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grant-dawson…
new sustainable tabletop & decorative accessories
Last week, I spent four days scouring the New York TableTop show looking and new products and trends or the season. To my delight, I discovered the artistry of an industry newcomer Grant-Dawson. The company which was founded by two delightful women, Sheri Gorsen and Cindy Testa whose mission is to raise both species awareness and environmental change. This was their very first market showing more than fifty decorative objects that in my professional opinion are nothing short of works of art. Many of these masterpieces feature an endangered species motif in a noble effort to create greater awareness and action. Exquisitely crafted, each item produced also uses sustainable or recycled materials. It was no surprise that these newly launched products were selected as gifts to the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony. They chose to give their antiqued golden seahorse, which sadly is now an endangered species. According to Grant Dawson, the Kirkland Warbler (seen pictured here)
was first identified in 1851 and now the bird’s population dwindled due to the loss of suitable breeding habitat coupled with their inability to defend nests and young from the Brown-headed Cowbird. Kirtland’s Warblers migrate to the southeastern coast of the U.S. on their way to wintering grounds in the Bahamas. Forest management is critical to the survival of this species, and conservation efforts include creating new habitat every year. Another interesting and colorful collection (as seen here) are these delightful little birds that are handcrafted by the palm Knitter’s Association of Ichilo in Bolivia. The birds are made of palm with lead-free pewter accents. They come in fuscia, lime green, yellow, orange, purple, and natural. They will retail for approximately $30 each.
To learn more about these works of art and the endangered species go to:
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a quest for excellence…
required reading for all luxury merchants
 My former boss, mentor and dear friend Ira Jacobson has published a new book entitled “A Quest for Excellence”. I had the sincere pleasure to work and learn from Ira in the late 1980’s as a bridal consultant. In his book, A Quest for Excellence: the Incredible Story of the Most Beautiful Store in the World, Jacobson tells the story of Brielle Galleries from its humble beginnings to its unmatched presence in the tableware and decorative arts. During his nearly 50-years as proprietor, Jacobson tapped into his merchandising brilliance by creating a jaw-dropping storefront that literally beamed beneath the overpass of a nondescript New Jersey highway. The Waterford chandeliers cast their light onto original art, rare porcelain pieces, and stunning china and crystal collections.
Even though he was a friend to celebrities, presidents, and industry leaders, Jacobson’s warmth toward all kept them coming back to the “Museum with Price Tags”. He believed in educating his customers as well as serving them impeccably, no matter who they were. The book is part biography, part business how-to. Each chapter paints Jacobson’s incredible story teaching a lesson each chapter: How he turned liabilities in his favor, what inspired his unique marketing strategies, and how he relied on the strength of his employees to expand his business, one decade at a time. The principles and stories in Ira’s new book are an excellent roadmap for aspiring merchants, exisisting luxury retailers and students alike.
To purchase a copy of the book contact:
http://www.themostbeautifulstoreintheworld.com/
Industry & Press
Book signing
Friday, April 11th
41 Madison Avenue
5:00 to 7:00 PM with brief remarks at 5:30 - Level A
RSVP: 212-686-1203 by April 4th
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wiinblad's world
an artist retrospective
Bjorn Wiinblad was born in Copenhagen in 1919 and studied at the Royal Academy of Art & Illustration. In addition to his world renowned ceramics and decorative art objects he created worldwide stage scenes and book illustrations. Rosenthal is now celebrating the work of the beloved designer who designed for the firm for fifty years.
 It successful collaboration all began in 1957 when Philip Rosenthal discovered Wiinblad's ceramics while traveling through Denmark. He was so impressed by the young, imaginative designer’s style of harmonizing both décor and form. This is was the grounding philosophy of the original Rosenthal Studio-Line collections. The meeting with Philip was to become the most important stages in Wiinblad’s artistic career. The result of which was a creative, fruitful partnership displaying unusual style and range in the many original forms and patterns her designed for Rosenthal over a period of fifty years. Bjorn died in his home of Denmark just short of seeing the spectacular comprehensive exhibition in Selb Germany of his works in ceramics, glass and cutlery. He was truly a creative and imaginative artist whose works have become highly collected.
