A while back someone asked us to suggest some contemporary placemats, and I've kept an eye out ever since. Today I found these pretty Cork Dinner Mats by Ferm. Decorated with a dynamic tree silhouette, these mats combine natural materials with an organic pattern. A brilliant contrast to the clean lines of your contemporary china, the Ferm Placemats will add depth and sophistication to your table. Available online from Scandiliving, a set of two Ferm Cork Placemats is £9.95
I'm not usually fond of cutsie Salt and Pepper Shakers, but the new Squirrel Shakers from Cath Kidston are quite endearing. They remind me of the little figures you used to collect in boxes of tea; the way the rich fur texture is created through the glaze. Each Squirrel is munching on its own tasty nut, so they won't be squabbling on the table. Adorable critters that will charm both family and friends, the Squirrel Salt & Pepper Set is £15 from Cath Kidston.
Besides the fantastic Warbeck & Cox tea towels we featured yesterday, they also offer a selection of dramatic cotton napkins. A brilliant way to add interest and personality to your table setting, the Warbeck & Cox patterns bring originality and designer flair. Available in three distinct patterns, you can add a unique charm to your dinner table. The blue Damask pattern captures a classic sophistication, while the black Key print has an air of vintage revival. The quirky beetle print is available in black or emerald green and exemplifies contemporary style, with its entomological sketches. Designed and made in England, the Warbeck & Cox napkins are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. A brilliant compliment to plain china, a set of four napkins is £17.00 from Warbeck & Cox online.
Set of 4 Warbeck & Cox Beetle Napkins - £17
Set of 4 Warbeck & Cox Key Napkins - £17
Set of 4 Warbeck & Cox Damask Napkins - £17
Do you covet those gorgeous vintage Cake Stands, but know you haven't the space or the money to buy one? We've found a fantastically kitsch alternative that won't hurt your pocket book. Made from printed card, the Truly Scrumptious Cake Stand has all the fabulous vintage prints you love, but comes apart for flat storage. With its own quirky retro charm, this Cake Stand looks cute and cheerful despite not being the real thing. Great for those occasional parties or to show off your latest cupcake creations, the Truly Scrumptious Cake Stand is £8.95 from Colloco.
You can find inspiration anywhere, and this Hot Barock Trivet has me planning a whole dinner party with elegant china and sophisticated flavours. I may have to redecorate the dining room. Made from five separate silicone pieces, this classically inspired trivet can accommodate any sized plate or dish, while the architecturally inspired forms make a practical centerpiece for your table. Placed on a coloured tablecloth, the Hot Barock Trivet will blend classic and modern styles. Available from Pedlars, the Hot Barock Trivet is £14.95.
If you love slate, but the London Placemats we featured on Monday aren't quite your style, you may prefer this lovely Dandelion pattern instead. Made from reclaimed slate, each mat is hand-printed with a rough dandelion sketch. A mixture of black and white drawings, the floral pattern accents the natural slate. Created by London Kills Me, the contemporary floral design brings a trendy spring style to your table. The Slate Dandelion Placemats come in sets of four or six, and there are also matching coasters available from Rockett St George.
Set of 4 Dandelion Placemats - £39
Set of 6 Dandelion Placemats - £54
Set of 4 Dandelion Coasters - £24
Set of 6 Dandelion Coasters - £36
Blending natural beauty with environmental responsibility, slate has recently started appearing on stylish table tops. London Kills Me uses reclaimed slate to create these whimsical placemats. Featuring loose sketches of iconic London Landmarks, these mats capture the juxtaposition of modern life. The images of Canary Warf, Battersea Power Station, the great wheel and Big Ben, and the Gherkin and the Tower of London, are all printed by hand upon the dark stone. Like the Slate Cheese Board we featured last year, you can draw or write on the mats with chalk personalising each one. Available from Rockette St George, a set of four London Landmark Placements is £42 while a set of matching coasters are £24.
