Dining and Entertaining

Cheers to these Chic Clear Drink Dispensers

2013-02-06T22:29:17Z

Warm weather is on the horizon (although it sure doesn't feel like it in the dead of winter!) so make sure you have cool drinks on hand with these chic drink dispensers from Horchow. Whether you're hosting a swanky soiree or a casual outdoor barbecue, they are a great way to display the drink of choice: iced tea with sliced lemons, juice, punch or something with a little more, er... punch! Your guests will have fun refilling their own glasses with this easy-to-use entertaining essential. Done in clear glass, these drink dispensers are also a great way to display fruit, flowers or seasonal items like pine cones and Christmas ornaments. Here are a few styles that we love: The Ginger-Jar and Pear-Shaped Crystal Drink Dispensers

The Ginger-Jar and Pear Shaped drink dispensers feature a romantic style with their shapely silhouettes and curved covers. The Pear Shaped drink dispenser sits daintily on its pedestal base. Retail price is $105. Square Beverage Dispenser

For a clean and contemporary look, the Square drink dispenser is a no-nonsense option. We love the separate storage area at the base, which can be used for practical purposes (like fruit) or decorative items. Retail price: $105.90. "Monticello" and "Chapel Hill" Beverage Servers

The "Monticello" and "Chapel" Hill beverage servers boast a gentle curve in their glass, and polished nickel-plated metal feet and tops which bring a sophisticated shine to any table. Retail price: $130. Stacked Optic-Glass Beverage Server

The Stacked Optic-Glass beverage server is the perfect picnic accessory. This three-in-one dispenser serves up something for everyone at the party. Water, juice and something spiked for the adults. Or enhance your tropical themed party with a trio of fruit juices. Retail price: $109.90. "Savannah" Beverage Dispensers

The "Savannah" drink dispenser is dressed for a formal affair. The crystal containers stand on pedestal feet and feature an etched floral design that adds a special something to any tabletop. Retail price: 1-Gallon $60, 1.85-Gallon $100. "Mission" Beverage Server

Create a statement with a Mission style lemonade dispenser for your mission style home. It's made from black colored iron and clear glass. Retail price: $120.00 For more information, visit Horchow.

Colorful Cafe Glassware by Pottery Barn: retro style goblets and tumblers

2013-01-14T21:12:32Z

We love the cool shades and the hot vintage vibe of the Colorful Cafe Glassware from Pottery Barn. Inspired by family dinners and soda pop shops of days gone by, these retro-style goblets and tumblers are made of molded tinted glass and have a hefty weight that delivers durability to beauty. On trend with ornamental colored glass, this drink-ware collection is casual enough to brighten up a breakfast or lunch table, and simple supper settings get a lively finishing touch. Fill them with water, juice, milk, wine, or give them a decorative purpose by filling with flowers or candles at each place setting. Combine your favorite colors for an antique mix-n-match look. This glassware comes in sets of 6, available in amber, blue, blush, sage green, turquoise and clear. Cheers! Additional information is available by visiting Pottery Barn.

