Cocktail hour is making a huge comeback and I can see why.  It’s a relaxing and affordable way to spend time at home with friends and family.  I enjoy a good cocktail as much as the next person but I am a bit of a light-weight, so I usually nurse the same drink for 2 hours.  This gives me ample time to take in my surroundings and come back to you with inspired ideas. 

Butler tray tables are enormously useful pieces of furniture that can float from room to room because they are light and mobile.  Here are some of my top picks in a variety of styles: 

The Bauer Stiles Brothers Butler Tray Table is made from mahogany and rattan. It converts easily into a coffee table and has an Exotic edge.

Here are my top recommendations on how to use this multipurpose piece:

1. Bar table
2. End table
3. Night stand
4. Out on the deck near the BBQ grill
5. Holiday dinner overflow table
6. Hors d’oeuvre tray
7. Holiday wrapping, ribbon and tape station
8. Breakfast in Bed

A beautiful side or accent table design with a white lacquer tray, from Jonathan Adler.

Cherry Blossom Tray Table in Ebony and Gold from Horchow

Tray tables are a sensible and useful addition to your home furnishings collection.  A great investment piece that you will use time after time.  Search My Secret Database to find one that’s just your style!

A lightweight option from CB2.

The Maitre D' Table from Pierre Deux is made from alder with a distressed walnut finish.

***Note of clarification! Butler Tray tables are quite different from the TV tray tables that typically come in sets of 4.  They are purchased singly, are a lot more stylish and most times the tray can be removed from its stand.

Make sure to enter our Giveaway for a $100 gift certificate today!

The beach, the lake, or on the fire escape…  Summertime provides us the opportunity to change where and how we dine.  Sharing a meal with the ones you love in a different locale somehow heightens the senses.  We take notice of how lovely the food looks as we enjoy the succulent taste of seasonal fruit and vegetables.  A well dressed table makes the meal all the more memorable.  So why not add some magnificent decorative additions to your table?

Remember, it only takes a couple of little details to really punch up the look. 

• A brightly colored table cloth or runner and flowers from the garden look fresh and fun. 
• Bowls of oranges and apples look great as edible accessories.
• Fun flatware is affordable and has a big impact.
• Fill up clear glass vase with water (spiked with food coloring) and you have a colorful and affordable centerpiece.
• Set the mood with luminous candles or lanterns.

Find lots of colorful tabletop options in My Secret Database and enjoy dining alfresco!

My heritage goes back to both Northern and Southern Italy, so my love for all things Italian seems natural.  Italians treat every meal like a celebration; as it should be!  On breezy summer nights, tables and chairs are transferred outdoors to a backyard enveloped in bougainvillea vines and warm candlelight as close friends enjoy fine wine, food and laughter.  The Italians really know how to live.  In honor of their love of life and food I would like to share my favorite Italian Designer Secret: Firenze Italian Specialties

Firenze Italian Specialties features Italian Ceramics and Decor that will inspire you with a little dose of Italia.  They import their pieces from the Tuscany and Umbria regions of Italy and describe them this way:  ”This dazzling colorful Italian earthenware is called Majolica (also known as Maiolica or Maioliche) and was named by the Italians after the Spanish island of Majorca. Originally this type of earthenware was exported from Majorca and introduced to Italy in the 13th century. Majolica became popular during the Renaissance period and centers for producing the earthenware arose throughout Italy. During this time, these artistic ceramics were often given as a gift to celebrate momentous occasions, such weddings and births.”  You can see exactly how the pieces are made here.

From large carnival-colored appetizer and antipasto sets to graceful pitchers and vases, there is a wide selection in patterns from rustic to refined.  Their pieces are 100% food safe and dishwasher safe.  When using a dishwasher, they do recommend a cooler, energy-saving cycle.  They don’t recommend putting them in the microwave.  They are having a huge summer sale until June 30th so be sure to pop in soon for a tour of Italy’s finest ceramics.

Visit Firenze Specialties in My Secret Database!