http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/ DINING AND ENTERTAINING en Copyright 2012 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 01:10:33 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss For the party girl… Party Girl Gourmet Chocolates & Truffles from Wine Enthusiast make a great gift, on their own or paired with her favorite wine. These hand-made sweet treats feature an assortment of Dark Ganache, Milk Ganache and Irish Crème chocolates adorned with the signature Party Girl characters, and truffles including French Caramel, Hazelnut and Coconut flavors. These fine chocolates come in a beautifully boxed pack of 18 at a retail price for $49.95 at Wine Enthusiast. For the foodie… The Sweet Coquette Collection from Vosges Haut-Chocolat is the perfect gift for the food-lover. This box of 16 fine chocolates combines dark, milk or white chocolate, along with an unusual blend of flavors including: Absinthe (Chinese star anise, fennel and Absinthe); Bronte (Sicilian pistachio paste and rose water); Edith (Piper Heidsieck Rose Sauvage Champagne and crushed rosebud tea); Kumamoto (pearl dust, Kumamoto oyster-infused cream and white chocolate); Mamajuana (craft spirit infused with rum, secret spices and chamomile); Oaxaca (Mexican guajillo and pasilla chillies, and organic pumpkin seeds); Red Fire (ancho chillies and Ceylon cinnamon); and Xocatyl (Mexican vanilla bean). Retail price is $48 at Vosges Haut-Chocolat. For the sushi-lover… These Japanese Bento Boxes from Derry Church Artisan Chocolates are a cute spin on sushi (and certainly sweeter than raw fish!). This box of 20 gourmet bon bons includes a mix of dark, milk and white chocolates. The lacquered-plastic boxes they come in are pretty (you get a choice of two designs), and the chop sticks are a great touch. Japanese Bento Boxes retail for $79 at Derry Church Artisan Chocolates. ]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/fine-chocolate-gifts.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/fine-chocolate-gifts.html Fine Chocolate Reviews Sat, 12 Feb 2011 01:10:33 -0600 Fun yet sophisticated, we love this contemporary glass art for the home, by Turkish company Ilio. The “Ice Drop” candle holders and the “Bouquet” vase make a great gift – for yourself or for someone deserving. The aptly named candle holders are inspired by delicate ice formations, with the drip, drip, drip of glass leaving its trail. The Ice Drop would look great lined up along your mantel or adorning the window sill. Meanwhile, the Bouquet vase takes on liquid art form. This suspended vase can be hung in a bedroom or bathroom, or arranged in a cluster at different heights in a living area. And filled with fresh flowers or your favorite greens, you can bring spring indoors any time of year. Check out this contemporary glass art by visiting Ilio. ]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/contemporary-glass-art-for-home-by-ilio.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/contemporary-glass-art-for-home-by-ilio.html Tabletop Decor Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:33:52 -0600 Inspired by nature with a modern twist, these green drinkware glasses by Ilio Glass are certainly something to toast! The Forest collection glassware features a variety of different shapes ideal to serve up any beverage imaginable. From fruity drinks and root beer floats to your favorite brew and more “festive” cocktails, these glasses can handle any concoction. Not only will they brighten up your party, they’ll make your tabletop “pop.” With a setting of white linens, plates and serving dishes, these green glasses will have you raising your glass all night long. For more info on the Forest drinkware glasses, visit Ilio.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/green-drinkware-glasses-by-ilio-glass-forest.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/green-drinkware-glasses-by-ilio-glass-forest.html Glassware & Bar Tue, 28 Dec 2010 23:36:37 -0600 Get in the festive spirit with the Merry Sandro corkscrew from Alessi. Designed by Alessandro Mendini, the Merry Sandro corkscrew is chrome plated and hand decorated in this unmistakable red hat and black boots, making a fabulous holiday gift for the host with the most. Or get it for yourself and impress your guests as you serve up their favorite wine, Santa style! For every other occasion on your calendar in all year round, the Alessandro Mendini line of corkscrews also comes dressed in a variety of other attire including the chef, the jailbird, the superhero, and many more. Retail price is $95. For more information visit Alessi. ]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/merry-sandro-corkscrew-by-alessandro-mendini-from-alessi.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/merry-sandro-corkscrew-by-alessandro-mendini-from-alessi.html Glassware & Bar Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:39:02 -0600 Versace dresses the table like a woman – in pure luxury, right down to the detail. The Versace Christmas 2010 collection of tableware and ornaments will make your holiday tabletop glitter with wonderful winter motifs, and an ambience fills your dining room. Delicate snowflakes, ruby-red berries and a rich gold finish adorn these elegant plates, cups and saucers, mugs, serving dishes, accessories and ornaments. Dish out your favorite fares and make your dinner guests feel truly special. And if you’re looking to show someone your appreciation, a thoughtful and practical gift of tableware is a sure hit (and always appreciated by the entertainer at heart!). Start your collection with just one ornament or porcelain bell, or get the whole lot for a winter wonderland at your dinner table this season. For information is available at Versace Home.