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.

A MANY FACETED THING

The honeycomb pattern has been nature's inspiration for ages. Like bees to honey, the intricate surface detail draws us in with it's multi - faceted angles and mesmerizing repetition. Chip away...

Photo courtesy of Vivre
Facets make every angle different, more complex. Honeycomb- patterned hammered brass in Surevolution's Champagne Bucket from Vivre provides a tactile, rich surface. Areas are rubbed away to reveal a flash of brass underneath a black finish.

Photo courtesy of Steuben
My fascination for Ted Meuhling's artistic hand at Steuben never seems to wane. His Tortoise series from 2007 became an instant classic. The Full Cut Decanter shines as light plays off every hand - cut facet.

Inspired by an upturned Tortoise shell, his glimmering crystal bowl seems to have inspired other designs. But isn't that the sincerest form of flattery?

Photo courtesy Harman Kardon
Get the most out of your Mac with these gorgeous, icy Harman Kardon speakers. The cooler they look, the cooler you seem.

The crystal artisans at Prague's Artel Glass created the Glacier Vase with a wavy cut top and kinetic surface.

Alexandra Von Furstenberg's Nut-n-Bowl has the clarity and faceting of the Hope Diamond. Clear acrylic is polished to perfection in an octagonal shape.

Photo courtesy of Visual Comfort
Thomas O'Brien's Devon Table Lamp for Visual Comfort has a classic column base with clean lines.

THE GIFT GUIDE

Here is something for everyone on your list. Naughty or nice, show some love by giving gifts with some spice:


FOR THE COFFEE DRINKER
Photo Courtesy of Wedgwood USA
Diminutive and chic, Dynasty Espresso cups with a Greek key motif from Wedgwood are the way to go.

FOR THE DESIGN OBSESSED:
Photo Courtesy of Chelsea Textiles
If you follow all things design then you know Alidad, the Persian interior designer doing some of the most gorgeous interiors in London. He has an existing collection with Pierre Frey and now, embroidered pillows with Chelsea Textiles. He was influenced by 16th Century Ottoman designs. A must from Chelsea Textiles.

FOR THE CANDY CRAZY:

Photos Courtesy of Hammonds Candies
Old world Hammonds Candies out of Colorado make the best holiday candy--hands down. Their candy canes and lollipops come in luscious flavors.

FOR THE FORGETFUL:
Photo Courtesy of Michael Devine
Make a list and check it twice. With this sweet notepad and pencil cup, you will want to become a note taker. Michael Devine made accessories covered in his signature fabrics. Bagatelle in Chocolate is shown here.

FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SHOPPER:
Photo Courtesy of Graphic Image
A Leather European Shopping Guide from Graphic Image is fun even for the armchair traveler.

FOR THE WORKER BEE ON THE GO:
Photo Courtesy of Vivre
Wheel through check in with style with a Large Editor Suitcase from Steamline Luggage through Vivre.


FOR THE GAME PLAYER:
Photo Courtesy of Williams Sonoma Home
Backgammon anyone? Sit by the fire and watch the snow fall outside. This is a classic every home should have, from Williams Sonoma Home.

FOR THE PERSON WHO LOVES TO PUT EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE:
Photo Courtesy of Vivre
Distant Origins has these stunning Murano glass boxes with a metal framework. I have coveted this for years. It is a beautiful gift for someone who has everything. From Vivre.

FOR THE RUSTIC COUNTRY LOOK:
Photo Courtesy of Plait
Beautiful handwoven napkins from Plait are made in the US of 100% cotton. Plait is a chic little company started by a Cranbrook Academy of Art graduate out of Madison, Wisconsin. Order a set through Etsy.

FOR THE NEW BABY:
Photo Courtesy of Jack and Lulu
How about something permanent to decorate the nursery? Blue Tulips Wall Art is matted and framed behind acrylic in a soft white wooden frame. Frame measures 18 x 14 inches with 8 x 10 inch opening. Personalize it with initials.
Photo Courtesy of Jack and Lulu
What about a Tugboat print for the little gent? The graphics are adorable and can go trad or mod. Order yours at Jack and Lulu.

