Rethink Pink: Can these rooms be turned into a tablesetting?

Forget little girls' rooms: Pink is a color for any area of the house.
Hot pink, soft pink and every shade in between are in vogue. Pink is showing up in accent pillows, wall paper, dishes and even bathroom doors. (above images: Oprah Magazine)


The pop behind pink:
In addition to carnations, prom dresses and lingerie, it harkens to the personal downside of the tough economy (pink slip), a classic cartoon ("The Pink Panther"), a pop star (Pink), a movie title (Pretty in Pink) or a television character (Pinky Tuscadero). (above images: Jean-Louis Coquet, Paris Noir, 5pc place setting, $325.00, Michael C. Fina; powder room at Provence Soho Restaurant).



The color’s strength:
Two words of advance for fashion mavens this season: Think pink.
Apparently, designers put on rose-colored glasses to design their current spring and summer lines, since that's what we're now seeing in stores. (above image l to r: Oprah magazine;Philippe Starck Baccarat black gobblets, Neiman Marcus).

Part of the color's strength seems to lie in its malleability. While it's often perceived as soft and girlie, it can take on a sexy slant when paired with black.


On the table:
Adding a bit of unexpected color can be a nice surprise for your guests. I recommend that people who are thinking about adding pink to their table shouldn't overdo it initially. A safe bet is to introduce it as an accent color. Pink can be a great color for a table napkin placed next to a black and white tableware. A dining table could include pink roses in a black vase or mix and match and add a pink charger or a pink salad/dessert plate with your table setting.
(images above row 1: Oprah Magazine, Ombrages dinner plate, Raynaud, $75.00, Bloomingdale's); row 2: Domino magazine, Uliveto Serving Bowl, $275.00, Nambe, Bloomingdale's).


The perfect touch:
Use pink however you feel comfortable. Hot pink and soft pink send very different messages. Hot pink, like red, conveys flirtiness or sensual passion. The hotter pinks are more high-energy colors, and are best used on tables where people congregate for a lively party.
Conversely, soft pinks are associated with innocence and relaxation; they are better used during quieter occasions like a small intimate dinner. (images above row 1: Zvizz by Orrefors vase, $105.00, Bloomingdale's; row 2: Marimekko Ruusupuu coffee mug, $9.50, Rosewood tea towel, $10.50, finnstyle).


No matter what shade you choose, pink is flattering to any tableware and will casts a warm glow on almost any table. (images above row 1: Fitz and Floyd tea set; row 2: Ladies Who Lunch, $40.00, Rosanna).

Beyond that, pink is just fun!

Stripe it rich: Up, down, or all around, there’s lots of ways to go with stripe

Whether they're on fabrics, furniture or a five-piece place setting, stripes stretch your decorating possibilities. Imagine their versatility:

Pinstripes, so tailored, reserved, calming.
Awning stripes - beachy, splashy, upbeat.
Mattress-ticking stripes. Don't they suggest a coastal cottage, a lodge or a porch?

(above l to r: Hemisphere 5pc place setting, $818.06, Artedona; image from Domino magazine).

(above: Rio bowl, $142.08, Artedona).

(l to r: Venice Beach collection, Ralph Lauren Home; Iittala Origo orange paper napkins, $8.75, Finnstyle).

Stripes not only run the gamut in setting a decorating tone; they combine well with other china patterns, these stripe vases from Caleb Siemon would add dimension and drama to any table.


For something so simple, the stripe has a remarkably wide range of variations, depending on the combination of colors used and the thickness of the lines. And they're seen across the board from casual, traditional to contemporary.


(l to r: Image from House Beautiful Magazine; Colorado place setting, $236.81, Artedona).


(l to r: Taro stripe appetizer plate, $1.95, Cb2; Signature stripe legacy stripe tote, $298.00, Coach).

(above: Cubist stripe dinner bread and butter plate, $45.00, Marc Blackwell).

The eyes do follow the direction of the stripe, so take that rule into consideration when choosing between horizontal and vertical stripes. Diagonal stripes create power and movement. They are very dramatic, not restful. They should be used in small doses.

