Review of Mikaela Dorfel's Double Candleholders from Menu

Menu is known as an originator of Scandinavian lifestyle product designs. Creative Danes in Encinatas, CA has brought the Menu product line to North America and introduced Mikaela Dorfel's dramatic Double Candleholder XL to the trade audiences attending the New York International Gift Fair in January. We were intrigued that their successful Double Candleholder, stainless steel intertwining candelabra standing at a height of 12.6 inches, had been supersized to the XL height and heftier stainless steel mass at 25.6 inches.

• Part of Menu's Living - Atmosphere product line
• Menu's product literature tells of Dorfel's design inspiration for the pieces: dance. There is a sculptural movement quality to the two candle holders and when placed together, "they seem to unite in a dancing embracement."
• The Double Candleholders have masculine, substantial bases and candle holders, while their bodies are sensual, thin, and more feminine.
• Menu suggests the Double Candleholders as wedding gifts - there's that strong masculine/feminine symbolism.

Design2Share's Verdict: Says our lead product reviewer, Irwin Weiner ASID, "A picture does absolutely no justice whatsoever to the breathtaking form of these candleholders." He calls them "the most impressive modern candleabra I've ever seen - and in our business, we see them all." The Design2Share team admires the way the original Double Candleholder is proportioned to hold tapers while the new 2010 Double Candleholder XL was created to hold larger pillar candles. The Double is ideal for tabletop, centerpieces, candlelight dinners, or anywhere in the home requiring a dramatic accent piece. When not in use, candles ablaze, it's an instant piece of sculpture. The XL can be placed on the floor and used as a sculptural accent piece. "I saw the XL on a tabletop at the Gift Fair and was blown away," recalls Irwin. "The drama and sheer scale of the piece is amazing, and I'd use this on the table - larger than life - and create a dramatic centerpiece or striking center hall table statement in a foyer or entry hall."

• Buy Double Candleholder

• Buy Double Candleholder XL

Kenny's Organic Gardening Primer Kit

Even though we got two feet of snow in New York City near the end of February, we're still thinking Spring. It takes some good planning and a bit of imagination to envision what you'd like your garden to be like when the weather takes a turn for the better. And guess what? We can't wait for prime-time gardening. It's in our DNA to want a great garden. 

This month we've selected Kenny's Organic Gardening Primer Kit as the perfect antidote to our huge case of cabin fever and Want It To Be Spring Now blues. Here's a clever and comprehensive collection of tools, natural fertilizer and pest-control products, and a thoughtfully hand-picked collection of 25 packets of organic, heirloom vegetable seeds. We trust Kenny Point, the master gardener behind Kenny's Organic Gardening Primer Kit (he's the blogger behind one of our favorite gardening sites, Veggie Gardening Tips).

Here's what you get in one all-included kit - great for the beginning or experienced gardener:

NRG Pro Digging Fork

• Four times the gripping surface of conventional tools, with room for both hands
• Unbreakable resin-encased steel shaft
• Unique stainless steel blade design
• Seamless, extra-long socket
• Professional quality with a lifetime guarantee; Dimensions: 7.5 by 4.0 by 42.9 inches (width by depth by heigth)

Radius Ergonomic Trowel

• Advanced ergonomic design; the Natural Radius Grip minimizes hand and wrist stress while maximizing power and comfort
• The ultra-light aluminum/magnesium blades have an exceptional strength to weight ratio
• Features a Santoprene thermoplastic handle;this high performance, non-latex material provides a secure, comfortable grip whether wet or dry
• Beveled blade easily cuts through compacted soil
• Use back blade wings to pull roots and weed systems

Fiskars Twist-It Watering Can 10L

• Easy to carry and pour because of unique handle design.
• Holds 2.6 Gallon
• Dual handles accomodate multiple hand postions.
• Spout rotates for adjustable flow control, from a gentle shower to a steady stream.
• Filling hole is located on the side so the handles don't get in the way.

Neptune Hydrolyzed Fish & Seaweed QT

• Organic, highly nutritional protein fertilizer made with naturally occurring enzymes present in
• Nitrogen, derived from fish protein in the form of amino acids. When added to soil, slowly breaks
• Does no biological damage to the soil and will promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
• Because no oils or proteins are removed, the nutrients remain in the soil longer.
• Omri listed.

 

Bonide Insect Soap (QT RTU)

• Potassium fatty acids from plants
• Kills insects on contact, great for houseplants, vegetables, flowers and fruits
• Patented formula does not persist in the environment & may be used up to day of harvest
• Preferred by organic gardeners
• Contains no flammable solvents or animal fatty acids like other brands

Sustainable Seed Co. Instant Garden Package

• Collection of 25 full-sized packets of organic, heirloom seeds
• This package is designed to give you an instant garden without having to think about what to order.
• This should be all you need to instantly start a Victory Garden to battle high food prices and food security!

Click Here to Buy Kenny's Organic Gardening Primer Kit Now for Only $119.99