I introduced last April this exquisite Champagne cooler. I got the chance to see many in person at the Interior Design Show of Toronto. Do not look in the exhibit; it was only accessible to VIP guests.

I have the chance to be a good friend of Harry Wakefield, the founding editor of MoCo Loco. If you recalled, Harry was one of the 3 bloggers invited on a Design Trends by the Minute panel at the show.

Not only did I drink a superb rose Champagne (pink) but I got the complete demonstration on how works the coolest cooler on Earth. This unique piece of technology is an avant-garde interpretation of the French candelabra. This explains why the cooler illuminates thanks to rechargeable battery.

Globalight retails for about $800 if I am not mistaken. But do not rush to the store; the Globalight cooler is only available in Europe.

In the shadow (bottom picture), you see a guy taken a picture. This is Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan of Apartment Therapy. Look at some of his pictures on Maxwell’s highlights of IDS 2009.

Go see more pictures of the VIP lounge and bar on a photo album of AHWKV’s page on Facebook.

+ Globalight for Veuve Clicquot

You might also like these posts

A magenta ice cooler feels like bringing the Pantone colors at your table. Designed in 2007 by Archikò, Alavin aerates and cools wines and beverages in a kit. You place ice cubes or crushed ices inside the colored base. If you drink red wines, use only the carafe.

An earlier creation by Archikò is Vinocchio. You can feel the same influence executed in a more masculine vibe. Features include a slanted non-drip spout and a decanter that sits nicely in the hand or on the deep bottom acrylic base.

I did not find retailers in North America. So if you know one retailer which carries the Italesse decanters, feel free to contact me.

SOURCING:
+ Alavin Magenta – at Kent Design, a Swedish store
+ Alavin by Italesse – 108 ?
+ Vinocchio by Italesse – 109 ?
+ Vinocchio Orange – £57.89 at TheDrinkShop.com

You might also like these posts

Brands invent all sorts of wine gadgets to enhance the taste of young wines. After the carafe and the aerator comes to specialized wine glass.

Leave it to the French to invent the concept. The airing surface is designed to stimulate the development of the aroma.

So far, I only saw the Luminarc’s young wine glasses at La Redoute, a French retail chain. Times will tell if it is a start of a trend or simply a marketing idea.

The four glasses at the top are the traditional wine glasses. You can see that the shape of the glass for young wines is quite different.

MORE:
+ Vinery collection by Luminarc – text in French

You might also like these posts

1. Vinturi

At last, a wine aerator that works as you pour your glass of wine. It can also be used with wine carafes. Vinturi has been praised by wine connoisseurs because it enhances multiple elements of the wine. It does more than reduce the tannin. Since this gadget will be a hit with your guests, place at least 2 Vinturi on the wine station.

2. Ravi

I am happy to praise an innovation from where I live. Well-known Québec designer Michel Dallaire imagined Ravi, an instant wine chiller that you put on the neck of the wine bottle. This revolutionary concept cool your wine to the ideal temperature instantly. Ravi keeps working for more than an hour after you take it out of the freezer.

3. Jacob Wagner’s Wine Thermometer

Designed in 2007, this plastic and stainless steel minimalist digital thermometer easily attaches to any wine bottle. Beware that it only measures temperature in Fahrenheit.

The last two gift ideas will please the Hostess as well as the wine lover.

4. Wine Tasting Kits

The festive look of the Oenophilia Wine Tasting kit will not intimidate your guests. The kit provides six individually numbered cloth bags and a wine tasting score-pad.

Beginners may prefer The Wine Tasting Party Kit: Everything You Need to Host a Fun & Easy Wine Tasting Party at Home. This kit comes with a 64-page illustrated book and Cheat sheet of tasting terms.

5. Vinotagz by Modern-Twist

Available in basic solid colors and several designed patterns, the beauty of the Vinotagz is that you can write on those infinitely. Use a ballpoint pen to scribble your name, initials or the type of wine you’re drinking.

Join this to the bottle of wine you are bring to the hostess. You will double impress you’re the gift recipient by sitting the storage box on the neck of a wine bottle.

SOURCING:
+ Vinturi Wine Aerator – $63.79 USD, lot of 2
+ Ravi Instant Wine Chiller – $49.99 USD
+ Wine Thermometer by Jacob Wagner – $36 USD at MoMA store
+ Wine Tasting Kit by Oenophilia – $19.99 USD
+ Modern-Twist Vinotagz Basic – $12 USD for 6 tags
+ Modern-Twist Vinotagz Designed – $14 USD for 6 tags

You might also like these posts

When two companies that you like collaborate, you can be happier. Built and French Bull are creating something joyful.

