ANIMALISTIC

Birds if a feather flock together, as the saying goes. From a herd of pigs to a parliament of owls, animals had their day at the gift show. Here is an assortment of those that narrowly avoided a banal life in the zoo.

Gien introduced a pattern with sea creatures centered on dinner plates.

Oly Studio's Petite Kedan Stool complete with cloven hooves and a curly lamb top.

A flight of swallows fly across the surface in a block printed ironing board cover from Simrin. Why not elevate an everyday activity?

5 ducks angle for the best view in an adorable standing lamp from Aid to Artisans.

A precious little mouse on a tiny needlepoint pillow from August Morgan. He has escaped his fellow horde...

Papier mache animal heads are the result of recycling, not big game hunting. From Aid to Artisans.

A curious owl perches on a log at Vellum.

A peacock painting on cream silk from Belle Chasse Home.

Curious little piggies at Roost.

A pack of dogs as hooks from Homart.

STEP UP TO THE PLATE THIS THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity to set the table with great style. With a plethora of choices out there from the old guard companies to the young artisans, here is a selection of the best for your holiday table.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn
Mr. Turkey Lurkey will have a nice perch here on the Turkey Serving Platter from Pottery Barn!

Photo courtesy of Gien
Gien's outdoorsy Sologny wildlife pattern captures lowland vegetation. Available through Michael C. Fina.

Photo courtesy of Nymphemburg
When the sky's the limit, Nymphemburg hand painted porcelain is the way to go. See their entire collection of custom china at their Chicago store, Kneen and Co.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie
White looks great when the food is the star. Anthropologie's ceramic Monochrome Mosaic Dinner Plate.

Photo courtesy of Meissen
After years of covering tabletop trends, German hand painted Ming Dragon porcelain from Meissen still tops my list.

Photo courtesy of Raynaud
Stripes add a linear element for a kicky table. A new design from Raynaud.

Photo courtesy of Royal Crown Derby
Blue and white is the go to for a traditional table. The Aves bird pattern from Royal Crown Derby has been around since the 1800's with new color introductions since then.


Photo courtesy of Albertini
For a more modern table, Sydney Albertini's hand painted ceramic Dipped Dinner Plates are each slightly different.

Photo courtesy of Juliska
Bamboo is right for you-- try Juliska's new instant classic called Classic Bamboo.

Photo courtesy of Christofle
Maybe the rest of your table is blue and white china and you need dessert plates? Well, here is just the thing! These charming flowering branch dessert plates come in a set of 6 from Christofle.

Photo courtesy of Asprey
Parrot Tulips grace the China Tulip Charger from Asprey. Floral patterns look great all year long, especially when your garden is not in bloom.

Photo courtesy of Medard de Noblat
Combining blooming branches and a geometric border, Medard de Noblat's Eden pattern adds pastel hues to the table, from Michael C. Fina.

Photo courtesy of L'Objet
Your pumpkin pie will look even better against the red of a Kyoto Dessert Plate from L'Objet through Vivre. Available in a set of 4.

Photo courtesy of Devine Corp
One of the most beautiful patterns for it's raku glaze finish, Jaune de Chrome's Finition has an earthy hand created quality.

Photo courtesy of Pickard
Last year Kelly Wearstler came out with a few patterns with Pickard. The Mulholland pattern is a modernist composition intersecting lines, perfect for the urban aesthete. Available through Table Art.

SUMMER ENTERTAINING: MAKE IT MOROCCAN NIGHT

Don't despair like Talitha Getty (shown here on a Moroccan rooftop), entertaining can be easy! There are few things as fun as theme parties, where guests dress in costume and get festive. Get into the mood to be in Morocco with a souk - themed fantasy. Here are some ideas to go along with the tagine cooking and pomegranate themed cocktails!

Photo courtesy of Raj Tents

For a summer party, a tent from Raj Tents transports the setting to faraway lands. Be in a Moroccan Pavilion on your own lawn.

Photo courtesy of Sheherazade

This beautiful embroidered ottoman will be a nice perch for your guests, from Sheherazade.

Photo courtesy of Sheherazade

For another seating option check out their Mosharabia Divan-- love the wood detailing.

Photo courtesy of Two's Company

The Salome Round Ottoman from Two's Company is a fun patchwork option.

Photo courtesy of Barney's

I found these killer glasses at Barney's in orange.

Photo courtesy of Gien

The Ronde d’Orient china pattern from Gien is a charming floral for a summer table.

Ikat bowls from Sheherazade with rosewater and rose petals added to floating votives make add an evening glow.

Photo courtesy of Madeline Weinrib

Add some zing with Orange Chevron Blockprint Napkins from Madeline Weinrib.

Photo courtesy of Cultural Intrigue

Light it up with paper covered votive holders from Cultural Intrigue.

CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THIS GREEN

Soft green florals are making a comeback. Greens of every shade have been popular for the past few years, often emerald and kelly green used in a mod way. This green is calm and conservative. By bringing nature inside, you can incorporate lush green on the dining table and in your window treatments.

Photo Courtesy of Gien
Gien China is known for multi colored floral designs. They make more casual French china, great for everyday because it is earthenware. Fleur de Chine is a great two color pattern that is not too busy, just enough going on. From Gien.

Photo Courtesy of Colefax and Fowler
Embroidery is everywhere I turn. This seems to be a new technique of weaving-- it appears lighter and airier pattern . Beautiful. Through designers from Colefax and Fowler.