Category Archives: Tabletop

Beautiful Vignettes Expose Life’s Stories

15 Friday Jun 2012

Posted by in Accessories, Inspiration, Tabletop

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five elements of Feng Shui, Hermès tray, styled vignettes, vignettes

In any space I am immediately drawn to the vignettes: grouping of objets that tell a story.  Be it a purposefully staged vignette for a party like a bar set-up or a cluster of appetizers to stationary groupings on a coffee table – loving the Hermès tray above! – to artfully styled bookshelves.  Every space is layered with elements directed by the architecture of the space first, hard and soft furnishings of furniture to lighting to pillows and then finished with personal items.  These personal items can be staged by professionals and their sense of style, but the most interesting spaces are curated by the inhabitant and their life story.

No matter if you rent or own your space, vignettes reveal bits about your style and your interests.  In my house, glass is the predominant object sprinkled in most groupings.  From glass candlesticks to glass bowls laden with jewelry to glass vases housing seashells to Water Buffalo bone carved eggplants from Egypt.  (If my camera wasn’t filled with pictures of my daughter that I have yet to sync to my computer, then I would show you.  Maybe a follow up post?!)

Since everyone is drawn to different types of collections – glass, metal, wood and more – it got me to thinking.  Does this mean anything?  According to the rules of Feng Shui Five Elements these grouping of objects create a harmony (or in some cases “destruction”, but that’s another topic) in a space through the element’s association to color and shapes.  There are five elements:  Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.  And, my attraction to glass refers to the element of water typically represented by shades of blue and black.

While you ponder what your vignettes mean to you and what they’ll say to your guests – “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” – I will leave you with more images to excite your senses.

And my favorite vignette in Aerin Lauder’s office . . . 

Image Sources:
Elements of Style, Alisha Gwen, , Design Sponge, Decor 8, Zsa Zsa Bellagio, Seaside Shelter, Elements of Style

Olive & Cocoa: Entertaining Jewels To DIY or Not . . .

12 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by in Accessories, Celebrations, D.I.Y., Inspiration, Parties, Tabletop

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entertainment DIY ideas, glass place card holders, mason jar tumblers, milk glass votives, Olive & Cocoa, party hats

If you are like me and find yourself short on time to execute fun DIY projects for summer entertaining, then visit Olive & Cocoa for goodies that surely will fulfill your need to add that special touch to any fête.  The Stripy Straw Mason Tumblers above are a fancy, yet practical way to utilize mason jars for kids as well as adults.  With mason jars plentiful for bouquets, hostess gifts and more, I’ve meant to DIY my own outdoor mason jar glass collection using inspiration from C&B, our Pinterest board or the list of 50 Mason Jar DIY’s on Saved by Love Creations.  In the mean time, these Stripy Straw Mason Tumblers will do the trick so I can head off to the beach!

It seems that you either have to be a master pastry chef or a dedicated DIYer to wow guests with an amazing cake these days.  Since cupcakes are en vogue – we’ve even succumbed to the trend for our parties too – the simply elegant and less labor intensive cake is an overlooked iconic dessert item.  This Fete Bunting Cake Topper is a perfect decoration item to have on hand for your next celebration.  Sold in a set of three, this bunting with colorful wool felt flags will elevate any cake.  If you still would rather make the bunting, then check out Sarah’s step-by-step pennant tutorial; good for cakes, invitations and more!

Unique outdoor lighting accents for the table as well as the garden are also on my DIY list this summer.  In addition to using blue mason jars on a white tablescape, I am drawn to milk glass accessories that let the flowers and linens shine.  Milk glass is simple, neutral and a classic.  Without time to scour the web to expand my collection, I have found many DIY guides to create my own Milk glass objets out of more readily available glass.  But I’m out of time so the Milk Glass Tealights above will be perfect to create luminary vignettes in the great outdoors.

I am always looking for new ideas for place cards.  Not that we formally entertain often, but when possible it is another layer to add to a beautifully set table.  The Bubble Place Card Holders are unique because unfilled they would not be visually distracting from the rest of the table decor or you can fill them with buds or greens to be double agents:  place cards as well as low centerpieces!  Place card holders are no longer just a seating arrangement tool, they can set the tone for a party.  Remember the sailboat place cards?!

Lastly, party hats shouldn’t just be for kids.  I know that summer party attire is carefully chosen and not everyone loves a hat, but depending on the occasion a party hat could be just the accessory to make the photo montage more festive.  This variety package of  Chapeau de Fête at Olive & Cocoa is perfect to have on hand in your party closet unless you brush up on DIY party hat skills.  And, if your guests aren’t inclined to wear the hats, then they are colorful decorations to brighten the decor.