Three patterns from French Bull – Multidot, Rainbow Flower, and Vine – will be decorating four of Built’s best selling items. The color palette of the rainbow pattern looks amazing.

The One Bottle Tote, the Two Bottle Totes, the Gourmet Getaway Lunch Totes, and 13″-15″ Laptop Sleeves will look happier than ever. The new series will be available in August 2008.

Polyurethane Foam Ice Bucket

The same month, Built will launch an Ice Bucket made from polyurethane foam, just like your freezer. The advantage is a lightweight, condensation free ice bucket. It would be available in red and black. It is easy to take care. Simply hand wash with mild detergent and towel dry.

The One Bottle Tote and the Two Bottle Tote have a new lower retail price. Their price is now $12 and $15 USD respectively. At this price, Built’s Bottle Totes make the perfect hostess gift when you bring the wine.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Press releases from French Bull
Buy online: Ice Bucket 3qt by Built – price: $30 USD – available August 25, 2008

You might also like these posts

More and more men cook at home and organize parties. Obviously, they are looking for a different aesthetics. If your dad is one of those men, read this.

After the fact, the housewares list I gathered would also make perfect wedding gifts. Tell me what your think?

Flower Vases for Centerpieces

The first product is the Lichen’s new eweTUBE Felt vase made from 100% merino wool felt. This kit comes flat-packed, with two glass tubes. The eweTUBE vase looks great with easy to get flowers like spider mums and gerberas.

Grab a few vases. Be creative on how you display them on your table. Spread the bases sitting upright with one vase on each felt base; stack a few to create a long line. When the base rests on the side, the two tubes fit into a base.

Graphic Design Plates

I came to enjoy more and more patterned dining plates. I am getting bored with the all white dinnerware set. I can understand professional chefs who make elaborate food presentation for using them.

At home, most of us serve our food in a simpler manner. Patterned or illustrated plates look warmer and more charming. Two qualities naturally associated with at home entertaining. I encourage brides and brooms-to-be to think about that fact before making completing your wedding registry.

The Buds pattern designed by APM Design, shown here in honeydew, is available in 6 colors. This set would not be ready for Father’s Day since it is made for order. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.

Wine Tasting

The Gemini wine decanter features a unique dispenser which individuals use for pouring their glass of wine.It holds a whole 750 ml bottle of wine. I select it because it is a conversation piece.

Gemini acts as a wine aerator and decanter. Aeration enhances the taste of most young wines. Trust me, anyone can taste the difference, not just wine connoisseurs. If you do not like that model or want something less expensive, several types of wine aerators exist on the market.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: eweTUBE Felt vase at UMA – price: $38 USD
Buy online: Buds dinnerware by APM Design at Supermarket – price: $300 USD for 8 dining plates
Buy online: Gemini Wine Decanter at Wine Enthusiast – price: $179.95 USD

You might also like these posts

The birthday of a girl friend is coming soon and you are looking for unique gift ideas. If she likes to throw dinner parties, I suggest you take a look at Violet.

My delightful picks are:

1. American Honey Flight

It is a great gift to plan a tasting event. The set includes a detailed description of each honey flavor and its origin.

American Honey Flight consists of nine distinct regional honeys that can be paired with warm crusty bread or farmstead cheeses for an evening of culinary nuance.
price: $72 USD – see Morning Person

2. Contrast Cheese Board

This is serving board with two surfaces. Place your cheese pieces on the oak side. Nestle your bread slices and crisp breads on the glass side next to some nuts and pear quarters.

If you want to set a sandwich station, put the meat cuts on the glass, and use the oak board for assembly.
price: $65 USD – see The Hostess Chronicles

3. Weighted Sphere Vase

Exotic single blossom can be stunning. The hand-blown glass sphere anchors the stalk while a separate clear glass cylinder let you position the blossom. Create a beautiful effect in a flash.
price: $72 USD – see The Hostess Chronicles

4. Coffee Mate

The knit cover retains the heat. I used a French press pot every morning and I want to design a cozy for it. So, you can imagine that I like the Coffee Mate. This Danish model comes with a built-in filter and drip-free spout. Easily to use than French press pot.
price: $78 USD – see The Hostess Chronicles

5. Magnum in the Middle

The wine rack is designed for seven wine bottles: 6 regular size and 1 large format. Even if you have a wine cellar, having a wine rack like this is useful. You can place the rack on the buffet table if you are having a wine and cheese party.
price: $85 USD – see The Hostess Chronicles

6. Geranium Cocktail Napkins

Any hostess needs several sets of pure linen napkins. These ones are printed with a delicate geranium leaf.
price: $40 USD – see Natural Selection

About Violet

This small retailer aims to be constantly on the lookout for what is Fresh, Foremost, and Quintessential. Unfortunately for Canadians, Violet only delivers inside the United States. I will continue to check around to see if I can find a Canadian source for these products.

