Floor-level dining

 

Gorgeous table decorations

Setting a festive table

You don't have to know what a charger is. You don't have to own separate salad, dinner, fish and dessert forks. And, according to celebrity party planner David Tutera, "you don't have to spend a lot of money, just a little time and effort."

Whether you're hosting a casual or formal affair, the table can instantly set the mood for your dinner guests. Allison Reynolds, an editor and stylist, maintains that "it is about not over-decorating or over-planning the decor." The former home market editor for the defunct Budget Living magazine and current contributor to the Shelterrific design Web site added that "there are so many choices out there. Keep it simple and organic."

If you're limited on space and money, what should be the priority? According to Tutera, a unique centerpiece is the most important element of a striking table design. Although he has worked with the rich and famous -- including the Rolling Stones, former Vice President Al Gore and Elton John -- he has plenty of ideas for low-cost centerpieces.

"For a more traditional and rustic look, take empty soup cans and turn them into unique vases for flowers. Simply wrap the outside of the can with cinnamon sticks around the outside of the cans, affix them with a rubber band along the top and another at the bottom. Then cover the band with raffia or leftover ribbon."

In his book, "The Party Planner," Tutera provides tips for a holiday dessert party inspired by candy canes. Glass vases are filled with alternating layers of rock candy and cranberries. A display is made with a glass bowl, layered with red feathers, and topped with an ornament.

"Candles are a great way to add a festive glow for little expense," Tutera said. But avoid scented ones, he advised. "Keep them in the powder room or living room. Let the aroma of the food entice your guests at the table."

When setting the table, little things can go a long way in making guests more comfortable. "You can use mini-ramekins at each setting with individual salt and pepper so there's less passing and arms flailing across the table," said Reynolds. She also recommends keeping carafes of water within easy reach of guests.

For a free alternative, turn to nature. "Use fall leaves placed at each setting," suggested Hotchkiss. "Use a colored Sharpie to write the guest's name." With larger leaves, this idea can be applied to the dinner menu.

"There is always something outside that is more beautiful than something money can buy."

Think about objects that can be recycled. For example, Tutera suggested taping together old holiday cards to make placemats. Cardboard paper towel rolls can be cut into segments and, with a bit of creativity, transformed into napkin rings.

Once the table is set, remember to relax and enjoy the evening. The hosts should not appear to be working or stressed out. "A sign of a good time is a slightly messy tablecloth."

www.davidtutera.com

Japanese Kitchens

When you have robots to watch over what you cook and have trendy cartoons adorning the wall, you KNOW you're in Japanese kitchen.
The Core concept is based on ‘Living in the kitchen’. Brings togethor cooking eating and relaxing togethor in the kitchen.The design image was inspired by Laputa, the flying island in Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift and the movie Castle in the Sky by Hayao Miyazaki.

 

The above images are of the 2 freshly released ones from the Core line of kitchens from Japanese kitchen maker " Tokyo Kitchens ".
And it’s not just robots and cartoons actually. Tokyo Kitchens have other outstanding kitchens in their lineup.

All the kitchens shown above fall in the modern category. Not all Japanese kitchens follow the same style. Infact, in Japan, where land is very expensive and plots too small flexible and multipurpose rooms are only too common. Take a look at the one below which incorporates a bedroom and study too!

 

 

Traditional Japanese kitchens are designed to occupy minimal space.

-www.homedesigning-

Lämpöä ja valoa talven keskelle.......

Nämä ovat todella kauniita, näyttäviä sekä tunnelmallisia. En todellakaan tiedä minkä näistä valitsisin joulupöytää koristamaan... mutta jotain tällaista näkyy pian Linkola residencessä, se on varma.

 

 

Tietysti seinälle myös lämpöä.. paljon....

 

 

Tervetuloa talvi!

A glass of red wine.

Rich red wine,
Bitter like an acorn,
Ripe like a cherry,
Sparkling like a ruby.

The glass at my mouth,
The wine comes out,
Consuming my lips,
Just like a kiss.

My mouth is immersed
My tongue overwhelmed,
My senses on fire,
My soul is in love.

My insides are burning,
A warm toasty fire.
I lean back a moment
to remember this time.

I'll never forget,
This night that I'm sitting,
Here with my love,
and a glass of red wine.

-James M. Branum-




But of cource you need a good place for special wine bottle....

This "WINEGrapeLeaf HangingRack" is my faforite!!!!!

•¤•¤ Gorgeous images •¤•¤