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/versace-christmas-2010-tableware-and-ornaments-collection.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/versace-christmas-2010-tableware-and-ornaments-collection.html Dinnerware Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:30:02 -0600 Take your favorite beverages to go with these awesome push button travel mugs by Contigo. The West Loop Autoseal Travel Mugs are vacuum-insulated to keep your hot drinks hot for up to four hours, your cold drinks cold for up to 12 hours, and most importantly, to keep them fresh while you're on the road. The self-sealing lid technology will put an end to accidental spills in the car or in your bag. Just press the Autoseal button to sip, and release it to restore the leak- and spill-proof seal. These 18-oz. stainless steel mugs are hygienic and easy to clean, making them a great reusable alternative to Styrofoam, plastic and waste! Choose from a range of great colors and patterns so suit your personality. More information is available at Contigo.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/push-button-travel-mug-west-loop-autoseal-mugs-by-contigo-vacuum-insulated.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/push-button-travel-mug-west-loop-autoseal-mugs-by-contigo-vacuum-insulated.html Glassware & Bar Wed, 17 Nov 2010 23:18:34 -0600 Just in time for entertaining season, the Soundview Millworks French bread board is the perfect complement to your wine and cheese. This artisan-style wood cutting board is a great display piece, as a treat for you or as a hostess gift. Owner of Soundview Millworks Grant Tankoosf was inspired by the nautical theme, hence the sailboat cleats on the boards, which are finished in 100% natural tung oil, mineral oil and beeswax for a hygienic, sealed and smooth finish. For an added touch to make the giftee feel special, the gifter can customize the French bread board with an engraved symbol or phrase. Retail price $40. Buy the Soundview Millworks French bread board at Orange and Pear. Images ©: by Trendir.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/french-bread-boards-by-soundview-millworks.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/french-bread-boards-by-soundview-millworks.html Dinnerware Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:48:59 -0600 Not only do these luxurious Baroness von Neumann candles smell heavenly; they’re organic, clean-burning candles that enhance the home and your experience of it. Infuse every room with sophisticated aromas of spicy Ceylon cinnamon and Zanzibar clove, layered with peat, sandalwood, orange flowers, rosewood and red amber. This earthy yet complex flavor is inspired by the essence of burning wood, adding instant holiday appeal to your atmosphere. These 12.5-oz. candles offer 70+ hour burn and come in a crested frosted-glass enclosure wrapped in a gold-embossed box. This festive presentation makes a great gift at any time of year. Baroness von Neumann candles retail for $38.50 at Candle Delirium.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/baroness-von-neumann-candles.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/baroness-von-neumann-candles.html Tabletop Decor Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:44:57 -0600 Whether you’re dressing your tabletop to the nines to host a dinner party of your own, or heading out to be served at a friend’s, the “Pear” decorative salt and pepper shakers make a great gift any time of year. Designed by artist Michael Aram (who mastered traditional metalworking in India), these gilded fruit bring a bit of understated sparkle to any table, so to speak, not overshadowing or distracting from your fares but adding to the overall atmosphere. We love how candlelight dances in the reflective finish. These gold-plated, ceramic shakers are finished with oxidized stems and a leaf. Retail price is $99. Buy the "Pear" Salt & Pepper Shakers at Neiman Marcus.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/decorative-salt-pepper-shakers-pear-from-neiman-marcus.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/decorative-salt-pepper-shakers-pear-from-neiman-marcus.html Tabletop Decor Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:42:36 -0600 The Scoop Chip and Dip Server by Wei Young is not only a really stylish way to serve your chips and salsa, it's also a great conversation starter. This cool, modern one-piece chip and dip dish will prompt compliments at any table. Made of Nambe metal alloy, it measures 11" in diameter by 8" high. This two-tiered Nambe Scoop Server is a really fun bowl, allowing for easy, all-in-one-place dipping. Buy Scoop Chip and Dip Server for a price of $225 at Neiman Marcus.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/scoop-chip-and-dip-server-by-nambe-from-neiman-marcus.