You can use this great little sauce boat and ladle for sweet toppings or gravies. I find the little ladle irresistible.

One of my favorite parts of entertaining is setting the table in a unique way for each gathering.  This is much easier to do if you start with the basics.  I really love the Villeroy & Boch china that Tim and I chose for our wedding.  But when I registered, I did not see the sense of getting all the extras such as a sugar bowl, gravy boat and butter dish.  They are often the most expensive and get the least use.  Years ago I had purchased all these items in clear glass from Crate & Barrel because they were inexpensive and chic.  And they still look great today; so why replace them?  Clear glass adds a little sparkle and saves a whole lot of money, plus then you have the freedom to decorate your table with any accent color you desire.

Guest really appreciate easy access to some cold drinking water. Fill it up ahead of time with lemon slices, water and cubes. The cubes will melt by the time guest arrive so the water will be chilled but easy to pour.

Made of European hand-blown and molded glass, this set is only $36.95.

Nothing says classic like hurricane lamps filled with flickering candles. They are beautiful and don't block sparkling conversation like flower arrangements sometimes do.

They are calling these individual butter dishes but I think 2 or 3 people could share. Place a few throughout the table so everyone can reach.

So take stock now and make sure you have everything you need.  If not, fill in the blanks and take advantage of these deals at Crate & Barrel. 

Free Shipping on orders $100 or more.

Shop the Thanksgiving Sale!

Be sure to ask if you have any Holiday Decorating Questions.  I am here to help!

~Lorrie

Click to Win Great Prizes!

Ask A Free Design Question!

Fresh off Halloween, let’s dive into Thanksgiving preparations.  This is probably a good idea because there is so much going on during the fall season that the big feast can often sneak up on you.  While making food preparations for the big day, don’t forget to dress up the dining room table.  Setting a beautiful table is a good way to start the festivities and will have your guests feeling welcome the moment they step into the room. 

Here are some simple tips to add a special twist this year:

1. Easy Color - You don’t have to purchase new china or a tablecloth to update your color palette.  Use an ivory or white tablecloth and bring color in with candles and napkins.  It’s simple, inexpensive and very effective.  The food is aromatic and beautiful and the true center of attention anyway.
2. Name Game - Place cards are a great way to personalize the party and encourage lively and new conversation.  Split up spouses and seat people together that do not normally get a chance to mingle.
3. Center of Attention - Centerpieces do not have to be complicated.  Scatter a variety of nuts or beans in your hurricane lamps or put out small floral arrangements.  Avoid anything too big, you want to encourage cross-table conversation and have ample room for the food.
4. Overflow - Clean off your buffet table or set up a card table covered with a table cloth.  There is rarely enough room on the table for the all the food, so make sure you have room for the overflow ahead of time instead of scrambling once the hot food is ready to be served.
5. Dessert Buffet - Usually there are several desserts and not everyone is ready to to indulge at the same time.  Put the sweets out along with coffee and tea and allow people to enjoy them when they are ready.

So start creating your Thanksgiving vision, take your time to plan and enjoy the little things that make the day so special.  The best Thanksgiving meal is one that is made with love, encourages laughter and relaxation and in the end motivates everyone to forge a group clean-up. 

~Lorrie

Click to Win Great Prizes!

Ask A Design Question!

With the holidays just around the corner, now is a popular time to purchase a new dining table.  Before you fall in love with that modern mahogany number on sale at West Elm, it makes sense to assess your wants AND your needs.  Many people shop for a style and then make due with the size which is not a good idea.  A “too large” table has guests plastered against the wall trying to make a discreet exit to the ladies room and a “too small” table has one of the kids sitting in the extra chair at the corner.  So let’s go by the Goldilocks rule and find one that’s just right!

The guidelines:

• Each person requires about 24″ of width so they can comfortably eat and avoid bumping elbows.
• Allow 32″ between the table and wall to allow people to get up and sit down easily.
• Allow 38″ if people are also going to be walking back and forth behind the table.
• Allow 42″ if you are going to serve people from behind their chairs.
• If you have a china cabinet or buffet table, take your measurement from there, not the wall.

The Fredericksburg Oval Dining Table from Thomasville is a great classic style. I love the contrast of the darker chairs.

Here is a rundown on popular table sizes, the number of people accommodated and the recommended minimum room size for round and rectangular tables. I would advise against square tables unless you have a very large room because you need a little more space in the corners to make it comfortable.

Base your decision on the number of people you usually have at dinner and then add two.  It’s nice to have the extra room for impromptu guests.  Of course, things change when the holidays come and there is always room for everyone. :-)  The rules are easy, your dining area will look welcoming and your guests will be comfortable.

Shop for the perfect Dining Table in My Secret Database!

Click to Win Great Prizes!

Ask A Design Question!

The Wood Line with Walnut finish and Navy cloth.

Games rooms are in the spotlight as families are doing more entertaining at home.  Some of you have enough room in your home to dedicate an entire room to games and entertainment but others have to compromise.  This reminded me of a client I had a few years back who wanted a pool table that converted into a dining table.  At the time, they were too clunky looking but things have changed.  A great example is Fusion Tables whose modern designs will complement your interior and bring the family together for some fun! 

The metal line has options of Aluminum or fingerprint free Stainless Steel.

Converts to a pool table in seconds.

Some other cool features:

• No one would guess the a pool table is hidden in this sleek design.
• The pockets are made of high-tech stretch nylon that stretches when it collects balls and shrinks back up when you take them out.
• Cues and balls can be stored under the table top.
• Optional Easy-Lift system raises the table from 30″ dining height to 33″ playing height.
• They offer coordinating chairs and leather benches to match.

Optional card, family and casino game cloths and accessories can be fitted on the table top reverse side.

Dining Elegance once again.

Shop for all your Tabletop & Entertaining needs in My Secret Database!

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

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!