Guest Post: More Than Meets the Plate

 Happy Tablescape Thursday!
Today's post is by guest Julie Shuford 


Fine china! It is a world like no other, filled with endless possibilities. Anyone who has gone through the buying and decision making process, is well aware of the various considerations and options there are when deciding which pattern and type of fine china is right for you. While we are sure you have a style of your own, and one that speaks volumes when entertaining and decorating with your serve ware and dishes, we hope this article leaves you with an even greater understanding and appreciation of those dazzling plates you selected. For those of you in the fine china market, we believe you will benefit just as much, or even more from this piece. Please join us in taking a closer look at the various types of fine china, and how to select the right fine china for you! Believe it or not, it can, and should be, easy and fun!
Let's get started with a brief tutorial. There are four primary types of dinnerware. You are probably well aware of the most common material our lovely fine china is typically made of, porcelain. Porcelain, which can also be referred to as bone china, is the highest quality of ceramic dinnerware. Since the clay is so hard, it can be thinned out to make the higher end fine china settings. A few personal favorites include manufacturers Bernardaud, Mottahedeh and Herend.
Mottahedeh's Blue Lace and Imperial Blue (A-MA-ZING!!)

Another type of formal china material, and quite an amazing one, is unrefined earthenware. While it has never been "out of style", it is has been trending up with new bridal registries, with brands such as Vietri, Gien, and Arte Italica- to name a few. China made of unrefined earthen ware is fired at a low temperature and requires a glaze to seal it, making it impermeable. This often leaves the china with a patina-like finish- usually most noticeable on the bottom of the plate. The patina tends to add a bit of character and uniqueness to each piece.
Below is a picture of Vietri's Incanto, which is a beautiful example of unrefined earthenware.

Have you seen Father of the Bride?! Then you've seen an example, or at least heard, of the next china material on our list. Coming in at number three, is refined earthenware. Spode is perhaps one of the most popular china manufacturers of all time, and is made of refined earthenware. It is mentioned in Father of the Bride, as the bride-to-be's china registry selection of choice!
Refined earthenware has been around for a very long time, dating all the way back to the late 1700s. And while it lends itself to the look of fine china, it is comparatively less expensive than porcelain and unrefined earthenware. Because of the lower cost, many people use it as their everyday dinnerware.
Pictured below is Spode's Woodland dinnerware - a classic example of refined earthenware.

The final material on our review of the most desired fine china material is stoneware. Stoneware dinnerware is not as common and most often the material selected to make heavier duty cooking appliances, like crocks. Just like porcelain, stoneware clay is also vitrified during firing, but stoneware clay is not as refined as porcelain clay. While all of the different types of china have their best sellers, stoneware has some amazing patterns as well. In fact, stoneware china manufacturer, Juliska, is the top selling china manufacturer for Bering's Hardware- which is the leading retailer of fine china in Houston, TX. It is a favorite for new brides, as well as customers who already have their formal china setting. It is so popular because of its price point, along with its functionality and mix ability with other patterns.
Just like Juliska, another aesthetically pleasing, yet functional pattern of choice is Casa Fina. Both are machine washable and again, elegant enough to use for formal occasions, yet simple enough for everyday use.
Here is a stoneware example, Juliska's Berry & Thread Pattern:

In closing, you really can't go wrong with any of the four materials. In fact, deciding on one of four materials you prefer is most likely the easy part! Narrowing down a sea of beautiful china patterns- now that is hard to do! But of course, fun!

For more beautiful table settings, please Between Naps On The Porch.

About the Author

Julie Shuford is the Marketing Manager for Bering's Hardware in Houston, TX. Julie is a girl's girl who loves a good sale, a long run, and time with her husband and new baby boy. Bering's Hardware is a unique retail store that provides everything from hardware to fine china and housekeeping products to grilling products.

Secretary of Interiors

About a week ago I purchased this 1940's Maple Chippendale style Secretary in Mill Valley for only $150.00.   An unbelievable steal of a deal.  I love the color, glass pane doors,bow front drawers,claw feet and finial top.

We purchased it for the vacation home in Russian River.  The current plan is to place it in a corner the great room.

I wasted no time staging the piece above in the 3rd bedroom which will be converted into a formal dining room.  I found a nice brass candelabra table lamp that would work great on the desk top.
Inspiration Photos:

Architectural Digest Magazine

A similar Chippendale style secretary but with flat front drawers fits perfectly in this traditional master bedroom.  Notice the brass candelabra table lamp?

Traditional Home Magazine

 Another beautiful secretary with a trellis pane pattern(also with a brass candelabra lamp) is an excellent compliment to the living room.

 The History Of The Secretary Desk
(From Secretarydeskguide.com)
The term “Secretaire” is a French term for a type of bureau desk in  translation a ‘secretary’. Like a bureau, it has a drop front that pulls  out to reveal a writing surface, small drawers and pigeonholes. Its  front, however, is usually disguised as a drawer which, when let down,  is supported on semicircular brass slides known as quadrants.[Complete Story]

Cabin Inspiration

Tomorrow (01/20/12) we pick up the keys to the vacation cabin.  It will be great to spend some time in the home without a realtor,inspector,appraiser or contractor in the way.  Our goal is to complete all the necessary repairs in the next 3 months to make the property comfortable.  In the meantime, I wanted to share one of the many inspiring spaces that capture the look and style I hope to bring to our cabin.