(above: Funky diagonal dinner plates s8, $6.50, Plum party).

Stripes are classic. From the stripes down the side of tuxedo trousers to the traditional ticking on an old-fashioned mattress, stripes are everywhere. All the major designers have always used stripes.


Where would Sir Paul Smith be without his "signature stripes"? They started off on shirts, but these days, they can be found on china as well as numerous accessories. Jackie Shapiro's French Bull also uses stripe, their multi stripe coasters adds a contemporary twist to stripe.

(above clockwise: Image from Domino magazine; coffee pot, 200 pounds, mug, 45 pounds, breakfast cup and saucer, 79 pounds, all from Paul Smith).

Rosita Missoni has also elevated stripes into high fashion, subverting the straight into eyedefying curves, zigzags and chevrons that career over cushions, bound around bolsters and push onto plates.

(Image: Missoni showroom, Missoni Carousel coffee pot, $417.00; salad plate, $59.00, Michael C. Fina).


American fashion designer Jackie Shapiro of French Bull’s trademark is her bold graphic stripes.

(l to r: Iittala Origo Serving Bowl, $42.00, Finnstyle; Storage container set, $26.00, French Bull).

The stripe is always in style. It mixes nicely with most other china patterns, so it can be used to update a table without entirely changing it. They pair easily with florals and prints, giving the eye a bit of geometric relief. They accent solids and complement plaids. The variety of stripes and patterns means there is one for just about every setting. Try mixing striped and floral patterns, using color to link the two.


(row 1: Melody stripe dining table, $1,298.00, Anthropologie; Tropical stripe dinnerware $24.99, Target).

(row 2: Fassett Fiesta Stripe Napkins, $32.00, Pottery Dessert plate, $58.00, Potluck Studio).

(row 3: Tienshen Spectrum Stripes 16pc, $49.99, Macy's; Legacy stripe bangle, $98.00, Coach).

To stripe it rich on the cheap, change the look of your table by using a stripe.

To Have and To Fold: Butler's Trays

As Chip and I prepare to spend the rest of our lives together (under one roof), the conversation of consolidation has been a hot topic with us lately. He has his stuff; I have my stuff and whether we live in a castle, cottage or condo, the one thing we’re guaranteed to do is fill it up with more “stuff”. Now, I’m willing to “merge & purge” but there’s one thing that our home just can’t be without and that a butler’s tray.

(l to r: Chromatic little side table, $179.00; Imperial tole tray and stand, $249.00, Wisteria).

If you’re not familiar with a butler’s tray, let me tell you they’re great. A butler's tray often has a deeper surround, handles on the short sides to facilitate carrying and a portable stand with folding legs. It is used for the service of drinks and generally serves as a convenient side table. The two pictures at the top of this post are taken from Domino and Martha Stewart magazine. (l to r: used as a drink tray in Domino, used as a bed side table in Martha Stewart).

(l to r: White Butler's Tray, 25 pounds, The White Cottage company; Shabby chic tray table $34.95, Online Discount mart).

When you live in New York City, rooms in your apartment are used for multiple purposes, so if you want to be able to salsa in the living-room, then it's fold-away furniture for you. Butler’s trays are very useful – the tray lifts off it's folding base for carrying food or removing plates, and they double as drinks trays or serving sideboards.

(l to r: Oscar de la Renta tray, $145.00, Stand $170.00, Saks; Formosa tray table, $39.95, Cb2).

A functional butler’s table should be durable, stylish and beautiful. With convenient removable tops, the tray table encompasses the idea of serving in style. You can use it to serve wine or coffee, or a bed tray table for breakfast. Here you'll find a great selection of my favorite butler's trays , it’s just a shame Jeeves isn’t included!

(l to r: Folding rattan tray, $59.95, Z gallerie; Portable butler tray with stand, $19.99, Bed Bath and Beyond).

(l to r: Meurice butler tray table, $565.00, Jonathan Adler; Croco Butlers tray $59. 95, Z gallerie).

