{Table Manners} Inspiring Table Settings For Patio Season

 Photography by Don Freeman

Just in time for the spring and summer patio season, today's inspiration is an array of stunning serving pieces and enchanting patterns to make the most of any meal or occasion. Although each piece is unique and gorgeous in its own right, some stand-out pieces for me include: the pomegranate coloured lacquer tray (in the first photo on the right) as well as the chevron block-print napkin by Madeline Weinrib which looks fantastic paired up with the purple and blue toned dishware (shown in the third photograph). These images inspire me to mix-and-match dishware and have fun with patterns and textures. Who says that dishes and cups all have to match? How boring! The lune decanter and tumbler from Bergdoft Goodman is absolutely exquisite and would be the perfect piece to use whilst serving a cold drink to friends on a hot day. Plus, I'm loving the bohemian-inspired tableware on the bottom left photo and how gold and goblets were mixed together in the bottom right-hand table setting. It reminds me of royalty! You and your friends can be Kings and Queens for the day. How lovely! Which setting is your favourite? Cheers to a Happy Tuesday!

Chalkboard China ~ An Elegant Collection of Chalk-Friendly Tableware

 Images from Chalkboard China

Chalkboard China makes me feel like a kid again. It reminds me of a time when something as simple as paper, pens, notebooks, chalk - anything that involved printing, writing or coloring - excited me to bits. I still have that in me. I got that feeling when I first came across Chalkboard China, an elegant collection of chalk-friendly tableware. This is the perfect invention for kids and adults alike.You could be the talk of the town throwing a party where guests are served drinks with their names written on the bottom of the glasses. (Plus it also means that no one can get mixed up as to whose class belongs to whom. How genius!) I also like how Chalkboard China can stimulate creative conversation and that items or special occasions can be easily personalized. No doubt that any event where Chalkboard China is present will be filled with joy and love. What would you personalize with Chalkboard China? Have a Happy Tuesday!

Delightful Dinnerware Options for Wining & Dining in Style

 "At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well but not too wisely."

~ W. Somerset Maugham

Check out two sets of dishware that I adore! Make a fashion statement in your home with the Ben Collection fashion plates. Each eight-inch plate features a black-and-white sketch by Ben Morris (professor of fashion, SCAD). The pieces are sold as a set of four in a decorative gift box and the plates are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe. A perfect table accessory for the fashion conscious folk. My recommendation: if you're going for the black-and-white table setting, add in a pop of colour through a beautiful vase of flowers. For an even more personal touch, use the flower of the month (for March it would be daffodils!)

 The second set of dishware, featuring the work of illustrator Allan Drummond (professor of illustration, SCAD), these delightful eight-inch stoneware plates depict the signs and sounds of Lacoste, France. Again, this collection is sold as a set of four plates in a decorative gift box and is dishwasher safe BUT the collection also includes a 12-inch platter (sold separately). Although I love each decoration, I can't resist the one with the orange cat illustration or the tower clock that climbs up the right hand side of one of the dishes.

Which collection is your favourite? Bon appetit!