Dining and Entertaining

Rouge Poppy Dinnerware by Torida Glass

2009-08-22T07:51:53Z

Handcrafted with the gentle touch and the creative eye of a true artist, Rouge Poppy Dinnerware by Torida Glass captures nature’s best behind glass. This gorgeous luxury dinnerware collection features vibrant red poppies displayed on kiln-formed glass, and decorated with elaborate 24-kt. gold detail. Crafted by designers Madeleine and Andrei Radian of Romania, the collection revives an old-world tradition forgotten for 1,500 years. "We have developed our own way of making glass,” says Madeleine Radian of the process, which involves trapping colored minerals and materials between layers of glass, which is kiln-fired at 800 degrees Celsius. “Through our glass we tell the story about places that we always keep with us, in our hearts and in our memories. It's a story about the sun, water and sandy beaches, about nature.” Wonderful organic designs come to life on this decorative and functional dinnerware collection, which includes aperitif plates, dinner plates, soup bowls, a gorgeous cake set, a fruit bowl, a flower bowl and a candle holder. It’s almost too pretty to use… almost. Buy the Rouge Poppy Dinnerware at Neiman Marcus.

Fruit Dinnerware Set – Eden dinnerware from Portmeirion

2009-03-25T19:40:50Z

The orchard fruit motif is ripe for the picking, with the enchanting Eden dinnerware set from Portmeirion. This timeless and tasty fruit theme brings classic color and authentic country charm to your tabletop in the form of peaches, blackberries, apples and strawberries on classic porcelain coupe dinnerware. The dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe set includes 8.75-inch salad plates and 10.75-inch dinner plates; 4.75-inch fruit salad bowls; 12-oz. mugs, a 2-pint teapot, a covered sugar bowl and milk jug; a 12-inch rectangular roasting dish; a 9-inch pie dish; and a 3-pint tall juice jug to wash it all down – everything you need to serve up some hearty and heart-warming home-cooking. Pieces range from $14.50 to $57.26 at Macy’s. Also see the charming Bloom Fruit Dinnerware Set by Lenox ...

Elegant Champagne Flutes - Venetian Style set

2009-03-24T05:07:44Z

Raise a glass to these sweet Venetian Style Champagne Flutes, from Napa Style. These elegant Champagne flutes are a unique and sparkling addition to any special soiree. The modern stem-less design of each glass is adorned in stripes, dots and swirls; details that bring an individual style to every glass, and to every toast. Measuring 7.5 inches high and 2 inches in diameter, these fine 8-oz. Champagne glasses are as easy in the hand as they are on the eyes. And while delicate in their looks, these flutes are durable to last through many, many clinks and celebrations. The Venetian Style flutes retail for $68 per set of six. Buy them at Napa Style.

Trifle Bowl with Lid by Luigi Bormioli & Fruit Trifle Recipe / Dessert

2009-03-23T14:59:02Z

The Luigi Bormioli Trifle Bowl with Lid is an elegant way to serve up a side of style with your beautiful summer desserts. The clear glass of this elegant trifle bowl showcases the delicate colors and flavors of fruit layered with custard and cookie, while the handy clear lid makes serving and storing your sweets simple. This trifle dish measures 8 1/2 inches high with a 48-oz. capacity – that’s enough to serve a group of guests and dish up some seconds too. This stylish glass serving dish is made in Italy, and is available for $35 at Macy’s. Check out this delish Summer Berry Trifle recipe, courtesy of FamilyFun.com.

Biscuit Centerpiece – the Cake of Peace from Netherlands

2009-03-19T22:14:45Z

Give peace, and cake, a chance with the decorative Biscuit Centerpiece – the Cake of Peace from Koninklijke Tichelaar Makkum. Celebrate every day with a “peace” of cake with this cool cake dish, which hails from the Netherlands-based company’s Biscuit collection. This one-of-a-kind creation by designer Studio Job will bring some fun to your next birthday party, casual get-together or chic soiree. This unique cake stand features a funky relief pattern of peace signs on delicate, detailed white porcelain. This elegant entertaining essential almost steals the spotlight from the sweet indulgence concealed beneath the lid of this 7.5-inch footed pedestal cake stand. Buy this centerpiece at Koninklijke Tichelaar Makkum.

