Distinctive-Decor.com Blog

Outdoor Dining with Elegant Melamine Dishes

Photo: Outdoor Kitchen, De Soto, KS

Pool and patio season is here, and with it comes opportunities for outdoor entertaining and family meals served under the shade of the backyard umbrella. Outdoor kitchens are all over the place these days, ranging from the impeccably-appointed to modular and modern. Cooking outside gives us the opportunity to bask in the gorgeous outdoors as well as helps avoid overtaxing your air conditioner and dishwasher, since the heat stays out of the indoor kitchen.  Also, more grilling usually means less cleanup.

No matter how beautifully designed and executed your outdoor dining space is, however, there's still one key element you may have overlooked: your outdoor tableware. Sure, there are lots of nice paper plates and napkins available in your local discount store, but that doesn't quite fit the bill when you're entertaining guests or hosting a special family dinner, does it? Then again, you don't want to bring your good stoneware, ceramic,  or porcelain outside; it's unwieldy, and it can get broken if dropped on a concrete patio or poolside (watch your feet!).

Enter Le Cadeaux melamine dinnerware and polycarbonate drinkware. Le Cadeaux tableware is sturdy enough to use at every meal, and beautiful enough for the most elegant outdoor feasts. This European-inspired tableware looks just like your favorite stoneware, with rustic accents and charming detail to give your outdoor entertaining the finishing touch.

And this is not your Grandma's melmac, either. In addition to being beautiful, Le Cadeaux is some of the strongest, most substantial melamine on the market today. The polycarbonate drinkware is virtually unbreakable. The entire collection is dishwasher safe and BPA-free.

You could feature a monochromatic table setting that coordinates with your chair cushions and landscaping, or a mix-and-match combo that is decidedly more bohemian (we love the Benidorm Blue for this...so chic). Le Cadeaux polycarbonate beverage service is just as elegant and resilient: with so many styles and colors to choose from, the perfect setting for your table is just a click away.

Le Cadeaux Dinnerware - Perfect for the Summer...and Yachts, of Course!

Le Cadeaux dinnerware is different, but you will not notice what makes it unique simply by looking at it. The first time you see Le Cadeaux it looks like elegant and classy Italian pottery or French porcelain.  You would never believe us if we told you it is made of triple-weight melamine, but it is.  The first time we saw it in a showroom we were convinced we were looking at a large collection of pottery or earthenware dishes, but to our amazement we picked up one of the plates and tapped on it and learned that the entire collection on display was made of melamine. In this case, seeing was not believing!  Le Cadeaux melamine dishes soon made it into our warehouse and we haven't looked back since taking on the line. 

Le Cadeaux melamine dishes are a perennial favorite and top selling  line, especially during the Summer.  Our customers love the strength, the stylish looks and the versaitility of this large collection of melamine dishes. To our surprise, we have learned from our customers that Le Cadeaux makes the perfect dishes for yachts and cabin cruisers.  A number of Yacht manufacturers and yacht decorators buy the durable melamine dishes for use on yachts because they resist breaking and look fabulous.  The dishes offer the luxurious style and look yacht owners want, but without the breakage that often happens on rough seas that toss dishes to the floor of the boat breaking them.

Of course, we know that most of our customers do not own yachts.  Most customers are purchasing melamine plates, bowls, platters and more for outdoor barbecues, parties, picnics, for their children and for vacation homes or the RV.  Le Cadeaux works.  The entire collection is dishwasher safe and virtually unbreakable. While many may use paper or plastic disposable plates when entertaining their guests, we have found that many of our customers want something more. They want substantial melamine plates with current designs and styling that are very difficult to break. On a personal note, we use Le Cadeaux in my home for everyday use.  The kids have not broken a piece yet and all pieces are dishwasher safe.  The only drawback is that melamine is not microwave safe.

