Arthur Quentin is a must-shop place in Montreal for anyone who likes to cook or to entertain. You shop there when you are looking for quality and European imported tableware. No need to say that I like this shop a lot.

Their new collection for autumn includes this warmer dish to make chèvre chaud (warm goat cheese). It is a good idea to stock a couple for Christmas or as an hostess gift since you will impress with this $20 gift. They also carry a version for brie or camembert cheese.

Table linens at Arthur Quentin are awesome. They carry 100% linen tablecloths and napkins. Made in Belgium, I like the yellow and white Clément collection (starts at $280 CAD). A cheaper option for casual entertaining or for your everyday usage is the French Country Tête à tête and its matching napkins ($44.50 and $17.50).

+ Arthur Quentin – site only in French

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Cooking is enjoyed by both men and women. It is not that rare to see couples who enjoy cooking together. For them, it may be more appropriate to use gender neutral kitchen linen. One collection that is elegantly simple is Fog Linen available at DWR.

Japanese designer Yumiko Sekine uses raw linen from Lithuania to create, what I feel, are timeless products. One exception is the brown leather pot holder. So if you have friends who just moved in a new house, grap a garcon apron and a cafe aprons or wrap a few place mats with napkins. Sekine says that her Pot Cover keeps her teapot warm for 30 minutes but results may vary with your own teapot.

You can also buy them nice carafes. My favorite ones are the affordable Vaso Carafe and the sleek Black Glass Pitcher with his gorgeous seamless matte finish. The shape of the Vaso carafes could come handy if you do a Mad Scientist Halloween party.

Remember that you get 15% off the regular price at Design Within Reach until October 13th, 2009. I noted below the regular price.

WHERE TO BUY:
+ Fog Linen Napkin $14 USD
+ Fog Linen Place Mat $16
+ Fog Linen Garcon Apron $70
+ Fog Linen Cafe Apron $55
+ Fog Linen Leather Pot Holder $24
+ Fog Linen Pot Cover $46
+ Vaso Carafe med $25 large $38

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Whenever I am thinking of creating a modern tabletop, the tablemats and table runners made by Chilewich often come to mind as a possible option. I think that their placemats are at their best over a nice surface, like a stunning wood table.

I noticed that they now produce tête-à-tête, which is a type of table linen designed for two guests who seated across the table. Tête-à-tête is wider and shorter than a table runner. I use tête-à-tête for a romantic dinner or on rectangular table. This feels very French. It carries a casual chic sophistication.

I know that many of you are looking for inspirations for fall dinnerware with Halloween and Thanksgiving, being just at the corner. Their stylists put attention to select amazing tableware. Coasters under vases and small bowls are an easy way to add formality to your table. This is why it is always a good idea to stock table accessories which act as jewelry.

I quickly browse their new ecommerce site. One thing that I enjoy is the visual way you can browse by colors, textures and shapes.

MORE:
+ Tête-à-tête range $28- $75 USD

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More and more designers are updating these old-fashioned tea essentials. They always kept their granny look but like the things at Anthropologie, it is part of their charm. Ruth Cross, who worked with Linda Bloomfield, creates knitted garment and home accessories. Her knitted work is exquisite.

Etsy constitutes a great source for cozies. Knit Storm crocheted adorable mug cozies using a recycled wool yarn. My favorite is the one with hanging “Tea Me!” bag that is hand embroidered onto a piece of off-white felt and attached to one side of the cozy. After discussing with my husband, he is worried that the cozy stands too tall to stay clean. For that reason, I will sleep on it before ordering mine.

One thing for sure is that tea and mug cozies are becoming more desirable by the minute since my cup of tea got cold as I wrote this post.

SOURCING:
+ Ruth Cross
+ Tea Me Mug Cozy by KnitStorm $14 USD

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The latest table mats and table runners by Chilewich are getting more sophisticated. For a fall and winter table, opt for the elegance of the Brocade series. The Pressed Vinyl collection reproduces the look of lace without the maintenance requirements. Tuxedo Stripes is the most formal pattern. I imagined it well with the Linea Ice Oro Flatware Collection by Mepra.

I like the hues of the aqua and kiwi woven lattice placemats but I found that the woven is too open. If you are looking for bright hues, check the Pressed Vinyl Dots in citron (lemon), green, orange and hot pink.

SOURCING:
+ Chilewich’s Tabletop

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Since I will be in Boston this August to attend PodCamp Boston 4, I started a shopping list. I scheduled visits to stores that we do not have here in Montreal. I will go to Lekker naturally. Another store that I affection is Anthropologie. Their vintage, granny, Bohemian chic look is really distinctive.

I am a fan of their tea towels, potholders and mitts. I wish that their dishtowels were not as expensive. That Fleur de Lys pitcher is awesome. This Provencal pitcher is definitely on my shopping list.

SOURCING:
+ Tweeting Tea Party Dishtowel $24 USD
+ Painted Garden Serving Bowl $72 USD
+ Fleur de Lys Pitcher $28 USD
+ Yellow Birdie Bungalow Dishtowel $18 USD
+ Red Sea Potholder and Red Sea Mitt $12 USD each

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MYdrap is a Spanish concept of table linens that is quite unique. For the first time, you can get the efficiency of single-use napkins and placemats without letting go the elegance of your table. There is more. MYdrap are the first cloth serviettes, available in roll or pre-cut, that offer double the possibilities: for single use or to be washed and used again.

MYdrap is a range of reusable, washable, biodegradable and recyclable cotton or linen placemats and napkins. I really like the roll idea. There is a line designed for home usage and an hospitality range targeting restaurants, catering companies and airlines.