We now carry works in current production as well as special edition collections. I spotted these new pieces that are in limited production for our collectors.
If you are interested in learning more or are on the hunt for items he created please contact us at service@etabletop.com as we too cherish his contribution to design.
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calling all foodies
dinnerware designed by 3 Star Michelin Chef
I’m crazy about this chef collection by three star Michelin chef Massimiliano Alajmo, called in.grediente. The highly individualized plates have been designed especially for tastings and for specific food requirements. Each plate has a slight tilt forward so most delicacies can be sampled with just the use of a fork. The pasta plate has a small clever hollow in the edging for precisely that purpose. The dinner plates also have a deep well to keep sauces warmer and prevent them from running on the plates. This brilliant culinary concept embodies the trend for more individuality in food tasting and professional presentation. These are highly recommended for foodies and those who celebrate food and its various flavors, textures and aroma.
For more information contact us at service@etabletop.com
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champagne bling
ice buckets that look like designer handbags
I spotted these super chic ice buckets at this week at the New York TableTop Show. They come from L'orfevrerie D'Anjou a factory that has been creating luxury decorative objects since 1710. This collection of champagne coolers comes in a delicious palette of colors, pink, orange, white & stainless combo, smoke in addition to a variety of modern shapes in silver. The Sosso (far left) looks like a designer handbag, while the Culbusso (far right) is cut like a coutour dress around the bottle. They currently are available to order direct from France with a retail starting at $500 and up. They make perfect gifts for those who have it all!
If you are interested in seeing the entire range and pricing, contact us at service@etabletop.com.
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finger lakes region
where beautiful landscape & decorative arts meet
Nestled in upstate New York, this area—complete with stunning landscapes—makes a wonderful fall getaway
With its gorgeous scenery and many inspiring activities, the Finger Lakes Region in upstate New York is an ideal setting for a Fall getaway. The area includes many treasures, such as the Corning Museum of Glass. Contrasting with the vibrant fall foliage, a modern steel building houses the Corning Museum of Glass, offering a glimpse of traditional glass-making techniques.
The museum boasts a wide array of dazzling historic glass objects, and also offers special events, such as the recent 46th Annual Seminar in glass. The topic of this year’s seminar was “Nature in Glass,” with a major focus on the life and work of Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka, the creators of the Harvard glass flowers. The glorious flowers will be on view through November 25 and will delight both children and adults. Father-and-son team Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka created the flowers with the purpose of teaching students about these flower specimens in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Today, they are no longer used as teaching tools but are showcased as works of art. The basic ingredient of every model was colorless glass, which the Blaschka’s manipulated with other materials, such as copper wire, oil-based paint and even paper.
In addition to the Blaschka exhibit, the Corning Museum is rich with decorative objects and fun activities. Visitors can see a window created by glass master Louis Comfort Tiffany, tour the many floors dedicated to historic glass objects, watch glassblowers create spectacular glass objects, and even create their own glass object using traditional glassworking techniques. Even the outside of the museum offers a unique display: Glass pumpkins and gourds reflect the bold colors and shapes of the season.
Upon leaving the Corning Museum, visitors can drive through the surrounding Finger Lakes Wine Country, featuring many award-winning wineries. During the fall season, this is a great weekend retreat, with charming inns such as the Inn at Glenora providing a relaxing environment. Glenora features an on-premise restaurant called Veraisons, and boasts stunning views of Seneca Lake and the fall landscape. Wineries in the area include Genora Wine Cellars, offering their signature Pinot Blanc with delicate pear and citrus flavors and a distinctive dry Riesling, which won the 2007 Critics Challenge Gold Medal. The Herman J. Wiermar winery holds its wine tastings in a striking setting: The tastings are done in an old scissor-trussed barn that was redesigned with a modern interior. Besides these notable mentions there are virtually dozens of wineries to visit set in the most breathtaking setting.
