The "American Idol", she still brings plenty to the table

At 100 years old, she is still active in the design world. Eva Zeisel's work is timeless, the set of dinnerware she designed in 1952 is not only back in production, but this collection is one of the best selling and a proven winner amongst brides! You may have seen it featured in the full-page ads for Crate & Barrel. The plates, cups and gravy boat have generous curvy lines and swooping handles, part of what sealed her place as one of the premier ceramic designers of the 20th century.


(above: Classic Century dinnerware, from 59.95, Crate and Barrel).

On my lunch hour today I am going to the International Art and Design Fair taking place at The Park Avenue Armory located on Park Avenue and 67th Street. The fair celebrates the strength of the market for modernist works of art. Last year they presented a spectacular exhibit celebrating the work of Eva Zeisel , this year they're showcasing the work of Alvin Lustig so I know I'm in for a treat.


(above: The 11pc Eva line centerpiece, $1,160, Klein Reid)

I recently received a note from Ms. Zeisel's grandson that I wanted to share:

Dear Sarah,

You have put together a very beautiful blog of some of Eva's most famous works. I will be sure to show her this site when I see her next.

One minor correction: She is turning 101 years old on November 13, 2007.

Yes, she is still designs at her NYC apartment, but prefers to work at her country home during the warmer months. Having recently spent the weekend with her working and chatting late into the night I can happily report that she is doing well.

If you want to learn more about some of her most recent design releases feel free to check out EvaZeiselOriginals.com. I started the on-line company in 2006 with our signature furniture piece, the Oval Racetrack Coffee Table (yeah, the same table featured at Design Within Reach).

Anyways, I absolutely love your site and wish you all the best.

Enjoy your own search for Beauty,

Adam Zeisel



( above: I love the Eva Zeisel coffee table, $1350.00, Design Within Reach. At that
price, the table is out of my reach but the candelabra or jewelry tree is right in line with my budget.)

Adam thanks so much for writing in and please send my best and well wishes to your grandmother. A true living legend, a modernist designer who's work continues to fascinate me and other lovers of design as much today as they did when she first started designing.

Perfect Pairing: Riedel Crystal and Living Beyond Breast Cancer

The Riedel company is one of the world's authorities on wine glasses and decanters and for the third year, Riedel has created a special, limited edition glass to benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Riedel will donate 15% of the proceeds from the sale of this glass to support those dealing with the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer and life beyond.



The first two glasses in the series, the Pink “O” wine tumbler (2005) and the Pink “O” Champagne glass (2006), sold out in record time, providing a donation of over $100,000 to Living Beyond Breast Cancer in the U.S. This year the glass is a Pink Vinum Rosé Glass with its soft pink stem and clear bowl. (above: Riedel Pink O Champagne glass, set of 2, $26.99; Riedel vinum pink rose, pair, $49.80. Both available at Bed, Bath & Beyond).



Wine decanters make a great wedding gift. Whether your friends have handcrafted redwood racking in their temperature-controlled cellars or simply enjoy a glass of wine with dinner now and then, any newlywed will gratefully receive these decanters. Real wine aficionados will especially appreciate that Riedel makes these decanters. They feature different sizes and shapes that are carefully designed to bring out the best qualities in wines.



These decanters are proof that with Riedel, you can always expect the unexpected—in dramatic fashion.

(Decanters shown above: Pomerol wine decanter, $249.00; Amadeo lyra decanter, $287.95; Pomerol wine decanter , $249.00; Crystal Dove wine decanter, $179.95, Tyrol wine decanter $156.95 ; All available at the Wine Enthusiast).

Wedding bells and whistles; ring in your day with a personal statement

(shown above: small bell, $78.00 Juliska; Vera Wang kissing bell, $24.99, Gately's).