No matter which route you take – execute the DIYs on your list or scoop up a couple of items from Olive & Cocoa – hopefully this inspired you to delve into the details for your next party.  Not all of us have time to be Martha, but we can access great resources to make our parties just as special.  Happy Entertaining!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Cathrineholm for Less
DIY Pennant Invitations
Oh Buoy!  Color Tipped Cutting Boards

It Takes Two to Tango: Tangerine and Blue Color Inspiration

06 Wednesday Jun 2012

Posted by in Inspiration, Shops We Love, Tabletop

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Color Inspiration, shades of blue, Wisteria

We are almost halfway through the Year of Tangerine Tango and we’ve had fun showcasing this color.  Remember Amy’s Eames chair DIY, window shopping in Newport, and even celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge‘s 75 years of International Orange?  Well all of this fiery orange inspiration made me crave the serenity of blue.

A while back I pinned the beautiful Alberto Pinto Lagon place setting (above) because the combination of orange and blue was perfect.   The richness of the orange and the blue pop off each piece in harmony; this design reinforces that these are truly complimentary colors.  So to indulge my need for blue, I have pulled together my favorite shades of blue out of the recent Wisteria catalog.

Ikat Tea Caddy Lamp

Stackable Trays

Blue Durrie Rug

Navy British Colonial Cabinet

Moroccan Pillows

Iznik Melamine Plates

I hope you’ll agree that any of these hues of blue would be amazing with tangerine or any decor.  While I like all of these items, my favorite might be the Navy British Colonial Cabinet which is also available in, you guessed it, Orange!

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Turquoise Rocks 2010
Etsy Pick:  Vintage Favorites at City Farmhouse Antique
Feeling Blue at Venetucci Home

Oh Buoy! Color Tipped Cutting Boards

31 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Dining Room, Eco-friendly, Kitchen, Shops We Love, Tabletop

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Color-Tipped Cutting Boards, , unique cutting boards

This tablescape is the perfect mix of industrial and country chic for beautiful, casual living.  From the varnished raw steel Mid-Century Cafe Seating by Tolix to the reclaimed Pine barn planked Longmont table to the tulip inspired New Amsterdam Dhurrie it is a vignette to consider in your loft apartment to your beach cottage.  My favorite detail in this image (and one with DIY potential if you need instant gratification) are the Color-Tipped Cutting Boards on the wall!

With five sizes and colors to choose from these Color Tipped Cutting Boards from the Sundance Catalog would be great in any kitchen.  Depending on the style of your kitchen these could be an additional nod to a nautical theme, or an artisan touch in an eclectic kitchen, or a colorful pop for the country chic look.  Another great find at the Palace of Catalogs!

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Etsy Pick: Vintage Favorites at City Farmhouse Antique

30 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by in Accessories, Celebrations, Etsy Pick of the Week, Inspiration, Shops We Love, Tabletop

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"Blue Ball" jars, Blue Mason Jar centerpieces, City Farmhouse Antique, , vintage aqua Mason Jar, white Ironstone china, white tablescapes

On a search for vintage goodies on Etsy, I found the City Farmhouse Antique shop.  My first clue that I had found treasures was the list of categories:  Antiques, Primitives, Vintage, Industrial and Home Goods.  Intriguing, yes?!  My second clue, and confirmation that the categories were genuine, was the stack of “Blue Ball” pint size mason jars above.  (Remember how beautiful the pink peony looked in the aqua mason jar?!)

In addition to an offering of vintage “Blue Ball” jars – if you buy any of these and style a vignette, please send pictures! – there is also a range of white Ironstone china.  Another item from an era gone by that I am starting to see more often.  This vintage white dish ware is perfect for entertaining because you can use any napkin, tablecloth or flower arrangement to dress your table and not be directed by the color of the plate.  Also, if your plating presentation is amazing, then the plate’s color or pattern doesn’t compete.

Imagine if you will, the “blue ball” mason jars with the white Ironstone china (or any white table ware) on a table setting . . .

or

or

If you love vintage treasures, then the City Farmhouse Antique shop is a great resource for you.  There are antique mantle clocks, wooden egg crates, galvanized steel items and more.  These Mother of Pearl and Sterling Crab and Oyster Knives below would also look stunning on your next tablescape.  Enjoy!

Image Sources:  City Farmhouse Antique, Southern Weddings, Indulgy, The Martha Blog, City Farmhouse Antique

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Sweet Meas for Upcycled Vintage Finds
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Oilcloth: A Little Retro is Perfect for Outdoor Entertaining

28 Monday May 2012

Posted by in Celebrations, Outdoor, Tabletop

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oilcloth pillows, , , retro tablescapes

‘Tis the season for outdoor entertaining so I must dicuss one of my obsessions:  oilcloth!  Reminiscent of an era gone by – my grandmother had an oilcloth table cloth that was used for everyday meals as well as many rounds of gin rummy as I got older – oilcloth is still very practical today because it is a durable and wipeable surface, and it can add a splash of fun kitsch to any decor.  Currently, my oilcloth splashes are in my tote bags, cosmetic cases and my daughter’s lunch bag, but after finding a couple great shops that sell cut yardage in addition to finished oilcloth goods I am considering adding an oilcloth table cloth into my party closet.