Le Cadeaux offers around 25 patterns from which to choose.  From solids to French Chic chinoiserie to the look of rustic Italian dinnerware, Le Cadeaux has a pattern that you will be thrilled to own and use.  If you like to entertain, if you are a designer or if you want solid and virtually unbreakable dinnerware for your kids or barbecuing, we suggest you look at Le Cadeaux.  It is stronger than almost all other melamine dishes on the market and offers elegant patterns that aren't over the top with cheeky or cheesy designs and outrageous colors. Also, Le Cadeaux melamine is completely safe.

 


 

Juliska Dinnerware and Glassware: Absolutely Beautiful!

If you are looking for a new dinnerware set this year that offers taste, elegance, durability and beautiful Portuguese craftsmanship, you would do well to take a glance at the chic and classy collections of Juliska dinnerware.  Juliska offers unique styles and shaping that create interest and an unbelievably cool tablescape.  Also, Juliska is adaptable - you can make it look as formal or as casual as you like.  All pieces will mix-and-match effortlessly, making you look like a fabulous table top designer.  Juliska even offers a collection of Christmas dinnerware accents in the Boxwood & Bow collection that you can add piece-by-piece to give your table a holiday feel.

Juliska was founded by Capucine and David Gooding with the aim of creating an upper-end line of dinnerware and glassware uniquely "European" in design and look.  The dinnerware had to be incredibly beautiful and durable at the same time.  In our opinion, they have achieved their goals and then some.  You can see for yourself how beautiful it is.  The dinnerware is made of vitrified ceramic that is chip resistant and thermal shock resistant.  You can take it from the freezer and put it directly in the oven with no side-effects. Juliska dinnerware is dishwasher, oven, microwave and freezer safe.

Juliska glassware is the creme de la creme in the glassware market.  Each piece is mouth-blown in Prague and is thin and light-weight. These two characteristics are made possible by the proprietary glass recipe used. Juliska glass is a joy to drink from and to hold; it actually feels good to drink from - if that makes sense.  The beautiful glass roping designs are exquisite and each piece of glass is signed by the glass maker.

Juliska offerings that should be seen: the ever-popular Berry and Thread collection, Classic Bamboo, which melds organically-shaped bamboo rims into the dinnerware , Jardins du Monde (inspired by the most beautiful gardens in Europe), Petit Singe Monkey dinnerware, Pewter Stoneware (which features a metallic glaze that makes the stoneware look like hammered pewter), Juliska flatware, Juliska linens made of high quality Italian linen and Juliska lighting, lamps and accessories. 

 

Royal Worcester China is Back!

After a brief absence in the United States, Royal Worcester is available again for the US market.  Royal Worcester's most well known collections Holly Ribbons and Evesham Gold are back with new pieces in each collection.  The fine bone china collections of Corinth Platinum, Howard Cobalt and Monaco Platinum are nice selections for the bride who wants fine china without ornamentation. The Royal Worcester Classic White collection is a lovely white porcelain collection featuring nice shapes and a low price tag.

Polish Pottery from Boleslawiec

      

Blue is the "in" color this year and we think that Polish pottery from Boleslawiec is the pottery that fits the "blue" bill! Polish pottery is beautifully handcrafted in Poland and fired at 2200 degrees to make it chip and scratch resistant and extremely well-wearing.  Each piece is made by hand and sponge painted (using the Bunzlauer technique) by expert Polish pottery painters.  To say that the designs are intricate would be an understatement. Polish pottery has a distinctive look and can only be described as beautiful. There are many designs and patterns of Polish pottery, but the rule of thumb is--the more ornate Polish pottery is, the more expensive.

Buying Polish pottery on-line can be a little daunting.  Due to Communism there are no pattern names, just pattern numbers, like DU60. Another aspect that can make buying Polish pottery difficult is that after the fall of Communism, many factories broke apart into co-ops.  All standardization essentially was lost and some co-ops and factories continue to make lesser quality Polish pottery.  If  Polish dinnerware has lots of white space or background showing, it generally is not the high-quality pottery. One of the oldest Polish factories still thrives and uses the strict standards that makes Polish pottery so sought after--the Zaklady factory.  If you want the best in Polish pottery, make sure you are buying Polish pottery from a retailer that sells Polish pottery made in the Zaklady factory.  