In planning a wedding, the main goal today is to have a 'one-of-a-kind' wedding that will stand out in the memories of your guests as being extra special! Many couples are using themes to make their weddings more personal. Themed weddings allow people to bring in their ethnic and cultural backgrounds and to tell the story and embrace who the couple is.



(shown above: Make up Bell by Belleek, it is a tradition in Ireland to present couples with a "make-up" bell… This bell is rung when one partner is ready to "make up" and end any little quarrel., $29.99, Gately's; Wedding Bell, $30.00, Llardo).

On Friday I posted the inspiration behind my wedding theme, "Game Night", a family tradition that is special to Chip and I. Looking for ideas and suggestion to pull this theme together, I turned to my blogging friends and the feedback I received was unbelievable! Vane, Danielle and Natasha provided me with every available option you could think of! Now, all I have to do is pick the ones that I feel most perfectly makes the statement that I want to make.



(shown above: Vera Wang sterling silver love knots bell, set of 4, $65.00, Silver Queen; Silver Wedding bell, $59.00, Gorham; Silver Kissing Bell, $76.50, Lunt Silver).

Wedding theme or not, ring your day in with distinction. Put an end to the utensils hitting the glasswear and kiss in style. These wedding bells are the perfect wedding accessory, which can be rung by the flower girl announcing the bride's entrance, placed on guest tables or given as a cherished favor.



(shown above: african-american bridal bell, $195.00; bridal bell, $180.00, both available at Lladro).

Wedding themes also reflect periods such as Medieval, Elizabethan, Victorian, Civil War, Roaring Twenties, Art Deco, The Fifties or The Sixties. Some are based on locations: Kentucky Bluegrass, Southern Plantation, Western Ranch, the French Quarter. Others reflect a season or a holiday such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, or Mardi Gras.

Are you thinking of having a theme wedding? Do tell and let the amazing group of talent within the blogging community help you with the bells and whistles.

A cut above the rest: Laguiole knives

They're beautiful, feel great in your hand, cut effortlessly and will definitely be on my wedding registry. Table knives by the French firm Laguiole (pronounced "layole") have a handle on the hottest shades, horn or wood. The blades are as elegantly crafted as they are beautiful to behold.


(above: Laguiole steak knife set, $98.00, Anthropologie)

Laguiole is one of the oldest and best respected names in French cutlery. For over two centuries, craftsmen of Laguiole have been making distinctive knives known to the world as Laguiole Knives. Laguiole knives are pocket knives often with a small corkscrew. The style has evolved and led to a range of some of the most handsome cutlery to be found anywhere. There are Laguiole table knives, Laguiole carving sets and, of course, the Laguiole corkscrew, also known as the sommelier knife.


(l to r: Laguiole spreaders, set of 4, $39.00, Williams-Sonoma; Laguiole steak knives, $350.00 Dean and Deluca)

These days, they've become a symbol of uber-style among those who are attuned to such things, due perhaps to the neat bas-relief bee that sits at the point where blade and haft meet and an appreciation of the nifty mechanism which forces the blade to collapse. A Laguiole knife is presented to each president of the French Republic. Sonia Rykiel is said to own one. And Philippe Starke, who seems unable to leave the slightest thing untouched, has refined the design for the 21st century.



(l to r: Laguiole Steak Knives $330.00, Horchow; Laguiole exotic wood handles, set of 6 $570.00, Moss).

Ooohh so many choices, what’s a girl to do?

(image at top: Laguiole Wilmotte, set of 6, $670.00, Moss)

Neiman Marcus steps up to the fashion plate

"The cake's on Neiman Marcus" or it will be when you serve on these fashionable dessert plates.

In 1907, Herbert Marcus, his sister, Carrie Marcus Neiman, and her husband, A.L. Neiman, all under the age of 30, started Neiman Marcus with one simple but ambitious idea: to bring the luxury, ready-to-wear fashions of New York and Paris to Dallas.

