Posts Tagged ‘table setting’

January 21st, 2014 No Comments

creating a beautiful place setting with black tableware and paper whites

So many of my clients are afraid of using black, including at their table. I’m a huge fan of black tableware, so much so I have a lot of black items from tumblers to linens to plates for sale on my shop.  Foods look so beautiful against black. Picture grilled corn, roasted tomatoes and a grilled fish against black- gorgeous. So when setting your table consider using black instead of basic white. Simply by using a black napkin with a simple cut paper white stem on top is a classic and beautiful place setting as you can see above. Below, … Read more

September 30th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: a fall harvest palette

The leaves are starting to change here in New York and pumpkin fields are full. This time of year I love bringing out my Black Clay Pottery, black tumblers, flatware and decorative owls. Also setting the table with Terra Cotta Hurricanes and votives on our outside patio brings that garden feeling to the tabletop and act as a centerpiece.  I like selecting muted color pumpkins for the table instead of the bright orange (which I usually save for pumpkin carving). Natural color linen table runners keep the table soft against the dark plates … Read more

August 20th, 2013 No Comments

summer table settings made up of bountiful vegetables (and where those glasses should actually be placed)

This table setting caught my eye. As I noted yesterday golds are still making a showing for tabletop items, from candles to candle sticks to flatware. It’s slowly been folded into the trend market for the past 5 years and it’s still holding tight. But let’s talk about summer vegetables for centerpieces, votives and even salt cellars. How creative this is to use lettuce as individual salt and pepper cellars- and a radish hollowed out for a votive holder. These are clever ideas and using vegetables as your centerpiece in late summer certainly can be elegant and seasonal. Using a … Read more

August 13th, 2013 No Comments

create a menu card from your own computer

I love this idea -originally by Project Wedding (I believe). Simply center your text, make the word “menu” a larger size and even play with different fonts to highlight courses. Copy as many that can fit on your standard printer paper and print! Then cut into strips and place the paper menu cards around your napkins and utensils, securing the backs with double stick tape. How easy is that? On a Mac computer, try downloading the apps “keynote” or “pages” to allow you to choose different colors for your fonts. This is a great detail that elevates a table setting … Read more

August 6th, 2013 No Comments

check out my shop’s collection of mud australia plates and our unique accessories- all the tableware you see here can be found at the little blue dish shop

I really love these plates and bowls that I have at my shop. They are from a collection called Mud Austalia (made in Austalia) and it has to be one of my favorite lines of tableware. The inside is glazed and the outside is matte. We carry them in cream and a slate color. Paired with our Belgium linens from Libeco and our stainless steel accessories from Alessi, you can see how a table setting can come together with them. Felt accessories like our bunny egg cozies are sure to bring a smile to … Read more

July 23rd, 2013 No Comments

create a dramatic table setting with black, peach and pale pink

I love these black compotes and bowls that I have on my online store, little blue dish. (They are made by an Italian glass company called Nason Moretti.) I like to fill vessels with candy for quick and easy centerpieces and also fill the felt favors you see tied with black polka dot ribbon with candy as well for guests to take home. This color palette could really work for any season and any occasion- and for more formal gatherings add a calligraphed place card for each guest within the palette. I alternated black cards with cream calligraphy and … Read more

July 9th, 2013 No Comments

set a casual summer table with our Jars bowls and plates from france

Our feathered bowls and plates from Jars and made in France have a subtle pattern reminiscent of water- perfect for a summer table setting. Cream and blue colors transport you to the sea even if you’re not by the beach.  A simple floral centerpiece of hydrangeas is classic and elegant.  See the Jars stoneware collection on our Little Blue Dish Shop. (Featured in Architectural Digest July issue and shot by Pieter Estersohn)

May 14th, 2013 No Comments

blue patterned ceramics make a beautiful table setting any time of the year

Blue and white dinnerware can be beautiful for any occasion and in my experience appeals to both men and women.  I have a great source for inexpensive blue patterned ceramics like these bowls. If you are in New York City visit Pearl River Mart on Broadway and have a fun afternoon shopping for all kinds of things from bowls, vases and plates to paper parasols and lanterns. Blue patterned ceramic bowls and plates above, from Pearl River. Large porcelain jars and vases are available from Gump’s and beautiful blue tumblers and stemware from Baccarat. For plates take peek at … Read more

May 7th, 2013 No Comments

mother’s day: simple settings and pleasures

Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday. Some of you will take Mom out to brunch, but those of you that are hosting Mom at home here are a few simple ideas for a casual spring table.  A whimsical approach is to set each place setting with a flower cone. (see below for a tip on how to keep the blooms fresh all afternoon) Orange juice fits right in our daffodil color palette, so have chilled champagne on hand for mimosas as your alcoholic beverage. To keep the table fun and casual use mini daffodils on the tops of yellow and … Read more

April 3rd, 2013 No Comments

flowers with michael george: spring is in the air, daffodils make a beautiful table setting

Spring is in the air; the bulbs remember. We looked closely this weekend and found hellebores in the garden. Six florets in low crystal bowls, a few naturally colorful eggs, great food and it was a fete complete for Easter! Another idea for a spring table is a crisp white linen tablecloth, pale yellow napkins, white plates and 4″ or 5″ containers filled with yellow daffodils and placed with whimsy around the table. – Michael George For ideas and floral techniques be sure to check out Michael’s beautiful book, “Simply Elegant Flowers with Michael George”.