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What You're Wanting: A Splendid Table

casasugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:00:27 -0800

Holidays are on my mind lately, as is the perfect table setting. I love seeing family and friends gathered around a gorgeous table; nothing says "holiday" to me the way that a perfectly set table does.

So, for the latest What You're Wanting, I want to know how you'd furnish, accessorize, and style a holiday table. What table would you choose? How about chairs and benches? What silver, dishware, place mats, table runners, tablecloths, candlesticks, or flowers would you pick out?

Add all the finds to your ShopStyle Living stylebook, and create a look tagged with the phrase Holiday Tabletop. Private message me if you have any questions. Oh, and as extra incentive, I'll give some Sugar schwag away to my favorite look!

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Less or More: Trunk Coffee Tables

casasugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:15:05 -0800

For the next installment of this game, take a look at each of these trunk coffee tables and see if you can answer my questions about them.

Nice and New: Pottery Barn Leah Desk

casasugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:00:29 -0800

A friend of mine has the Neiman Marcus Mirrored Vanity ($899) and I love its flip-up center storage compartment, but I've been feeling lately that mirrored furniture is heading for the "out" bin. So, I was delighted to come across the Leah Desk ($469) in champagne at Pottery Barn. The desk also has a center section that lifts to reveal a beveled mirror and a faux drawer front that folds down to store accessories. Whether you're using the desk to do work, surf the web, or get all gussied up, it has a has a power strip that provides a central place to plug in your Macbook or your straightener. Aside from the technical features, I'm loving its glam champagne turned-wood legs and unexpected red painted interior finish. What do you think?

Good, Better, Best: Branch/Root Console Tables

casasugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:00:34 -0800

I've been noticing these branch-base console tables at a few of my usual design haunts, and thought perhaps it's a growing a trend. I'm really loving the organic, textural quality they bring to a room, especially considering that many homes are leaning towards a more pared-down, modern look these days.

Good: Shown above is the Ballard Designs Faux Bois Demilune Table ($699, reduced from $1,495). I certainly love its half-moon shape and how the table top looks like a slice off of an old tree stump. But as the name suggests, the base is actually made from a concrete-like resin over a sturdy metal frame, not genuine branches. That's a turn off to me, although the price is more affordable than others.

I have two more tables to show you, so

Midday Muse: Fantastic Pheasant Feathers

casasugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:00:12 -0800

Domino has a wonderful slideshow of table settings to inspire your holiday decorating, each image more stunning than the next. I was particularly taken with this setting, which is given a dramatic oomph thanks to a vase filled with rich brown pheasant feathers. The space is otherwise very simple . . . a white table cloth, white walls, no curtains on the windows, white dinner plates with a subtle brown toile trim. But, the feather arrangement creates an instant focal point and gives it fall appeal. Of course, turkey, not their feathered pheasant friends, will be the feast on Nov. 27, but I can't help but say this setting would be parfait for your Thanksgiving party.
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Steal of the Day: Brocade Home Silhouette Coffee Table

casasugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:00:41 -0800

So, I told you recently that Brocade Home is back after a Summer respite, with sadly only one notable new item. But, did I mention that it's offering killer discounts? The Brocade Home Silhouette Coffee Table ($99, reduced from $399) is discounted a whopping 76 percent. The table is made of solid oak, and with a basic square shape updated with classic, feminine curves. It's not a piece that will be out of style in a few years, like mirrored furniture. So, for 100 bucks, it's really a steal. Let's just hope Brocade Home has gotten their act together and will ship it to you promptly with no problemos.

Crave Worthy: Double Alexander Table

casasugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:00:18 -0700

Life isn't fair. Really, and truly. You know how I love Lucite. And, you know how I love Moroccan design. So, what if the two could become one? The White Webb Double Alexander Table ($2295) is both of those things, with its clean, crisp Lucite material and its exotic Moroccan pointed arches. But sadly it's a little beyond my reach — especially in these turbulent economic times. Okay, technically the table is based on historic Indian designs, but a quick Google image search (and a look back at this Moorish table) will prove me right. And my love for the exotic arches is all the same regardless of their origins.

Etsy Find: PJ Designs Coffee Table

casasugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:30:19 -0700

Ordering furniture online from an individual seller (eBay, Craigslist, Etsy, etc.) rather than a major retailer is kind of a hassle where shipping is concerned. There aren't necessarily any guarantees, refunds, or other conveniences, and there's certainly no white glove service. But, when you come across a piece like the PJ Designs Coffee Table ($125), which oozes Hollywood Regency style in glossy white paint with a nailhead trim, how can you resist? And, at $125, the table is quite affordable, even if arranging shipping costs you an arm, a leg, and a bottle of Advil.

How-To: Set the Table For a Fab Party

casasugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:00:33 -0700

In a recent New York Times article, interior designer David Serrano (pictured at right, seated), who also owns the glamorous shop Downtown and Outside Downtown, offered some advice on setting a party table. Serrano says, "[Setting a table] is emblematic of your personal style . . . My job has always been to create a beautiful tabletop that will complement the great food and wonderful guests.”

Here are my favorite tips from Mr. Serrano:

Consider serving everything family style. This allows you to mix china patterns, display funky glasses that might not match, and in general, create a more festive atmosphere at the table.
Don't be afraid to mix things up. As Serrano notes, “I like new things mixed with old things, cheap things from Pier 1 mixed with fancy things from Hermès.”
If you're decorating for a birthday party, include party favors for everyone at the party. They don't have to be expensive; just make sure they are beautiful and useful. For instance, a tiny potted herb tied with a ribbon would be a great present for a chef or gardener's birthday party.

For the rest of the tips,

Steal of the Day: West Elm Faux Shagreen Side Table

casasugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:30:19 -0700

For some reason, I feel like there are so many side tables that I adore, but not nearly as much seating to put them beside. I'd easily snatch up the West Elm Faux Shagreen Side Table ($79.99) — what a great price! — if I had a need for it. I love how its angular gunmetal base mimics the shape of a Greek key pattern. And, I think its textured faux-sharkskin leather-wrapped top gives it a luxurious, but not over-the-top, appeal. At 22 inches high, it's a dainty little thing, but it can add style to even the smallest niche of your home. What do you think?