FOR THE WEE ONE:
Photo Courtesy of DWR
To give a toddler their first car, what a thrill! These retro wheels are sure to please from Design Within Reach.

FOR GRANDPARENTS:

Photo Courtesy of Two's Company
A cute picture of the grandchildren will make the elders happy. Bone frames are available from a retailer listed on Two's Company.

FOR THE NAPPER:
Photo Courtesy of Sferra
The Celine throw is pure heaven. Made of 100% brushed cotton it is the softest thing going and a great price. The subtle herringbone pattern comes in luscious colors, by Sferra.

FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS JUST MOVED:

Photo courtesy of Vellum
Bamboo bath accessories from Vellum are great for a new homeowner or to make a bathroom sparkle. Love the waste bin beside a desk.


FOR THE TRAVELLER:
Photo Courtesy of Crane
Compact and old fashioned, this leather encased clock brings it back to basics. What more do you need? Carried at Crane.

FOR THE NEWLY INTERESTED IN INTERIOR DESIGN:
Photo Courtesy of Random House
Domono: The Book of Decorating is a nice way to introduce the basics. With De Gournay wallpaper on the cover, you can't go wrong giving this book.

Photo Courtesy of Random House
This useful book takes the pages of the magazine and reorganizes them by category. You can learn decorating tricks, space saving techniques, good sources to shop from and what the fundamentals are for each room in your home.
Photo Courtesy of Random House
Learn how to pull it all together with easy to follow tips and ideas.
Photo Courtesy of Random House
The softcover makes the book look like a cute text book--it is not intimidating.
Photo Courtesy of Random House
A good gift for a newbie or a Domino dweller, through Amazon.

FOR THE LADY:
Photo Courtesy of Lunt
Use this Toast Rack from The Botanical Garden Collection for Lunt to hold monogrammed stationery on your desk or load it up with toast and use it on a breakfast tray.

Photo Courtesy of Haute Home by Jane Leider
Frilly, well-pressed linens are a heavenly gift. The girly girl often collects boudoir covers, and this will make her so happy. Or splurge and get the whole bed set from Haute Home.

FOR THE SAFARI LOVER:
You might not be in Kenya anymore, but elephants can still roam free in the sitting room. Get some big game through Mecox Garden.

FOR A SAILOR WITH ALLERGIES:
Photo Courtesy of Haute Home by Jane Leider
Drop anchor on the sniffles with this tissue box cover available through Haute Home.


FOR THE FOODIE:
Photo Courtesy of DWR
A Microplane Rock Salt Shaver is just the thing for the cook. The hottest trend since the olive oil craze, pick one up at Design Within Reach. Salt not included, hit Dean and Deluca for that.

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF DECORATIVE OBJECTS:
Photo Courtesy of Joe Cariati
Handblown glass decanters with gorgeous stoppers from Joe Cariati are a stunning gift. Bright hues make each sinewy shape a standout. Available through Joe Cariati.

FOR COLLECTORS OF OBJETS:
Photo Courtesy of Penkhurst Ceramics
Porcelain fruits look delectable in these lux glazes. Why not get one in each color from Penkhurst Ceramics.

FOR THE HOSTESS:

Everyone needs a great tray. Set up a bar, serve with it or set it down and stack books on it. Available from a retailer listed on Two's Company.

FOR THE PARTY GIRL:
Photo Courtesy of Vivre
SuRevolution's four regal purple Tasseled Silk Napkin Rings will rock the party, through Vivre.

FOR THE PARTY BOY:
Photo Courtesy of Michael C.Fina
J L Coquet makes the most stunning shiny black crystal champagne coup. Serve Cristal or Dom in these for your New Year's toast. Available through Michael C. Fina.

FOR THE NEATNICK:
Photo Courtesy of The Laundress
Keep dry cleaning bills at bay with this little bag of helpers from The Laundress