aqua, brown and orange.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, March 03, 2007 4:14 PM | Feedback (0)