Summer Fashion for Tablecloths

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)

Gerbera Daisies Tablescape for Showers and Girl Birthdays

After the sunflower bridal shower, it is the turn of the even more popular and accessible gerbera daisy to be the center of attention.

I imagine this tablescape for a teen girl birthday party. The tablescape was designed by the team at Bellenza as a showcase for their party favors, place card holders and votive holders. The concept fits a Sunday family brunch, a lady lunch, a bridal or a baby shower.

Décor Tips

Wrapping your napkins with a ribbon and a fresh flower is easy. You must delay the execution it until the last minute since you cannot hide a phial. The gerbera should be sturdy enough to support the lack of water. If you wish to preserve the flower longer, put a low height bud vase in each place setting.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  PARTY ideas  BABY showers  PARTY supplies  ENTERTAINING  KIDS + BABY 

posted @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:48 PM | Feedback (1)

Two Bridal Showers | Real-Life Party

Jaime of It’s a Jaime Thing sent me the pictures of two bridal showers she designed last year for a cousin and a best friend. They are lots of clues who can recycle for your own parties.

The Sunflower Sunshower

A hand-made tiki bar and lots of fresh sunflowers set the tone of this party. Her cousin, the groom to be, built the tiki hut for his father as a Father’s Day present. It is so cool to reuse his own creation for his bridal shower.

If you wish to host a tiki bar, check out ebay or your local kitsch stores to get your hands on a few tall tiki mugs. Get for the lucky couple a scorpion bowl for 2. These will make nice souvenirs to the couple.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  PARTY ideas  REAL-LIFE  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:06 PM | Feedback (1)

Flameless Wax Candle, Votives and Tealights by President's Choice

Look at the previous post as the Splurge and this one as the Steal. If you are looking for a cheap and safe alternative to regular candles, President’s Choice can come to the rescue.

The glow does not seem as impressible and realistic as the flameless candles by Candles Impressions. But if you are in the rush, you can buy those while doing your grocery.

None of these two brands produce something as cool as the Oxo Candela rechargeable lights. But if you need to light many tables, you will not bust your budget with the President’s Choice Flameless candlelight options.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: PC Flameless Tealights – price: $1.99 CAD
Learn more: PC Flameless Votives – price: $3.99 CAD
Learn more: PC Flameless Wax Pillar Candle – price: $9.99 CAD

Categories: EVERYDAY  TABLESCAPE  PARTY supplies  BIG events  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Monday, July 21, 2008 5:33 PM | Feedback (3)

Introducing The New Paper Table Settings By Cecily Ink

Kits saved us a lot of time; something that we all welcome. But I am picky when it comes to using kits for my tablescape or my party decor.

The Dos and Don'ts of Using Kits

The main reason to be careful when using kits is that kits can lack sophistication by being too repetitive. As a rule of thumb, I stay always of the exact same image printed on everything that comes in the kit.

Over the last couple of years, many innovative graphic design brands started their own fine stationery shop. These small graphic studios brought a different aesthetic to the paper goods market. As a result, we can find wonderful kit options at a reasonable price. The key remains to know where to look for fabulous kits.

This is why I am thrilled by Places, Everyone, the latest addition from Cecily Ink. Founder Alex Wijnen of Cecily Ink designed a cool paper table settings collection.

Categories: EVERYDAY  TABLESCAPE  PAPER goods  PARTY supplies  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 12:46 PM | Feedback (0)

Happy 4th of July!

To host a casual chic patriotic party, you need to think outside the box. You want to stay away from an overload of flag images. Be inspired by the color palette and the spirit of the celebrations.

I gather wonderful yet simple décor ideas to celebrate Independence Day. They are the best of what I saw this week on the Web. You can even use them if you are at the last minutes.

Drink Recipes

GlamDish featured wonderful drinks that would be great all summer. Cheers to Red, White & Blue! proposes a Chambeer (1 part Chambord, 3 parts beer), a Blue Mojito, a Blakberi Blues and a Blue Hawaiian.

