Summer.  La dolce vita.  A party by the pool.  Sailing on the water.  Or just a nice lawn barbecue.  Naturally, friends and family will come in droves.  So how do you entertain them in style, without setting up for the high holidays?  Here are our little secrets (shhh….)

– Acrylic stemware from Mario Luca Giusti: From his studio in Florence, Mario has re-created classic Italian stemware in acrylic and polycarbonate. The result?  As cool as a Vespa on the cobblestoned streets of Florence. No wonder it’s become a darling of the European yachting crowd — look for it on Roberto Cavalli’s yacht or in the hands Albert II of Monaco, Valentino, the Missonis, the Ferragamos, and Steven Spielberg.

– Melamine dinnerware from Q Squared NYC Dinnerware: They’re chic, they’re classic, and they’re dishwasher safe! These pieces, created by Nancy (former Glamour editor) and Alaina (color aficionado with an art history background), recreate the ornate designs of antique porcelain on heavyweight melamine, and they’re made to be mixed and matched.

 

– Easy-care tablecloths fromGarnier Thiebaut and Le Jacquard Francais: Many of our classic French table linens, favorites of everyone from the George V in Paris to the French Laundry, now come coated with an invisible treatment to protect your linens from liquids and stains, while keeping them soft and supple.

Now there’s no reason not to entertain this summer.  Let us know how it went — tweet a picture of your party to @GraciousStyle!  Need more ideas?  Click here to see our Outdoor Entertaining section.

Spring cleaning season is here, which means it’s time to freshen up your linens. If your towels are tired, your tub mats worn, and your bathroom is generally looking drab, give your home the update it deserves with Kassatex’s new collections of luxurious bath essentials. Say goodbye to fuzz and hello to fluff with linens and accessories designed to help you clean up in style.

Experience unparalleled texture and comfort with Kassatex’s new bath towel collections, many of which are inspired by destinations in Europe. The Marseilles Collection features a wave effect sculpted in piece dyed jacquard, while the Mallorca Collection is enhanced with an on-trend ombre print and unique eyelash fringe for a more contemporary look.

Named after Portugal’s captivating capital, Lisboa Bath Towels take forms inspired by classic baroque style. Featuring a decorative jacquard bottom border in a delicate palette, this collection is the perfect compliment for any bath.

Designers of well-appointed bathrooms rely on chic bath accessories to artfully store toiletries and eliminate clutter.  A porcelain dispenser from Kassatex’s new Shagreen Collection is a lot more glamorous perched on the counter than a plain, plastic soap bottle purchased from the drugstore.

To view more from Kassatex, including new introductions to the Bambini children’s line, please click here.

 

 

For nearly two hundred years, Garnier-Thiebaut has been creating exquisite linens for the home. But it is Green Sweet, their recent innovation in fabric technology, that is most exciting to the busy, modern family.

What is Green Sweet?

Green Sweet is a revolutionary treatment which makes linens stain resistant.

Does Green Sweet affect the way my linens feel?

No.  Green Sweet does not affect the look and feel of linens, so textiles stay equally soft and breathable.

What happens when liquids spill on my Green Sweet linens?

Liquids will puddle on the surface, so you can simply wipe them off.

How is Green Sweet applied to fabrics?

Each fiber is coated in the stain-resistant treatment before it is woven into fabric to ensure the entire cloth is fully saturated.

Can I wash my Green Sweet linens?

Absolutely!  They can be washed the same way as regular linens, but you won’t need to launder them as often since they will remain clean for longer.

Can I iron my Green Sweet linens?

Yes.  The heat of the iron reactivates the Green Sweet treatment, so it is good for Green Sweet linens to be ironed.

Can you show me what happens when there are spills? 

Take a look at how these linens react to jam, fruit juice, water, and even red wine!

Want to see more? Click on the video below for a demonstration:

 

Why is it called Green Sweet?

Green refers to the non-stick and self-cleaning process of certain plants. Sweet stands for Simple to clean, Waterproof, Economic maintenance, Environmentally friendly, and Textile touch.

