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Alain Saint-Joanis: The Poshest Flatware Maker You’ve Never Heard Of
Wolfgang Puck knows his forks and knives. Same with three-star Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire. As does, of course, the King of Morocco. And when each of these opened celebrated restaurants in the last few years, they all turned to Alain Saint-Joanis for custom flatware. This small, family-owned company has been making cutlery in La Monnerie-le-Montel in the center of France since 1876. And although they’re not a household name, they are – for a certain group of folks – the only go-to when you want custom handmade flatware.
Whether you prefer lacquered (for your city dining room), olivewood (for the beach house in Martinique), resin (for your annual 4th of July bash), or a custom color to match your yacht, they can make it for you. We sat down with Alain Saint-Joanis President Alain Poujol for a few questions.
– What makes Alain Saint-Joanis unique?
The huge variety of looks … people come to Alan Saint-Joanis for quality and design. We have collections inspired by Art Deco, Celtic, Greek, nature … it goes on and on.
For Coffee Lovers: The Most Elegant Espresso Spoons Ever
If you own a Nespresso or a De’Longhi or a Breville, you can now up your coffee game with these new espresso spoons from Christofle, which come artfully encased in a drop-dead gorgeous presentation egg case.
The silver option ($360) includes six silverplated espresso spoons, a polished stainless steel chest, and a dark walnut wood insert.
Destination Palm Springs: Annie Selke’s Getaway
When we heard that Annie Selke, the talented owner and designer behind the colorful Dash and Albert rugs and Pine Cone Hill linens, had bought a home in the Marrakesh Country Club community in Palm Springs, we knew it would be fabulous. Here, we share Annie’s story with you.
What made you decide to purchase a second home?
“After we had a horrible winter a few years back, I decided I wanted a second home someplace warm! I looked in Southern Florida, but nothing felt right. When I decided to buy the home in Marrakesh, it was kind of like my birthday present to myself. I really wasn’t even looking to buy anything.” But then, her friend John Gilmer sent her real estate listings, she saw pink and green everywhere, and she was sold.
Alberto Pinto: Dinnerware to Match His Interiors
First there was the red-eye to London. The customs and immigration line snaked around the terminal like a coiled serpent, lethargically moving in the early morning. Then there was the bumpy, stop-and-go rush hour ride into central London.
But the moment you walk into The Lanesborough hotel, your jaw dropped. The dull, harried modern world outside melted away. You were in a magical place filled with gilded carvings, cream and black marble, and shimmering silks and damasks.
How to Create the Amazing $30,000 Met Gala Table Setting
What’s THE party of the year?
Probably the Met Gala, held the first Monday in May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to raise money for their Costume Institute. It’s like the Oscars, but with more panache, since it’s all about fashion.
Each year the event has a theme. Guests are encouraged to dress accordingly, so stars and their stylists go into overdrive planning their looks. For many celebs, being photographed at the Met Gala is almost as important as appearing in Vogue. That’s why stars like Gisele and Tom, Beyonce, and Rihanna really, really dress up:
All About Anna Weatherley and her Handpainted Porcelain Dinnerware
Who is Anna Weatherley?
Although she’s probably best known for her line of handpainted dinnerware, Anna Weatherley has had many careers: from arms dealer (yes, really!) to famous couturiere to setting up handpainting studios in Hungary. Eventually, she was even commissioned by First Lady Laura Bush to design a collection of china for the White House.
How to Dine Like Royalty from Queen Victoria to Lady Diana
Were some people really born with a silver spoon in their mouth? When it came time to dining, and entertaining, royals didn’t just grab a quick bite to go. Every meal had to be worthy of a king, right down to the choice of the plates. But the favorite dinnerware of Europe’s royals and aristocrats might surprise you.
Summer Drinks Cocktail Napkins featured in Flea Market Decor Magazine!
We’re thrilled to be part of Flea Market Decor magazine‘s fun and eclectic September/October 2017 issue:
Pallina Acrylic Pitchers Featured in Better Homes and Gardens
We love this outdoor entertaining scene from Better Homes & Gardens‘s June 2017 issue!
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Area Rug
We’ve just moved into our new house, and although we love our hardwood floors, they are kind of overwhelming. We feel like we’re living in a showhouse, plus we’re always walking carefully since our footsteps can be heard so loudly throughout. So we need to start thinking about rugs. We’re looking to define specific areas, add color to some rooms, and muffle sound/bring in warmth underfoot.
Luckily, we’ve done this many times before, so we know what a change we’ll see once we add rugs. But for those who haven’t, here’s where you start.
A rug is good for:
- Defining a specific seating area. The area rug brings a group of furniture together. It could help smaller rooms look more spacious and turn larger rooms into separate, usable areas.