40 Christmas Morning Breakfast Ideas

2012-12-24T19:31:51Z

Christmas is synonymous with festivities, feasts, and full bellies! This is the time for indulgences and as they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So whip up something extra special on Christmas morning and make a marvelous meal that's really worth waking up for! Here are 40 Christmas breakfast ideas inspired by traditional Christmas-time fare. Add elements of gingerbread, cinnamon and spice, eggnog and candy canes to your pancakes, waffles, donuts, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls and French toast, and wash it all down with a winter-themed drink. These mouth-watering meal ideas will give the Christmas turkey a run for its money! Pancakes Who doesn't love a heaping stack of pancakes? This classic breakfast item gets a holiday makeover with these delicious dishes inspired by Rudolf, snowmen, Christmas trees, and Santa himself! Get creative - pour different sized and shaped flapjacks and arrange them in your theme of choice. Here are some ideas that will have them coming back for seconds, and thirds... Rudolf Pancakes Reindeer Chow, red nose and all! Santa Stacks Ho, ho ho-ly cow these are good! Inspired-by-Gingerbread Flapjacks ... and Made-of-Gingerbread Flapjacks Red and White Pancakes Candy-Cane-Chocolate-Chip Pancake Perfection Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze An Army of Snowmen That's right, these cute little guys are in a category all their own! Snowman Stack #1 Snowman Stack #2 Snowman Stack #3 Snowman Stack #4 Pancake Wreath Pancake Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Ooey, gooey, and oozing with cinnamon sugar goodness, the cinnamon roll will always have a special place at the top of the Christmas morning menu. Spice up breakfast this year (aside from the cinnamon itself!) with this festive spin on the classic roll, simple and sweet, or all decked out with Christmas spirit. Traditional Cinnamon Rolls - Why mess with perfection? Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Snow-Covered Cinnamon Buns Will wassail for waffles Here we come a-waffling ... Isn't that how the song goes? On second thought, though the lyrics to this traditional Christmas carol refer to "wassailing," this little-used word will completely drop from your vocabulary after a taste of these Christmas-themed waffles. Bring on the waffle-ing - you'll be singing their praises, they're that good! Tasty Tannenbaums "Berry Tasty" Tree Waffles Mmmmmm... Donuts Teetering dangerously between dessert and breakfast, the donut makes a welcome appearance at the Christmas breakfast table in true holiday fashion! Stacked in a croquembouche-inspired Christmas tree, skewered, or donning adorable little faces - the cuter, the tastier! Treat yourself to these yummy yuletide one-bite indulgences. After all, you've been good all year, right? Donut Topiary Powdered Donut Christmas Tree Frosted Frosty Donuts Donut Polar Bears Donut Kabobs Fruit - nature's candy! A merry medley of red strawberries, green grapes and golden cantaloupe will bring festive colors and sweet flavors to your Christmas morning meal. Showcase nature's candy in its natural form, or transform it into a cheerful centerpiece for the breakfast table. There's still time to get into Santa's good book with this healthy, sweet treat that is good for you. Fruit Tree Strawberry Santas Fruit in Candy Cane Form French Toast and Bakes French toast and bakes are definitely worth setting an alarm for - even on a holiday! These versatile breakfast favorites can incorporate any flavor, spice or fruit; they can be stuffed or sauced; even stacked or arranged in a Christmas motif. Forget sleeping in, you don't want to miss out on these delicious dishes! Red and Green French Toast Eggnog French Toast Bake Christmas Tree Toast Candied Christmas Tree Toast Monkey Bread with Bourbon Apple Spice Muffins Cheers to these delicious drinks! Sip, savor, and toast these cheerful Christmas morning beverages. A great way to wash down your Santa pancakes and evergreen waffles, these drinks are sure to impress the little ones, and the big kids at heart. They're like Christmas in a glass! North Pole Milk Bottles Sip-able Snowman Steaming cup o' Christmas ... And more! Apart from classic breakfast cuisine, this is a great time to let your inner child out, get creative and have fun with Christmas themes, flavors and wishes! Brownies for breakfast? Why not! Ice cream? Of course! Get creative, elegant, unconventional, inspired! After all, Christmas comes but once a year... Candy Cane, Brownie and Ice Cream Dream Santa Sandwich Eggnog Christmas Creams

Colorful Christmas Tabletop Decor Ideas: white, red, purple and teal

2012-12-19T23:24:38Z

Color is a great way to bring some fabulous festive flair to your tabletop this holiday season. As the focal point of your holiday home, the table will be the center of attention; the hotspot for guests when they arrive and the place where they linger over cocktails and conversation after a great meal. Create a memorable tabletop that they will want to sit at (and admire!) until next Christmas rolls around. Whether you are drawn to more traditional hues like red and white, or have a more modern vision of sugarplum-inspired purples and wintergreen teal, here are some no-fail decorating ideas, color schemes and centerpieces that are sure to make a lasting impression. Red, White and Holiday-Ready You just can't go wrong with the classic color combination of red and white. It's timeless and evocative of all things Christmas - snowflakes, spice, berries, and of course, jolly old Saint. Nick. But if you're not crazy about dozens of Santas dancing circles around your tabletop, inspire the holidays by drawing on those traditional colors in more subtle ways. Crisp white table linens and napkins, red dinnerware, and a few whimsical winter-themed decorations go a long way to welcoming the Christmas spirit. Snowman Table Setting Snowflakes and Red Berries Tabletop Classic Colors with a Modern Twist Coral Christmas Table with Hints of the Sea Ornamental Branch Centerpiece Ravishing Red Baby it's cold outside, so warm up your home and your tabletop with this hottest hue. Red is a color that is said to stimulate conversation and appetite - perfect for any dinner party. There will always be a place at the head of the table for this traditional Christmas color. Dress the table in bold red plaid linens and dinnerware, and decorate with red berries or a luscious centerpiece of shiny red apples that look good enough to eat! Clad in Plaid "An Apple A Day" Centerpiece I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas Who says Bing Crosby's famous lyrics refer only to the winter weather? Inspired by delicate snowflakes, angels and feathers, and frost forming on the window panes, these elegant white tabletops evoke a winter wonderland without ever leaving the comfort - or warmth! - of home. There's something so graceful and pleasing about an all-white table setting, and what better time than Christmas time to break out your very best? Spruced Up with Spruce Winter Wonderland Table Dreamy White with Wintergreen Tabletop Snowy Centerpiece Teal-Touched Tabletops When the holidays roll around, green is synonymous with evergreens and candy canes, and has always been one of the three traditional Christmas colors - a natural pairing with red and white. But this year, lighten and brighten up your tabletop color palette with a more contemporary shade of this classic hue - teal. Colorful Teal Tablescape Country Style Setting Red, White and Teal! Teal and Gold Garnished Table Merry Wintertime Buffet Fur-Frosted Centerpiece Visions of Sugarplum Purple It's rich, it's regal, and it's today's IT color, from the fashion runways to your tabletop. It's purple. This vibrant hue simply screams celebrate, and will take your table from Christmas to New Year's Eve with pizzazz. Paired with silver, the result is a dramatic, dazzling display that's sure to wow your guests. Pretty in Purple and Ready to Party Petite Purple Embellishments Purple and Silver Centerpiece