Now, it’s time to try one for yourself! Here are a few of our favorites:

 

Have you tried Garnier-Thiebaut‘s incredible Green Sweet linens yet?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both fearsome and fascinating, wolves have a long and complicated history with humans. While they have been the subject of debate for thousands of years, wolves have managed to avoid total extinction, even when their population number dropped to 300 in the 1960’s. In honor of the wolf’s perseverance and prowess, Herend created the Lone Wolf as part of their limited-edition Reserve Collection.

Herend’s Wolf is the definitive lone wolf, being the first and only Herend figurine to wear a coat of alternating gray and platinum fishnet. This unique color mix captures the essence of a Gray Wolf, the most prevalent variety in the U.S. The eerily realistic-looking eyes add the finishing touch to enhance the drama of this Herend treasure.

Wolves are the descendants of prehistoric Dire Wolves, powerful creatures which roamed North America approximately two million years ago. Now extinct, these predators hunted prey as large as wooly mammoths. Even with such capabilities, as wolves evolved, humans never became a desired target. Contrarily, the hunter became the hunted. The Aztecs, for example, killed wolves for their livers, which were believed to possess healing powers. In Ireland, wolves were exterminated until the last animal was killed in the late 1700’s. In the U.S., a war was waged against the wolf in the 1900’s, as wolves were perceived as pests who threatened the American people’s safety and prosperity. 

Thankfully, measures were taken in the U.S. to protect the wolf’s dwindling populations, which plummeted to the brink of extinction. In 1974, the Endangered Species Act was enacted, and the wolf was among the first animals to be put on the protected list. Today, around 5,000 wolves inhabit North America, mostly in Yellowstone National Park and the Rocky Mountains. Conservationists are hopeful that wolf populations will remain stable.

Wolves are intelligent and gregarious animals. They form close relationships and strong social bonds with members of their packs. Even alphas are known to express deep affection for their families, going to great lengths to protect their pups. Herend’s Wolf is a symbol of strength and loyalty, making it the perfect gift for a member of your own pack.

To see more Herend figurines and collectibles, please click here.

If there’s one thing Rachel Zoe knows, it’s style. The designer, author, and distinguished fashion icon is recognized for her glamorous aesthetic and high-profile clientele. When she’s not busy running the Zoe empire, the self-described perfectionist enjoys hosting dinner parties at her chic California abode. In an interview with Domaine Home, Zoe shares which entertaining essentials make an at-home meal feel like an A-list affair.

At the top of her list? The Vertigo collection from luxury silverware company Christofle. Like Chanel and Christian Dior, Christofle is a symbol of elegance and prestige.  And Vertigo, designed by renowned French interior and product designer Andree Putman, is Rachel’s favorite.  Its unique element – a slightly twisted ring –  brings life and even a sense of humor to the otherwise immaculate silver objets. For her picture-perfect party, she relies on exquisite pieces like the Christofle Vertigo Three-Part Serving Tray for flawless food presentation.

Made of glass with silver-plated handles, the Vertigo rectangular tray is sectioned into three parts, so guests can sample a variety of hors d’oeuvres. Just as jewelry completes an outfit, Zoe knows that beautiful dinnerware puts the finishing touches on a well-dressed dining table. She advises, “Take the time to fill glass pitchers with sparkling and flat water, put condiments in charming crystal jars, and place food that comes to the table on chic serving trays.” Follow Zoe’s lead, and your friends will be itching for invites to your next soiree.

To see the complete collection of Christofle at Gracious Style, please click here.

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate Mom for the amazing individual she is. So why not give her a gift that is just as unique and special? Whether the traveler, gardener, or entertainer, Gracious Style has just the right gift for every type of mother.

For the Traveler: In soft cotton, John Robshaw’s bohemian throws are practical gifts for the jet-setting mom.

 

For the Entertainer: In all of spring and summer’s freshest hues, Juliska’s tableware makes the hostess shine at every party.

 

For the Sommelier: Inspired by Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, Moser‘s Dionys Decanter Set is the perfect gift for any wine connoisseur.

 

For the Comic: Rani Arabella‘s quirky yet sophisticated style is ideal for any mom with a great sense of humor.

 

For the Bookworm: With a swing-arm feature, Suzanne Kasler‘s gilded iron wall sconce gives just the right light for bedtime reading.