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/scoop-chip-and-dip-server-by-nambe-from-neiman-marcus.html Dinnerware Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:34:08 -0600 Practical yet unique gifts always make a good choice – especially around the busy holiday season – which is why we love this fat tray, serving tray and container combo by Alessi. Designer Koskinen Harri created this bamboo wood box, which boasts a lid that doubles as a serving tray. Inside you’ll find an organized storage space for plates, cutlery, napkins, or whatever you’re serving your guests. The interior divider can be moved to accommodate larger plates, or to make room for all your serving essentials. Tea time has never been so easy, with your assortment of tea, cups, saucers and spoons, jam, sugar and milk, all in one easy spot. The lid-tray is light and resistant to typical tea time debauchery (spilled milk is really nothing to cry over with this durable finish). If tea time doesn’t roll around often enough to make good use of this gift, try this tray / container for snacks, desserts, coffee or cocktails. Retail price is $146. Get the fat tray, tray / container at Alessi.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/bamboo-serving-tray-container-combo-fat-tray-by-alessi.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/bamboo-serving-tray-container-combo-fat-tray-by-alessi.html Dessert Serveware Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:31:06 -0600 Ricci Argentieri brings a little exotic spice to your holiday tabletop with this new crocodile flatware collection. Executed in 18/10 stainless steel, you’ll get four five-piece place settings, for those small but sweet get-togethers. But who says you have to get just one? Outfit your table for 20 or more! And you can be sure that every guest will be impressed. When the meal is done and your company has gone home, this flatware is dishwasher safe for easy clean-up. Whether you gift this gorgeous flatware to yourself or to a good (and lucky!) friend, this elegant set will be enjoyed for many dinners to come. Retail price is $155, available at Neiman Marcus.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/crocodile-flatware-by-ricci-argentieri-from-neiman-marcus.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/crocodile-flatware-by-ricci-argentieri-from-neiman-marcus.html Modern Flatware Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:29:08 -0600 A toast to the host! There’s no better way to say "thank you” for a fabulous festive dinner than with a great gift they’ll really use! These Edge Wine Glasses by Crate&Barrel are something a host will take out time and time again, marking an awaited moment and the anticipated “pop!” of the cork at any special get-together. These hand-blown wine glasses feature a tall, cylindrical bowl with a flat base, giving it a sophisticated, contemporary look. The European design is delicate, hand-washing is recommended. Available is 13 oz. and 15 oz size. Retail price is $11.95. Just in time for gifting season, get yours today at Crate&Barrel.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/edge-wine-glasses-by-crate-barrel.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/edge-wine-glasses-by-crate-barrel.html Glassware & Bar Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:27:08 -0600 Put your pastry desserts on a deserving pedestal, with the Great White 3-tier pastry stand by Pottery Barn. This dessert server makes a great gift for those who love to host and bake alike. This tiered stand is executed in durable porcelain and finished in pure white glaze. Three large levels let you arrange your desserts for all to see, sample and swoon over. At the center, a broad, round stem done in chrome anchors the piece while allowing you to pass it easily around the table. In a completely different way but just as beautifully, use the plate to display flowers, candles, seashells, the options are endless. The design is simple, which bodes well for two reasons: it won’t overshadow your display, and it works beautifully with your existing dinnerware or as part of a complete Great White Collection. Retail price is $45 at Pottery Barn.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/3-tier-pastry-stand-great-white-dessert-server-by-pottery-barn.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/3-tier-pastry-stand-great-white-dessert-server-by-pottery-barn.html Dessert Serveware Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:25:14 -0600 Known for its functional but fashionably iconic kitchenware designs, Alessi’s Taste-Huile Olive Oil Taster is fun to use and holds its own aesthetically – all in all, a great gift. Good things come in small packages, and this compact design makes a great addition to any table. The egg-shaped oil canister sits comfortably in its matching chromed dish, one for each place setting. Sicilian olive oil producer Lorenzo Piccione di Pianogrillo, along with partner Kobi Wiesendanger, created this gourmand treat designed to encourage and enhance the natural flavors of extra virgin olive oil. Fill the chamber to about half, and hold it in your hand to warm its contents and release its fruity essence. Retails for $75, get it at YLiving.]]> http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/olive-oil-taster-taste-huile-by-alessi.html http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/olive-oil-taster-taste-huile-by-alessi.html Dinnerware Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:23:31 -0600