Sea Urchin Vase: Let the sea flow onto your table

Living miles from the sea needn't mean you can't have a little marine decoration on
your table. The sea offers a huge source of ideas and materials. Traditional tokens
of beach outings, seashells are celebrated for the beauty of their unique forms and
textures and often used as decorative touches in seashore abodes. But that coastal
address isn't necessary in order to enjoy the brilliance of the beach, with a host of
of products bringing it as close as the backyard.



Indulge a love of the sea with a few nautical inspirations. Water restores the soul,
so it makes sense that aquatic objects, sea urchin vases, would renew your table.
You haven't seen underwater action like this since you last went scuba diving.

sources: Michelle Rago and Brides magazine

Guarantee a great start to her day: Mother’s Day breakfast special

For many, breakfast is hurried, heads-down sustenance supplemented with caffeine.
Hold the social interaction. For others, breakfast is a business function, the food an
afterthought to early morning deal-making. But for me, setting an elegant breakfast
table for my mom on Mother’s Day is a splendid alternative to taking her out to dinner.
This elegant option provides a splendid opportunity, unhurried and uncrowded, for my
family to socialize and to show my mom how special she is.



Spoiling mom at a beautifully laid table is a lovely way to begin Mother’s Day. Whether
served in bed or at the table, making breakfast on Mother’s Day is a great starter for
mom's special day.

Tablesetting: gold-edge eggcup and butter dish by Legle Limoges. “Constance” bread-and-butter plate
(below eggcup), sugar bowl, and coffeepot by Bernardaud. “Illusion” teacup, saucer, and dessert plate
in endive by Haviland. “Derby Panel Green” bread-and-butter plate (with knife), dinner plate, and vegetable
dish (with flowers) by Royal Crown Derby. “Olivia” tumbler by Juliska. “Fairfax” silverware by Gorham.
Image, Martha Stewart magazine.

HAPPY EARTH DAY: An eco-chic tablesetting

I definitely think the green movement is more than a passing fad. Over the last year,
shelter magazines and trade publications have spent space and energy focusing on green.
It has made me think, or at least wonder about organic place mats, bambo plates and
handmade ceramics. Every day I see more and more options and ideas that are
environmentally conscious. And yes, many of the ideas are perfectly suited for a eco-chic tablesetting.



Tree trunks used as flatware holders, available at your local nurseries. The flatware is from
Michael Aram's Forest Leaf Collection. It takes its inspiration from the intricacies of
form and texture found in foliage from around the world. Natural twigs cast in place with
stamped tops, in silverplate–add a piece of the forest to your place setting.



The succulent and grass centerpiece pair nicely with the Tourron line of ceramic dinnerware
from Jars Provence Design. Jars is handcrafted in France. The company, founded in 1857, has
been a family enterprise for four generations. By combining state-of-the-art technology with
traditional craftsmanship, Jars produces vividly colored settings and serving pieces that will
brighten your table every day.



All in all, there has been a long-awaited awakening to the needs of the planet as well as to our
personal well-being. When people are given the opportunity to make a difference, I think they
will positively modify their purchasing and consumer habits. This transformation will continue
as more people realize the link that exists between purchasing environmentally conscious
products and their personal environment. Being conscious of the environment is no trend,
it's here to stay.

Chinoiserie – looking east for tablesetting inspiration

We can embrace the Chinese decorating principles of feng shui and dally with Buddhist
philosophy, but empty a room of everything but a floor covering of tatami mats, and we
panic. Where do we sit? Where is the television?



One way we have found to adopt Asian style is on our dinner tables. We are gaining a sophisticated appreciation for Asian food, and lately, we have taken the tableware into our homes as well.



Blue-and-white glazes are a popular color combination in China and Japan. Ever since
Marco Polo swept through Asia, the West has been enamored of Oriental style, interpreting
its decorative motifs on everything from textiles to tableware. Here are two chinoiserie
inspired designs, to give your table Eastern allure.



The Asian influence has been reinterpreted for contemporary day by Tiffany with their
Cirque Chinoise dinnerware. Tiffany Private Stock hand-painted limoges porcelain.



Set a classic table with this intricately patterned blue and white stoneware. Asian Toile
dinnerware by Horchow.



