Elements of Style Blog » tabletop

Setting the Table

Erin Gates — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:40:40 +0000

As I think about setting tables for the holidays I think about the fine china I registered for for my wedding. Of course, as with most big decisions I erred on the side of SAFE and CLASSIC. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I remember looking at other china patterns that were so beautiful but scared me with their bold color and pattern. Yes, I can always pair my Vera Wang Grosgrain with colored chargers or pattered dessert plates, but something in me wishes that for fine china that I use only a couple times a year I had gone BOLDER!

The china that I was lusting after, and still am to this day, is the Etoile pattern below left by Bernardaud . Gold tipped and a gorgeous mix of plum and light turquoise it enchanted me from first sighting. But I was too scared to go there. I also loved this mint green and gold design by Haviland. I would advise brides that if they ARE registering for fine china to make it some thing special and funky and keep the classic and safe patterns for everyday dinnerware! Perhaps someday that Etoile will be mine!

Also currently adoring the bold orange and gold setting as well as this chain link Hermes pattern!

I also fell head over heels for the pewter banded Match goods and the over-scale Royal Copenhagen style for a less formal look.

What about you? What china did you register for? Do you still love it or wish you had chosen something different?

What I’m Loving: Thornback & Peel

Erin Gates — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:31:06 +0000

As we approach Thanksgiving and all it’s cranberry and family stress glory, I am sure a slew of you are thinking about setting a pretty table, which is why I am loving the good by UK based Thornback & Peel right now! Whether it be a turkey apron or reindeer napkin their table linens are great for the holidays. But they don’t stop there, they also make pillows, wallpaper, cards, tee-shirts and even deck chairs!

MattieLuxe Giveaway!

Erin Gates — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:20:51 +0000

I was DELIGHTED to see EOS sponsor MattieLuxe in the last house Beautiful….and now we are giving away a set of 6 personalized place mats from them to dress up your summer table! Just leave a comment to enter and I’ll pick the winners on Tuesday!

I would love a pair of these ADORABLE ones for my dogs (who make the most unbelievable mess when they eat. Really, it’s shocking.)

Some other faves of mine!