Menu

Check out Rachel Ray’s Fourth of July feast for tasty recipes. Check out her Berry Cakes with Cinnamon Whipped Cream.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  FOOD + drinks  HOLIDAY  FAMILY style  ENTERTAINING  DINING  KIDS + BABY 

posted @ Friday, July 04, 2008 12:09 PM | Feedback (0)

Unusual Tabletop Accessories for Father’s Day or a Wedding Gift

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)

Moroccan Outdoor Party Theme

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)

Get inspired by the ISES in Wonderful Big Bash

These fabulous tablescapes were designed by a group of event planners for their association conference. They look too great that I could not resist showing you.

The party theme was Alice in Wonderland. The results are stunning.

My Favorite Elements

The inside of the huge drum shape fixture features drawings inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The Perfect Petal created these fantastic tabletops.

The cutlery planted on the gold tumbler glass adds an unconventional touch. The plates were gorgeous.

The metallic bird with the artificial rose is so pretty. Your guests feel important when every guest has its own flower. Doing it this way serves a double  and even a triple duty. If you do something like that, you could tell your guests that this is their party favor.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  PARTY ideas  DISHING tips  BIG events  ENTERTAINING  DINING 

posted @ Saturday, June 07, 2008 12:51 AM | Feedback (1)

Derivations on the Lilac Flowers

As promised Saturday, I composed a few simple buffet table centerpieces using lilac flowers as the backdrop.

These bouquets are really easy to do since they only involved cutting flowers at the right height and gather them nicely. But before you select the height, you must have a plan in your mind and determine the position of every flower.

The Concept

Lilac trees produce classical flowers. These flower arrangements would be perfect for an English tea party. My tree produces the paler shade. I stopped by the florist yesterday to pick up a few flowers to add contrasts in colors and textures.

I tried to modernize the look of an old-fashioned flower. To achieve my goal I bought three fuchsia gerberas, three green Anastasia chrysanthemums and another flower that I forgot the name.

Categories: EVERYDAY  TABLESCAPE  PARTY supplies  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Thursday, June 05, 2008 12:28 AM | Feedback (0)

The $50 Deli-Flower Challenge by New York magazine

Watch this video where New York event planner and designer David Stark creates cute flower arrangements from flowers available at the Deli shops.

Look at how David Stark gave style to ordinary carnations, daisies, gerberas and roses.

Another Concept

For the same challenge, artist and landscape designer Paula Hayes arranges lilacs and alliums on a vase she designed. Even though these two flowers are part of my favorites, I did not like what she did with it.

Look in your own backyard

Our lilac tree is in bloom right now. Lilac smells so good. I will find the time tomorrow to show you my own arrangements. Hopefully, I can create something that I will be proud of.

New York magazine converted everyday objects as flower vessels. This is another way to easy give a punch to a simple bouquet. Check out the post on Apartment Therapy NYC for more ideas.

>>> Sourcing:
Via: PlantTherapy: The Everything Guide to Flowers [Apartment Therapy NYC]

Categories: EVERYDAY  TABLESCAPE  PARTY supplies  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Saturday, May 31, 2008 7:33 PM | Feedback (1)

The Art of Repetition Elevates a City Park Wedding

Style Me Pretty leads as a real wedding showcase destination. Today, Abby Larson featured the wedding of Paul and Melissa who got married in a city park in Austin, Texas.

The wedding was beautifully executed on a budget. I granted you that Paul is a landscape designer so it is not really a true DIY flower arrangement project. Still with practices and a good eye, you can aspire to reproduce something similar.

The Art of Repetition

These tabletop and event décor pictures illustrate very well a design principle that I cherish. I am talking about the art of design repetition. I favor duplication with variety to exact replication.

