Home & Garden Blog » Drinkware

Make Your Table a Perfect Ten

brendan — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:16:47 +0000

A lot of people spend significant time trying to perfect areas of the house that they don’t spend much time in, like the dining room. Instead of constantly refining your china, devote your efforts to having well-designed, attractive everyday dining items. You’ll get a lot more bang for your buck. Get good things that you enjoy, and use them every day. This is a guide in where to start for your (not dining room) table.

Plates: Go with something that makes you happy. Seriously. If you want to eat on china everyday, that’s cool. If you want plates with peacocks on them, that’s fine too. From a design perspective (and this is especially for you design fanatics who like to have the table set all the time), know what you want you dinnerwear to do. What do you want the to feel like overall? If the room is monochromatic, a bold color in your plates could be arresting. If your room has a particular theme, then you probably want your plates to match it. Basically, choose what you like to use, and try to make it fit with the overarching design of the room.
(Check out dinnerware from Smarter)

Glasses. Again, go for what makes you happy. I personally enjoy drinking my orange juice in the morning out of a stemless wineglass. The glasses designed for alcohol just look so cool: there is nothing wrong with using them for other liquids. Since glasses are typically clear, you probably don’t need to worry about the color fitting in with the rest of your room, though the texture here may be more important. If you have an elaborate Vicotorian room, you will probably want intricate glasses. If your room is a modernist marvel, something cleaner will probably entice you. Check out wine glasses at Smarter.

Flatware. Good flatware is so nice to use. I prefer cleaner designs, but if your style is elaborate, go elaborate.

Tablecloths. Not all tables need them. I don’t have one because, as I said, I prefer cleaner design. If you want to use them, go for it. You can find other linens (aka napkins) here.

Let me know what you think of this advice, and keep me posted with how your table turns out! Happy hunting!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/gifrancis/3817159125

Do it Yourself: V-Day Cocktail Recipes

colleen — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:07:01 +0000

Want to make a cocktail this Valentine’s Day that’s sure to make a splash? Try a spicy new cocktail to make it a memorable night. Cocktails are all about two things: the right liquor for you and your companion’s tastes and tolerances, and the right presentation. Maybe you’ll want an Agave Kiss,
if you like tequila, creamy drinks, and raspberries. Or maybe a little Besame Kiss with Chambord and Lime for a fruity, delectable taste. To make either ofÂ these drinks, you’re going to need highball glasses and cocktail strainers, and a few other kitchen gadgets. The preparation is all part of the presentation.

Maybe if you really want to make a sensual, delicious dessert for a whole crowd, look no further than drunken fruit recipes. With five and a half pounds of your favorite fruit and two quarts of your favorite top-shelf liquor, you’re sure to mix a fine dessert that will be fun to eat and even more fun to feed others! For this you’re going to need a large jug and several jars to store the fruit while it soaks up the alcohol.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/kennyhindgren/3281934120

Valentine’s Day Restaurants All over the United States

colleen — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:24:35 +0000

It’s high time for the Valentine’s Day game plan: you’ve decided whether you want to go big with one significant other or if you’re single and want to get a group of fellow singles together for a celebration. No matter what, you might not be able to host your grand plan at your own apartment: maybe you’re roommate is a little tough, or maybe you want a more impressive venue for your Valentine’s Day dinner. We’ve got you covered for some hot locations for your holiday.

East Coast: Make a ski vacation weekend up to Okemo Mountain and stop in Providence, RI for a dinner at Al Forno before you leave. This little gem of a restaurant serves delectable Italian food that is sure to please.

Midwest: MK Restaurant in Chicago is off the beaten path but worth the trek through the side streets. Don’t forget to ask for a cake and shake!

West Coast: Trek down to San Diego for a seafood lovers dreamboat restaurant, The Oceanaire Seafood Room. You want to save room for the Baked Alaska dessert, but don’t skimp on ordering appetizers: I’ve heard taht the crab cakes are the best around!

If you’re looking for extra restaurant savings, check out More Rebates where you can find a 15% cash back offer at restaurant.com, a resource with a variety of restaurant coupons.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/golf_pictures/3772548539

Creative Date Ideas: Have a Great Night

colleen — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:04:22 +0000

Did the recession ruin your plans? Is your bank account a little tight from the holidays? Try some of these thrifty at home date ideas to keep your love life flowing without having to spend the big bucks on a night on the town.

A glowing, candlelight dinner at the swankiest new restaurant in town is impressive, but it’s also a big hit on your budget, with dinner plates that can range from $40-60 and wine bottles sometimes hitting $100. Not to mention, you’ll have to leave your waiter a big tip for the “wonderful evening” with your beau.

A candlelight dinner for two at home can be just what you need. Cook some tapas for appetizers, a beef bourgignon or some sort of delicious Julia Child’s recipe (check out her cookbook or other selected home cookbooks) for the main course, and don’t forget the chocolate fondue for dessert!

You’ll need decorations to set the mood: wine charms, candles, and sophisticated serving bowls are always a step in the right direction.

Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Set: $54.95-69.95

Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume 1: $19.00-$40.00

Riedel ‘Wine’ Series Syrah Set of 4 Glasses: $49.00

Seasonal Spotlight: Champagne Glasses

colleen — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:39:44 +0000

New Year’s Eve is coming up fast! It’s time to work off the pounds from Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations with some night-long dancing, drinking, and merriment. While Christmas is all about the family, New Year’s is all about the boyfriends, girlfriends, or singles getting together to celebrate the future. Whether you’re hosting a party yourself, taking on the club life, or renting a room in a hotel with your best friends or significant other, there are only two rules: keep the champagne flowing, and don’t miss the countdown at midnight!

