Cool Finds at Anthropologie

Anthropologie is basically known for their amazing collection of clothing. But of course, all I care about is their home items. I spotted these lovely ikat bowls on this beautiful table setting done by Manvi at Mochatini.

Had to have them. So I went on the Anthropologie website, and spotted these amazing flame leaf bowls that I had to have even more. They're not even my style, but something about them was so compelling. Ugh, I need to keep my money in pocket, but I found myself in my car on the way the Anthropologie, without hesitation.

Once I got there, I saw that they had many cool home products. Here are a few I was able to capture.

Knobs (cabinet, door, other):

Dinnerware:

This is the bowl I bought! Lovely!

This bowl is reason I even discovered the flame leaf bowl. For shame!

Candle holder:

Glasses:

Duvets:

I'm noticing that I am particularly drawn to blue these days...

Kumquat Digestif- The Morning After; The Art of Preparing a Meal

A little while back I told you I was making a Kumquat Digestif. It finally finished infusing, and I was able to try it. First I prepared a delicious meal of Thai Steak with jasmine rice and and a spicy cabbage salad; and a Tomato-Cucumber salad with mint, almonds and feta cheese (I substituted the feta with ricotta salata cheese because of my distaste for feta).

After the meal was over, we finally tried the digestif- la raison d'etre. My dinner guest really liked the Kumquat Digestif and said that it tasted like Grand Marnier. It was a bit too sweet for me, so I have since added some more thyme, kumquats, and vodka to cut the sugar a little bit. Yummy.

Of course, with my obsession to all things relating to a dish or a glass, I had to set the table appropriately. I've previously discussed a few of my dinner pieces here, here, and here. I was glad to be able to bring them together in this attractive, yet not too overstated table setting. It is great to have a dinner like this every once and a while, where you actually prepare an extensive meal and organize a more elaborate table for your guests. You feel accomplished and satisfied that you're actually capable of something artistic, because cooking and setting a table is art.

Great food, great environment, great company. You have to enjoy the little things... and all of this simply because I wanted to try the Kumquat Digestif. I guess bigger ideas start with the small ones.

Do You Know Kimono?

On 100 Layer Cake, guest blogger from Chewing the Cud did a tutorial on how to fold a kimono-styled napkin. Such a neat little idea! I had to re-post this. So many things could go inside of these. I could have used these as a kid, when I was trying to hide my brussel sprouts in my napkin.

For written instructions, check out 100 Layer Cake here.

Drinking in Style- Cool Find

Check out these stainless steel straws from Brook Farm. $18.00 for a set of six. I'd be pretty impressed if someone offered me a straw like this to drink my beverage.

This pic only via Remodelista

Stripes Are In

Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams

I love stripes. They add so much visual interest to any room or any household item. Thanks to the Origo Collection, I'm now convinced that any pattern you desire in a fabric, you can also find for your kitchen items.

Check out the Origo Collection from iittala:

Check out the entire Origo Collection by iittala at cookware.com.

Dinner is Served

Lately, I've become intrigued with dinner settings. There is an art to setting an attractive and alluring table.

Even if you're just having a few friends over for an informal dinner, make the most of it. Do it up! Make them beg for more. A lot of dining is the experience- the emotions it draws out while eating.

Place your take-out on fabulous plates with a whole table environment that will make mouths covet each bite because they simply enjoy where they are.

Make the most of your meal...

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