For this wedding, fruits and leaves are used over and over. Since they are reinterpreted on each station or function, you are surprised and seduced even more by the theme repetition. That leads to a sophisticated, carefully planned wedding party design.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  PARTY ideas  BIG events  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Friday, May 30, 2008 12:40 PM | Feedback (0)

Centerpiece and Tabletop Ideas for Mother's Day

I was planning to showcase the actual Mother’s Day table I designed for my mom but due to my surgery, I will skip this year. I still can talk you about the design.

Mother's Day Tabletop Ideas

My scheme revolves around my baroque black & white dinnerware set.

It is becoming a habit to use this dinnerware set for Mother’s Day. I composed a Girlie Mother's Day inspiration board with the same set last year. This year, I decided to add vibrant pinks and greens to brighten up the black & white tableware.

A Portable Flower Vase

Recall Vazu from last year. It is the fun and innovative expandable flat flower vase.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  PARTY supplies  TRENDS  FAMILY style  ENTERTAINING  KIDS + BABY 

posted @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 2:18 PM | Feedback (1)

Invite cool chicks and a pop of color to your Easter tablescape

This tablescape celebrates the Easter egg from a different perspective. A Sunday brunch with kids calls for a whimsical table. I infused a fresh treatment to a predictable theme. All I had to do was to mix bright colors with uncommon tableware.

Vibrant accent colors

The felt Chicken cozies are the stars of my table. Denise from Black Eiffel spots those cute ones on the April issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine. Make those in two to four colors since you want to inject a punch of color to an otherwise white theme.

Once the cozies are removed, the colorful double old-fashioned and the highballs of the Rustica Barware collection maintain the vibrant pop of color to the table.

Designed by Yousuke Shimizu, these spectacular shallow bamboo bowls would be perfect as serving bowls for the cereals, the oatmeal and any other dry food. The bamboo bowls combine the 2 key design elements.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  HOLIDAY  KIDS party  TABLEWARE  ENTERTAINING  DINING  KIDS + BABY 

posted @ Thursday, March 13, 2008 1:34 AM | Feedback (1)

A hip floral tabletop theme for a family brunch

You do not need a design that screams Easter to look festive. Since the typical pastel Easter decorations are not my style, I created a series of hip and fun Easter tabletops. I will be presenting two tabletops today in two separate posts.

What is great for you is that my Easter tables featured tableware items that you can reuse for any occasions. In fact, the design comes from the shapes and the patterns of things you need to eat, not from a bunch of superficial accessories. It is simple and beautiful.

The birth of a concept

Thinking outside the box allows you to find fresh concepts. I usually start by analyzing the key elements of the celebration. The idea is to approach an event design from a different perspective. Basically, I look at at the Easter brunch party this way:

• Easter is a festive, family gathering that occurs in Spring
• Hosting an Easter party means planning several activities for kids and a table where the children will feel comfortable
• The egg and the bunny are the more popular symbols associated with Easter.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  HOLIDAY  KIDS party  TABLEWARE  ENTERTAINING  DINING  KIDS + BABY 

posted @ Wednesday, March 12, 2008 1:36 PM | Feedback (2)

A unique centerpiece-serving ware kit for only $40 at CB2

Styling your buffet table requires time, imagination and special dishes. I found a serving ware solution that is stylish, original and affordable.

When you are in a hurry, go straight to this composition by CB2. You can reuse all or some of the elements to serve appetizers on a coffee table, at a buffet station or when sitting at the dining table. The possibilities are vast so you can have fun playing around with these bowls and servers.

To reproduce this look, you will need to get:

• 1 Dome bowl - $14.95
• 5 Curve servers - $3.95 each
• 2 Curve 2-part servers - $1.50 each
• 3 Curve appetizer spoons - $0.95 each

Categories: TABLESCAPE  DISHING tips  TABLEWARE  ENTERTAINING  DINING 

posted @ Tuesday, March 11, 2008 4:16 PM | Feedback (0)

Four Easter decoration ideas from Martha Stewart

If you are still looking for ideas on how to style your Easter brunch, I will share several design ideas this week. So do not worry.