Neiman Marcus is celebrating 100 years and in true NM fashion they will be providing its customers with only the best high-end fashion by releasing exclusive designs from some of the world’s most celebrated fashion houses - - - handbags by Judith Leiber, shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti and clothes by Monique Lhuillier.

For those not concerned about fitting into a designer label, you can at least eat on one. To me, food is like fashion anyway, with the right accessories, it can look pretty chic. This isn't to say that a luscious dessert can't make a statement on its own. But serving up fare on these gorgeous plates takes it to another level. Exclusively for Neiman Marcus, French designer, Gien, has created these fashionable dessert plates that can give your dessert even more appeal. When they're not showing off your newest recipe, they can make a fashion statement in your kitchen niche.

(above: Fashion Plates, set of 4, Gien, $100.00, Neiman Marcus).

Get the dish: Champagne Saucers

There is ongoing speculation as to the origin of the saucer champagne glass. Some have said that the glass was modeled after the breasts of Marie Antoinette. Others have said they were created by Madame du Pompadour, the mistress of Frances Louis XV, as a gift for his lover. These theories are possible as champagne was invented in the 17th century and the saucer champagne glass was first introduced in England around 1663. Over the years the tulip shape has gained in popularity, so much so, that we never see this older version. Many seem to prefer the tulip as the bubbles have the space to form and rise to the surface. However, the saucer also has neat attributes as you can really smell the aroma and feel the bubbles when in use.



(l to r: Brianna champagne saucer, $84.00; Jessica champagne saucer, $84.00, both Juliska).

Lately, I have noticed a interest in the saucer champagne, also known as the champagne sherbet, as its secondary use is for ice creams and soft desserts. The reason for the resurgence is the effect of changing styles in both home décor and spirits.


(clockwise: Waterford Lismore Essence champagne saucer, $79.50, Neiman Marcus; Posh Cocktail dessert glass, $8.95, Crate and Barrel; Palais champagne saucer, $68.71, Nachtmann;
Marc Jacobs Waterford, David, $65.00, Macy's).

There is the growing popularity of spirits like Prosecco, Bellinis and Champagnes, over wines for cocktail hour. It can be kind of hard to find saucer champagnes in the US, but in fact they are still made by most of the top crystal companies. I’ve put together a group of both traditional and modern styles, from Marc Jacobs to Juliska. These are a few of my favorites. Never to early to start planning for the Holidays.

Cheers!

(above: Vera Wang Duchesse saucer champagne, $40.00, Macy's).

The glass is greener on a well dressed table

Perhaps taking a cue from the season's springing flowers, stemware -- from regular glass to expensive crystal -- is filled to the brim with color. Color is king right now and green glassware is a beautiful way to liven up any table. I love the way Carolyn Roehm set this table using green glasses.



Chartreuse, Kelly, Emerald and Hunter are all bold, vibrant shades of green flaunted for years by the fashion industry, well they have now spilled onto the table. The fun and elegant glassware makes its mark, offering style-laden options fit for lavish celebrations or everyday dinners at home. A full lineup of shapes and styles turns these drinkware options into anything but ordinary.


(l to r: Hand-cut crystal Bamboo martini glass with green bowl and six-sided amber stem, Moser, $125.00. Handblown, hand-cut crystal viden double old-fashioned in chartreuse, artel, $164.00, 866-448-7683. Crystal goblet with green bowl, Laura Japy, $48.00, bloomingdale’s. Teardrop-cut crystal Cerdagne champagne flue in chartreuse, Saint Louis, $200.00, Michael C. Fina. Handblown cased-glass Kawali goblet in Anise, Christofle, $170.00, Pavillon Christofle, 877-728-4556. Pressed-glass Marquis tumbler in green with laurel-tree pattern, Waterford, $49.00/4, Bloomingdale’s. Handblown etched-crystal Merian white-wine glass in emerald, Mottahedeh, $210.00, Michael C. Fina. Frosted-glass Bangalore show glass with floral motif in green, Kenzo, $90.00/4, Unicahome.com)