Asia continues to impact tableware designs, although it is yin in some and yang in others.
There is a Chinese menu of styles, ranging from traditional to new-age. Americans continue
to express an appreciation for Eastern culture and these two chinoiserie patterns puts a
fresh spin on the centuries-old look.

Romancing the stone: Incorporating pebbles in your tablesetting

(above: beach stone placemats, $ 19.95, Wrapables)

"Rock on" may be a uniquely American call to party, but when it comes to decorating your
table, rocks, stones and pebbles can have an altogether different effect on your mood. When
incorporated into your tablesetting, stones can create a soothing effect to balance the
hectic pace of modern life.


(l to r: Martha Steward wedding, InStyle wedding)

For a centerpiece, stones teamed with candles, fruit, and flowers create a new visual
excitement on the dining table. Here's a beautiful way to weight menus or napkins down
at an outdoor wedding -- and identify tables at the same time. For each plate, you'll need
a smooth, unpolished stone, add the table number with a rubber stamp and ink pad; if you
make a mistake, just wipe clean. Do the stamping a day or two before so the ink can dry.
Scatter more stones down the center of the table to follow through on the theme.


(above: beach stone coasters, set of 4, $9.95, Wrapables)

Pebbles are the latest hot trend in stone-theme decor and they're showing up in everything
from placemats to coasters. You don't have to build a Japanese rock garden in your back
yard, however, to take advantage of the pebble trend. Decorator items made from and
inspired by pebbles can be found at any home store. Add a whimsical, light-hearted
element to your table with the underlying peaceful persona of stone.


(l to r: candy rocks, Martha Stewart; rock centerpiece, The Knot)

Adding lace to your Tablesetting: The frill is definitely not gone

The ultimate destination for Valentine's Day - - - La Perla and Victoria Secret!
Happy Valentine's Day, today's post is about all things lace. We all know what it
looks like, but how do you translate it into your table décor. Are you one who
fills your drawer with Wolford and your cabinets with Walmart? Bring some
flair onto your table with these lacy items.



In the world of fabric, lace is the finishing touch that completes everything from
linens for the home to wedding dresses and christening gowns. Lace has been
part of the home and men's and women's wardrobes for centuries. When lifestyles
relaxed, lace was relegated to women's intimate apparel and special occassions.
In tableware, I am seeing some new twists to an old favorite. Instead of weaving to
form lace, Welmade products put a meandering lace pattern on bone china and glass.
Martha Stewart crafts has great eyelet favor boxes inspired by vintage lace.



Lace is proving that it will be around for at least another season. The bowl shown below,
this elegant version is a sweet, romantic piece that was inspired by old handkerchiefs found in Israeli vintage shops and made of stainless steel.


(above: Black lace bowl, Talila Abraham, 2006, $98.00, MOMA Store)
As to the whole lace phenomenon, you might say the frill is definitely not gone.



(above: Lingerie Dinner Plate and Vase, Chantilly Lace, Magenta, Inc.)

LOVE AT FIRST LIGHT: Votives add instant style to a tablesetting

On a cold winter night, there is nothing more inviting than the warm glow
of burning candles. And if the night is Valentine’s Day and candles brighten
the table setting, what could be more romantic? Candlelight is an important
element, and it's the easiest way to set an intimate and romantic mood.
Whether your tablesetting is totally traditional or ultra contemporary, candle
votives can provide the perfect finishing touch to your decor.



Votives make more impact when they are used en masse, so be generous with
quantities. Think of these candles as the “little black dress'' of your tabletop;
they can be used for any occasion, for all occasions, and they will always look right.


(l to r: bolton votive, $49.00, Horchow; lotus flower tealights, $15.00, Well Dressed Home;
mercury votives, $16.99, Pottery Barn).

Flickering votive candles in glass holders cast amazing patterns and colors on white
or ivory tablecloths. Bring the soft, flattering light of votive candles to dinner tables
in attractive holders.


(l to r: sealife tealights, $20.00, Well Dressed Home; bone votive, $34.00, Sara Paloma;
polka dot votives, $12.00, Pottery Barn).

Nothing creates instant elegance like candlelight. The ambiance they generate will
last well into the night. Use only white or ivory candles. The glow of the flame on
a simple creamy candle is unbeatably elegant, whatever your style.

It's a jungle out there: tablesetting takes a walk on the wide side

But if you're brave and let zebras stalk your table, you'll be echoing the hottest trend for
the season. The zebra is now being heavily promoted in home decor magazines and
retail stores. The images below were taken from Domino magazine and J.Crew.