The Fashionable Blue and Yellow

I am starting with two decoration ideas and the best looking desserts from Martha Stewart Living. Get inspired by these crafty projects and recipes to create your own version this Easter.

If you read my posts last week, you spot the resemblances with the Spring 2008 color combinations. Since the pictures were taken a couple years ago, simply adjust the hues to fit into the 2008 color trend.

Blue and yellow mixed with white is so far my favorite palette for Easter 2008. I am assembling my own Easter tabletop the one I will use in real life. Mine may eclipse the blue and yellow scheme; we will see when I am done.

For now, let's go back to what Martha Stewart has the best to offer in my opinion this Easter. Like I said before, these are old projects from Martha Stewart. They still look interesting today.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  ALL occasions  HOLIDAY  ENTERTAINING  GIFT IDEAS 

posted @ Tuesday, March 11, 2008 1:34 PM | Feedback (5)

Picks of the Week on the blogosphere | 080308 issue-part 2

Felt seems to be all the rage. Looking at the amount of felt products for the home featured by my fellow bloggers last week, I almost smell a trend. I saw more this morning while I am reading my RSS feeds. I like felt so I cannot be happier.

My 4 picks of the week

Design Hole for Felt Accessories

Like me, my friend Jennifer Mitchell of Design Hole was amazed all the wonderful things crafty and ingenious people are making out of felt.

I am showing this cute set of mustard base bowls by Papaver Vert. Imagine them as the nest for your Easter eggs. The rest of the year you can serve wrapped candies or use them in the entrance to store loose changes, keys and your cell phones.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  HOME decor  ALL occasions  TABLEWARE  ENTERTAINING  DINING  GIFT IDEAS  HOME + GARDEN 

posted @ Monday, March 10, 2008 2:29 PM | Feedback (3)

A more natural take on the Easter Eggs

This post started because I saw the most wonderful dishing of picked eggs photographed in the March 2008 edition of EnRoute magazine. I forgot my copy on the plane so I will describe it for you. And I promise to show you my own version before next Tuesday.

You may be aware that pickled eggs are back in style. But the current version are far more sophisticated than boiled eggs in vinegar jars available in cheap deli restaurants.

These pickled eggs are subtle in taste, often done with organic eggs, duck eggs and quail eggs. You can serve them resting on a nest of watercress or mache salad.

Farm 255, a restaurant that seeks to reconnect food to its roots & people to their food in Athens, Georgia currently serves pickled eggs as appetizers with olive oil, dill, cracked pepper and fennel. Yum!

Nature inspired Easter Tabletop

Forget the artificial color Easter eggs and go for a more natural look. I really enjoy wrique did by dying boiled eggs with onion skins. It really looks like a piece of art. Instead of the basket, use a grayish or brownish earthenware small bowl, a rice bowl for example.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  HOLIDAY  DISHING tips  TABLEWARE  PARTY favors  ENTERTAINING  DINING 

posted @ Wednesday, March 05, 2008 1:27 AM | Feedback (1)

My recipe to successfully design a tabletop

With the death of packaged theme for home decor, the art of coordinating can scare some of you. Not everyone knows all to mix products into a tailored yet cohesive design.

Beginners who wish to mix styles can rely on a proven, simple method. Start by finding one thing (furniture, accessories, painting or plate) that you like and derive the rest from that element.

Practice with small projects like designing every week end a new tabletop. Why not reinstate the old-fashioned family dinner every Sunday? Use this occasion to also practice new recipes and food plating. Ask your family for help so everything runs smoother the next time you have guests over for dinner.

My 5-step guide to better design your tabletops

To teach you the basics, I developed a 5-step guide. More design rules are involved but these 5 steps will help develop your sensibility.

1. Consider all the dinnerware and the home accessories that you have on your house.
2. Examine them carefully individually and collectively.
3. Pay attention to the shapes, colors, textures, finishes and emotions.
4. Look for both similarities and contrasts.
5. Let flow your creativity and explore compositions and concepts.

