The Color Purple: stemware

"I think it pisses God off when you walk by the color purple in a field and don't notice it." - Shug Avery from The Color Purple, a Broadway musical

Forget traditional stemware, this season's tables are set in color. So let's raise a toast to this rich jewel tone and the sexy detailing of the best colored crystal stemware. Companies ranging from William Yeoward and Saint Louis to Iittala offer something colorful -- from shot and liqueur glasses to champagne and martini glasses. (Image above: House Beautiful)



Adding purple stemware to your table is a fun way to update traditional china, if you have your mom's or grandmother's old china, you can really punch up your table with colored stemware. (Images above: Matthew Mead)



If purple is your favorite color, you can incorporate purple champagne flutes or other glasses into your collection. Or you can mix it up more than that -- serve a tray of purple juice or liqueurs in a beautiful crystal glass. Using color can be a way of expressing your personality on the table, whether it's a big catered party or a dinner for six. (Images above: Brides.com and House Beautiful)


( above: Purple glass Olivia, Horchow; Amethyst wine glass, William Yeoward)

The bold, vibrant shades of purple flaunted this season by the fashion industry has spilled onto stemware. Purple glasses are available in all price ranges, so start spreading the hues and strut some color on your table this season!

SPLUGE or


(row 1: violet martini ,$550.00; violet flute, $370.00; Saint Louis Crystal; Michael C. Fina)
(row 2: violet goblet , $210.00; violet double old fashion, $225.00; Wiliam Yeoward; Lux Bond and Green)
(row 3: purple double old fashion, $120.00; purple highball, $120.00; David Redman; Gumps)

SAVE?


(above: Kira martini glasses, $5.95, Crate and Barrel; Eclipse 5-ounce martini, set of 2,$194.99; Bed Bath and Beyond; dark lilac mari bowl, Iittala, $48.00, Skandium).

Tablesettings report: Autumn Accents

For many folks, nothing says fall like football. For some, it is a yard full of leaves. For others, it may be picking pumpkins at a pumpkin patch (a reader wrote me yesterday about the pumkins that she grows in her very own patch and boy are they beautiful. Marti, has a green thumb for sure! [click here])! For me, it's the opportunity to decorate with a bounty of reds, oranges and yellows, in a harvest of mums, branches and pumpkins.


(above: Persimmon Dinnerware, Made in France by Jars, set of 4 dinner plates, $110.00, Gumps; image from Country Living magazine).

Those who like to decorate may welcome autumn by changing the colors in their homes and the colors on their table. It could be simply adding a brown and gold table runner on the table or trading the blue and white dessert plates for sage green and bronze or replacing the daisies on the dining table with a cornucopia of gourds.

I've put together a table setting report with some of my favorite table settings that are full of autumn accents to give you some inspiration to dress your table in the gorgeous hues of the harvest.


(above: Milo Charger, $21.95, Crate and Barrel; Tudor and Provence dinner plate, set of 4, $ 29.00, The Bombay Company; Pheasant salad plate, set of 4, $48.00, Pottery Barn).

To dress earthy stoneware for dinner, layer on rich olive green plates with a glowing bronzed rim. For a simple update to the autumn table, add Pottery Barn's pheasant salad plate, a updated vintage copperplate set up against porcelain. For that extra touch, add warm color and organic texture to the table with a handwoven natural rattan charger.


(above: Harvest leaf salad plate, set of 4, $56.00, Pottery Barn; Martha Stewart magazine).

For a splash of style, adorn your table with autumn's brightest accessories: vivd fall leaves. I love the harvest leaf salad plate at Pottery Barn. As an alternative, simply clip leaves from a tree and arrange the clippings at each place setting and top with a transparent glass plate.



(above: Image Country Living magazine; Marrakech Dinnerware, $12.95 - $14.95, Crate and Barrel; Image from Blue Print magazine).

Taking advantage of flowers and produce available at this time of the year is another way to celebrate fall. Pomegranates, colorful dried corn, nuts, berries, citrus and apples in bowls or baskets can add a warm touch as a centerpiece. Place a large straw cornucopia or small bowls on the dining table and fill it with raffia, gourds and pepper berries.


(above: Laque de Chine Gold by Haviland, dinner plate, $90.00, Bloomingdale's; Luxury dinnerware,
16pc setting, $519.90, Horchow).

Depth of color and a golden gleam add a rich accent to a autumn table settings. The gold band
highlights the subtle shaping of the rims of these dinnerware patterns.


(above: English earthenware from Spode® features traditional game and bird studies with a border pattern inspired by the British flower designs favored in the early-19th century. Delamere 5pc place setting, $69.90; Horchow).