(l to r: Butler's tray, Home, James!, $235.00, (631) 329-8878; Summa tray table, $398.00, DWR).

On a warm summer night when you're dining al fresco. Butler's tray are the ideal table for the garden or deck. Tray doubles as a table top, so load up in the kitchen, carry it into your garden and set it on the base. You can also mix and match. Oversize serving trays are common at flea markets. And the folding stands used in restaurants and hotels aren't hard to find either. Why not bring them together? Here a couple of matches made in heaven.

(above: folding stands and serving trays occasionally turn up a flea markets and tag sales. With a fresh coat of paint, they'll stylishly keep cocktails, canapes and more at hand. Martha Stewart).

(l to r: Lucite stackable tray, $89.00, a.r.t.c store; loop tray table, $145.00, San Francisco MoMA).

(l to r: White foley tray top table, $395.00, William Sonoma Home; Isaac Mizrahi tray, $19.99, Target).

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.

Here’s the scoop: Fabulous ice cream cups for your registry

As the summer sun grows hotter, we all scream for ice cream. And when a box of creamsicles just won't do, try your hand at making some homemade ice cream. Check out the recipe for Walnut ice cream with Padre Peppe over at delicious days (dot) com. Someone get me an ice cream maker quick!!! This recipe is unbelievable.

(l to r: ice cream cone dishes, spoons, $39.00, $24.00, Williams- Sonoma; Galzone Ice Cream Waffle Sundae Cone, $ 3.99, Barfly).

I grew up with ice cream. It elicits really good memories of growing up. At family reunions, summer backyard parties or Fourth of July celebrations my family would bring out the traditional hand-cranked tub and make some of the best ice cream you’d ever want to taste! Plan a ice cream party for your friends and family this summer. It's a fun, affordable way to bring people together. Here are some tips and ice cream cups that will make your next party oh so sweet!

(l to r: Venezia dish, $5.25, C.S. Post and Co.; Soda Fountain milkshake cups, $40.00 & ice cream cups, $30.00, Rosanna).

Set everything up like a salad bar on the dining table allow guests to walk around all sides, choosing exactly what they want from the ice-cream buffet. Use parfait glasses, long spoons and colorful napkins to set the tone of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

(above: Banana split bowl, s4, $19.50, Sur la table).

(l to r: Dessert dishes, s4,$28.00, Uncommon Goods; Andy Warhol ice cream cone set $25.00, Plumparty).

Stock up on both favorite flavors and a number of unusual ice cream flavors for your guests to enjoy - - - Lavender, Ginger, Wasabi, French Toast and Jalepeno are just a few of the crazy varieties with which to experiment. Don't forget the mix-ins. Ready-to-bake cookie dough has got to be my favorite! For more variety, and more fun, offer peppermint patties, malted milk balls, gummy bears, caramel corn, shredded coconut, peanut butter cups, and fruit, fresh or dried. Jars and bowls full of hot fudge, marshmallow cream, strawberry sauce, crushed pineapple, caramel, wet nuts, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries top it all off.

(l to r: Ice cream dish, s6, $19.95, Bormioli Rocco Glass; Sherbet Glass, s4,$15.50, Sur la table).

Plan to have enough ice cream for each person to have 1 to 1 1/2 cups.

(l to r: Silver Plated ice cream container, $95.00, Vivre; Ice cream pail with rope handle $84.00, ice cream cone, $42.00, Mariposa).

Don't forget the camera: people’s faces enjoying their homemade ice cream treats are priceless!

(above and below: Dessert bowls, s4, $82.00, Shevon Gant ceramics; Sweet dream ice cream bowls $30.00, Rosanna).

(l to r: Big Love ice cream cup and spoon, $45.00, hivemodern; retro aluminum, s6, ice cream cups, $24.99, Target).

Making ice cream together is great fun for the family or a summertime party with friends, whether you use a traditional hand-cranked tub or an automatic machine. It’s the summer time, eat lots of ice cream, relax with family and friends and enjoy the simple things that make summer so special.