Categories: EVERYDAY  TABLESCAPE  KITCHEN tools  ENTERTAINING  DINING 

posted @ Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:34 PM | Feedback (1)

Having fun with the shadow placemats by Sandra Bautista

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)

Design tips for receptions on Project Wedding

Like many wedding blogs these days, Project Wedding was born out of the needs of a couple to find the right vendors for their big day. The site connects brides across the United States and helps them share ideas, advice and vendor recommendations.

The photo gallery is huge. You can find inspirations for your dress, reception, ceremony, flowers, cakes, invitations, amongst other things. I selected key photographs that showcase what I considered to be excellent entertaining habits.

Greeting Guests

These festive lanterns on bamboo sticks are great to illuminate an outdoor party at night. Put three rows at the entrance pathway to greet your guests in style. Select harmonizing colors with your party décor, ideally on a brighter or a warmer tone. I avoid pastels because the color is lost at night when lighted.

Centerpieces

Following my post of how to select a centerpiece, I am showing you two successful tabletops. The centerpieces would not interfere with conversations, the tables are not overcrowded, the design is kept simple yet the tables look out of the ordinary. The long rectangular tables feel homier than the round tables. Before personal taste, the table shape is determined by the size of the room and how many people will sit down at your dinner party.

Categories: EVERYDAY  TABLESCAPE  DISHING tips  BIG events  ENTERTAINING  DINING 

posted @ Wednesday, February 20, 2008 1:49 PM | Feedback (0)

Happy President Day!

The most stylish first lady is still Jackie Kennedy. My husband told these pictures of me with the President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie when we visited Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas.

My advice if you planned to visit one of the world Madame Tussauds' museum is to dress up nicely. This way, your pictures mingling with the waxed celebrities will look more realistic. We just came back from our helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon, so I did not. I regretted it.

Formal entertaining tips

Until April 3rd, 2008, you can take a close look at Jacqueline Kennedy's distinctive and innovative approach to entertaining in the White House. It is an intrusion on the art of formal entertaining; an art that is getting lost unfortunately.

Jacqueline Kennedy Entertains: The Art of the White House Dinner is taking place at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  TRAVEL  MANNERS  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Monday, February 18, 2008 12:06 PM | Feedback (1)

The Art of Refined Repetitions | Design Lesson

As I was assembling my photo board of my Valentine’s Day private event, it became clear that this board illustrates a fundamental design principle.

My regular readers probably know by now that I strive for mixing and matching. I prefer subtle themes.

One of the easiest tricks to achieve cohesion is to repeat the same elements applied on a different way. The repeating elements should be naturally integrated into your design to be successful. In short, it should not be obvious.

I will move back and forth between how I celebrated Valentine’s Day and my design lesson.

The Story behind My Bouquet

I have to thank my caring husband for giving me this modish bouquet. I am sure that the bouquet had my name written all over me because it is so much my style. My husband had several meetings yesterday so he stopped by my favorite florist at the end of the day.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  PARTY ideas  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Friday, February 15, 2008 2:30 PM | Feedback (0)

Tips on How to Select your Centerpieces

I was at a wedding not too long ago where the centerpieces were at the wrong height. After 30 minutes, one guest sitting at our table had enough to not see everyone sitting at the table that he removed the centerpiece from our table. This may be an extreme behavior (that I do not endorse btw) but this action clearly demonstrates that the comfort of your guests must be a top priority.

Before you decide on the kind of flowers, the colors or a specific arrangement for your centerpieces, consider the human scale factors and analyze carefully the room where the event will take place.

In my mind, the elements that you must consider first refer to:

Room Ornamentation

If you host your party in a castle style room with moldings and ornamentation, the room already makes a statement. You should not try to compete with the room. In a room like, minimalist elegance typically work best.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  PARTY supplies  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Thursday, February 14, 2008 2:19 AM | Feedback (2)

Try Brown Dinnerware this Valentine

Even more than red for me, chocolate is the most associate word to Valentine’s Day. That is how I got the idea to set up a brown tablescape. And I forced myself to find beautiful brown dinnerware.