(above: Transglass recycled vase by Emma Woffenden & Tord Boontje ,$38.00, Re-modern)

Are you looking for a great way to liven up a party? Using color can be a way of expressing your personality on the table. Are you environmentally conscience and would like to set your table with a "green" point of view. The Transglass collection features glassware vessels made from recycled wine and beer bottles. The sharp lines, clean forms, and original bottle colors express positive attitudes about beautiful design that's kind to the environment. Whether it's a big catered party or a dinner for six. Try setting your table with colored glassware. Green carries color and reflects light like no other material; the stemware just sparkles like emeralds.


(above right: Cristallerie de Portieux wine glasses, $40.00, Michael C. Fina)

As you enter the holiday season, forget traditional stemware and set your table boldly and creativity, by using green stemware.

(above left: Baton vases, $5.99, West Elm)

Cheers to stepping beyond the boundaries of expected style!

Home Sweet Atticus Home

There's no place like home and there's nothing like Atticus Home. With a desire to build a socially responsible business around their shared love for good design and entertaining, Atticus Lyon and Marcela Sheridan have developed a line of distinctively designed tabletop accessories.

(l to r): Bamboo bowl, $135.00, Vivre; Large modern bowl, $110.00, Bloomingdale's

Fusing sleek, modern design with traditonal craftsmanship and techniques honed to perfection over centuries, Atticus trays and vessels easily complement any decor, from classical to contemporary. In the picture above, East meets West: The bamboo bowl is steeped in tradition yet touched with the modern element of black lacquered. The ebonized wood bowl is sculptural and functional, it would bring sophistication and contemporary style to any table.

(above): White lacquer and sand-cast aluminum rectangle tray, $250.00, Vivre

The rectangle tray and the large bowl below are from the Palm Beach collection. It's 60's inspired and the luxury is in the clean lines and sculptural shape.

(l to r): Palm beach large bowl, $300.00, Vivre; shimmer bud vase, $35.00, Bloomingdales

The Atticus line is designed to stimulate the senses with surprising combinations of texture and form. Cool metals find harmony with warm, exotic woods and supple. Each piece is handmade using plantation-harvested wood and other luxurious materials.

(l to r): Bamboo bowls, $95.00 - $120.00; Bamboo salad servers, $57.00 - $65.00; Bloomingdales

My favorite collection is the Bamboo collection. Serene and traditonal, the rich grain of plantation-raised wood just gleams with a deep rosewood finish. I love the way the wood is complemented by the sand-cast aluminum handles.


(l to r): Shimmer round stand, $190.00 ; The Bamboo tray is $100.00; Bloomingdales

(l to r): Shimmer Tray, $98.00; Shimmer Wine Chiller by Atticus, $215.00; Bloomingdale's

(l to r): Shimmer diamond vases, $35.00; Bloomingdale's; Wave dinnerware, $125.00, Vivre

The simplicity of the pieces creates the perfect backdrop for entertaining. There's no place like Atticus Home.

It's Crystal Clear: Water pitchers that give you a refreshing look at water

Whether bottled or served straight from the kitchen tap, water is the perfect thirst-quenching beverage. Water pitchers range from traditional to contemporary and from functional to artistic. Water pitchers are stylish - - - take your pick, you can't wrong with any of the pitchers shown above: (l to r: Juliska, St. Louis, Baccarat, Nambe, Riedel, Match, Michael C. Fina. Top: Juliska, all available at Michael C. Fina).

When paired with slices of fruit and vegetables and presented in a pretty pitcher, water becomes an easy, elegant beverage option for special dinners, parties, or under-the-stars soirees. And best of all, it costs just pennies a serving.

(l to r: Cha Cha pitcher, $26.95, Crate and Barrel; pressed glass pitcher, $16.50, Mothology).


