Usually I prefer white, classic dinnerware but some plates are just too beautiful to be ignored! I first spotted this 4th generation French brand, Jars Ceramistes, while window shopping in London, but no matter where you find them, they have an organic, luminous, and crackled finish that is just so appealing! They also create the richest, most lovely colors of glaze. 

I also love the look of mixing a few of these bowls and serving pieces in with an existing plain white dinnerware sets. My favorite is this rich aubergine color above and the soft, watery blues. Which would  you pick?

You can buy them here or here! 

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Etsy Find: The Elms Vintage

For the two years now I have been literally obsessed with Etsy.com. The amazing online marketplace of handmade and vintage items offers everything from art, jewelry, paper goods, clothing, ceramics,  and toys to quilts, wood working, candles and books! So I thought I would share with you an Etsy Find every once in a while (since I not everyone can spend hours a day shopping their site!). Today it's The Elms Vintage. Based in charming Burlington, Vermont, Kate at The Elms Vintage offers a small but great collection of home accessories. I am always on the hunt for beautiful and unique accessories (especially now that I have a new apartment that is empty) and these I can afford! Enjoy!
The vintage mid-century brass seagull (above) was what originally caught my eye at The Elms Vintage - what a unique piece to use as a bookend or paperweight. You might have to fight me for it - very chic Mad Men style if you ask me. . . 

A set of seven J&G Meakin Genoa salad plates, made in England. Yes, seven is an odd number but hey they are vintage and certainly are beautiful. And under $50 for the set!  

I love this gold stripe brandy sniffers and matching decanter. They would look great displayed even when not in use. 

What a great burst of color this vintage glass yellow ombre bowl gives! It would work so well for filling with fruit on your kitchen table or on an entry table to catch odds and ends.

A wooden leaf form serving tray - a steal at $11! Really! I also appreciate how thoughtful and creative the photography is at The Elms Vintage and how she often provides another object, like a mini pumpkin, to give us a sense of scale!  

A set of four Anchor Hocking teacups with gold edging. I love how they are framed against the map! 

www.etsy.com/shop/theelmsvintage

Happy Etsy Browsing!

Haute Holiday: David Stark for West Elm

I was so excited to come across this winter collection from West Elm. David Stark, the celebrated event planner, has teamed up with the mod retailer to offer a beautiful, affordable and eco-friendly collection of holiday decoration and entertaining pieces. I especially love how versatile the collection is - while very festive, you can use many of the pieces all year round. The silver, white, and soft gray color scheme is a such a refreshing alternative to fussy, more traditional decorations and would be perfect for those celebrating the holidays in a warmer climate too! 

David Stark has also just come out with a new book full of great entertaining ideas! Available through West Elm as well. Enjoy! 

www.davidstarkdesign.com

www.westelm.com/gift/trends/david-stark-collaboration 

Yum . . . Laduree Paris

One of the best things about Paris just has to be Laduree. The famous French bakery and patisserie was founded in 1862 by Louis-Ernest Laduree and has been a Parisian obsession every since. Like many things Parisian, Laduree is just so beautiful and chic! After a visit here a few weeks ago I have been dreaming of the their signature minty green (in addition of course to their amazing macaroon!)

The colors of these amazing macaroon are enough to make your mouth water! I love the rich raspberry ones! What about a room in tones of macaroon . . . hmmm!

We visited the St. Germain branch and I loved every minute in this fabulous Chinoiserie dining room. Tea and macaroon with two of my closest friends was the perfect afternoon! 

I love their packaging - so classic and stylish. I think the Laduree soft green might even trump Tiffany blue.

Even the Laduree delivery trucks are chic! 

The Laduree china is in the same beautiful tones, I found this china by Anna Weatherly at Bloomingdales.com. Perfect for your own afternoon tea! 

I love how the pistachio flavor is just the perfect Laudree green! I cant wait to go back very, very soon! 

www.laduree.fr

Tortoiseshell Mania!

There is something I just love about tortoiseshell accessories! Whether in fashion or interiors, tortoiseshell (or I should really say faux tortoisehell!) can add an element of tradition and classicism without being too stuffy! It is the ultimate neutral and looks great with everything - especially with warm autumn and jewel tones. Tortoiseshell is a great nod to the past but is so easy to update! Here are few of my favorites. . . 

Tortoise glass drink ware by Horchow - sophisticated but still fun! 

A great vintage faux tortoise painted occasional table circa 1950 from Dixon Lane Antiques.

By designer Jeffery Bilhuber, a painted faux burled walnut door surround (but I think it looks more like tortoiseshell!). It adds so much warmth and looks beautiful with the rich blues and golds. 

A collection of shower curtain rings - including tortoiseshell! - by Liz Victory Designs.

A classic 19th century tea caddy from The Gables Antiques - the perfect accessory for a coffee table or console.

A great vintage faux tortoiseshell cuff I found on Ebay! Only $50! 

Lastly, an utterly chic built in cabinet lined with Schumacher tortoiseshell wall covering by the amazing Albert Hadley.

So the next time are you looking for a little polish and class . . . think of tortoiseshell!