With more people getting vaccinated daily the final throes of the pandemic may be in sight. Although we can’t throw caution to the wind entirely, we can certainly look forward to al fresco dining, picnics and drinks with friends and family throughout the summer.
New York’s bi-annual to the trade Table-Top Show where brands unveil their newest collections was held in April. I saw so many beautiful fine-china patterns that I wondered how many sets of china I can own before it’s too much. The answer is it’s never too much, especially when you can wow your guests with intriguing new color & pattern combinations. If you’re seeking inspiration for a summer entertaining at home, here’s a selection of the prettiest pieces from my favorite brands.
Mottahedeh is the recognized leader in luxury ceramic antique reproductions and historic designs. Their authentic reproductions and timeless patterns include the classic Tobacco Leaf and Blue Canton patterns. For informal summer entertaining the patterns shown here artfully play with color, pattern and texture.
The Sacred Bird & Butterfly china place-setting is an exquisite Chinese export pattern with traditional motifs of Chinese birds, butterflies and flowers rendered on European shapes. A classic pattern that you can mix with plain white china-ware for a more contemporary look.
Designed by American design icon Tony Duquette this dynamic Malachite place setting in vivid emerald etched in gold is luxurious yet playful. Just add candlelight!
This set of 4 Alhambra multi canape plates saved the day for me throughout the pandemic. Each is the perfect size for a sandwich, snack or tapas and were pressed into service daily. The detailed Moorish-style patterns on faux wood and stone backgrounds are just enchanting.
Sophie Conran for Portmeirion is perfect and timeless for everyday life. The tableware features a look of being hand thrown giving each piece an organic quality in a contemporary palette of white, gray and blue.
The Sophie Conran for Portmeirion’s Floret is the newest collection in creamy white and Robin’s Egg, seamlessly mixed with Arbor in creamy white. Together they elevate any planned or spontaneous dining situation.
The elegant simplicity of Arbor in creamy white and Robin’s Egg
Nambé is my favorite serveware bringing style and function to the table. Made from rich acacia wood mixed with lustrous alloy it’s modern, sophisticated and budget friendly.
Acacia breadboard with accompanying knife designed to fit snugly into the board’s side.
William Yeoward was one of London’s noted interior designers and an avid antique crystal collector. In 1993 he teamed up with Timothy Jenkins, third-generation in the family owned crystal business John Jenkins maker of reproduction antique European crystal pieces. Together they created a new collection of exquisite crystal items that combined some of the best design elements of the Georgian period with modern technological advances in crystal making.
The Portia cake stand and dome made from hand engraved fine crystal makes the perfect centerpiece to display a luscious tarte or fine gateau.
From the Lulu collection, the iconic emerald martini mixer and stirrer is meticulously made from handblown glass, with the clear layer overlaid with color. This is a magnificent addition to any bar.
The Marina Martini green cocktail is architectural and dramatic with its horizontal cuts and exotic shade of green.
https://us.williamyeowardcrystal.com/wine-carafe
These labelled wine carafes were one of my favorite finds of the day. There’s also chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot and rosé carafes. Perfect for wedding reception dining tables.
Whether you are dining indoors or al-fresco; with a group or solo, celebrate summer and level up your table setting game with dynamic tableware, barware and accessories. Your guests will notice and be impressed that you went all-out for them.