Product Of The Week: Fluted Glass Carafe And Tumblers Set

Product Of The Week: Fluted Glass Carafe And Tumblers Set

by | May 1, 2022 | Design Inspiration

Serve beverages and water in style with this on-trend gold-rimmed fluted glass carafe and tumblers set, perfect for the table or the nightstand.

Get it here.

Recommended Reading:  51 Cool Carafes To Hold Your Water Or Wine

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12 Dos and Don’ts of Hosting a Dinner Party

12 Dos and Don’ts of Hosting a Dinner Party

by | Apr 27, 2022 | Design Inspiration

We don’t know about you, but we think dinner parties are the best kind of gathering. They incorporate two of the greatest things in life — time spent with friends and time spent with food. Is there anything better? But if you’re brand-new to the art of hosting a meal for a crowd, pulling together a dinner party might feel overwhelming or even downright daunting. Luckily, we’ve got some essential dos and don’ts to help you orchestrate a shared feast like a Michelin-starred chef.

Do: Set a Pinterest-Worthy Table

Autumn theme tablescape decorating idea
Image by Terri Cnudde from Pixabay

Your tablescape is quite literally the centrepiece of the soiree, so you want it to command attention. For an inviting, abundant look, focus on layering your tableware. Start from the bottom up — tablecloth, table runners, dinner plates, salad plates, silverware, décor. Stacking plates and flatware gives the table a luxurious look. Fresh flowers and greens are a must at the centre of the table!

Don’t: Worry About Making It Too Cohesive

Whether you want to buy all-new bakeware or use what you own, there are plenty low-maintenance ways to make your table look put together. The best table settings are the ones which are designed using a mix of things you already own and things you made or bought specifically for the occasion. There’s something quite charming about an eclectic table with settings and décor made up of thrifted, vintage, DIY and hand-me-down tableware collected over the years.

Tip: If you want to buy something brand-new, invest in serveware that doubles as bakeware. Gorgeous enameled cast iron goes from oven or stovetop to table with ease and adds a classy, rustic look to the table without dirtying extra dishes.

Do: Adopt a Theme

Giving your get-together a bit of a motif will help you silo your ideas and zero-in on the menu, table settings and décor. Some excellent themes to consider include tacos, fondue night, a clambake, brunch or a motif surrounding a specific cuisine, holiday or even TV show. Game of Thrones or Mad Men-inspired feast, anyone? The key is to pick a theme that inspires you and makes you want to go all-out.

Don’t: Go Overboard with It

We all get excited for our guests to see our setup, edit your arrangement like a pro! Incorporate small touches here and there rather than going top-to-bottom themed. Add dashes of your theme to the menu and centrepieces and keep everything else theme-neutral.

Do: Focus on Convenience

How to host the perfect dinner party
Photo by Rumman Amin on Unsplash

Just because you’re hosting a dinner party doesn’t mean you have to break out your fussiest china and silverware. It’s perfectly acceptable — and even preferable — to make a few concessions to simplify clean-up after everyone has gone home. Stick to disposable napkins and don’t be afraid to use exclusively dishwasher-safe tableware.

Tip: Empty the dishwasher before guests come and hand-wash kitchenware and dishes as you go during prep. An empty dishwasher will make cleanup quick and simple when dinner is over.

Don’t: Set the Table with Paper Plates

You deserve to enjoy the post-dinner portion of the gathering with your friends rather than hunched over the sink hand-scrubbing your nice dishes. But that doesn’t mean you should set out flimsy paper plates or wasteful plastic cups. If your gathering is outdoors or relaxed, opt for eco-friendly single-use bamboo or palm leaf plates that look beautiful but won’t take centuries to break down in the landfill.

Do: Inquire About Dietary Restrictions

The last thing you’d want to do is expose a guest to something that could make them sick. Inquire about dietary restrictions before you plan the menu. Got several constraints to contend with? Take a page out of the book of the Queen of Hosting herself — Martha Stewart, of course — and set up stations with cute labels so your guests know what’s to offer.

Don’t: Ignore Food Allergies

When sending out your invitations, make sure you explicitly ask about dietary restrictions and allergies. Ignoring food allergies can be serious and even deadly. Be sure to eliminate allergens from all foods or keep them completely separate from the rest of the menu. If you are labeling a food station or buffet, call out common allergens, such as tree nuts or shellfish.

Tip: Let your guests know what courses will be served. If you’re only planning on appetizers or heavy snacks, make sure that’s clear so guests can plan their own dinner. 

Do: Expect the Guestlist to Change

Dinner party table decoration idea
Photo by Libby Penner on Unsplash

As with any get-together, you’re sure to get a few “maybes” when you send out invitations. Of course, it’s better to have more food than not enough, so make sure you’re prepared to accommodate a couple of extra guests. Things happen and plans change!

Don’t: Be Afraid to Require RSVPs

While you should be prepared to squeeze in or take out a table setting or two, remember that it’s completely reasonable for you to ask for a commitment from your guests. If a dozen people put themselves down as “maybe,” there’s no way you’ll be able to accurately gauge how much food you’ll need. RSVPs ensure that you don’t waste food or send guests home hungry.

Do: Accept People’s Help

Make sure you’re open to offers from guests who want to help. Whether it be bringing a dish to share or helping you load the dishwasher after dinner, it’s perfectly acceptable to accept a little help along the way.