Traditional look

I want to find something that is stylish and will make a statement. The traditional hand-painted Ludovica dinnerware is an exclusivity of Horchow. The style testifies the Italian charms. The beauty of the set is enhanced by the Italian pewter chargers.

The Bavaria model from the Italian brand MEPRA is a classic flatware with just the right amount of decorative elements. If you prefer something a little bit more ornate, the Medici Flatware displayed on the Ludovica saucer looks amazing. The cylindrical, beautifully detailed pewter handles make a statement.

Contemporary look

Since I selected recipes by David Rocca, a more hip dinnerware set seems right. The Cocoa Blossom by Mikasa has all the qualities I was looking for. The color scheme appeals to men. The lush blooms feel young yet refined. And I like the variations in the patterns between the various plates, bowls and serve ware.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  FOOD + drinks  HOLIDAY  ENTERTAINING  DINING 

posted @ Thursday, February 07, 2008 8:44 PM | Feedback (0)

Shopping at Lekker in Boston

If you follow me, you probably noticed that I am a fan of the Lekker store. For the ones that do not know this store, it is an indie store with a single location. Their reputation is due to their unique inventory.

The owner is a Natalie van Dijk Carpenter, a woman born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She currently lives in Boston. Nathalie often traveled across Europe to bring to America amazing design products. Nathalie imports home décor accessories, tableware and furniture that otherwise would never be available in the United States. Innovative USA brands find some shelf space at Lekker like my new fave, Modern Twist from California.

Staying in a hotel that was only 10 minutes by foot from Lekker, I could not miss the opportunity to check the store.

Dinnerware for entertaining

Although Lekker does not carry formal dinnerware set per se, you still find several options for when you are having friends over. Let me assured you that the dinnerware collections are as interesting in person as online. I adored the comfortable, modern and stylish shape of Elixyr Collection by Kahla.

Categories: EVERYDAY  TABLESCAPE  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Wednesday, February 06, 2008 12:22 AM | Feedback (1)

Bring natural harmony to your home

One of the enduring trends is the chic natural look. This style mixes modern design with icon of the wildlife.

The Shady Tree Lights designed by Nicolette Brunklaus from Amsterdam certainly portrays this style. Offer in six colors and three formats, you will find you to fit your space. You can achieve an overall rustic look by mixing the Log Hanging lamps with the Log Standing set. Folded Secret neatly catches your post and hides your keys.

February 6th, 2008 Update: I saw the Nicolette Brunklaus Lights at Lekker when I visited the store last week-end. The ceiling lamps are even more adorable in reality.

In the foyer, let your guests hang their coats on another Dutch design. Perfect for the urban crowd, the Rack Deer Park displays 3 über hip solid cast aluminum deer antlers.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  HOME decor  ENTERTAINING  HOME + GARDEN 

posted @ Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:39 AM | Feedback (2)

Egg candle holders by Michelle Mason

Made from English fine bone china, these egg shape candle holders are lovely and modern. They are sold in pair, one medium and one large egg, nicely packaged in a recycled board gift box.

UK artist Michelle Mason designed her latest creations so you can watch the wax drip like egg yolk. It is a fact that the British people like to eat soft-boiled eggs on the morning.

I like the romantic idea but not the wax stain on my tablecloth. If you are like me, you got two choices:

• Buy no dripping candles but you lose the concept
• Rest the pair of egg candle holders on a tray or a wood board

I prefer the second option.

Decorating your home at Easter or for a brunch

Better yet, a single tulip or a branch fits into the hole. So get a few pairs. Mix and match candles, empty eggs and plants to create a dramatic effect in your home.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  HOME decor  HOLIDAY  ENTERTAINING  HOME + GARDEN 

posted @ Friday, January 25, 2008 3:10 PM | Feedback (6)

Mood board for the 2008 Super Bowl party

With less than 2 weeks before the big game, it is time to finalize your design. You know me; I am going for a stylish look. So I compiled a mood board to get you started.