Four London Landmark Slate Coasters - £24.00
Four London Landmark Slate Placemats - £42.00
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Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, so it's time to start making your plans. I'm not fond of the big pink hearts and over the top sentiment, so I love the subtlety of the John Lewis Hearts and Stripes Collection. The cream and brown material is accented with a woven stripe of tiny red hearts, and creates a Scandinavian inspired style. It's perfect for romantic dinners and can be used year round. Made in India from 100% cotton the Hearts and Stripes collection includes a runner, placemats and matching napkins. If even the cheery red is a bit much for you John Lewis also offer the pattern with Chocolate coloured hearts (Click 'Read More' for the Photo.)
Red Hearts & Stripes Napkin - £3.50
Red Hearts & Stripes Placemat - £4
Red Hearts & Stripes Runner - £12
Chocolate Hearts & Stripes Napkin - £3.50
Chocolate Hearts & Stripes Placemat - £4
Chocolate Hearts & Stripes Runner - £12
I love the modern romantic style of the new Marks and Spencer Peony Collection. The pristine porcelain plates are decorated with a lush pink peony accented with pale green leaves and black line sketches. The expressive 'painted' flowers mixed with rough sketches creates a contemporary decorative style. A beautiful alternative to traditional florals, the Peony Tableware has a soft feminine style without being sickly sweet. A glamorous tableware for any season, the Peony Collection is only available from M&S.
M&S Peony 12-Piece Dinner Set - £69
M&S Peony Cereal Bowl - £6
M&S Peony Pasta Bowl - £7.50
Growing up, one of my favourite Christmas snacks was the huge bowl of shelled nuts on our living room table. I'm sorely tempted to resurrect the tradition with this amusing Squirrel Nutcracker named Spencer. Once a popular addition to Edwardian tables, Spencer eagerly waits to crack your walnuts, almonds and brazilnuts! Just pop the nut in his mouth and press down on his long tail. A cheery fellow perfect for the holiday season, this kitsch contraption will bring a smile to anyone's face. Cast from aluminium, the Spencer Squirrel Nutcracker is £18.00 from the Jme online store.
One of my favourite Christmas treats is the infamous cheese board. I set aside Christmas Eve just to savour the flavours on offer! If you plan on serving cheese at your next festive party, these pretty birds will be glad to help. Made from lead-free pewter, these Bird Cheese Markers come with two sheets of labels so you can easily customise each marker. With a contemporary craft style, the Bird Cheese Markers add a friendly charm to your table. A brilliant way to support the RSPB, a set of four Bird Cheese Markers is £39.99.
For reasons I can't explain, we've had neighbour children knocking on our door and shouting 'Trick-or-Treat' all month. I keep telling them they are two months early, but it doesn't seem to have sunken in. The constant reminder has started me thinking about Halloween early this year. I love these new LED lanterns from Lakeland. Just 6cm tall, these tiny lanterns would make a brilliant centrepiece for your holiday table. Combined with a floral arrangement or some autumn gourds, these flickering lanterns offer a candle effect that's safe around children and pets. A cute addition to your Halloween celebrations, a set of two Pumpkin LED Lights are £3.29 from Lakeland.
With a soft modern elegance, this Typhoon Signature Mill improves on the typical pepper grinder. Beneath its soft curves, the Signature mill hides a brilliant design. You no longer have to loosen screws or fight with awkward spindles when you want to refill this mill; you simply lift the lid and pour the peppercorns in. With a clear acrylic top perfect for showing off colourful pepper, the Signature Mill is a fabulous addition to your dinner table. Finally inside the lovely beech base is a durable ceramic grinding mechanism, which should last for 200 years of normal use! Modern sophistication paired with convenience and durability, the Typhoon Signature Mill is a bargain at £13.97 from Lakeland.