Stunning Glass Candy Jars - Covered Urns by Juliska

2009-03-15T18:50:38Z

Your sweets are all the sweeter when displayed in this beautiful covered glass candy jar, from Juliska. The perfect display for your colored candies, flowers and household treasures, or a stunning showpiece all on their own, these covered urns boast the elegance and delicacy of glass. These jars are executed in clear glass, and feature Juliska’s signature details from the top of the cover right down to the bottom of the pedestal base. Made of lead-free and dishwasher-safe glass, they’re as functional as they are beautiful. The Graham Small Urn measures 11 inches tall by 7 inches wide, and retails for $325. The Harriet Large Urn measures 14.5 inches high by 9 inches wide, and retails for $395. Buy these gorgeous covered glass candy jars at Juliska.

Black Glass Tableware & Centerpieces - gorgeous, glamorous collection by Juliska!

2009-03-13T01:32:18Z

The chic collection of glamorous Black Glass Tableware by Juliska puts a modern, extraordinary spin on the ordinary. After all, who says a bowl is just a bowl? Give your home a unique look with the contemporary appearance of black glass, complemented by ornate shapes and daring details. Transform your tabletop into an artful display. This urban line includes everything you need to complete the contemporary look – slim and full vases; small, medium and tall footed compotes; tall candlesticks and small tealight holders; a hurricane; and a covered urn for your hidden treasures. These modern glass centerpieces range in price from $55 to $695, and are available at Juliska.

Spring Table Decorations and Tabletop Arrangements by Designer Lillian Pikus

2009-03-09T01:10:47Z

Your dreams of a swish spring time soiree will soon become a reality as the weather grows warmer and the styles get hotter! I’ve hand-picked these fresh, fabulous table decorations – the latest and greatest from Crate & Barrel. The colors are cool, and the motifs are fun, and these Essential Eight are all you need to decorate for a small party arrangement or for yourself: tabletop linens, napkin rings, flower vase, candles, plates, tea set, and a centerpiece to steal the show. Individually or together, they will look great and create a beautiful, playful, inviting ambiance. Celebrate the season with these table decoration ideas for spring. The Essential Eight: 1 - Tessie Tablecloth & Napkins A bouquet of color and fresh spring style, the Tessie Tablecloth and Napkins from Crate & Barrel is sure to inspire your string-time tabletop decorations. This floral motif features vivid red, yellow, blue, purple and green blooms on crisp white 100-per-cent cotton. These fabulous linens retail for $3.95 to $59.95 at Crate & Barrel. 2 - Blossom Plates A perfect complement to the Tessie Tablecloth, or a wonderful statement on a crisp, white table linen, the Blossom Plates from Crate & Barrel is a set of four plates featuring watercolor-inspired narcissus, viola, hydrangea and tulip, slightly off center on these 6.75-inch, broad-rimmed, white china. Buy the set of four Blossom Plates for $29.95 at Crate & Barrel. 3 - Flower Beaded Napkin Rings There’s nothing like a little stylish sparkle to welcome the spring season. These handcrafted Flower Beaded Napkin Rings feature decorative looped “petals” with glass beads presented atop a matching beaded metal ring. This fabulous tabletop accessory comes in Pearly purple, aqua, silver or green, and they look great as a set, or mixed and matched. The Flower Beaded Napkin Rings retail for $2.95 each at Crate & Barrel. 4 - Evelyn Vase No spring tabletop is complete without a fabulous floral arrangement, and the Evelyn Vase makes the perfect presentation. Your long-stemmed tulips and daffodils simple fall into place in the freeform curves of this vase, which is hand-blown in vibrant turquoise cased glass. Pick up this one-of-a-kind piece for $39.95 at Crate & Barrel. 5 - Wine and Dine Plates If you wine before you dine, the Wine and Dine Plates are the ideal solution to the wobbly-glass dilemma. Your dinner guests can sip and snack to their heart’s content with these handy, one-hand wine-and-cheese plates. Made of maple wood, the plate holds your nibbles while conveniently cradling your wine glass. The Wine and Dine Plate retails for $8.95 at Crate & Barrel. 6 - Flora Tea for One A sweet cup of tea is all the sweeter when served in this precious Flora Tea for One server. A spring-inspired hand-painted floral design adorns the tea cup, and petite pot and lid. The 12-oz. tea pot and matching cup are made of porcelain – dainty and delicate – but also durable, dishwasher- and microwave-safe too. The Flora Tea for One is priced at $14.95 at Crate & Barrel. 7 - Glimmer Candles The Glimmer Candles from Crate & Barrel feature the hottest color of the spring season – aqua. These bright, bold candles make a stylish centerpiece in groups of three or more, or work as a wonderful accent individually. Made of paraffin, these whimsical candles feature a fabulous pearlized three-step finish. The candles measure 3 by 4 inches, (40 hours), 3 by 6 inches, (60 hours), and 4 by 6 inches, delivering 40, 60 and 100 hours of burn time respectively, ensuring your tabletop is aglow until the party’s over. The Glimmer Candles range from $6.95 to $14.95 at Crate & Barrel. 8 - Ruffled Pedestals from Crate and Barrel "Spring" into style with these elegant Ruffled Pedestals. Your table decoration will be the picture of perfection with the soft, pretty look of these raised glossy-white earthenware serving dishes featuring double-ruffled rims perched on simple, sleek, curved pedestals. The large pedestal measures 10 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches high and retails for $19.95. The small pedestal boasts an 8-inch diameter and is 4 inches high, at $16.95. Ideal for desserts, these pieces also make a unique, fresh presentation for flowers. Buy them at Crate & Barrel.