My best advice is to stay away from the easy and expected props to celebrate the Super Bowl. The trick is to find an inspiration and to harmonize the rest.

Vintage meets modern

My design kicked in with these cute vintage football plates. A glass set completes the series inspired by classic 1940s artwork. A new addition to the Williams-Sonoma catalogue, each set shows a quarterback, a cheerleader, a punter and a running back.

Some of your guests may be die-hard fans. A kicker can be to serve walnuts as a snack during the game. The dark wooden bowl is a two in one serving ware piece: the bowl integrates the nutcracker. I suggest you get an extra nutcracker so no one fight for one.

You can serve nuts in a carafe like I have seen at Westin Casuarina in Las Vegas. Very hygienic, the shape pours easily the nuts in your hand without touching the nuts.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  PARTY supplies  DISHING tips  TABLEWARE  ENTERTAINING  DINING 

posted @ Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:13 AM | Feedback (1)

Cool tea light holders from Sagaform

Candle lights are crucial to any table top. Cleverly spreading many holders over the table makes a statement. The possibilities are infinite.

One brand that I like a lot for entertaining is Sagaform of Sweden with their unique modern design.

For a modern look, the colorful GLASS GLOBE tea light holders by Sagaform will not go unnoticed. Available in two sizes (5 inches and 7 inches), I particularly like the two color effect. GLASS GLOBE glass tea light holders exist in a hanging holder version and a candlestick.

Sagaform innovates again with HOLD Designer Tealight Lantern, a donut shape tea light holder. What makes the HOLD unique is its integrated serving tray that doubles as a tea light storage. The removable top can be used the bottom as a serving tray for tapas. This model works best on a coffee table when you sip a cocktail.

Stock a few for you and buy more to bring as a hostess gift.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  ALL occasions  ENTERTAINING  GIFT IDEAS 

posted @ Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:34 PM | Feedback (1)

How to select a dinnerware set?

A reader, Tracy asked me a question about the Celadon dinnerware collection by Sophie Conran for Portmeiron. Can that lovely light blue clash or compete with the food?

My answer is yes and no. That is why I suggest you get some pieces in white and other in blue (celadon). Mixing two solid colors is quite fashionable and sophisticated as I explained in Swedish design tableware with Höganäs Keramik.

My own experience

For my job, I am trying dinnerware all the time. I usually buy 2 place settings and I use them daily for a while. I bought my Sophie Conran's place setting all white plus some additional Celadon salad plates.

I used them mostly for dessert and under the soup/cereal bowl. As you can see from this picture, bowls look great with noodles inside. The color is wonderful for a breakfast meal. For serving soups, the blue highlights a carrot and ginger soup, a minestrone soup or a cauliflower cream. As I am writing this, I realized that I bought plates but I should have bought bowls also.

Categories: EVERYDAY  TABLESCAPE  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Friday, January 18, 2008 2:31 PM | Feedback (0)

Caveman Theme for a 40th Birthday Party | Real-Life Party

Denise, a reader, can teach us a lesson or two about party themes. She likes parties and it shows. Her design looks amazing. She is obviously talented but her strength is to let her imagination flows and she is not afraid to put the efforts.

Many of her parties include rentals, new accessories mixed with things that she already owned. But not this one.

Denise developed the Caveman theme for the 40th birthday of one of her friends. For her own words, this over the hill birthday party was easy to prepare. And with her tips, you will know what to look for if your wish to experience the prehistoric charms for a night.

This tabletop for 12 guests costs less than $100, in fact $7-8 per person. Denise found everything locally and at really good prices. Let’s review how she did it.

The decorative elements

The dinosaurs belong to her kids. The stone chargers come from the home improvement centre. Denise roughly cut the edges. Then she decorated the economical stepping stones with a brown craft paint and dirt to simulate old stones.

