Paris Style Video: Karl Lagerfeld Crystal for Orrefors

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - Greetings from Paris! Jay Johnson and I are in the beautiful French capital on vacation, and that of course means that we're on "assignment" for Design2Share. We never go anywhere without reporting back on residential and home trends, and that includes the latest international hotel scene and other looks in public spaces that will soon influence the shape of home style. While we're gone this week, we thought it would be fun to focus on different elements of French style in select videos. First is Paris-based fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld showing off his crystal designs for Orrefors.

Go to the Karl website for more information about Karl's world of design. We definitely checked out his recommendation of favorite Places and hope to check out several, e.g., La Societe restaurant and shops like Sennelier and Colette. 

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41 Madison - Spring Tabletop Trends and Decor Spotted

Irwin Weiner ASID - Today's featured design video is all about the latest trends in tabletop decor from 41 Madison, the Manhattan showroom building chock-a-block with vendors specializing in helping designers and homeowners achieve perfect tablescapes.

Besides a lively debate from interior designers about the merit of placemats and tablecloths, the video also highlights the trends in patterns and colors (yes, this year, it's all about bold color and color blocks, although when is it not about color?). Click on the 41 Madison link to explore their amazing roster of vendors, and click on the various photos in this article to check out other tabletop available from a variety of designers and retailers.

 

On the issue of placemats versus tablecloths for setting a great table, I think there's a place for both, along with placesettings set directly on a beautiful table surface. Why have strict rules when it should be all about theater, drama, and having fun with entertaining and everyday mealtime? 

Bonus

And speaking of color, click here to read Exploring the Souks of Marrakesh.

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Tabletop Decorating - Under the Sea Children's Themed Party

Katie Berger - I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter who is obsessed with The Little Mermaid (not to mention every other Disney Princess). She covets her Ariel doll and sleeps with it every night. She is her mother's child because she has already started planning her birthday party (it's in June, just so you know ... not next week!). I thought I'd step away from weddings for a while and focus on an Under the Sea themed little girls birthday celebration ... and the idea that Emma is running with for her party. Oh my, I have a lot of work ahead of me....

The following photos and amazing idea comes from Courtney Dial at one of my favorite blogs, Pizzazzerie. 

Click here for a direct link to the Under the Sea party blog for complete details ... and trust me - there are plenty of gorgeous details.

I hope you enjoy the following photos and can dream along with my little Emma about her ideal birthday party! (In the meantime, adapt as many ideas as you can for wonderful tabletop presentations.)

Click to read more ...

Great Loss to the Design World

Irwin Weiner ASID - The recent passing of Eva Zeisel is an incredible loss of talent and energy and fire for the design industry. Her work, while sometimes slyly derivative of others, was always filled with fresh twists that startled and cajoled - and her mass production of dinnerware brought modernism to America's tables, elevating our sensibilities.

Organic, sensuous, fun, and spritely - her work is now on display at a Schroeder Romero & Shredder exhibition here in New York City through February 11. Here's our Design2Share appreciation of Ms. Zeisel - she'll always be a "Designer We Love." 

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