There may be plenty of holiday dinner plates to choose from - new and old - in every price range; but to me nothing says Thanksgiving like Spode's Wildlife dinnerware. It's a classic and one of their most recognized patterns. It has a vintage and antique feel. For a more paired down look mix and match it with Delamere.


(shown above: Image for Martha Stewart, Image from Carolyn Roehm, Image from
Cottage Home).

To put more autumn on your table, changing even the simple things can give your table setting a lift. Try spray painting your pumpkins silver as shown in the pictures above. Just look through your house for things that might be in fall colors or metallics and group them together.

Carving out style on your autumn table

Fall is approaching, Halloween is on the way and a small army of pumpkin farms are geared up and ready for seasonal pickers.

As a decorating staple during autumn, the pumpkin often falls into the realm of jack 'o lantern whimsy; but there are so many other great ways to enjoy pumpkins beyond the typical jack-o'-lantern.


(above: Image from Pottery Barn; Pumpkin Candles, $24.00, Pottery Barn; Reception design by Pollen Atlanta).

If you're trying to spice up your Thanksgiving decorating or planning for a autumn wedding, colorful pumpkins offer a wealth of possibilities.


(above: Image from Brides.com; Pumpkin weight by Matthew Mead, Image from Country Living).

Let these images inspire you and prove that the pumpkin is more than mere child's play. From candles, centerpieces to ceramic serving dishes and table weights, these pumpkin-inspired designs show the more sophisticated side of the season.


(above: Image from Country Living).

4Arrange a variety of fresh fall flowers in a urn filled with water. Place the urn in the middle of the table surrounded by pumpkins, use leaves, pinecones and twigs as accents.

4Use smaller pumpkins as place-card holders. Cut a slit in the stem and slide in a name card, or paint your guests' names directly on the pumpkins.

4Use hollowed-out pumpkins as serving bowls. After scooping out the seeds and pulp, line a pumpkin with orange cellophane or a decorative cloth napkin and pack it with chips, crackers or candy.


(above: Countryside Harvest Collection Pumpkin Soup Tureen, $29.99, Mikasa; image from Country Living).

4Use a large pumpkin as a tureen for warm pumpkin soup and smaller pumpkins as soup bowls. If you're having a party, consider using a large pumpkin as an ice bucket or a serving bowl for hot spiced cider or punch.


(above: Wilton Pumpkin cake pan, $27.95, Sur la Table; Pumpkin faces cookies, $45.50, Elenis ).

When creating your autumn table, make sure that your foods and decor embody the season.


(above: Solid Glass Pumpkin, $19.99, Target; Handblow Glass Pumpkins, $185.00, Gump's).

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.

Player's Club: Tableware finds for your next Game Night and the inspiration behind my wedding theme

Chip and I are learning so much from my parent’s, who recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. We are learning that the key to harmony and happiness in their relationship comes from the flip of a card in a game of gin rummy, the sound of dominoes slapping the table and the advancement of the checkers across the backgammon board. I love the fact that after 40 years of marriage my parents still play games together!



(shown above: Kate Spade gin rummy coasters, set of 4, $35.00, Park Ave Gifts; Playing Card dessert plate, $35.00; Playing Card Mug, $35.00; both available at Tiffany & Co).



(shown above: Oscar de la Renta City Collection: Domino Place Card Holder, Domino Frosted Cocktail Shaker, Domino Lacquered tray).

Growing up, “Game night” was the foundation of my family's quality time. The sharing and laughter that occurred when my family played board games or cards together has made for some lasting memories and created a family tradition. Now that I am getting married and starting a family of my own, Chip and I will continue to uphold this "Game Night" tradition because we’re learning that it can do wonders for a relationship. I am even considering having a "Game Night" theme for my wedding.



(clockwise: Chess Bar Collection dof, $70.00, Reed and Barton; Kate Spade Gin Rummy decanter, $125.00, Four-suits-vodka, $550.00, Steuben glass; Dice bottle stopper, $75.00, Ralph Lauren Home; Spice Dice, Unica Home).

What does playing board games have to do with relationships? A lot, actually. As a new couple, it is a fun excuse to meet new neighbors, hang out with old friends or spice up a dinner party. It's also a great way to gain a little insight about those you think you know: Who knew that your soon-to-be, sweet mother-in-law was so competitive or that your future father-in law was a sore loser? (Well, Chip knows now…)



I hope these tableware finds have inspired you to log off the computer, put down the blackberry, invite people over and have a “Game Night”!