If you are looking for handcrafted pottery made by highly skilled potters and painters, look no further than Polish pottery from Boleslawiec, Poland.  We sell only first-quality Polish pottery made in the Zaklady factory. You can rest assured when you buy Polish pottery from Distinctive-Decor.com, you are getting the best quality Polish pottery made. We carry 6 of the most sought after designs: Grapes Design DU8, blue flowers and swirls Design 175A, blue polka dot Design 41A, blue swirls Design DU1, blue floral Design DU60 and fall floral Design DU70.

 

Arthur Court

Arthur Court Aluminum Serveware is designed and made under the direction of the company's namesake, Arthur Court.  Arthur is known for his use of alternative metals like aluminum.  Arthur Court continues to draw inspiration from nature and wildlife, making pieces with flora and fauna motifs. Arthur Court, truly, is a leader in the tabletop market.

Each piece of Arthur Court Aluminum Serveware is made of FDA food-safe, sand-cast aluminum and each piece is polished by hand.  Each piece is a one-of-a-kind piece. Variations are common and are the intention. Brides like to register for Arthur Court because they do not want to polish silver.  Instead they choose aluminum serveware that requires little polishing and effort to have a great looking service tray, platter or trivet.

Caring for Arthur Court Aluminum Serveware is easy.  It rarely needs to be polished.  Simply hand wash the soiled piece with warm soapy water and dry it immediately. Never wash your Arthur Court Serveware in the the dishwasher. Aluminum will stain, so it is important to remove all food and liquid after each use.  Arthur Court recommends applying a thin coat of oil to the surface of the piece prior to serving.  The oil will act as a barrier against acidic and salty foods that will dull the aluminum finish.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of all Arthur Court designs serveware is donated to the Arthur and Elena Court Nature Watch Conservancy to preserve wildlife and the environment.

Arthur Court collections are broad and inspired by nature, however there are a number of Arthur Court collections inspired by universities, the Kentucky Derby and Disney. If you check out nothing else from Arthur Court, be sure to see the Arthur Court cheese and cracker servers: they are really neat and different than other cheese and crackers on the market. Here is a list of all Arthur Court collections:

African Safari
American Harvest
American Traditional
Botanical
Bunnies
Butterfly
Fleur de Lis
Grape
Horse
Kentucky Derby
Disney
Kitchen
Longhorn
Magnolia
Pet
Rooster
Savannah
Sealife
Sunflower
Tuscan
Western
Collegiate
Christmas Ornaments
Peace Sign
Pineapple

Christmas in July Collectibles and Tableware

  

It is hot here in Oklahoma with no promise of lower temperatures any time soon, but that doesn't stop us from getting into the spirit of Christmas in July.  We have a number of Christmas and holiday-themed items that are ideal for Christmas in July.

As always, our Mr. Christmas Gold Label Music boxes are Christmas favorites. Whether you are looking for Mr. Christmas animated music boxes like the Nutcracker Ballet animated music box or a music box of a mouse that plays a piano called Maestro Mouse, Mr Christmas has a music box that will get you into the holiday spirit.

Department 56 Possible Dreams Santa Clothtique Collection is always a favorite.  The collection celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.  The collection features Santa in a variety of poses and outfits.  Each Santa figurine is a combination of sculpture and stiffened fabrics that makes each Santa look more realistic.  There is a Department 56 Possible Dreams Santa for almost every lifestyle like Born to Give Santa on a motorcycle, Bird Doggin' Santa and more traditional Santas like A Taste of Winter Santa and Jingle All the Way Santa. Department 56 Possible Dreams Santas are wildly popular and collectible.