  This home designed by Suzanne Kasler was the image that immediately came to me when I first saw our cabin. It was featured in Architectural Digest's June 2009 issue. This property is located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

   Like this design, I envisioned classic European accent furniture and accessories such as a gilded baroque and/or Federal style convex mirrors anchored by neoclassical sconces with an antique brass finish.

There is a mixture of rich leather,paisley,tartan plaid and animal print fabrics on the sofa,chairs and drapery treatments.  Ornate framed oil paintings of countryside landscapes and large tapestries adorn the walls.

The rustic walls and floors add the warmth and coziness to give the formal pieces a calming and welcoming environment.

 The Empire style chairs anchored by the yellow gold upholstered chairs on the end compliments the space perfectly!   Suzanne did such an amazing job bringing everything together in this home.

She quickly became one of my favorite designers. You can visit her website to see more of her terrific work here.  Please come back and visit as I share other inspiring rustic and elegant spaces.

BudaPest, Hungary

A view of the Parliament House

 I saw the Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol the other day.  It was fantastic.  The movie opened with a scene in Budapest, Hungary.  Coincidentally, I had just read an article about the disturbing state of politics in Hungary.
Articles: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Hungary-s-hard-won-democracy-under-threat-2513040.php
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2103775,00.html?xid=gonewsedit

View of the Chain Bridge at night

Watching the views of the Budapest in Mission Impossible reminded me how much I enjoyed the city when I was lucky enough to visit in 2006

View from the Buda side of the Chain bridge toward Pest with the Four Seasons hotel

Me in my faux fur, on the chain bridge, with my back to the Buda side of the city.

 I hope the current party that has control of the country does not return it to the isolated and inaccessible state it was in while under Communist control.   However, the situation is not good and more Americans should be aware of what is happening.

Dan with the Chain Bridge behind him.

The current government is controlled by conservative Prime Minister Obistan who has formed alliances with right wing groups that hold nationalistic ideologies that espouse antisemitism and hatred of Romas ("gypsys").   

The new government is restricting free speech and has rewritten the country's constitution in such a way that EU officials and the United States believe make it impossible for change over next several generations. 

A bundled up me in front of the Four Seasons Hotel as I stand at the entrance to the Chain Bridge.

Secretary of State Clinton sent a letter to Prime Minister Orban expressing concern about the future of democracy in Hungary.  European leaders have also shared their concern with Orban.

The view of the Chain Bridge from our Four Seasons hotel room looking out to old town Buda.

  His reaction has been combative and he has refused any suggestions to stop his apparent take over of Hungary's press and judiciary.  The European Union is equally concerned that he is moving toward a take over of Hungary's Central Bank.

Not only would it be a horrible loss for the Hungarians if they have their rights taken from them, it would be a loss to the world to lose access to the country and Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube".

Although the view from our room was spectacular, I thought the room decor was a bit too minimally decorated and modern for my personal taste.

We enjoyed both lunch and dinner at the Cafe Pierrot in old town Buda.

Dan having some Hungarian wine and waiting for dinner.

Great Market Hall

The central market located on the Pest side is the city's largest food/groceries market.

Posing in front the St. Mathias Cathedral

The Fisherman's Bastion

The popular Gellert Spa & Baths

Dan at the Heroes Square memorial

Movie Night Friday-Marie Antoinette: The Scapegoat Queen

PART 1


PART II


PART III


PART IV


PART V

The Piano

One of the items on my wishlist for 2012(hopefully before the fall/winter holiday season) is a baby grand piano.  Aside from being a terrific musical instrument, pianos can add grandeur and sophistication to any setting.

   I have always wanted a grand piano but since neither Papa Dan or I know how to play(or are patient enough to learn at this point), I couldn't justify buying one since they aren't cheap. Luckily, our little guy shows an interest in learning after seeing his cousin play.

We have a few neighbors and friends whom I consider music aficionados who have convinced me that it's never too late to learn for us and that having the instrument in the house will make him feel like it is part of his home and he will not be intimidated to learn when he is old enough to take lessons.

I  love the thought of hosting a cocktail party with guests surrounding the piano playing and signing their favorite tunes.

Or, a cabaret theme party where the guests entertain us with their favorite jazz,loung or torch song.

Of course, I also imagine  my decorating the home for the holidays and family and  friends gathering around the piano to  play and sing carols.

Here is our future pianist approaching the bench in a neighbor's living room.

This is the rear foyer of our home where I plan to replace the center round table with a piano.    The 2 slipper chairs,leather armchair(corner right) and desk(corner left) you see in this space will also be removed to allow for more room.


     What to consider when purchasing a piano (click here)                      

Happy Holidays From Beaux Mondes Designs

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
Julio,Dan,Daniel & Cocco