Don’t: Expect a Potluck Without Specifying It’s a Potluck

Delicious dinner party food
Photo by Kelly Jean on Unsplash

Accepting help from your guests is crucial, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook entirely. As the host, you’re expected to prepare and plan the bulk of the meal. If it’s a potluck, the host should always prepare the biggest, most expensive item — typically the main dish — and several sides. If you expect guests to contribute more than just a bottle of wine, make sure that’s clear in the invitation.

Practice Makes Perfect

Hosting a dinner party is like anything else in life in that it gets easier and more natural to you the more you do it. Over time, you’ll develop your own way of doing things that makes sense for you and your group of friends. In the meantime, we hope these guidelines will help you throw a five-star dinner party with minimal stress!

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51 Wooden Bar Stools for Timeless Kitchen Seating

51 Wooden Bar Stools for Timeless Kitchen Seating

by | Feb 15, 2022 | Design Inspiration

Because of their height, bar stools tend to serve as a prominent design element – it’s important to choose a design that you love, that feels comfortable but also flatters the room that surrounds. Wooden stools are a versatile option, a warm and inviting selection likely to age gracefully even as decor trends shift over time. In this post, we’ve collected our favorites from across the web. This compilation spans from mid-century icons to high-end selections from today’s most prolific designers, along with smart budget-friendly wooden stools for every style. Complete your dine-in kitchen or home cocktail lounge with any of the stunning selections below.

Product Of The Week: Fluted Drinking Glasses

Product Of The Week: Fluted Drinking Glasses

by | Dec 26, 2021 | Design Inspiration

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How to Elevate Your Dining Décor for Your Next Family Reunion

How to Elevate Your Dining Décor for Your Next Family Reunion

by | Oct 19, 2021 | Design Inspiration

Organizing fun and meaningful family reunions can be challenging regardless of how many relatives you expect. The dining room is centre stage for most activities, especially when everyone stays for the weekend or the holidays. With everything happening with the pandemic, the dining room can bring the family close and create some sense of normalcy. That said, you might want to consider these easy ways to elevate your dining room décor for your next family reunion.

Define your dining with rugs

If you are going for an open plan reception, adding a rug will do a perfect job for your décor by defining the space. You can get creative by mixing patterns and textures with your furniture. It is easier for your chairs and tables to feel a bit lost. Yet, you can prevent this by placing a rug beneath them. You should know one simple trick – keep your rug a bit wider than your dining tables on all sides. A rug can likewise bring everything together by adding an extra comfort element, even if your space is carpeted. However, sizing is vital to get the best look for your space.

Choose the correct table width

Nicely defined dining area with a rug underneath the table
Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Your table width is essential if you want to create the perfect table settings. Table décor, trays of food, candles, wine bottles and glassware are crucial pieces to keep conversations going across the table. You have to consider the size of your dining room when choosing your furniture, factoring in the number of people you intend to host. Going for a round table is practical if you have a small dining space and want everyone conversational around the table. However, an oval or rectangular table will work better if you want a space for, let’s say, eight people.

Find the right wall colours

A wild colour can easily elevate your dining décor and make your space feel more vibrant. Typically, dining space should have warm shades like dark green, blue or deep rust. You can likewise match your patterned walls with your furniture upholstery. However, you can add other colour elements elsewhere if you want a simple neutral wall colour. It could be a painting or other accessories like cushions or your carpet. New painting can offer a stronger foundation to express your creativity, so keep this in mind. By all means, select decors to flow with your walls.

Don’t forget your lighting

Stunning emerald green velvet dining chairs
Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Light is an essential element in every part of your home, and your dining space is no exception. The lighting can either make or break the look and feel of your room. You can make your dining more memorable by using an elegant chandelier. This can instantly elevate your dining space and make it ready for any occasion. Chandeliers come in various sizes and shapes. You might want to consider installing a dimmer to adjust your brightness to suit every mood.

Add some extra cushions

Cushions on your chairs can offer the same comfort as the area rugs. Find seat covers that are comfortable enough and provide the right support for proper seating. The chances are you will be spending more time than usual around the dining table, so it would be best to make your seating as pleasantly comfortable as you can. You can use colours and styles that compliment your dining décor on guiding your cushion choice.

Go for a holiday setup

Dining table and room decorated for a holiday family celebration
Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Family reunions don’t happen often, and if you are going to host one during the holidays, feel free to put your style on full display. The holidays are great times to show off and display your style to the fullest. Need some ideas? Consider hanging a garland over the top of your storage cabinet or around the window. Use table runners or tablecloths, decorate the table with available seasonal foliage for a festive feel and add candles to create atmosphere. If you’re celebrating during autumn, use colourful pumpkins as decor and match the theme to your food by serving in season menus. Look out for high quality European foods and pumpkin seed oil to add to your menu and recipes, including marinades, toppings, pasta, and salad dressings.  

Consider adding a window seat

Natural light can be exceptionally comforting, particularly during the cold part of the year when people struggle with the winter blues. It can be helpful to create seating near your windows to allow maximum sunlight into your home when you can’t sit in your outdoors. The window seat arrangement isn’t only functional for your dining space but adds another layer of style.

Your dining room, like your kitchen, is the heart of your home. It is where you enjoy your pleasant meals and quality family time. As a result, it is just right to elevate your dining décor and make it more inviting for your next family reunion.

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