If you are looking for something new to inspire your creative cooking juices check out the Circulon Gas Burner. Why slave away in the kitchen while your guests sit waiting for dinner? The Circulon Gas Burner lets you cook right at the table, keeping you in the conversation and entertaining your guests. You can also it as a hot plate to keep dishes warm, ensuring those after more helpings enjoy it as much the second time. Easy to use, the Gas Burner lights at the press of a button and you adjust the flame by turning a knob. Instantly create an exciting cooking environment when camping, in the kitchen or at the table with the Circulon Gas Burner exclusively at Lakeland.
If you have china for every occasion or just love to mix things up, investing in simple but elegant tools means there’s never anything out of place. Like the Trio Salt & Pepper Mills from Eva Solo; they offer high quality craftsmanship in a sleek minimalist form. The chunky hourglass mills feature a ceramic grinding mechanism in a polished stainless steel base and rubber top. Boiled down to its basic form, the Trio Mills have a simple sophistication. A glamorous modern accent no matter the occasion, the Eva Solo Trio Salt & Pepper Mills are £36 each from John Lewis.
Eva Solo Trio Salt Mill - £36
Eva Solo Trio Pepper Mill - £36
When setting out a buffet or family dinner, raised serving dishes can really accent the table, giving height and fullness to your display. Besides adding extra room, raised Platters like this one from Jme , entice guests to nibble and explore the delicious tastes on offer. The Jme Antipasti Platter is made from a lovely American Oak and has a contemporary simplicity that recalls rustic homes. A brilliant addition to the holiday season, the Antipasti Platter can help keep sauces and salt/pepper shakers within easy reach even when the table is full of family and the dishes over crowded. With charming curves and relaxed style, you always find new creative uses for this Antipasti Platter. Available online from Jme the Antipasti Platter is £45.
It doesn’t take much to transform everyday items into artistic pieces that you’ll love. With careful design and quality construction, items are given a spirit that instinctively attracts people. Jme, a new label from Jamie Oliver, has recently created a new collection of sculptural grinders. The Flo Collection features beautiful sweeping curves to create dynamic forms. The natural wood grains accent the fluid forms enticing you to pick them up. With sensual curves that fit easily in the hand, the Flo Grinders will instantly become your favourite decoration. Available in a natural wood finish or black, the Flo Spice Grinders can be found online at Jme.
Small Natural Flo Spice - £30
Large Natural Flo Spice - £40
Small Black Flo Spice - £30
Large Black Flo Spice - £40
Super Sized Black Flo Spice - £65
Sometimes all your table needs is touch of flair, that extra bit of sparkle and shine. For a bit of that Christmas glamour, John Lewis offer a selection of festive napkin rings. Whether you want the high polished shine of the jewel studded Snowflake or the rustic style of the hammered brass Reindeer, these beautiful Napkin rings can bring the finishing touch to your trendy Christmas Table. Available for just a few pounds each, they are an affordable way to update your festive place setting. A brilliant way to add sparkle and charm to you dining table the Star, Reindeer & Snowflake Napkin rings are available from John Lewis.
Star Napkin Ring - £2
Reindeer Napkin Ring - £2
Snowflake Napkin Ring - £3
Exploring foreign cuisine brings you more than exotic new flavours, it offers a slice of global culture. Items like Typhoon's Sushi Set can bring authenticity and depth to your culinary travels. The bamboo board is perfect for serving up home rolled sushi. The chopsticks nest across the serving board, while the matching bamboo bowl holds your soy sauce. With a simple elegance, this afford able sushi set will thrill any budding Japanophiles. Available from John Lewis, the Typhoon Sushi Set is just £15.