For more information on visiting the region visit
http://www.visitfingerlakes.com/
for more information on the Harvard glass flower exhibit or the Corning Museum visit www.cmog.org
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re-invent your presentation
discover the art of japanese giftwrap
 The holidays are right around the corner and soon it will be time to wrap bundles of gifts. I've always taken joy in that process, shopping for pretty papers, ribbons bows. Paper design is right at the top of my list of things I enjoy along with decorative objects. The colors, textures, prints are all so exciting to combine together & work with. If I have spare time, it's common to see me walking the aisles of Paper Presentation on 18th St. in NYC, a virtual emporium for all things paper. Like the Japanese, I too pay attention to how something is packaged or wrapped as it can make a bigger statement then the gift itself. Their art is called tsutsumi, or Japanese gift-wrapping, and it began over 600 years ago during the ceremonial exchange of gifts. Nobility would use the finest papers to convey their respect for the recipient. In their culture, the gift wrap is as important as the gift itself. Intricate folds and handmade bows show that you have given a gift from your heart. One thing that sets their approach from ours is that we always try to make our gifts square. The Japanese way is to emphasize the present's true shape. If it's a triangle shaped gift, they don't put it in a box, but they keep the triangle. To do this, they often use complex folding patterns based on origami technique. The easiest is wrapping with cloth, or furoshiki. In my conversation with the Washington based expert Akiko Keene she likes to use pretty Japanese silks like the traditional furoshiki. In this technique you place the cloth facedown, put the gift in the middle and tie the fabric at the top. In the most traditional way of doing this, the cloth ends up tight, like a well-wrapped kimono. She also does a technique called, chato, which involves folding pleats in paper. The number of pleats you make shows the significance of the occasion. An odd number, always facing left, is used for happy ones, like weddings. Funerals and other sad times call for even numbers. Another big difference is that how they wrap things and the material they use tells the person how they feel. For joyous occasions, they tie the mizuhiki or colored cord or ribbon upward, to make the bow like a smile. There are many types of knots, each appropriate for different types of events. The mizuhiki color symbolizes things, too. Red white are popular for weddings, because red signals strength and good fortune, while white stands for purity. Along with ribbons and bows, they use things from nature. In winter season, Akiko uses tangerine flowers, bamboo or kelp. The bamboo is a symbol of life and the kelp is a symbol of longevity. In the Spring she uses cherry blossoms and wisteria. I know, who has the time to be so detailed? Well, you could get a good book and try some of the folding and knots when you have time. Alternatively, I recommend investing in a big roll of white matte paper as a staple item. The add some of the elements found in nature seasonally like a sprig of holly or herbs from your garden. Another idea is TARGET stores has a colorful bow collection (see picture) by Japanese paper artist Ayomi Yoshida. They have a wide selection of geometric bows that can be partnered with simple white craft paper will surely make an impact have a handmade, modern look. To see Ayomi Yoshida's collection visit www.target.com
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metallics...
shining through for holiday
Like the lyrics to a popular song, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that bling.” From the halls of Maison et Object to the showrooms of the NY TableTop market designers are taking these words to heart.
German innovator Rosenthal has a new decorative collection in platinum called “Vibrations”.
Sieger design an industry sweetheart, has a new platinum dinnerware collection called Treasure. The elegant collection of white poecelain and platinum is crafted by the historic Fuerstenberg manufactory, with hand-painted platinum accents. True to thier luxururious style the interior of the teacups are fully adorned in platinum as are the decorative teapot and eggcup.
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get hooked...
the must have for your designer handbag
 No more laying that Chloe handbag on the floor of your favorite restaurant! Christina spotted this ingenious Mimi purse holder designed by goldsmith Liana Cavallaro. The purse hooks secure to the dining table to hang display your beautiful handbag. They are available in 18/10 stainless steel in both platinum, 24kt plated gold, hand sewn jewels, Swarovski crystals in a rainbow of colors, precious stones and even the artesian millefiore technique. They fold flat to carry in your purse and come in felt pouches, the retail for silverplate is $43.75 and $100.00 for Swarovski crystal. To receive a catalog with pictures and pricing contact us at service@etabletop.com or by phone at 212-251-0621.