Wall Christmas Tree Ideas - Top 20 for 2012

2012-12-15T17:16:24Z

Deck the halls (and your walls!) with these jolly Christmas tree ideas for your holiday home. No longer is a Christmas tree rooted to its original form, though what's Christmas without that fresh pine scent and lush greenery? In addition to the traditional tannenbaum, add a little creative flair to your holiday decorating. You can even have a different decorative display in every room! And the best thing about a wall Christmas tree? If you live in compact quarters or have no floor space for a real Christmas tree, you can always find a free wall to set up these festive adornments. With a style suited to every taste, here are our Top 20 Wall Christmas Tree Ideas. From au naturel wood trees and fully ornamented tree silhouettes, to trees illuminated and decorated with your favorite bits and bobs, and even trees for the crafty and the kids at heart, these faux trees are brimming with Christmas cheer. Wood Christmas Trees - From old fashioned to new fangled It's not Christmas without a tree, and let's face it - it's technically not a tree without wood! These Christmas tree displays incorporate that traditional, natural element in different and wonderful ways that make them unique, unusual and unexpected ideas for holiday decorating. #1 Driftwood Log Christmas Tree #2 Reused and Recycled Plank Tree #3 Scandinavian Style Tree #4 Wooden West Elm Wall Tree #5 Back-To-Basics Triangle Tree #6 Tasteful Twig Tree #7 Simple Sticks Tree Illuminated Christmas Trees that shine Forget stringing those sparkling lights on branches this year. Why not fashion a festive Christmas tree from lights? Zigzag them across the walls in an abstract Christmas tree silhouette, or outline a more conventional figure in green for a modern light show that evokes elements of tradition. #8 Lights and Logs Tree #9 Light Bright Christmas Tree Hodgepodge Christmas Trees - These are a few of my favorite things... Who says Christmas tree ornaments have to be balls and snowflakes and candy canes? Create a one-of-a-kind, personalized holiday display by using all of your favorite things, like photos, toys, buttons - anything that catches your eye! #10 Collectables Christmas Tree #11 All-In-One Christmas Tree Ornament Christmas Trees - Sparkle and shine If you love classic tree ornaments - those colorful glass balls, glossy bells and gleaming flutes - then here's a modern way to take them from traditional tree to off-the-wall (or, on-the-wall, in this case). Arrange them in the shape of a tree in any size you wish, any place - walls, doors, windows, above the fireplace, any place that needs a little festive flair! #12 I Heart Christmas Tree #13 Door Decoration Christmas Tree #14 Classic Ornaments Christmas Tree #15 Decorative Dangles Tree Kids' Christmas Trees Whether you have little ones eagerly awaiting the festivities, or there's a big kid that's home for the holidays, these Kids' Christmas Trees are fun for everyone. Boasting that homemade look and feel, these displays bring out the kid in all of us! Easy to do and easy to love, they make a great addition to a kids' bedroom, playroom or kitchen, down low where little hands can reach, decorate and enjoy. #16 Play Felt Christmas Tree and Ornaments #17 Christmas Tree Wall Stickers DIY Christmas Trees - Traditional crafts and modern ideas A happy home-style Christmas needs some crafts to get into the celebratory spirit, so this year why not make your Christmas tree? Here are some crafty ideas for adornment. Whether simple or more involved, these do-it-yourself ideas will give your tree, and your home, that personal touch. #18 Tissue Paper Tree #19 Chalkboard Doodle Tree #20 Hand Quilted Christmas Tree