MYdrap is available in 17 colors. The neutrals are made with linen. The brighter colors are made with cotton. The napkins are available in cocktail napkins, lunch napkins and dinner napkins. RollPack UK is the distributor in United Kingdom while Virages introduced the collection in France this summer. At this point, MYdrap seems to have no intention to cross the Atlantic. I would have like to try them.

SOURCING:
+ MYdrap

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These are stylish housewares essentials. They make a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or to bring to the hostess this summer. I particularly like the level of details on the green saperlipopette model.

A French woman created these half-aprons. She sells them on etsy. Her atelier celebrates on a modern way the charms of the French country style. Her design are cute and fun. She also make tea towels, notebooks with the same patterns.

You can read her blog (it’s written in English). Her blog is filled with beautiful pictures.

SOURCING:
+ saperlipopette gardening half apron $32 USD
+ macaron half apron $32 USD

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It seems to be the week for kitchen linens.

The charm of a round bread linen bag always get me. I own the black and sand Bread Bag by Stelton. You may remember the exquisite breadbasket by C. Quoi, made in France. I love both but if you are looking for a steal instead of a splurge, the natural beige linen basket on etsy for for you. I imagine myself in a Saturday morning eating a croissant with orange-grapefruit marmalade or a chocolatine with my cafe au lait.

The small linen basket can be used in the bathroom to store small items, in the bedroom to empty your pockets or my favorite, to serve bread or pastry on the morning.

Many people take their bicycle instead their car to go to work. This bike frame lunch tote will sure be the talk of the office. Be prepared to take order or be frank and tell them they can find the instructions at Evil Mad Scientist.

MORE:
+ Handmade Basket in natural beige linen by LinenMe Jazz $8.99 USD
+ Via More Ways to Waste Time and Mint Design Blog

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I was due for a book review. Instead of my usual cookbook or home decor book review, I went for a green living book. In fact, the book I selected completes today’s eco-friendly column. The bottle sling bag looks great. I am sure that many mothers who like to carry a similar bag for the baby bottles.

In her second book, Betz White created 25 projects made with repurposed and organic materials. Her leaf scarf is awesome. Her book contains several household projects. You can make your own

• water bottle sling bags – for one or two bottles
• produce bags
• trivet and coasters
• vintage napkins and napkin rings
• lunch tote
• reusable sandwich bag
• denim shopper bag
• picnic blanket
• apron.

If you enjoy sewing, you could craft your own hostess gifts for a while.

MORE:
+ For Americans: Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed & Organic Materials by Betz White $16.47 USD
+ For Canadians: Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed & Organic Materials by Betz White $17.33 CAD
+ Book photography by John Gruen, rights reserved – see more photos for the book on Melanie Falick Books
+ Via decor8

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White damask or jacquard tablecloth looks more elegant and formal. Remember that formal china typically has a rim pattern. It used to be the only choice for formal entertaining until the Americans introduced the tradition of color tablecloths in the 1950s.

The best tablecloths are made of cotton, linens or a mixture of the two. A good wash in hot water typically get rid of the stains. In fact, it is the only case where I would recommend washing in hot water. Synthetic tablecloths are less chic but are easier to clean.

And to answer a common question: you choose between tablecloths and placemats. You do not put both on the same table. You can add a table runner with placemats on square or rectangular tables.

Fabric Napkins are a Must

Whenever I buy a tablecloth, I get the napkins, unless I want to use it exclusively for a buffet table. The napkins does not have to be the same color but they must be of the fabric and finishes.

I hear stories that in old fashioned five-star hotel, they will bring you a black napkin if you are wear black pants or a black skirt.

Fitting the Tablecloth

Aim for tablecloths that hang 10 to 15 inches on all sides to look right. Anything less than 9 inches looks cheap. In the industry, a drop of 10 to 12 inches is the lap level while the standard banquet overhang is 15 inches. You will find that some sewing on the sides may be required to achieve the perfect overhang.

For formal entertaining, a first tablecloth goes down to the floor (a drop of 30 inches) and a smaller decorative tablecloth put on top. This look is also romantic so keep it in mind for Valentine’s Day.

How to Choose the Linen Color?

The linen must enhance your dinnerware. Low contrast creates a soothing effect. Contrasting effect can look more festive. I tend to favor the contrasts for my party tabletops because it is more dramatic.

Here is a trick to do before you rush to the store. Do some color testing at home with a place setting including the glassware and flatware. If you already selected your centerpieces, add them to the test. Lay out on your table solid color clothes or any fabrics you have, assemble a place setting with the china, glassware and flatware to see which one looks the best. Then, you will know what color to look for at the store.

Matching patterns is more complex. I usually bring a plate to the store to make sure they go together.

The pictures are tablecloths exclusively available at La Maison Simons, a retailer with stores in Quebec city and in Montreal. This is where I buy most of my tablecloths for everyday dining and casual entertaining.

SOURCING:
+ La Maison Simons – from $14.99 to $89.95 for tablecloths

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For Autumn 2008, the new fabric patterns emerged from 5 designers and an autumnal color palette for the classic design of Maija Isola series. Multifaceted depictions of the treasures and wonders of nature best describe the latest Marimekko’s crop.

I particularly like the Purnukka pattern (bottom left) by Erja Hirvi available in shades of beetroot and pickled gherkin, blueberry blue, and tomato red.

Terttu by Aino-Maija Metsola brings happiness to your table all year long. Mustikkamaa (top picture) was designed in 2007 but it is part of Autumn 2008 collection. iPot holders and table linens Mustikkamaa.

Teresa Moorhouse gives a modern edge with her glowing blue-red-orange feline fairytale jungle scene Sininen Gepardi pattern available in fabric, plate and mugs. I want some plywood trays.

+ Interior Decoration by Marimekko