Sourcing:
Buy online: The Hostess Chronicles department at Violet
Buy online: Morning Person department at Violet 
Buy online: Natural Selection at Violet

You might also like these posts

I have been a fan of Sagaform for many years now. Sagaform produces innovative kitchen accessories with beautiful simple lines at an affordable price. And did I mention that Sagaform is Scandinavian?

I particularly appreciate Sagaform for their amazing serving ware. They are designed with casual entertaining in mind. Here are my picks from the 2008 Sagaform catalogue.

Bamboo by Peter and Eva Moritz

This entertaining collection is made of farmed bamboo. The line is quite complete with serving bowls, serving / cutting boards, sandwich plates, butter knifes, serving spoons, and salad utensils.

A fun feature is the spoon fitting sleekly over the edge of the bowl. This way, there is less stuff on the buffet table. The cutting board has an unusual, two-circle shape with a handle placed on the middle.

Herb Pot Trio by Pascal Charmolu

Sagaform’s herb pot is one of their most popular items. Now, this acclaimed design can fit three pots. The popularity of the herb pot is not slowing if you base your assessment on the coverage on the blogosphere lately.

Made of stoneware, Herb Pot Trio is the coolest manufactured watering pot for fresh herbs on the market. You water the herbs through the corner hole. Nothing beats the taste freshly harvested herbs. Bring this excellent housewarming gift filled with your favorite herbs.

Café by Lovisa Wattman

I really like the ingenious mug with saucer / lid made by Lovisa. The handle of the saucer / lid makes it easy to carry the mug when it is hot. A scone or a small muffin fits into the hole .

People do not receive often breakfast dinnerware as a gift. For that reason, they can be more appreciated. Beautiful and handy, this set is a wonderful way to start your day or to serve tea in the afternoon.

Bar I Club and Caviar Bowl by Matz Borgström

The colorful base of the Bar I Club glassware featured the hot colors of Spring 2008. Your guests can identify these glasses instantly through colored base.

For a punch of class, get the stainless steel Caviar Bowl Set. They would be perfect next to your Club Champagne glasses, Martini glasses and Schnapps glasses.

Bar I Wine by Pascal Charmolu

If you are looking for hip and fresh design for wine accessories, do not look further than Bar I Wine. The The Wine carafe comes with a silicone holder, stainless steel cork and a drying rack. The wine cooler is wide enough to hold the Wine carafe, which is a rare thing.

The Wine carafe set and the Wine cooler are two more creations by Pascal Charmolu, a French citizen who has lived in Stockholm since 1984.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Sagaform
Buy online: Bamboo Small Serving Bowl with Spoon at Relish Design – price: $34 USD
Buy online: Bamboo Salad Utensils at Relish Design – price: $22 USD
Buy online: Bamboo Serving/Cutting Board at Relish Design – price: $34 USD
Buy online: Sagaform’s Trio Herb Pot at A+R store – price: $36 USD
Buy online: Club Caviar Bowl Set at Scandinavian Details – price: $30 USD
Buy online: Club shot glasses at Scandinavian Details – price: $30 USD for a set of 4

You might also like these posts

If you follow me, you probably noticed that I am a fan of the Lekker store. For the ones that do not know this store, it is an indie store with a single location. Their reputation is due to their unique inventory.

The owner is a Natalie van Dijk Carpenter, a woman born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She currently lives in Boston. Nathalie often traveled across Europe to bring to America amazing design products. Nathalie imports home décor accessories, tableware and furniture that otherwise would never be available in the United States. Innovative USA brands find some shelf space at Lekker like my new fave, Modern Twist from California.

Staying in a hotel that was only 10 minutes by foot from Lekker, I could not miss the opportunity to check the store.

Dinnerware for entertaining

Although Lekker does not carry formal dinnerware set per se, you still find several options for when you are having friends over. Let me assured you that the dinnerware collections are as interesting in person as online. I adored the comfortable, modern and stylish shape of Elixyr Collection by Kahla.