Jim Shore Christmas ornaments and figurines continue to delight the Christmas collector with collectible santa figurines, snowman ornaments and the always popular Jim Shore Nativity set.

Spode Christmas Tree has been a front runner in Christmas-themed tableware for years, but Spode Christmas Tree Grove tableware also has its admirers due to a more formal border.

Portmeirion Holly and Ivy Collection Tableware features holly berries, holly leaves and other floral motifs.  The holly and ivy pattern continues to attract those wanting a festive Christmas table.

Andrea by Sadek has introduced a number of new patterns this year for the holiday season.  The Poinsettia collection features red, green and white poinsettia-shaped plates, bowls and serving pieces that can be mixed and matched together for a beautiful majolica holiday table. The Andrea by Sadek Holly Berries and Holly Leaf and Stripes collection features bright, holiday coloring and Christmas tree and holly leaf shaped serving pieces.

For the bird collector, Sadek has produced Holiday Chickadee and Cardinal tableware consisting of a cake server, dessert plate, mugs and covered mug. Andrea by Sadek has also introduced a holiday pattern featuring a pineapple surrounded by a garland of holly, holly berries and other fruits.  The pattern is named Holiday Jubilee and consists of a cake server, dessert plates, mugs, pineapple shaped creamer and salt and pepper shakers shaped like pineapples.

The most intricate and delicate collection is the Franz Holiday Classic Porcelain Collection. It features lifelike poinsettia flowers that have been sculptured in porcelain in a process call "undercutting."  This collection is breathtaking.

Maybe the most surprising development has to be that Royal Worcester is back with their more formal Holly Ribbons dinnerware. This beautiful dinnerware features a gold bands around the rim with holly and a red ribbon.

 

Pillivuyt Porcelain "non-stick" Bakeware and Dinnerware

For those of you who do not know about Pillivuyt, Pillivuyt is a maker of fine porcelain bakeware, serving ware and dinnerware.  Pillivuyt was founded in France in 1818 by Jean Louis Richard Pillivuyt.  He saw the potential for porcelain in the kitchen because he knew that it was much less porous than earthenware. Pillivuyt is still made in Mehun-Sur-Yever, France, in an employee-owned factory that employs around 300 local porcelain makers. Pillivuyt is regarded as the leading porcelain manufacturer in France.  If you want to see some Pillivuyt in action, watch the movie "Julie and Julia." They use Pillivuyt throughout the movie. I recommend Pillivuyt to all the really good cooks that come into our shop.  Pillivuyt is the serious cook's dinnerware and bakeware.

Pillivuyt is the original non-stick bakeware due to its firing and glaze.  Pillivuyt porcelain is fired at 2400 degrees F and the glaze used creates an extraordinarily hard and virtually nonporous surface.  If there are no, or very few pores, there is little for baked on food to stick to.  Simply toss the baked on pan into warm water for a few minutes and any burnt-on mess will release quickly and effortlessly. By the way, Pillivuyt porcelain is lead and cadmium free.

While the firing temperature and glaze do create a nonstick surface, there are also other benefits to Pillivuyt's porcelain.  First, it is microwave and oven safe--even under the high temperatures of the broiler. It is thermal shock resistant.  Take it directly from the freezer to your oven (try that with tempered glass or other earthenware baking dishes and you will have a mess). Second, Pillivuyt's dense porcelain retains heat well. Third, Pillivuyt porcelain will not craze and resists scratching and chipping.

Pillivuyt porcelain is dense, strong, tough and durable, but it is also beautiful.  Any piece of Pillivuyt will go with a formal or casual setting. This is because Pillivuyt is usually white, beautifully shaped and formed and has, arguably, perfect glazes. Pillivuyt is very versatile in the design respect.

The Pillivuyt range of porcelain bakeware, serve ware and dinnerware encompasses the traditional and formal to the contemporary and casual. I will highlight the collections below.