The zebra patterns were forever the favored prints of famed decorator Billy Baldwin
and fashionista Diana Vreeland. The black and white or brown and cream colored
curvy lines were injected into rooms and fashion outfits to lend crisp contrast,
vitality, style and personality.


(l to r: Hot Flowers by Versace by Rosenthal, starting at $25.00, Bloomingdales; Zebra
stripe serving bowl, $32.90, Tracy Porter, Horchow)

Now, zebra patterns are showing up in various ways in your table top decor. The
interest in animal prints is driven partially by their versatility. The zebra pattern
is different things to different people: A sophisticated and even glamorous design
statement, adding luxury and richness to a setting. A touch of whimsy, fantasy
or fun. A way to bring a bit of the natural world or one's ethnic heritage into one's
home. Or an element of surprise to an otherwise conventional table setting.



(l to r: Zebra plates, $25.00, William Wayne; Zebra dinnerware, starting at $100.00, Vivre)

Because I believe in setting an eclectic table, when it comes to using zebra patterns,
mix and match. Graphic prints look great with zebra patterns with bold colors and
strong geometric patterns. Florals look right with zebra patterns, in the English
colonial spirit and jungly floral designs are particularly compatible.


(l to r: beaded zebra coasters, set of 6, $23.70, Z Gallerie; Zebra print place mats, set of
4, $382.00, Horchow)

When it comes to zebra patterns, flexibility is the key. Look around your kitchen and
see if the animal print would work as well in another part of your home. Then if
you get tired of it, you can always let it slink away to your bedside table, bathroom
vanity or coffee table.



(above: Zebra tray, $49.95, Z Gallerie)

New Year's resolution #1 - Find the silver lining in every dark cloud

(above: Jasper Conran for Wedgwood, Platinum; Waterford, Ballet Ribbon,
both available at Bloomingdale's)

With 2008 in full swing, I know many of you have made at least one New Year's
resolution. I, too, have made personal and professional goals for 2008. Top on
my list is to celebrate life! Holidays and milestone dates are not the only reasons
to celebrate, just gathering with friends and family around the table is reason enough
for celebration. That means not only coming up with a menu and cooking a meal but
setting a beautiful table and a easy way to do that is with razzle-dazzle metallics. They
instantly add glamour to your table.


(above: newest collection from Haviland, Allure, satine platinum, Michael C. Fina)

When it comes to formal china, platinum-banded place settings are the most popular.
I know several brides, like myself, who have registered for platinum-banded china.
The reason many couples are picking traditional patterns, such as gold- or platinum-
banded plates is because there are so many ways you can change the look of it.


(above: the dinnerware that I'm registering for, Match Pewter, Convivino)


(l to r: Anne from Perfect Bound registered for Lenox, Westerly Platinum and my girlfriend Stephanie is registered for the Paola Navone collection)

There's no doubt that platinum has proven to be golden in the fine china category.
Initially perceived to be a trend, platinum is here to stay. Part color, part texture,
the heart of the appeal of platinum is the reflective shimmer that gives depth of
character to surfaces and finishes. You can make a regular day special by setting
a table that's glitzy and atmospheric. Cheers to everyday!

Start the year off White: dramatic, colorful presentations look best on neutral-toned plates

With the growing popularity of the Food Network, Top Chef and other cooking
programs many people are looking for ways to create restaurant-quality meals at
home. I know for myself, I’m not only looking at what tools and utensils the professional
chefs are using, I’m also looking at how they plate the food. What I’ve noticed is that
stark white dinnerware sets the stage for today’s food. Even for a home cook, like myself,
illusion is the key: a disastrous culinary misadventure can be salvaged when I place it on
a pristine white plate.


(l to r: Calvin Klein Circles, Bloomingdales; Bernardau Louvre, dinner plate, $32.00, Horchow)

With today's eclectic menus, anything goes, and since everything goes with white it
continues to sustain its popularity. A major advantage to using white dinnerware is
its price niche. White dinnerware is the least expensive in any manufacturer's lineup.
Economics aside, the aesthetically pleasing properties of white also account for its
appeal year after year.


( above: Juliska Berry and Thread dinnerware, Juliska)

White china is dynamite if you want to put more interest on the food. But white can be
improved upon, for the hottest, trendiest new look in tableware, try mixing and matching
whites with patterns and color.