Tuscan Clay Pots by ND Dolfi

2012-03-28T19:15:45Z

Clay pots are a wonderfully versatile friend for any kitchen, and we are enchanted by these Tuscan clay pots by Italian ceramics designer ND Dolfi. They can be used on the stovetop or in the oven and keep heat for a really long time - so they are wonderful companions at big dinners and gatherings. But function isn't the only thing that's great about these - they're also quite beautiful and make a romantic statement - blending age old techniques with a slightly modernized aesthetic. Each of these peices are hand made and decorated by ND Dolfi. The colors and style really feel inspired by the Tuscan landscape, don't you think? So homey. Visit ThatsArte.com for more information.

Fine Chocolate Gifts

2011-02-12T07:10:33Z

Just in time for Valentine's Day, if you haven't already got your sweetie something, check out these fine chocolate gifts, sure to impress. We've had the pleasure of indulging in these three choco collections and they really look as good as they taste - a must-try! For the party girl... Party Girl Gourmet Chocolates & Truffles from Wine Enthusiast make a great gift, on their own or paired with her favorite wine. These hand-made sweet treats feature an assortment of Dark Ganache, Milk Ganache and Irish Crème chocolates adorned with the signature Party Girl characters, and truffles including French Caramel, Hazelnut and Coconut flavors. These fine chocolates come in a beautifully boxed pack of 18 at a retail price for $49.95 at Wine Enthusiast. For the foodie... The Sweet Coquette Collection from Vosges Haut-Chocolat is the perfect gift for the food-lover. This box of 16 fine chocolates combines dark, milk or white chocolate, along with an unusual blend of flavors including: Absinthe (Chinese star anise, fennel and Absinthe); Bronte (Sicilian pistachio paste and rose water); Edith (Piper Heidsieck Rose Sauvage Champagne and crushed rosebud tea); Kumamoto (pearl dust, Kumamoto oyster-infused cream and white chocolate); Mamajuana (craft spirit infused with rum, secret spices and chamomile); Oaxaca (Mexican guajillo and pasilla chillies, and organic pumpkin seeds); Red Fire (ancho chillies and Ceylon cinnamon); and Xocatyl (Mexican vanilla bean). Retail price is $48 at Vosges Haut-Chocolat. For the sushi-lover... These Japanese Bento Boxes from Derry Church Artisan Chocolates are a cute spin on sushi (and certainly sweeter than raw fish!). This box of 20 gourmet bon bons includes a mix of dark, milk and white chocolates. The lacquered-plastic boxes they come in are pretty (you get a choice of two designs), and the chop sticks are a great touch. Japanese Bento Boxes retail for $79 at Derry Church Artisan Chocolates.

Contemporary Glass Art for Home by ilio

2011-02-08T06:33:52Z

Fun yet sophisticated, we love this contemporary glass art for the home, by Turkish company Ilio. The "Ice Drop" candle holders and the "Bouquet" vase make a great gift - for yourself or for someone deserving. The aptly named candle holders are inspired by delicate ice formations, with the drip, drip, drip of glass leaving its trail. The Ice Drop would look great lined up along your mantel or adorning the window sill. Meanwhile, the Bouquet vase takes on liquid art form. This suspended vase can be hung in a bedroom or bathroom, or arranged in a cluster at different heights in a living area. And filled with fresh flowers or your favorite greens, you can bring spring indoors any time of year. Check out this contemporary glass art by visiting Ilio.

Green Drinkware Glasses by Ilio Glass - Forest

2010-12-29T05:36:37Z

Inspired by nature with a modern twist, these green drinkware glasses by Ilio Glass are certainly something to toast! The Forest collection glassware features a variety of different shapes ideal to serve up any beverage imaginable. From fruity drinks and root beer floats to your favorite brew and more "festive" cocktails, these glasses can handle any concoction. Not only will they brighten up your party, they'll make your tabletop "pop." With a setting of white linens, plates and serving dishes, these green glasses will have you raising your glass all night long. For more info on the Forest drinkware glasses, visit Ilio.