Encore Candle Holder Centerpiece | Tealight Candleholders by Crate & Barrel - create your own design!

2009-03-05T01:39:29Z

The stylish Encore Candle Holder Centerpiece from Crate & Barrel deserves a hand. This two-part centerpiece can be arranged in a variety of configurations, together or separately. The contemporary half-circle design lets you place this piece in a circle formation, in an “S” shape winding down your tabletop, around the umbrella in your patio table, encircling a vase of fresh flowers – the possibilities are endless – all the while enjoying the soft, romantic glow of candlelight. This chic contemporary centerpiece is made of sheet metal with a modern grey finish, and accommodates seven glass tealight candles per piece – a total of 14 flames for your tabletop. But why stop with one pair? You can combine multiple pieces to suit the length of any tabletop or counter. Ideal for indoor and outdoor use, the Encore Candleholder measures 13.25 inches long by 3.25 inches high. Buy it for $39.95 per set at Crate & Barrel.

Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Crepes with Blueberries and Bananas by Tyler Florence

2009-03-04T03:34:21Z

We like the famous Lemon Ricotta Crepes with Blueberries and Bananas recipe by Tyler Florence. It serves 4. Here are the ingredients: Crepes 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 large pinch salt 1 3/4 cups milk 2 large eggs 10 tbsp (1 3/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted plus a little more for cooking crepes 1 (15-oz.) container ricotta cheese Finely grated zest of 1 lemon 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar 1 large egg 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 pints blueberries 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp cornstarch juice of 1 lemon 2 ripe bananas, quartered lengthwise into long spears Directions: Add flour, eggs, milk and salt in the blender and mix it on medium speed. Then add butter (melted) and blend it for one more second until the batter is shiny. Cool it in refrigerator for 2-3 hours. When making crepes use nonstick skillet brushed lightly with melted butter over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup batter into pan and swirl till it's paper thin. Any excess should go back into bowl. Cook every crepe for about 30-45 seconds until the edge turns golden brown, then flip it and cook it for another 30 seconds until the crepe is the same color. Remove it and continue the same process until all the batter is used. To prevent crepes from drying out cover them with plastic wrap... To create a crepes filling, mix egg, ricotta, sugar and lemon zest in the bowl. After it's mixed cover it and chill it. Preheat oven to 400°F. Then spoon about 1/4 cup cheese filling along the lower third of crepe and fold the bottom edge to just cover filling, then fold 2 sides into the center. Turn it upside down and put it on the plate. Continue to fill and roll all crepes. Preheat your skillet on the medium heat and melt a teaspoon of butter. Brown crepes for 2 minutes on each side then transfer them into a baking dish and place them in the oven for 10 minutes. For sauce, add blueberries, sugar, butter, cornstarch and lemon juice in small saucepan. Cook it for 3-5 minutes over medium-high heat. When serving crepes put 2 of them on each plate, drizzle with a warm blueberry sauce and garnish with 2 banana spears. Source: Macy's