Go for the Elixyr 5 Piece Set with a cappuccino cup with saucer instead of the saucer. The rest of the 5 pieces include a dinner plate, a salad plate and the remarkable bowl with handle. A small curve creates a handle for the plates.

For more details, watch the video.

My purchases

Naturally, I could not leave the store without buying a few things. I restrained myself and brought home 5 tablescape accessories:

• Silicone Placemats by Modern-Twist: the brown bird motif
• Coaster Notz by Modern-Twist : set of 4 Trees of Us in brown
• Vinotagz Designed by Modern-Twist : set of 6 stem markers
• Black and Sand Bread Bag by Stelton
• Utilo Teastick by Blomus

I felt in love with the silicone collection by Modern-Twist. I really like the fact that the placemats and coasters still reveal the wood grain of my chocolate-brown dining table. Their illustrations are all inspired by nature. It is hand silk-screened on non-toxic silicone that can be wiped down after use.

What is interesting about this line is that you can write a party greeting, used it to identify the wine at a wine tasting event or write down the guest names. Make sure you use a ballpoint pen. Simply clean them with soap and lukewarm water.

Designed to identify your glass, Vinotagz comes in a set of 6 stem markers. The storage box of Vinotagz fits cleverly on the neck of a wine bottle. Next time you contribute the wine for a dinner party, insert a pack of Vinotagz in every bottle. You host will be delighted by your hostess gift.

I selected a reversible black and sand because they are more versatile that the single color bag. It will harmonize well with my cupboards and my stainless steel appliances that have hints of black.

My husband is a tea lover. I prefer to serve each person their favorite tea. We were seduced by the clean lines, the practicality and the eco-friendly aspect of the single serving Utilo Teastick.

It is good for my wallet that I do not live in Boston because I would shop at Lekker all the time. But you can shop online. Lekker delivers in the United States and if you call them, anywhere in the world.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Silicone Placemats by Modern-Twist – price: $22 USD
Buy online: Coaster Notz set of 4 Trees of Us Brown – price: $22.50 for a set of 4
Buy online: Bread Bag Black/Sand – price: $32
Buy online: UTILO Teastick by Blomus – price: $21
Buy online: Kahla Elixyr Collection – price: $78 for a 5-piece set
Learn more: Web site of Modern-Twist

You might also like these posts

If you are looking for hip entertaining products, read this before you complete your holiday shopping.

Get inspired by those to decorate your home if you are throwing a party at home this Holiday season. There is a Canadian flavor to this list.

Return of the punch bowls

Punch bowls look more hip these days than the ones from the 1970s. One that is one my list this season is the stag-head footed bowl available at Home Sense.

The clean line glass punch bowl is from the exquisite Toronto china store William Ashley.

Resin trays by Martha Sturdy

Martha Sturdy is a talented Canadian designer and artist from Vancouver. She is well known for her works with resins. These trays are fabulous. If you wish to make a statement in your home, take a look at her huge resin chandelier with alabaster lookalike chair.

Acrylic shag head by Science and Sons

Plastidermy would add a whimsical yet stylish touch to your living room. That is not for everyone and every house. But imagine how cool the acrylic deer head could be in a dining room with the Louis Ghost armchairs designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell.

Designed by the innovative team at Science and Sons, Plastidermy becomes a chandelier by attaching three life-size deer heads. I think the chandelier is too much. Go for the deer head on the wall instead. Do not worry, it is easy to wrap since it is sold flat pack.

Wine lover gift set

For the wine lover, Alessi makes well-made products that look amusing. In the Cellar is a gift set available at ImageNetwork. If you prefer another style, simply assemble your own gift set at a local store by selecting wine glasses, wine carafe and a reusable cork.

Service ware for tea and coffee

Eva Solo creates products with an interesting design. Apparently this is the world’s only completely drip free vacuum jug! And the proud host would not be ashamed to put this jar on the brunch buffet table.

To complete your brunch set up, the mirrored stainless steel fruit basket cream and sugar set by Alessi looks stunning. This is truly an indulgence that you will cherish for years to come.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Martha Sturdy
Learn more: Plastidermy at Science and Sons – price: $450 CAD
Buy online: In the wine cellar at ImageNetwork – price: $320 CAD
Buy online: Vacuum Jug designed by Eva Solo at ImageNetwork – price: $139 CAD
Buy online: Fruit basket, sugar and cream set at Alessi USA – price: $245 USD

You might also like these posts

For my last look at a Thanksgiving table this year, I want to finish in style. As I mentioned before, I am fond of pewter tableware. I enjoyed their craftsmanship and their eternal elegance.