Pillivuyt Contemporary Porcelain Collections:

Collection Vendome White porcelain with contemporary angular, square and trapezoidal shapes.

Collection Alizee White porcelain with contemporary and exotic fluid shapes.

Pillivuyt Traditional Porcelain Collections:

Collection Sancerre Clean and simple designed porcelain with traditional shapes

Collection Quartet An old, "contemporary" designed collection with square forms from molds from the 1800s.

Collection Eden Elegantly simple white porcelain with traditional shapes.  No rims, just flowing porcelain. Mostly serving pieces and bakers.  The Eden baking dishes can be used on your barbecue.

Collection Plisse  White porcelain with pleated rims.  Will mix and match with Sancerre and Brasserie easily. Traditional shapes and styling.

Collection Brasserie Our favorite!  White porcelain adorned with French bistro menus around the rims. This pattern was developed in the 1920s for cafes who wanted their menus printed on the plates and bowls.  The pattern retains the original French items and prices.

Collection Garrigue White porcelain adorned with beautiful herbs, olives and flowers seen in Provence. The US collection mainly focuses on serving pieces and mugs. Casual styling.

All Pillivuyt dinnerware is made of a special recipe of porcelain Pillivuyt calls "Pillenium." It is a special recipe that offers the same strength and durability Pillivuyt is know for, but allows the dinnerware to look more like fine china. Still, all Pillivuyt dinnerware is oven-safe, chip and scratch resistant and, most importantly, extraordinarily beautiful.

Pillivuyt Porcelain Bowls, Pillivuyt Porcelain Bakers and Roasters, Pillivuyt Porcelain Casseroles, Terrines and Lion's Head Terrines, Pillivuyt Porcelain Souffle Dishes, Gratins, Flans and Forms, Pillivuyt French Porcelain Platters, Trays and Servers, Pillivuyt Porcelain Teapots and Coffee Service, Pillivuyt French Porcelain Dinnerware, Pillivuyt French Porcelain Coffee mugs and tea cups.

Spode Baking Days Polka Dot Dinnerware and Bakeware

Spode Baking Days Dinnerware and Bakeware depart from the more formal-looking Spode patterns like Blue Italian, Christmas Tree, Woodland and Delamere . The Baking Days pattern is cute, fun and whimsical with bright colors, clean glaze and raised white polka-dots. 

The Spode Baking days collection is sold in 5 colors: red, blue, green, black and white.  All colors - with the exception of white - are adorned with raised white polka dots, while the white Baking Days pattern is decorated with raised multi-colored polka-dots (red, blue, green and black). The color combination allows you to mix-and-match colors that fit your personality and your color scheme.

Spode Baking Days rapidly is becoming more popular due to its relatively inexpensive pricing, versatility, casual look and its ability to take the rigors of everyday use.  It also helps that Spode Baking Days offers numerous baking dishes and serving pieces that match the dinnerware. Of course, Spode Baking Days is dishwasher, oven, freezer and microwave safe.

Spode Baking Days dishes and bakeware are made of durable and long lasting stoneware. Currently, Spode Baking days offers 4 piece dinnerware sets, serving bowls, individual bowls, canisters, baking dishes, spoon rests, ramekins and three-dish servers. The cups and saucers, spoon rests and three-dish servers are new introductions this year. If you are looking for a casual dinnerware set that incorporates strong usable stoneware, clean glaze and polka dots, Spode Baking Days is for you!

Match Italian Pewter | What is Pewter and What is Pewter Made From?

Not all pewter is created equally.  Pewter is an alloy of three metals: tin, copper and antimony--a flaky blueish-white metal.  For pewter to be called "pewter" it must contain at least 92% tin.  Pewter is considered a semi-precious metal due to its tin content.  Did you know that tin is the fourth most expensive metal next to platinum, gold and sterling silver?  It's true, and this is why you should demand high tin content in the pewter that you buy--whether it is a figurine or a pewter ice bucket.