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saucer champagne
the return to opulence
 There is ongoing speculation as to the origin of the saucer champagne glass. Some have said that the glass was modeled after the breasts of Marie Antoinette. Others have said they were created by Madame du Pompadour, the mistress of Frances’s Loius XV, as a gift for her lover. These theories are possible as champagne was invented in the 17th century and the saucer champagne glass was first introduced in England around 1663. Over the years the tulip shape has gained in popularity, so much so, that we never see the older version. Many seem to prefer it as the bubbles have the space to form and rise to the surface. However, the saucer also has neat attibutes as you can really smell the aroma and feel the bubbles when in use.
Over this last year, I have noticed a return to the saucer champagne, also known as the champagne sherbet, as its secondary use is for ice creams and soft desserts. The reason for the resurgence is the effect of changing styles in both home décor and spirits. Firstly, tables are becoming more formal again with heavily embellished dinnerware and the correct utensil for every type of food stuff. The more bulbous form has an opulence seen in more formal events. The other reason is the growing popularity of spirits like prosecco and champagnes, over wines for cocktail hour. In my research it is hard to find saucer champagnes in the US, but in fact they are still made by most of the top crystal companies. We have put together a group of both traditional and modern styles to order in time for the holidays.
If you would like to see ideas contact us at: service@etabletop.com
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 emperor's garden
the luxury of sieger
eTableTop was the very first online retailer to showcase the new Sieger collection of fine china. I had the pleasure of meeting Christian Sieger who told me about their desire to bring back real luxury products-seeking perfection in every detail of the design & packaging. The Seiger design team is not new to design and are infamous in the bath industry for their modern designed hardware for Dornbracht & the Happy D by Duravit.
Shown above the Emporer's Garden teapot $368.00 retail and available at www.etabletop.com
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sweet celebrations
the most unique european bakeware
Before Williams Sonoma, there was Maid of Scandinavia (now called Sweet Celebrations). They have been offering unique European cookware for over a century. Located in Edina Minnesota, they have a website & catalog that include tools for everything from candy making to an Aebleskiver Pan used to make Danish pancakes. Shown above are shaped sandwich molds, great for parties & children’s sandwiches. They retail for $20.35 for a set. http://www.sweetc.com
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tinsel trading
the prop stylists trade secret revealed Tinsel Trading is one of the best kept secrets to all the top magazines, editors & stylists. They have the most extraordinary selection of new & vintage ribbons, trims, flowers & beads. They are now celebrating their 70th year in business and started with metal threads from France, know as "Tinsel". As we approach the holiday season, this is an excellent resource for creative table displays, gift packages & handmade invitations. They are located at 47 West 38th St, NYC or you can check out the website for more information.
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for her eyes only
designer buys bond house for the dinnerware
Trendy Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler recently purchased the 1925 Georgian Revival of producer Albert R. Broccoli-famed for the James Bond Films. She said in her interview "If I like something I buy it". She went on to say that the Broccoli china, most notably the dinner service with a lavender background was the "piece de irressistnace". The magnificent home had three collections, one for 12, one for 24 and one for 18 as well as endless accessories like tureens and platters. The china was produced from a French Porcelain House Lahoche & Pannier and dates back to the mid-19th century. Wearstler is an avid collector with over sixteen sets of china. She believes "it creates a memory and helps slow down time. Life goes so fast." "In other words, life is too short to eat off dull dishes. Good china is like your heart: it is meant to tempt-and even withstand-plenty of breakage."
Images and Quote taken from The New York Times
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dining etiquette classes
teaching tots about table manners
 eTableTop has a new series of Dining Etiquette classes for toddlers, ages 3.5 to 5 years of age. Children will learn how to set the table, dining manners & how to write thank you notes. All supplies are provided and each child gets a Graduation Certificate. All participants must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Class space is limited.
For schedule & Fees contact: christina@etabletop.com
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The Suomi dinnerware shape was first introduced in 1976, and still is a modern classic of our time. Its square shape with rounded edges is organic and clean, typical Scandivinan brilliance. Finnish designer, Timo Sarpeneva took four years to develop a way to attach the metal handle to the porcelain. The production of the handled objects is still one of the most challenging tasks for a modeler. The form has won countless design awards and continues to be a bridal favorite, especially for those who prefer modern. 