There is an English custom often performed at the celebration of weddings and births. After the celebratory toast, the champagne cork is saved and a slit is cut in the bottom. Then a silver coin minted that year is pressed into the cork, creating a good luck charm and keepsake of the life changing moment. Having grown up with these strange charms hidden away in my Mum's jewellery box, they gained a special magic and excitement. So when I saw this charming Champagne Cruet Set, it's no surprise that they capture that same mystery and allure. Elegant and quirky, each silver-plated shaker has the iconic champagne cork shape. Carefully detailed, each shaker is capped with the traditional crinkled top in which is the holes are drilled. A brilliant gift for those special occasions, the unique Champagne Cruet Set will become a memorable keepsake that will be cherished by family for years. Presented in a gift box with a special postcard and mini whisk gift tag, the Champagne Cruet Set is £26 from NotontheHighStreet.com
A new design for the already popular Chef'n PepperBall, the G'rabbit Grinders give these handy mills some character and personality. The G'rabbit Grinders offer a family friendly style perfect for your dinner table. The sculpted handles form the ears and the grinders are re-filled through their cute bunny tails. Easy to use with just one hand, it's great both in a busy kitchen or at your dinner table. Available in two colours, the black G'rabbit features a carbon steel rasp for pepper while the white G'rabbit uses a ceramic rasp for salt. A fabulous set that is both practical and adorable, the G'rabbit Grinders are £15.99 each from Lakeland.
A beautiful accent for sophisticated summer dining, these Floral Vase Place Card Holders bring natural glamour to your table. The elegant glass globes hold delicate blossoms and buds below your your guests' name cards. Featuring a small hole, the globe supports the slim stems of small flowers. Though it only holds a small amount of water, it enough to keep your blooms bright and fresh. A brilliant decoration for dinner parties or even weddings, a set of eight Name Place Vases are £19.80 from Cox & Cox.
The final piece we'll highlight of the Alessi OrienTales Collection is the Paradise Birds Salt and Pepper Set. Bright and exotic, these love birds will charm your friends and family. Rather than warbling a beautiful song these glamorous birds sprinkle salt and pepper over your meal. Made of a light thermoplastic resin, the sweeping birds create an engaging sculptural effect as they hang from the delicate branches of their tree. Calling out to be explored, people naturally want to hold and use these brilliant salt and pepper shakers. Distinctive and full of life, these endearing characters add a sparkle of magic to your table. A three piece set includes an orange and purple bird along with their elegant tree home. The Alessi OrienTales Paradise Birds Salt and Pepper Set is available for £25.00 from Alessi.co.uk or $53.00 from fitzsu.com.
Alessi OrienTales Paradise Birds Salt and Pepper Set - £25.00
Alessi OrienTales Paradise Birds Salt and Pepper Set - $53.00
Continuing Alessi's banana theme is the Banana Bros Salt & Pepper Set. These two cheeky fellows sail their way across your table in their bright banana boat. Made from a thermoplastic resin, the Banana Bros are each hand-decorated with broad smiling faces. With a separate cheeky little monkey for both your salt and pepper, they neatly nest back in their banana home. A part of the Alessi OrienTale Collection, the Banana Bros Salt & Pepper Set is available for £18.00 from Alessi.co.uk or $36.00 from fitzsu.com.
In a world where perfect products are produced for mere pennies, lovingly hand-crafted pieces take on an added beauty and charm. Mixing these artistic creations in with your everyday tableware adds an individuality and vibrancy to your kitchen. A brilliant example of this is the hand-painted Gourd Mills by William Bounds. Designed by Robert Wilhelm, the Gourd Mills have an organic sculptural beauty. Each mill is then hand painted in stylish colours and modern patterns for a dramatic effect. A wonderful artistic accent that will charm your dinner guests, the Gourd Mills even feature a lifetime guarantee making them as dependable as they are beautiful. Available from Kitchenaria.com, the William Bounds Gourd Mills are £37.00 each. For the Mills pictured:
William Bounds Pep-Art Mills
Gourd Natural Mill - £37
Gourd Black Mill - £37
Orange Gourd Mill - £37
Gourd Green Mill - £37
Cool and stylish, the Salt and Pepper Maracas by designer Nato Fukasawa blend east and west in both culture and style. Part of a new range from Plus Minus Zero, these delightfully modern salt and pepper shakers will add character and personality to your table. The small curving shakers stand on the end of a thin slim handle, with a light shake you can flavour your food with style. A great addition to the London Design Museum Shop, the Salt and Pepper Maracas are £29.95.
