Elements of Style Blog » tabletop

Setting A Bold Table

Erin Gates — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:22:41 +0000

When I saw this tablescape designed by the genius Eddie Ross I did cartwheels.

Not only am I obsessed with the pink/coral/turquoise color combo but he used a set of french opaline glasses I have a collection of! I am completely enamored with my turquoise beauties, so much so that I have NEVER ONCE USED THEM. I stare at them and show them to my friends but put wine in them? Noooooo sir! I broke one last year and I was so upset I wanted to have a funeral for it and bury the pieces in the back yard while wearing black. It was a challenge to use Eddie’s fabulous approach to tablescaping but I tried:

This would be a fantastic tablecloth fabric paired with modern lucite Chiavari chairs!

These plates from eBay would serve well as a contrast in pattern yet coordinate in color scheme. Underneath place these gold bead edge chargers from Target.

Some pink wine glasses and clear hobnail water glasses would add more punch, as would these candleholders and these Eva Zeisel brass candlesticks from eBay.

Some magenta napkins, lucite napkins rings and peony bouquets to top it off!

For the Love of Hardware

Erin Gates — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:27:02 +0000

I totally dork out on hardware. I guess this is why I do what I do- seeing a gorgeous period style door hinge just gets me all sorts of giddy. There is no better place to oogle luxurious, historically influenced hardware than E.R. Butler in Boston (or NYC). The shop itself is to die for gorgeous, set on Boston’s most charming Charles Street. I’ve always said that hardware is like the jewelry of a room (lighting too, but I digress) and these people treat it as such. Just check out some of the amazing goods they produce, all organized on their site by time period:

But that’s not all- they also carry some make-you-drool tabletop accessories. I always find myself pressing my face to their shop window and coveting these inset ceramics:

And how about these sweet votives shaped like tulips and nests? Can’t you see a bevy of them scattered across a tabletop amongst simple flowers for a ethereal centerpiece?

And not only do they carry jewelry for the home, they also carry actual jewelry. Most notably the vintage pieces from the perfectly curated collection of Brooklyn’s Erie Basin. Consider me obsessed.

I could pontificate for hours about the joys of vintage jewelry- but I’ll just leave you with pictures of their vintage (and one new designer) engagement rings. While it seems that most girls are focused on big ass bling, I think if I were to choose again I’d choose something delicate, small and with history like these pieces.

I’m going to stop before this post gets any more random. :)

A Holiday Table

Erin Gates — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:34:53 +0000

When you own your own business, super short weeks like this are stressful rather than exciting. I cannot believe Thanksgiving is here and I have to leave tomorrow! I am so not ready! Good thing I’m not hosting, and leaving that task to my mom who always does it beautifully. As inspiration for those who may be hosting, here are some gorgeous holiday table images to get you moving this morning!

This American Harvest table from Country Living is my favorite this year- love the mismatched vintage silverware, the deep blues and feathers!

Using words of thanks on glasses and tableclothes…

Make kids tables chic and fun with craft paper, drawn place mats and/or cut fringe edging!

Make leftovers enticing for guests to take with take out containers dressed up with ribbons and sticker labels!

Dress up the door with a fall inspired wreath to greet guests!

Off for two installations today (just in the nick of time for the holiday) then time to bake, pack and do one final yoga class to keep me zen during crazy family time. :)

images via Martha Stewart, Country Living and Better Homes & Gardens.

What I’m Loving: Dwell Placemats

Erin Gates — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:29:20 +0000

I am loving these new “Gate” placemats from Dwell Studio. Imagining them as part of a chic Thanksgiving day table done in all deep yellows and dark warm greys (with white and silver china, of course).

That’s all. Carry on.

Finally- Roberta Roller Rabbit Online!

Erin Gates — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:04:00 +0000

I’ve been oogling her bright prints in magazines for a looooooong time and been frustrated that the only way to get them was at her NYC shop- but finallyRoberta Freymann’s line Roberta Roller Rabbit has an online shop and I am positively giddy over the offerings! From quilts to kurtas to tabletop accessories, I want to brighten my home with everything! Not to mention my new favorite “baby item for my non-existent baby“– the quilted baby blankets!!!! Oh my, they are amazing and a fantastic gift for a shower at $60 each!

Said baby blankets (I could design a whole nursery around one of them!)

Quilts for grown-ups (the yellow one slays me- so cool)

Pillows:

Drapes:

Tablecloths, place mats and napkins galore!

Kurtas:

Beach bags:

Roberta also has her own namesake fashion line that really embraces what seems to be her style: luxurious by not over the top, whimsical but not oddly so, detailed yet simple! Loving the necklaces specifically!

A Great Gift for Summer Weddings!

Erin Gates — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:03:00 +0000

I’ve got weddings on the brain since there are so many during these summer/fall months! When shopping for gifts I always want to get something “cool” and unique. Here’s a gift that shows thought and is not an expected “registry” item- personalized melamine plates from La Plates in modern, graphic prints complete with the couple’s new monogram. I am adoring so many of these patterns, and at $22 each, you could get a pair or four for summertime newlyweds to use for casual dining! Also a great gift for a new mother with her baby’s monogram on one paired with a sweet set of utensils or a sippy cup!