Historically oilcloth was made with a heavy canvas or cotton fabric rendered waterproof with numerous coats of linseed oil; today plastic (PVC) or vinyl is woven into cotton and is far less time-consuming.  Most oilcloth is imported from Mexico and this tangerine inspired table cloth above would be perfectly on trend this summer!  Whether it’s oilcloth or laminated cotton, this old-school accessory is prime for modern day:  outdoor entertaining, a breakfast nook, children’s art tables and more.  Have a little fun and go retro in a fresh way!

There are so many uses for oilcloth today due to crafty oilcloth fans and the modernization of oilcloth production allowing for a wider variety in finished yardage.  If you are intrigued, then check out Modern June’s Sewing with Oilcloth book, Martha Stewart’s Oilcloth Crafts, Wipe Easy Tablelcloths for modern cut yardage, or just search the web and you’ll find a plethora of uses for oilcloth.

Image Sources:
Coquelicot from Provence, Mexican Sugar Skull, Oilcloth Moth, Modern June, Pink Chalk Studio, Modern June, Martha Stewart

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World Market Offers Fantastic Summer Collections at Affordable Prices

10 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Furniture, furniture, garden, Outdoor, pillows, Tabletop, textiles

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Outdoor Decorating Ideas, , World Market

I recently had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek at the summer collections from Cost Plus World Market. They are really vibrant and fun while still offering classic style that will take you seamlessly from year to year. I’m most excited about the Timber Cove collection–living in Newport automatically draws me to all things navy & white and sea life themed. But I really love the Timber Cove Outdoor Dining Collection as well as it comes in a white wash look and you can mix and match between benches, side chairs, and arm chairs for seating. It definitely needs to be added to my list of best outdoor dining tables under $500.

This furniture will be even more comfortable with these fabulous outdoor throw pillows. I can’t decide which is my favorite!

And I’m really in love with the dishes in the collection which include lobster, crab, starfish, and coral motifs. These would be great for our beach parties this summer.

Of course, the melamine nautical themed plates might be more practical for our beach outings or perhaps I’ll just bring them for the kids.

Another item I love in the summer collection is the Pompeian Metal Garden Stool (also available in white and teal).

It would look great next to their colorful Adirondack chairs.

And I’m quite certain that I would be very comfortable lounging in the Catalina Deep Bench. Can someone get me a Margarita please!

Besides the fabulous designs that World Market offers, one of my favorite things about them is that they are all also really affordable! There are so many more products that are on my must-have list from here. Stay-tuned for a follow-up post!

If you like outdoor living, check out these:
 Colorful Plantation Chairs for Lounging
 New Pillows for the Patio
Our Picks for Pottery Barn’s Best of Summer 2012

Privet House at Target Opens Sunday!

04 Friday May 2012

Posted by in Accessories, Dining Room, furniture, garden, Outdoor, Shops We Love, Tabletop, textiles

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Privet House, The Shops at Target

This Sunday Target will launch it’s exciting new concept of shop-in-shops called The Shops. They’ve hand-picked five boutiques from across the country to re-create the experience within Target stores with merchandise exclusively designed for Target. While the shops offer everything from dog biscuits to candy, I am of course most excited for the Privet House shop. This Connecticut based home emporium offers a wonderful collection of home goods including antiques and new merchandise and Target has done an excellent job recreating the look and feel of the shop with products that are certain to be highly sought after. Here’s a peak!

The colors, the patterns, the style, the whole collection is just fabulous!

And just for the record I’m pretty excited for all the other shops too.

See you on Sunday at Target!

*All images courtesy of Target*

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Potty Talk: Inspiration for the Loo

03 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Accessories, Bath, lighting, Tabletop

≈ 2 Comments

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Bathrooms, inspiration, Thames Street Kitchen, TSK

Thames Street Kitchen a farm to table restaurantLet’s face it, most restaurant bathrooms are pretty icky.  In fact, I find most commercial bathrooms, well, gross really. I would not normally write a post on such topics, however I was having dinner at a local restaurant, Thames Street Kitchen, and was very impressed with their unisex bathroom.  So impressed that I actually snapped a few photos.

Thames Street Kitchen ArtEven before entering the bathroom, I was met with some thought provoking art.

thames stret kitchen soap

Thames Street Kitchen PlanterMoss, smooth stones, and good lighting made the experience quite pleasant.  Thankfully, the food and ambiance INSIDE the restaurant were even better!

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 Freshening Up in the Bathroom

Interlock Cutlery as Place Settings

20 Friday Apr 2012

Posted by in Celebrations, Eco-friendly, Inspiration, Kitchen, Tabletop

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color, Ding3000, Join cutlery, Konstantin Slawinski, placesettings, purple, reusable, Turquoise

Couldn’t resist . . . the Join cutlery place setting designed by Konstantin Slawinski is beautiful for any Spring or Summer tablescape!

If you love these as much as I do, then add them to your party closet.   Found a great tutorial on the Ding3000 website in case joining them isn’t as easy as it looks.

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Reusable Cozies for your Food!
Going “Green” in Style for the New Year!
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