Categories: EVERYDAY  TABLESCAPE  PARTY ideas  REAL-LIFE  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:55 AM | Feedback (2)

Swedish design tableware with Höganäs Keramik

This tableware collection integrates the lessons of modern Scandinavian design. Simple beautiful lines modulate into perfect functionality.

Making life at the dining table more beautiful, more pleasant and more practical resumes the philosophy behind Höganäs Keramik since 1909. They are not afraid to mandate open minded Scandinavian designers and it shows.

Like the little black dress, this product series is versatile. Plates and bowls are offered in a variety of shapes from round, square and triangular The possibilities do not stop with shapes since everything is available in ten colored glazes.

Lots of options in colors and in shapes

With no many options, you can personalize your table settings at will for all occasions. Savor your breakfast, use the Pick Up tray for a quick coffee and sandwich at lunch and then serve the dinner at the table while never feeling like you use the same set.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  KITCHEN tools  ENTERTAINING  DINING 

posted @ Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:30 AM | Feedback (2)

Eleven place card holders for your dinner parties

A quick way to push further your table decorations is by using decorative place card holders. This personal touch makes your table stands out.

Although those are sold for weddings, they work as well for your dinner parties. From my experience, if you are looking for something that is not widely available at typical retailers, search at wedding favor stores.

I received some samples from My Wedding Favors to appraise what they look like. I went for the traditional ones because I want to check the detailed works on the pieces since they are quite affordable. After review, I am satisfied with the look, especially considering that they do not cost a lot.

My Wedding Favors has a huge catalogue. Take the time to explore to find the right design for your event. To speed things up, I selected 11 place card holders for you; all fitting into my entertaining style.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  PAPER goods  PARTY supplies  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Wednesday, January 09, 2008 1:49 PM | Feedback (3)

Beautiful accessories for winter entertaining at Cox and Cox

The product selection at UK Cox and Cox Mailorder emphasizes a nostalgic and retro feel. The two founders, Fiona Cox and Lizzie Thornton-Allan take inspiration from childhood memories with a contemporary twist. Their concept works since I experience a warm feeling every time I visit their Web site.

With a background in catalogue design and styling, these women understand the appeal of well presented products.

My product selections for dinner parties

The pouring bowl and the roasting dish by Sophie Conran for Portmeiron are shown at the top. Even if I introduced this tableware collection before, the pictures were too beautiful to pass.

The Heart shaped Olive Oil Dipping Dish is cute. I received a similar set of 4 individual size dipping dishes from my mother in law last year. I find the levels are practical. You can remove the extra oil before eating your bite piece.

Categories: EVERYDAY  TABLESCAPE  ALL occasions  ENTERTAINING  GIFT IDEAS 

posted @ Tuesday, January 08, 2008 10:14 PM | Feedback (1)

Handmade porcelain collection of Mud Australia

Since I started this blog, my desires to collect porcelain dishes keep growing. And Mud Australia does everything for stimulating my desire with a wide array of colors, shapes, formats and an handmade feeling.

If you are on the market for everyday porcelain dinnerware that you can dress up for a friendly dinner, look no further than this collection by Mud Australia.

Handmade by ceramists using the best materials available, you see how amazing they can look on your table. In fact, your table is almost self-decorated if you cleverly mix colors.

Mud Australia ceramics are available in Australia, a few stores in Canada, in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the United States, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

More to come from a local ceramicist

As you may recalled, I bought a few handmade dishes by Ceramik B, a Montreal ceramicist before Christmas when visiting the Souk @ SAT. I could not resist. Her pieces share the same idea: a handmade glazed inside, stone-like outside finish but the treatment is poles apart. I promise to show you my new acquisitions in the upcoming weeks. I am looking for the ideal menu to showcase the pieces.

Categories: TABLESCAPE  ENTERTAINING 

posted @ Sunday, January 06, 2008 1:59 AM | Feedback (3)