New Slice Margarita Glasses from Crate & Barrel make you thirsty for more

2009-03-02T23:03:30Z

The new Slice Margarita Glasses from Crate & Barrel are just the thing to quench your thirst for style! Serve up your cool summer cocktails and make a statement at the same time. These funky, chunky glasses simply scream "celebrate," featuring straight-sided hand-blown green-tinted glass decorated with citrus slices, and a clear-glass pedestal stem and base. Made in Mexico from 100% percent recycled glass, the glasses measure 6.25 inches high, with a capacity of 13 oz. The Slice Margarita Glasses retail for $9.95 each, available only at Crate & Barrel.

Fire Urns by Agio - outdoor dining centerpiece ideas

2009-02-28T05:38:59Z

Looking for great ideas on how to spice up your next al fresco feast this summer? Bring some heat to your patio, deck or backyard with these amazing outdoor Fire Urns from Agio. The yard has become the new favorite living space at home, thanks to awesome innovations in outdoor furniture and accessories. And as you would your indoor living and lounging rooms, complete your outdoor living area with one of these portable tabletop fireplaces. These modern fire urns make a fabulous centerpiece, offering the look of luxury while keeping your tabletop lit and your guests warm. A romantic, exotic ambience is easy to achieve – just pair these wonderful fire urns with vibrant table linens, flowers and candles, and some great dinnerware. Ideal individually on small tables, or in groups on large tabletops, a fire urn will complete the look. For more information, visit Agio.

Fine Stemware from Edgar Berebi - Kingston Stemware

2009-02-20T02:37:16Z

Master Atelier Edgar Berebi has released the luxury line of exquisite Kingston Fine Stemware that's definitely worth cracking open that bottle of fine wine you've been saving. Perfect for your special occasions and festive fetes, this elegant Old World style stemware collection features an ornate stem with 24K gold plate or burnished silver, and elegantly decorated with Swarovski crystals and hand guilloche enamel in a variety of colors. The bowls are sold separately, available for every cocktail imaginable: red and white wine, Champagne, aperitif and cordial, Cosmopolitans and Margaritas, all made of fine crystal. Crossing the line between function and fashion, the artistic Kingston Stemware collection is made in the USA, and is available at Edgar Berebi.

French Dessertware Les Jardins De Paris - Paris Gardens Inspired

2009-02-18T03:19:15Z

Dessertware is taking a cue from the hottest Paris runway fashions, boasting bright colors and textures inspired by the lush gardens of Paris. Les Jardins De Paris is a charming collection of French dessertware splashed with a classic motif that’ll always stay en vogue. The collection is made of refined porcelain, and includes a set of four eight-in. dessert plates featuring a squared-off irregular edge, and four variations of the floral pattern – each a little different from the last. Complement these plates with a set of four 12-oz. mugs, a 40-oz. teapot, and a 44-oz. pitcher, each beautifully presented in its own gift box. The Les Jardins De Paris dessertware sets range from $40 to $58 at Rosanna. Scale it down for the children with the Les Girls A Paris child size tea set ...

Child Size Tea Set - Les Girls A Paris Snack & Tea set

2009-02-18T03:00:29Z

High society has high standards, and that’s why only the Les Girls A Paris Snack & Tea set will do. Designed specially for small hands, this elegant, child size tea set is made of fine refined porcelain and features a fresh floral motif that’s sure to brighten up any tabletop. It makes a perfect gift for the little lady or a collector. The set includes a pair of six-inch snack plates and two four-oz. mugs, all packed beautifully in a suitcase gift box. Lovely to look and at equally enjoyable to hold, this mini child tea set is available at a retail price of $40 at Rosanna. Looking for something more minimalist? Check the Mono Kids Dinnerware Set ...