Posts Tagged ‘tabletop’

July 2nd, 2013 No Comments

paper and polka dots can add a lot of fun to your 4th of july decor- try these simple ideas

Adding red, white and blue in a few unexpected ways can really bring in a more festive feel to your 4th of July celebration. Red, white and blue ribbons to hang lanterns is a great idea (notice these ribbons are polka dot). You could also hang paper stars in different sizes from the ribbons or paper lanterns. Varying the height and size of the stars or lanterns could also add more visual interest. Jamali Garden has sest of 4 white mini lanterns for $15. We see a lot of stars and stripes for the 4th, so adding in polka dots is … Read more

June 25th, 2013 1 Comment

fashion illustrations on your table? yes! a daughter breathes new life into her mother’s passion in a very unexpected way

Liz Glasgow, daughter of fashion illustrator Hilda Glasgow was admiring her mother’s illustrations one day. After her mothers passing at age 91, Liz kept the illustrations all together in a white cabinet which she had moved to her Long Island home. Her mother was one of the top fashion illustrators from 1940-1970 for the likes of everyone from Vogue to Glamour to Saks Fifth Avenue. “The idea that people should enjoy Mom’s drawings again came to me out of the blue in June 2010. Her drawings had always been stored in the white cabinet in our (Manhattan) apartment. She … Read more

June 18th, 2013 No Comments

tabletop: anchor your place setting

Simple wood anchors we found at Michael’s crafts bring a nautical feel to this place setting. Our linen napkins keep the table monochromatic, but a stripe napkin could also bring in a nautical feel. Another simple anchor napkin detail- Anchor Napkin Bands, $3 for 48 pieces from Oriental Trading. Or you could just cut pieces of the anchor paper we featured yesterday to make your own bands.

June 11th, 2013 No Comments

tabletop: scrabble alphabet “place cards”

On a recent weekend I hosted guests I used wood scrabble pieces as place cards. The family I hosted also had two young boys, so these were great for both adults and children. I spread the pieces out on the table for the kids to spell out the names themselves. It involved them in the table setting and it was just a fun idea for a casual table setting. I found these alphabet pieces through Save On Crafts– 60 pieces for $3.99. I purchased five sets to make sure I had enough letters for everyone’s name. You could also … Read more

May 28th, 2013 No Comments

add this week’s seashell color palette to your table this summer

This week’s palette may not be one you’d automatically think of when you think of summer entertaining. Sometimes these creams, tans, rusts and pinks are associated more with fall. But as you can see taking cues from the beach and seashells, this soothing palette is wonderful for summer tables. If you didn’t realize I have a shop too with tabletop, decor and garden items, all personally selected by me. If you haven’t already, please head over to take a look.  It’s my favorite items and vendors collected from all my years of editing and styling for magazines. Our Read more

May 21st, 2013 No Comments

easy as 1-2-3, invest in 3 vases and make your centerpieces a breeze all summer long!

If you are expecting a long summer of entertaining friends at home, here is something simple to keep your table looking elegant, but easy. Invest in 3 vases in  the same material (or color) in varying heights to cluster together. These white porcelain vases are from our little blue dish shop and actually look beautiful on their own as well. But even just filling them with 3 flowers looks pulled together. It literally only took about two minutes to do, especially if you can pull flower cuttings from your own garden. Now of course you can fill the vases … Read more

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 22nd, 2013 No Comments

trick of the trade: use multiples and repetition with centerpieces for a dramatic presentation (along with a tight color palette… of course)

I almost forgot that I used this week’s palette a number of years ago in collaboration with Antony Todd, so I thought I’d share it with you today. We worked on a story together for Martha Stewart Weddings, transforming the giant open space in the middle of the Starrett-Lehigh offices which was photographed by the very talented Victor Schrager and art directed by visionary Ellen Burnie. When planning a party, celebration or even a wedding it’s always best to start with a color palette. Then as you begin to decide on your decor an easy trick of the trade for … Read more

April 4th, 2013 No Comments

gray and yellow color palette inspiration

Gray rooms, kitchens and even a studio space like we saw Monday have been very popular of late. Adding pops of yellow in accessories and flowers brings the gray to life. Here are a few inspirational rooms and tabletops using a gray and yellow color palette. (Image above from Crate and Barrel)  Notice how even natural materials like a concrete tabletop, the aluminum on the chairs and even gravel can be the gray in your color palette. Soft touches of gray like the painted woven pattern on the celing bring in small amounts of gray and add visual interest. Even … Read more