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Entertaining Essentials

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July 2010 Summer Entertaining Pics

Here are our picks for the 13 perfect pieces you need to host a fabulous outdoor soiree this summer…and they’re all under $100!

1. Bianca Melamine Dinnerware, $2.95-4.95 at Crate & Barrel: This elegant classic white dinnerware has the look of ceramic but is made of melamine for durability, making it perfect for outdoor dining.

2. Aqua Market Umbrella, $69.99 at Pier 1 Imports: Take refuge from the sun under this colorful umbrella that’s sure to brighten up your next outdoor gathering.

3. Utensil Holder & Condiment Caddy, $6.95-8.95 at Crate & Barrel: You can add color …


Over the weekend I attended a fun event hosted by lifestyle guru Eddie Ross with Creative Candles called Color & Candlelight which focused on inspiring ways to add color to your home with candles. The event took place at Gracious Home which is one of my favorite NYC stores for housewares, linens, lighting and more. Through discussion and slide show, Eddie demonstrated just how easy and inexpensive it is to brighten up a space or a table setting, simply by using colored candles. Here’s a perfect example:


Photo: eddieross.com via Martha Stewart Living

This room is absolutely beautiful but …


My desk

I have fond memories of receiving my first set of personalized stationery. When I was 6 or 7 my mom surprised me with a set of pink, purple and sea green folded note cards, note pads and envelopes with little seashells all over and I thought it was beyond cool that my name was printed on them. I would always find excuses to write notes to people just so I could use it. Nowadays personal correspondence is all about speed and convenience. The prevalence of email has made correspondence quite impersonal and new innovations like text messaging and …

I’m obsessed with DwellStudio’s stylish new tabletop collection! The recently launched line includes placemats, dinner napkins, runners, coasters, cocktail napkins and aprons (the latter three are new introductions). The pieces are all 100% linen with the exception of the placemats and runners which are a linen/cotton blend. All of the items were made using eco-friendly dyes and feature, modern, graphic prints in sophisticated colors that would blend well in any interior setting. The prints and patters were designed with mixing and matching in mind. Above, the Chionoiserie placemats (my favorite!) are paired with the Gate napkins in java…a super chic…

I absolutely love beautiful, hand printed textiles and was thrilled to discover the work of JA Design Studio. The Miami based company offers an assortmet of luxury textiles including table linens, throw pillows, custom bedding, drapery panels and more. They also have a line fabrics by the yard called Plumwich, which is available exclusively to the trade via showrooms around the country. Each design is screen printed by hand, mostly on fine Belgian linen but also on cottons, silks and velvets. The products are beautifully finished and possess an antique like quality that only adds to their appeal. The…