 

For the Gardener: Handpainted in the hills of Tuscany, this richly saturated planter brings the warm Italian sun to her garden.

 

For more great Mother’s Day Gifts, click here.

 

Renowned wedding planner and designer David Tutera knows how to make anyone’s special day unforgettable. So when he asked to feature our L’Objet Antique Bow Tie and Lorel Napkin Rings in an upcoming wedding, we were thrilled to participate! With a regal purple, cobalt, and gold color palette, these beautiful table accents have never looked more lovely.  All images courtesy of Yodsukars Photography.

L’Objet‘s Antique Bowtie Gold Napkin Rings add drama to these velvety plum napkins.

These gold Lorel Napkin Rings emphasize the eternal bond of this beautiful union.

These gorgeous napkin rings contributed to the perfect tabletop for this elegant ceremony.

A special thanks to everyone at David Tutera for including us in your beautiful photoshoot!

For more dazzling napkin rings, visit our full collection here.

This Mother’s Day, give Mom the gift of wrapping up in comfort in any of Yves Delorme’s sumptuous bath robes and towels. Gracious Style is celebrating the occasion with a special Mother’s Day sale, coming soon! From April 26 – May 11, enjoy a 20% discount on all Yves Delorme towels and robes.

Show Mom how much you care with the Je T’Aime collection, French for “I love you.” For an extra special treat, consider the Beaucoup (French for “a lot”) collection.  Together, these are the perfect way to say , ‘I love you a lot.’

No matter which collection you choose, a gift from Yves Delorme is a thoughtful gesture that is sure to warm Mom’s heart.

To see the complete collection of Yves Delorme at Gracious Style, please click here.

Color can be controversial when it comes to decorating your home. Some people instinctively gravitate towards it, while others shy away, preferring more muted, monochromatic environments. Not Nanette Lepore. The contemporary fashion designer, known for her peppy, pattern-splashed clothing, is making a major statement with her new home collection, Nanette Lepore Villa. Inspired by her global travels, and the vibrant color palette of her ready-to-wear line, Lepore injects the same liveliness and flare into Villa, using bold hues and striking prints fearlessly.

Exotic patterns and rich color combinations abound in Villa’s debut collection. Villa is intricate, yes, but never overwhelming. Jewel tones like cobalt blue, teal, fuchsia, and emerald add sophistication to graphic patterns like peacock feathers, animal prints, and Ikat.

In 2005, the whimsical fashionista commissioned Jonathan Adler to outfit her New York home.  As he recalls, “Nanette insisted we choose furniture that was light and movable because they are a family that dances.” The dance-party hostess collaborated with Adler to transform her townhouse into a space that felt colorful, collected, and eclectic. When it came time to design her own home collection, Lepore applied her same mix-and-match, cheerfully chaotic approach.  She says, “I set out to create something that was daring, energetic, and exciting to come home to.”

Which is your favorite piece from Villa? See the entire collection, and shop the look here.

Growing up in China, I spent much of my childhood in the Han dynasty.  Many of my childhood heroes came from this period, and I would travel 2,000 years back in time to go on adventures with them while sitting in class or doing homework.

As I grew older, I realized I wasn’t the only one.  The Han dynasty is probably the most important period in the history of China.  Its institutions were emulated by all the dynasties that followed it, and it defined what it means to be Chinese.  Even today, the word “Han” means a person in Chinese, most of the Chinese people are called the “Han people,” and the Chinese language the “Han language.”

Artistically, the Han dynasty has a more streamlined, almost modern, look compared to the floral styles of the later Ming and Qing dynasties.   This is the style which inspired Elad and L’Objet’s new Han Dynasty collection.  For example, the dinnerware’s border motif, available in gold or white, recalls the geometric pattern from those ancient times:

The tea canisters, black canister bowl, and black canister vase are based on the shapes of urns and other household objects:

Finally, these salt and pepper shakers vaguely remind me of both ancient Chinese drinking cups and geometric latticework patterns:

So even if I can’t go back in time to feast with my heroes, I can share a little of their artistic tradition.

Take a look at L’Objet’s other fanciful creations, richly inspired by art and history from around the world.  Which time or place is your favorite?