With the weather cooling and the holidays approaching my thoughts are on cooking and entertaining. I would love to dress a table with these beautiful glass bowls from Iittala. A classic mid-century design in an array of colors make the Mari bowls a lovely addition to any table setting or decorative display. My favorites are the black ones but check out the other colors at Didriks.
Cocoon Home Design was commissioned to do the floral arragements for a Harvard Back Bay Club wedding. We opted to keep it traditional in the main reception hall but introduced a bit of funk into the cocktail and sitting areas.
All photos taken by Leah Cooper for Ria Services
We're so often focused on the contemporary look of stainless steel that we neglect copper, bronze, gold, and nickel. This is first in a series exploring how to incorporate other metals into your space with accessories, textiles and lighting. Take a look at some gold examples.
Above Williams and Sonoma's Gold Leaf Mirror will reflect the late summer sun through out your home.
The gold in Marcel Wander's Alice wallpaper makes the floral pattern delicate and glamorous.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams occasional table is the perfect size to fit just about anywhere.
Gold details throughout a hotel room in St. Petersburg make the guest feel royal and grand. Take me there....
This vintage cocktail shaker set from Esty is a great way to get a touch of gold into your bar.
Vico Magistretti Atollo Gold Lamp. I LOVE IT!!
The gold piano and the gold framed chairs make this room whimsical and classic.
Try working a bit of gold into your space.
My husband and I recently took the kids out to dinner and we were reminded how nice it is to sit around a round table. The dynamics of conversation are completely different. The conversation easily flowed from one child to another, we were able to keep an eye on how much or how little they were eating, and there was plenty of room in the center of the table for extra plates and such. We decided that in our next house we're going round. Take a look a some tables that I found.
Above, Oscar dining table from Hudson.
Clayton Gray Home's Rotating Architects table has an adjustable base and a cool gunmetal finish.
Robb & Stucky's New Attitudes table.
I like the look of the mixed upholstered chairs in the Charles Collection available at Bloomingdale's.
The Brooke pedestal table from Bungalow 5 in limed oak.
I love the seamlessness of this table. The base is just beautiful.
I can't forget a classic and always a favorite, the Saarinen table. Mix it with traditional wood chairs to balance the laminate top to make it a bit funky.
Remember when looking for a round table choosing one with a pedestal is key, it allows for more chairs to go around. Round tables also tend to take up more space, especially if you have a family of five and entertain often you need at least a 60" diameter, so measure your room before purchasing. Also, check out Craigslist for a used one, you can easily paint the whole table or just the top a cool high gloss color.
Living in the city doesn't always need to feel urban. At a recent party the feel was less city and more country. How much do you love the canoe cooler? Not only did it keep the adult beverages cold but it kept my three kids entertained for the whole evening. Other home town touches.... homemade cheeses, local baked breads, glass plates and cups, live music and good old neighbors. Summer has begun. Happy Birthday Jack and Melissa.