While I can’t help you that much with the countdown, champagne flutes are a necessity we can discuss! Let’s take a look at some of the top champagne flute designs. You want a glass that can hold a significant amount of liquor for appropriate clinking, drinking and merriment, but also a classy glassy design. Here are some of the top champagne flute designs, brought to you at affordable prices:

Libbey Vina Trumpet Champagne Flute, Set of 6 from Amazon.com: $18.99

Chateau Orleans Champagne Flute Glasses in Matching Red Designs, Set of 6 from Amazon.com: $32.19

Marquis by Waterford Vintage Champagne Flutes, Set of 4 from Amazon.com: $49.00

Shop through a variety of discount champagne glasses at Smarter.com.

Affordable Partyware for the Holidays

colleen — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:39:40 +0000

While I’m still stuffed like a turkey from Thanksgiving (I don’t know about the rest of you!) I certainly didn’t get my fill of parties. Thanksgiving only has one celebration, where the Christmas/ Hanukkah holiday season has many! Host your own dinner party, start a Secret Santa or gift exchange, invite the family over for a movie marathon and hot chocolate tasting (wine for the adults, or add some peppermint schnapps to the hot chocolate to make a rousing evening!). Whatever parties you have in mind, don’t forget the partyware: this includes dinnerware, tabletop decorations, wreaths, utensils, cups and glasses, and placemats. Maybe you want to go even further, with name tags and personalized seating. Or maybe you want to save a little on the decorations this year and decided to have the kids design the floral bouquet and wreath at their holiday pageant.

No matter your style, Crate & Barrel is having a clearance sale on Dinnerware and Serving Materials, and you don’t want to miss it:

Josephine Serving Bowl from Crate & Barrel.com: $29.99, regularly $39.99

Callaway Flutes Set of 4 from Crate & Barrel.com: $39.99, regularly $43.95

Shop for more affordable partyware at Smarter.com.

Affordable Coffee Makers: Wake Up!

colleen — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:20:43 +0000

We all have a case of the Mondays from time to time, when that alarm goes off at 7:55am (or 6:55am, or 5:55am) and all you want to do is hit the snooze, hit the hay, and fall back asleep before your head hits the pillow. I’m guilty of the snoozing, including this morning, and when I finally am lucid around noon I look back on that extra 5 minutes of sleep (and the 5 minutes less I had to prepare for my work day) and I think was it worth it? What are some ways I could convince myself to get out of bed at the right time? And when I smell my roommates coffee pot and 7 in the morning, I think–yes, that would do the trick.

And lucky us! LivingComfort.com has a special sale on coffee brewers this week! Let’s check out some of the viable prospects that keep us waking up on the right side of the bed:

Krups Moka Brew Coffee Maker 8 Cups 468-42 from LivingComfort.com: $129.00

You either need a rocket to get yourself out of bed in the morning, or you have a lot of roommates, because this coffeemaker has quantity like no other. 8 cups? 8 cups?! I think I’d zoom through the day so fast I wouldn’t even take a break before going back to bed.

LivingComfort.com isn’t the only one vying for our bleary eyed, groggy morning love and attention. Buy.com has a great selection:

Cuisinart Grind and Brew : $99.00

Shop for more affordable coffee makers at Smarter.com.

Colorful Picinic Ideas

homegarden — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:00:40 +0000

I’m longing to have a picnic overlooking the lake. Although the traditional wicker baskets are so charming, these colorful new ideas feel retro but with a modern edge.

Crate&Barrel Picnic Basket: $19.95

Clean lines & so chic in lime green.

Pandora Designs Deluxe Plastic Flatware: $30.00

Plasticware never looked so good!

Translucent tumblers in any spring color you can imagine!

Hot Set Insulated Tumbler Set of 4: $12.99

And of course, you have to set the ambiance. These petal wax holders are so perfect for that spring picnic.

Petal Waxholder: $12.50

Enjoy and don’t forget to wear that perfect spring outfit for your retro-chic & colorful picnic!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more picnic baskets and plastic flatware.
Discounts on plastic tumblers and candle holders.

Cedar & Wood Sake Vessel and Cups

evette — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:19:00 +0000

Cedar Sake Vessel

Designed by Shunji Kurimori and made using old cedar trees, the Cedar Sake Vessel ($140) is a sure-fire way to add a touch of authenticity to your next drink. On top of its great narrow grain, the vessel’s construction results in low-conductivity that keeps cold sake cold and hot sake warm. Pair with a set of Cedar Sake Cups ($85)

Design Within Reach offers Free Standard Shipping

Shop for Cedar Sake Vessel and Cups – Click here!

Bamboo Sake Cup

These bamboo sake cups add a touch of authenticity to your home sake set. Not to mention the awesome price ($1.79). Plus I can also picture them as wonderfully chic tea light holders.

Shop for the Bamboo Sake Cup – Click here.

4 Pack of Masu Wooden Large Sake Cup

I like the aesthetic of these large sake cups but, I can’t seem to shake the idea that the square shape would make drinking somewhat awkward!?

Personally I think this particular set is more decorative than functional. I could be wrong. The price is definitely a steal. (set of four – $19.04)

Shop for the Masu Wooden Large Sake Cups – Click here!

Low Priced Barware – Mikasa Swirl Smoke Martini Glass

evette — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:06:38 +0000

Check out the great deal at GiftCollector.com for savings of 37% on Mikasa Swirl Smoke Martini stemware.

Raised swirls encircle the base of each stunning piece, and the base is a tinted smoky colored glass. These are diswasher safe but hand washing is recommended.

Originally $15.00 Now on SALE for $9.50

If you are interested in browsing or buying the Mikasa Swirl Smoke Martini Glasses, click here.

To shop for more discount martini glasses, click here.