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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Anne Schultz of Hello Hanna sent me an email to introduce her awesome playful placements for kids. They will keep your kids occupied while you are preparing the meal. I think it is a great idea since you probably notice that kids enjoy very much playing with stickers. My nephew and niece are doing it all the time.

For a party or a day-long play date, it is a fun activity that is quick and fast to set up. Plus, on the back of placemats, their is an activity area. You can vary the activity each time or let you kid draw what they like.

Four pop-up characters with their own sheet of stickers are packaged in set of 8 placemats. Kids can choose their character and dress it the way they like. I like this product for the peace of mind and its creative value.

Get-set placemats is available in three themes: robot, animal jungle and girlie dolls. You could also buy a set for home that you use on Sundays. The placemats are printed on heavyweight uncoated paper stock. Therefore, they are not reusable.

The gals behind Hello Hanna, Anne Schultz and Jina Choi, are moms living in San Francisco, California. They used their knowledge of early-child development to to spark kids creativity.

SOURCING:
+ Get-set placemats $14.95 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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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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Banner flags are a great way to add a festive touch. As I browsing Etsy, I could not resist and I bought two banners. Both patterns will look great on my terrace. I cannot wait to hang them over and host a party.

If you are curious, here is a view at my latest purchase. These items are made by Tricia of nestables on etsy:

+ Enchanted Forest Bunting Banner Flags (see top picture)

+ Aviary Banner Bunting Flags with Joel Dewberry Fabric

+ Reversible Tablerunner Flights of Fancy, which I think would look amazing for breakfast.

SOURCING:
+ Nestables on etsy

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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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Get inspired for casual summer entertaining with three different table linen looks.

I selected tablecloths from Simons, a retailer with stores in Quebec and Montreal. Simons sells women’s wear, men’s wear and home fashion at affordable prices. I often bought table and bed linens from their own brand.

Playing with Patterns

I cannot wait to throw a brunch with this setting. Everything starts with a china pattern. I am so glad that I selected the Chirp Dinnerware set because I can experiment with new tabletop styles.

I discovered that lots of accessories harmonize with the Asian feel of these teal and watercolor bird drawings. I did not expect that when I selected this pattern from the Simple Fine collection by Lenox. I chose this pattern because the drawings were cute and different from my own tableware. I wish to disclose that Lenox sent me a complimentary set last spring to get familiar with their line.

I bought the yellow floral tablecloth to go with the dinnerware set. I wish to use it more often. Then, I found these cute bird plates. The three patterns do not compete with each other. In fact, they complement each other by telling their own side of the story.

The bird plates go well with white plates; they look better against a creamy white. The groove texture of my white Sophie Conran for Portmeirion dinnerware produces an interesting look.

More Ideas

The vibrant, sun-filled stripes won me over. The Viva Accent Striped tablecloth is ideal for summer dining in the city or in the country. It looks great with red or pink, even though there is none on the tablecloth.

I bought 12 napkins because I think that a set is appropriate in this case. From time to time, you can mix some solid color napkins with the striped napkins. Just make sure to match the solid color to a stripe color.

The mocha Graphic Check tablecloth picture shows how you can update for summer an autumn look. The use of props adds interest to any tablescape.

The last two tablecloths can be used all year long. You simply need to change the accessories. The key is to put emphasis on a seasonal vibe.

SOURCING:
+ Chirp Dinnerware by Lenox – price: $99.95 USD per 5-piece setting
+ Viva Accent Striped tablecloth – starts at $14.99 CAD
+ Graphic Check tablecloth – starts at $14.99 CAD
+ My Bird salad plates were bought at Zone

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Brighten your kitchen with a dash of yellow. You can start with a few accessories.

You can grab and nicely display the napkins and tea towels by Heather Moore of Skinnylaminx. This illustrator and designer from Cape Town, South Africa, makes beautiful table linens. Her gray and yellow look sophisticated when put together. The mix feels soft.

For a twist, use her 13.5 x 13.5 inch napkins as placemats for a dessert course or a simple breakfast. The plant and flower yellow pattern is printed on 100% cotton hopsack using water-based ink.

Heather owned cool plates and mugs. I would like to find similar, so keep me inform if you know a source in Canada or the USA.

The plates may lead to a new venture. Heather decorated these plates for the South Africa House! exhibit. She transferred 3 of her design on ceramic dinnerware. Each place setting is different and devised from one color palette. Check the rest on her collection on her blog. The patterns are all superb.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Specimens yellow table napkin – starts at $6.50 USD each
Buy online: Specimens pale grey table napkin by skinnylaminx – starts at $6.50 USD each
Buy online: Mugs in gooseberry tea towel by shinnylaminx – price: $12 USD
Learn more: Mountain Garden [Skinny laMinx]

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The French designers master the art of creating fun yet stylish textile patterns. And Atelier LZC continues to prove it.

We all need a few extraordinary sets to supplement our everyday tea towels. When placed on the right display, tea towels add visual interest to a simple room design. Tea towels often replace placemats and cooking mitts in the kitchen.

Entertaining Accessories

Why not put a tea towel instead a hand towel in your powder room when you entertain? Their latest Japon (Japan) and Souvenirs (Memories) models would compliment nicely an Asian party theme.

Bunny Maxwell sells a few items from Atelier LZC in the United States. They do ship internationally but you must call them to get the rates and timeframe.

The Parisian Gold Tray and the Nocturne Tray will add a definite French flair to your party. The trays are made from melamine.

My next post will be about a vintage hostess bridal party. I found the initial inspiration on Bunny Maxwell.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Les Petits Plats Tea Towels at Bunny Maxwell – price: $38 USD for set of 2
Buy online: Folklore Tea Towels at Bunny Maxwell – price: $38 USD for set of 2
Buy online: Parisian Gold Tray at Bunny Maxwell – price $45 USD
Buy online: Nocturne Melamine Tray at Bunny Maxwell – price $45 USD
Via: Atelier LZC: Creative Service [Hostess with the Mostess]

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