With winter coming, people living in colder climates are looking for warmth in their home decor. Even if I am truly a modernist, autumn has this effect on me.

As a Canadian, I am not a specialist in the American culture of Thanksgiving. But basically, Thanksgiving celebrates the end of the harvest season. So we take time to thank Mother Earth and the people that work on bringing us fresh food at the table. It is also the hunting season.

With the kind of food that is fashionable right now for entertaining at home, the Country styles both from France and Italy are in right now because they better complements the meal. When I talked with the sales director at Arthur Quentin last month, she confirmed the trend. Many of their customers live in hip modern décor house.

Autumn and winter woodland scenes

The first tablescape displays Solonge by Gien with the handmade Pewter Gallic Charger from Match. The plate you see is one of the 6 drawings from the dessert ensemble. A fabulous combination that can take different look depending on the table cloth you select. For example, the look will be softer if pale blue or pure linen was used instead of the orange.

Gien is known as the number one producer of the highest quality earthenware in France. Match pewter is handmade by artisans in the North of Italy. Each piece is crafted of an alloy that is food safe and lead free which explains the price.

Italian ceramic and pewter fall table

Depending of the type of cooking you are doing, you may prefer solid color plates. Also from Match, the Convivio Green collection is available in dinner plates, soup/pasta bowl and salad/dessert plate. You have the choice between a mug or the cup and saucer.

For the flatware, the translucent quality of Zambia by Ashandi is out of the ordinary. The Victoria Decanter with Pewter from L’esprit & le vin reminds me of a duck. It was a propos with both of my table schemes. Wine decanters are a must when you set an elegant table. So it is appropriate to own one or two if you are entertaining a lot.

Menu

Look at the end of Thanksgiving menu to see my meal suggestion for the Canadian Thanksgiving. It is a new twist on the seasonal meal. I have to warn you, there is no turkey.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Solange dinnerware by Gien at Michael C. Fina – price: $45 USD for a dinner plate
Buy online: Match Pewter Table Service Charger at Michael C. Fina – price: $180 USD
Buy online: Convivio Green collection at Michael C. Fina – price: $84 USD for a dinner plate
Buy online: Zambia by Ashandi at Michael C. Fina – price: $ 168 USD for a 5-pc place setting
Buy online: Victoria Decanter with Pewter from L’esprit & le vin at Michael C. Fina – price: $425 USD

You might also like these posts

Here is a tasteful yet simple way to label the wines for a wine tasting party. It is versatile because this label tag technique works as well on decanters, wine carafes, wine bottles and glasses.

The next time you do a wine and cheese party, think about labeling the wines you will be serving. Hang a chalkboard where you wrote the specifics of the wine so everyone can read them. If you ask guests to bring a bottle, ask them for the wine details a couple of days in advance.

To reproduce these labels, simply glue a number on a natural paper background on the center of a price tag. It is even simpler if you buy the number already on a background. It looks better when you leave a margin on the price tag. Use raffia ribbons to attach the label to the container. You can play with colors if you like.

Homemade wine tasting booklets as party favors

You can craft a booklet to leave as a souvenir to your guests. On each page, print the specifics of the wine and leave some room for the guest to write his / her impressions. It is always a good idea to add extra blank pages as new wines will certainly be added at the last minute.

My tips for styling the booklet

Go to the art and craft store or a fine stationary store to pick up a few accessories. I like to use Chicago Screws to bind the pages of small notebooks. Also called Binder Posts, Chicago screws come in varying heights. So get the right fit. You can get them in aluminium, brass, nickel, gunmetal metal and vibrant colors at Quietfire Design online store. Embellish the cover page with eyelets and brads.

I enjoy the aluminum and nickel looks, so I get my Chicago screws in a fine stationary store called Nota Bene* located in Montreal. If you are looking for international collection of contemporary designed stationery from around the world, stop by Nota Bene*. I like to explore their stylish and modern selection of weekly planners, diaries, notebooks, binders, albums, papers, envelops and pens. Nota Bene* is one of my favorite shops. Russell, the owner is a nice guy that is truly passionate about what he does.

Have fun labeling and making your wine booklet party favor. I am sure that your guests will appreciate these keepsakes.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Ceramic Wine Buckets at Pottery Barn
Buy online: Chicago Screws and Extenders at QuietfireDesign
Learn more: Web site of papetrie nota bene* in Montreal

You might also like these posts