Merry Sandro Corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini from Alessi

2010-12-15T03:39:02Z

Get in the festive spirit with the Merry Sandro corkscrew from Alessi. Designed by Alessandro Mendini, the Merry Sandro corkscrew is chrome plated and hand decorated in this unmistakable red hat and black boots, making a fabulous holiday gift for the host with the most. Or get it for yourself and impress your guests as you serve up their favorite wine, Santa style! For every other occasion on your calendar in all year round, the Alessandro Mendini line of corkscrews also comes dressed in a variety of other attire including the chef, the jailbird, the superhero, and many more. Retail price is $95. For more information visit Alessi.

Versace Christmas 2010 - Tableware and Ornaments Collection

2010-11-25T16:30:02Z

Versace dresses the table like a woman - in pure luxury, right down to the detail. The Versace Christmas 2010 collection of tableware and ornaments will make your holiday tabletop glitter with wonderful winter motifs, and an ambience fills your dining room. Delicate snowflakes, ruby-red berries and a rich gold finish adorn these elegant plates, cups and saucers, mugs, serving dishes, accessories and ornaments. Dish out your favorite fares and make your dinner guests feel truly special. And if you're looking to show someone your appreciation, a thoughtful and practical gift of tableware is a sure hit (and always appreciated by the entertainer at heart!). Start your collection with just one ornament or porcelain bell, or get the whole lot for a winter wonderland at your dinner table this season. For information is available at Versace Home.

Push Button Travel Mug - West Loop Autoseal Mugs by Contigo (Vacuum Insulated)

2010-11-18T05:18:34Z

Take your favorite beverages to go with these awesome push button travel mugs by Contigo. The West Loop Autoseal Travel Mugs are vacuum-insulated to keep your hot drinks hot for up to four hours, your cold drinks cold for up to 12 hours, and most importantly, to keep them fresh while you're on the road. The self-sealing lid technology will put an end to accidental spills in the car or in your bag. Just press the Autoseal button to sip, and release it to restore the leak- and spill-proof seal. These 18-oz. stainless steel mugs are hygienic and easy to clean, making them a great reusable alternative to Styrofoam, plastic and waste! Choose from a range of great colors and patterns so suit your personality. More information is available at Contigo.

French Bread Boards by Soundview Millworks

2010-10-27T17:48:59Z

Just in time for entertaining season, the Soundview Millworks French bread board is the perfect complement to your wine and cheese. This artisan-style wood cutting board is a great display piece, as a treat for you or as a hostess gift. Owner of Soundview Millworks Grant Tankoosf was inspired by the nautical theme, hence the sailboat cleats on the boards, which are finished in 100% natural tung oil, mineral oil and beeswax for a hygienic, sealed and smooth finish. For an added touch to make the giftee feel special, the gifter can customize the French bread board with an engraved symbol or phrase. Retail price $40. Buy the Soundview Millworks French bread board at Orange and Pear. Images ©: by Trendir. More steak and cheese boards by Soundview Millworks are available at Orange and Pear:

Baroness von Neumann Candles

2010-10-27T17:44:57Z

Not only do these luxurious Baroness von Neumann candles smell heavenly; they're organic, clean-burning candles that enhance the home and your experience of it. Infuse every room with sophisticated aromas of spicy Ceylon cinnamon and Zanzibar clove, layered with peat, sandalwood, orange flowers, rosewood and red amber. This earthy yet complex flavor is inspired by the essence of burning wood, adding instant holiday appeal to your atmosphere. These 12.5-oz. candles offer 70+ hour burn and come in a crested frosted-glass enclosure wrapped in a gold-embossed box. This festive presentation makes a great gift at any time of year. Baroness von Neumann candles retail for $38.50 at Candle Delirium.

Decorative Salt & Pepper Shakers "Pear" from Neiman Marcus

2010-10-27T17:42:36Z

Whether you're dressing your tabletop to the nines to host a dinner party of your own, or heading out to be served at a friend's, the "Pear" decorative salt and pepper shakers make a great gift any time of year. Designed by artist Michael Aram (who mastered traditional metalworking in India), these gilded fruit bring a bit of understated sparkle to any table, so to speak, not overshadowing or distracting from your fares but adding to the overall atmosphere. We love how candlelight dances in the reflective finish. These gold-plated, ceramic shakers are finished with oxidized stems and a leaf. Retail price is $99. Buy the "Pear" Salt & Pepper Shakers at Neiman Marcus.