(above: Astier de Villatte Regence, John Derian)

With the broad range of stylish white dinnerware on the market today, "setting the table"
to suit your personality, your home's decor, your food and your mood is easy, affordable
and lots of fun. The white dinnerware that I’ve mentioned here are just a few of my
favorites.


(l to r: Rosenthal A La Carte, Tatami, Scoop, Nimbus; Ralph Lauren Spring Lace, Bloomingdale's)

Take charge in 2008: Haviland Laque De Chine

At the start of the new year you may have defined a few goals for yourself.
Well, don't stop with your goals, to define and embellish your table setting all you
have to do is "charge it"!



Many may remain hesitant, if not skeptical, about buying chargers, why would
anyone buy a plate that was either immediately whisked away before dinner or sat unused
underneath the actual dinner plate? Because chargers are like picture frames, outlining
your favorite tableware and highlighting it's beauty.



My favorite chargers are Haviland's Laque De Chine which are available in an array
of vivid colors. Slightly larger than a dinner plate but smaller than a platter,
chargers are simply for decoration, not for food service. You'll find chargers
on formal tables and being used for casual dinners. To me, they are essential
for any well-dressed table because these super discs elevate the look of the
tabletop in a flash.

THINK PINK (and green) for a Christmas tablesetting

This year’s must-have for Christmas is not a gadget; it’s not even a toy. It's
the color pink. At retail, designers have made it the hot fashion color and
Victoria’s Secret even has a line of casual wear named after the color.



People, especially those with a polished décor, want their holiday decorations
to reflect the overall mood of their homes. It's all part of the designer look that
is slowly creeping into holiday decorating. Red and green are no longer the
hot holiday colors, they been supplanted by other combinations - - - like
pink and green.



Pink and green make a punch color pair. This duo is preppy and chic all at once.
These colors are easy to mix and you can use pale, medium or bright hues.



There are many ways to incorporate this strong color trend on the table; an easy
way would be to incorporate either pink or green stemware to your place setting.
Perfect for the holidays, pink and green is a fun combination and hotter pinks are
more high-energy colors, which are great when used in rooms where people
congregate such as the dining room or kitchen table.



(top row: giddy glass, $12.00, Anthropologie; kassie goblets,set of 6, $39.99, Target).
(bottom row: backyard wine glass and champagne flute, both $18.00 at Anthropologie).

What the Fork! Flatware from A to Z

If flatware sounds a little, well...flat, remember that beautiful flatware adds the
perfect sparkling touch to your table. From durable sterling silver (which actually
looks better the more you use it) to easy-care stainless steel, today's flatware
is available in patterns that complement any style, whether you're traditional,
country or downright funky. The classic five-piece place setting is your starting
point - serving pieces like carving forks and gravy ladles can complete your
flatware registry.


(l to r): A is for Alain Saint-Joanis, $400.00; B is for Buccellati, $775.00;
C is for Christofle, $161.00.

The knives, forks and spoons that you'll use with your china and crystal - - -
not any flatware will do. Look for an attractive design that will match
or complement the good looks of your dinnerware. Here are some flatware
patterns from A to Z:


(l to r); D is for Deco City, $150.00; E is for Ercuis, $878.00; F is for French Regency,
$259.95; G is for Gorham, $259.95.


(top to bottom): H is for Hannah, $84.00; I is for International, 259.95; J is for
Japanesse Bird & Bamboo, $75.00; K is for Kirk Stieff, $278.95; L is for Louis XV,
$319.95; M is for Michael C. Fina, $449.95.


(top to bottom): N is for Neoclassico, $449.95; O is for Odiot, $2,149.00; P is for
Puiforcat, $460.00; Q is for Queen Elizabeth, $299.95; R is for Reed and Barton,
$229.95; S is for Sarong, $85.00.


(l to r): T is for Todd Hill, $55.00; U is for Union Square, $55.00; V is for Village of
Sienna, $50.00; W is for Wallace, $450.00.


(l to r): Y is for Yeoward, $975.00; Z is for Zambesi, $145.00.

Traditionally, brides-to-be register for sterling or silverplate flatware to use with
formal china and stainless steel for everyday. These days, couples are selecting
the style that best fits their lifestyle. Always choose flatware that suits you.

source: all flatware available at Michael C. Fina