(l to r: David pitcher, $300.00, Marc Jacobs, Street pitcher, $242.81, Waterford, Bloomingdale's).

(l to r: Lily of the Valley pitcher, $150.00, Tiffany and Co.; Sunflower pitcher $28.00, Anthropologie).

(l to r: Windsor pitcher, $115.00, Simon Pearce; Anoushka water pitcher, William Yeoward, $450.00, Neiman Marcus).

(l to r: Bee pitcher, $35.50, Ballard Designs; Mansion pitcher, $80.00, Tart).

Flavor water is the perfect antidote to a sultry summer evening. To make it, add subtly aromatic slices of English cucumber (which are virtually seedless), watermelon or small lemon wedges. Place flavored ice cubes in a large clear water dispenser, cover and chill for at least 5 hours and it's perfect for serving friends and family at a summer gathering. Garnish each glass with cucumber, too.

(l to r: Marseilles Beverage dispenser, $199.95, Scarlett Alley; Apothecary beverage dispenser, $80.00, Touchstone).

Tip from Martha Stewart: Condensation on pitchers can leave unsightly drips and make pouring a slippery endeavor. A linen dish-towel bandanna will absorb the moisture. Fold the towel into a triangle, and turn folded edge over 2 inches to form a collar. Wrap the fabric tightly around the pitcher's rim, and anchor by knotting the ends around the handle. Clear pitchers also make beautiful centerpieces.

Wedding registry ideas with "Modern Sensibilities"

Geometric patterns, clean lines and splashes of bold colors -- reflecting everything from updated-retro to casual contemporary designs are gracing the modern table. A backward glance can seem avant-garde but a slight nod to the 60's with pulsating prints and high contrasting colors can bring fun and whimsy to your table. Cutting-edge color combos are the easiest way to declare your style allegiance. I've pictured the ever chic black andwhite with yellow, but any bracing unexpected hues will do. (Pictured above l to r: Black midnight globlets, s/12, $30.00, tall wineglasses, s/12, $24.00, Artland; vase, $17.00, bowl, $19.00, Bo Concept. Ombrages collection, Raynaud, Devine Corporation).

"The modernist rocks streamlined shapes and space-age patterns with minimal embellishments". - Brides Magazine

(above l to r: Mistic silver candleholder& vase, $470.00, San Francisco MoMA, 888-357-0037 ; Chip & Dip tray, Magppie, $55.00, Unica Home). (below l to r: Ascutney Sugar Bowl and Creamer, $60 each, Simon Pearce; Amadeo decanter 220 pounds, The Conran Shop).

Hip, Hip, Horray! For the bride with edgy elegance. China with details that sparkle, pieces in easy- to- care- for materials, like nickel and stainless steel, speciality pieces like decanter and espresso cups will reflect your sophisticated taste. Include any of these funky menagerie of tabletop wares and your registry will show off your groovy sense of style:

(l to r: Baccarat cube candleholders, $235.00, Bloomingdales; Torcello double old fashion glasses, s/6, $270.00, Moss).

(above: Rosenthal Suomi Celebration, 5pc place setting, $170.00, covered sugar and creamer, $184.00, Open vegetable 7 1/2", $234.00, Platter 13", $142.00; Copper reflection plate 8 1/2", $35.00, Michael C. Fina).

(l to r: New wave after dinner cup and saucer set, $33.00, Villeroy and Boch; Bernardaud Salsa gift set $97.59, Artedona).

(l to r: Victoria tea pot, $274.00, Driade Kosmo; JL Coquet prelude platinium presentation plate, $232.50, dinner plate, $61.71 & dessert plate, $55.97, Artedona).

(l to r: Nambe ripple fruit bowl, $85.00, Wave porcelain vase, $150.00, Wedge tray, $200.00; Sasaki, stainless steel flatware, 5pc place settings, Cafe de Flore, $40.00, Double Helix, $30.00, peapod, $40.00, Michael C. Fina).