( Inspiratation for my wedding reception: Escort cards made out of playing cards; cocktail hour
hors d'oeuvres would consisit of slides, pigs n' a blanket, mini grilled cheese, veggie, etc.; domino and checker filled centerpieces, board games at the children's table, deck of cards for favors, etc. Do you see where I'm going with this? The best theme wedding I've ever seen is "Grade School Sweethearts", check it out at Brooklyn Bride and check out the post Vane did just for me entitled, "For Sarah: Ulimate Game Night Wedding", she's unbelievable and provided me with so much inspiration for my themed wedding! Vane, THANK YOU, these invites are fantastic)!

Board games are hot! Yes, Monopoly and Scrabble are good board games; but look at these luxurious alternatives; they are perfect for the stylish high-roller who takes their play seriously:



(shown above: leather traveling backgammon set, 98 pounds, Links of London; Acrylic backgammon , $625.00, Vivre; Glass dominoes set, $595.00, Polo Ralph Lauren; Medieval Chess Set $2500.00, Lladro; Jonathan Adler Utopia Playing Card Box, $125.00, Barneys; Small Poker Game set, $290.00, Vivre).

Hermes: Where “luxury” is still luxury!

Once upon a time, luxury was only available to the rarefied and aristocratic world of old money and royalty; luxury wasn't simply a product, it was a lifestyle! It meant something - - - a history of tradition, superior quality and a pampered buying experience. Today, the luxury market is less about quality and more about quantity. Well all is not lost; one luxury brand that still has a keen eye for craftsmanship is Hermès.




Hermès was founded in 1837 to produce leather good equestrian products and saddlery. Since then it is a name that has become synonymous with quality and style, bringing to its customers the very best in fashion, leather goods and stunning porcelain. Hermes porcelain is amazing and my all-time favorite collection is Chaine d'Ancre Blue!!!



Hermès have added another new collection of luxury lifestyle products to their plate – literally. Their new Fil d'Argent dinner service range is a 14-piece set that was designed by Henri d'Origny. Longtime Hermès customers will know Henri d'Origny from his iconic designs that have adorned Hermès' neckties for close to five decades. The interlocking chain pattern interacts with the Arabesques, while the muted white and gray colors exude a soothing and modern sophistication.



So what’s the story behind Hermès’s signature color “Orange”? I found this amusing tid bit in Dana Thomas’ new book “Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster”: Orange was the only color widely available during World War II to the money-saving benefits of raw-edge cutting, which had been marketed to the public as a cutting-edge, avant-garde innovation.



I am currently reading Ms. Thomas’ new book and I can’t put it down! Dana Thomas
has been the cultural and fashion writer for Newsweek in Paris for 12 years and she has written a crisp, witty social history on the luxury market that’s as entertaining as it is informative. It is a MUST READ!!!



While most so- called-luxury brands are run by massive corporations that focus only on growth, visibility, brand-awareness, advertising and above all, profits; Hermes is still made to the very highest of standards. I could only dream of a table setting completely adorned in Hermes porcelain; but for me just one teapot will do!

If you’re in New York check out the new Hermes store that opened on June 21. Rena Dumas is the architect of the Hermès store at 15 Broad Street.

Barking up the right tree

Birch, that is. Interested in turning your table into a rustic retreat? It’s easy to create a rustic feeling. Think log cabin, wood on the fire, 20 acres out back and a mountain near-by that reaches up to the heavens. So what if you live in New York City (like me), Florida or California. Pick a theme and run with it. I love the idea of wood on the fire, because it brings about the feeling of my parent's home around the holiday. (l to r: small timber vases , $36.00, Sprout Home; Tree Trunk pedestals, Roost).



But, mostly I love the idea of wood on the fire because it’s low-stress decorating. Try substituting your cake stand with a tree trunk that you could probably pick up from your local nursery or florist. (shown above: nut torte filled with mocha buttercream and chocolate, iced with rolled fondant and decorated with white-chocolate leaves. Cake by Cheryl Kleinman, 718-237-2271.)



My mantra for decorating the table is to use what you have. Mix and match rustic accessories with your existing china, flatware and glasses. You can easily bring warmth to the table with these nature inspired pieces set amidst your china and the glow of candlelight. Here’s how to get the idea of wood on the fire without a fireplace. (l to r: Burl Wood Bowls, Roost; Wood grain table runner, $44.00, Viva Terra).



(clockwise: Birch Bark Candles, Roost; Wood candles, from $12.00, Pottery Barn; Tree slice chargers, $39.00, Viva Terra; Burlwood chip and dip, $78.00, Jayson Home).