War.  Diplomacy.  Royal backstabbing.  A Russian Empress who loved art and beauty.  All that went into the making of the world’s most expensive dinnerware, Flora Danica by Royal Copenhagen.

Our story begins with Catherine the Great of Russia.  In 1788, she was at the height of her power and prestige, having come to power 26 years earlier by deposing her husband in a coup.  The formerly impoverished German princess was now the absolute ruler of the largest empire in the world, and she followed up one stunning achievement with another:  Expanded Russia into the Black Sea and Crimea.  Made Russia a major European power.  Annexed Alaska.  Reformed the government.  Ushered in the Enlightenment.  Check, check, check.

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Good news — This sale has been extended to July 20!

With Bastille Day just around the corner, we’ve got a genuine French treat for you: A special sale on Yves Delorme French bedding and linens.  During the week of July 8 through 15 20, use coupon code YD20JL6 to get 20% off all Yves Delorme sheets, duvets and duvet covers, table linens, bath towels, bath robes, and decorative pillows.

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You know that the gracious lifestyle is its own reward: a beautiful home, good times with friends and family, and the satisfaction of living life to its best.

And we want to be part of it!  So we set up a unique new program, Gracious Style Rewards to celebrate those special times with you.

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It’s time to celebrate all their hard work, so here’s a selection of graduation gifts they’ll cherish forever.  Congratulations on a job well done!

Click here to view more Graduation Gifts.

Every once in a while, a collection comes along that just knocks it out of the park.  Jo Sampson, the British designer responsible for developing some of the most iconic interiors in the world (for Hermes, Fairmont hotels, and Four Seasons hotels), was recently tapped by Waterford to create a fresh new line of barware and home accessories.  And the results are stunning!

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Cold weather might bring back plaid and tartans, but they don’t have to make your home look like those oversized lumberjack shirts in the back of the closet.  In fact, plaids are a great way to mix things up and introduce different colors.  Says renowned NY event producer David Stark in his recent Pretty in Plaid feature for Martha Stewart:

If you’re the type of person that wants things to look cohesive, but not too matchy-matchy, try mixing different colors of the same plaid. For color mixing, pick a particular color that each plaid will have in common. For example, if each pattern contains a vibrant cherry red, it will keep your look together. These flatware sets all have the same base color — a neutral white — so they can be mixed and matched on your dinner table.

And here are the plaids he chose, in London Chic chocolate red, London Chic cucumber green, and London Chic denim blue:

And the best part?  The stainless steel flatware has ABS plastic handles which are dishwasher safe and treated with Xtra Wash, a unique technology that keeps colors looking like new after hundreds of washes.  These are an absolute steal at only $15 per 5-pc setting!

We still remember watching the Martha Stewart TV shows years ago, so it’s a real treat to be featured in her blog now.  Thanks for thinking of us, David and Martha!

Father’s Day is less than three weeks away on Sunday, June 21st, so we thought we’d help you remember him with these thoughtful gifts for dad.  And for a limited time, enjoy free shipping on all orders over $75.

To view more Father’s Day Gifts, click here!

With spring in the air and Easter on its way, Herend’s bunnies come out to play!

 They’re nestled in leaves, inside a top hat, or a hot air balloon – now how cute is that?

We love the sweet message these little guys send, so get one for yourself, or give one to a friend!

Overcome with bunny affection? Take a look here at our whole collection!

February is on its way, and love is in the air! If you’re stumped on what to get that special someone, we’re here to help. To find a gift as different and original as the one you love, consider what you love most about him or her, and read on…

If you love her cooking… complement her best dishes with dinnerware that will bring out the colors and shapes of the food.

If you love his artistic eye… encourage his creativity with a bold art piece. This crystal sculpture’s bold geometry and rich color make it a unique statement for any room.

If you love her elegance… a set of Varga stemware is a timeless gift. For a romantic touch, compliment a pair of flutes with a bottle of champagne, and propose a toast!

If you love his green thumb… a rustic terracotta planter can house a beautiful to nurture as a couple. Measure it now, and see how much it grows by next February 14th.

If you love her sense of adventure… present her with a travel book to dazzle the eye. Pick out one that will remind her of travels together, or of somewhere you want to visit. Having trouble deciding? Nothing says love like Paris.

If you love his sophistication… delight his refined side with a caviar set. This stunning silverplate bowl comes equipped with vodka glasses, perfect for sharing!

Need more ideas?  Check out our Valentine’s Day section.

With eight days of celebration ahead, there is still time to get a few last minute gifts. Check out our sale section for finds that can ship before the festivities end!

To view our full sale section, click here!