Higher qualities of pewter alloy like the alloy Match Pewter uses is 95% tin.  The higher the tin content, the higher the quality of pewter and more handsome the appearance of the pewter. A higher tin content produces a beautiful luster and superb finish.  While the best pewter has a high tin content, you need to be assured that the tin used is of the highest quality, also.  Stick with manufacturers who are up front about this. Sure, they will probably sell more expensive pewter, but you know that you are getting an heirloom-quality piece.  Many label their product as pewter and use a number of white metals like aluminum to give their product the pewter look, but what they make is not pewter.

When we went looking for a line of pewter for the kitchen, table and home we had to educate ourselves on who makes the best and safest pewter.  We found Match Pewter to be the company who is forthright with their pewter alloy recipe, has the best Italian pewtersmiths making the product and arguably has the finest pewter designs in the marketplace.  All Match Pewter is FDA approved, lead-free and 100% food safe. Match Pewter founder David Reiss, a Rhode Island School of Design graduate, is committed to making the highest quality pewter bowls, chargers, vases, centerpieces, flatware, stemware and tableware. To do this, he contracts the the best pewtersmiths in northern Italy who use age-old techniques to make Match's pewter.

If you already have a piece of Match Pewter or are interested in purchasing a Match Pewter piece you will notice that there are stamps on it.  A stamp that will always be present is the "95" stamp denoting the content of tin in the piece.  You might also have an "M" stamp present, which stands for Match. There may be up to two more that indicate in what region in northern Italy your piece was made and the workshop where it was made.  All pieces will have at least two imprimaturs or hallmarks on them. Some pieces are classic designs with historical references.  These pieces are cast directly from molds made from original antiques.  When you see symbols and initials on the front of some Match Pewter pieces they have been picked up from these molds.

Just a quick note about Match Pewter flatware.  Match has created beautiful flatware using pewter for the handles.  All food surfaces are made of high quality 18/10 stainless steel.  The knife blades are actually forged with the handles creating a very solid knife; the blades are not simply stuck into a pewter handle.

Pewter requires little in the way of care, but it can discolor if you leave something acidic in it.  If your pewter does discolor it can be cleaned up easily with a good metal polish or "0000" steel wool.  Caring for and cleaning pewter is not as hard as some might lead you to believe.

Match Pewter creates an entire line of pewter for the desk, kitchen, bathroom and bar.  They offer pewter picture frames, vases and centerpieces, candlesticks, candelabras and lamps, pewter chargers and platters and bowls.

Pillivuyt French Culinary Porcelain and Dinnerware

We have added Pillivuyt French porcelain to our online catalog, recently.  We have been very impressed with the quality of this French porcelain line of baking dishes, ramekins, pie dishes, souffle dishes, dinnerware, servers, platters and trays, bowls, lidded casseroles and tea accessories. Simply pick up one of the bowls and you will know why.  Immediately you are struck by the density and heft of the porcelain.  It almost feels like marble, but not nearly as heavy. The glaze is glossy and white making it practically nonstick. We also like the pricing. Pillivuyt is top shelf porcelain, but is not priced like it.

Pillivuyt has long been regarded (since 1818) as one of the leading culinary porcelain manufacturers in France. This is because of the care and attention given to each piece, and the superb raw materials used in making each piece.  Each piece is fired at 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit, which creates a very hard, nonporous and dense porcelain.  The casseroles are fired with their lids at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit to insure a proper fit.  The high firing temperatures increases the durability and toughness of Pillivuyt porcelain. 

We encourage you to try french culinary porcelain when you cook and when you dine.  You will feel, taste and see the difference. 

Here are the facts about Pillivuyt French porcelain:

Microwave safe

Oven, grill and broiler safe

Dishwasher safe

Thermal and mechanical shock resistant (safely go from freezer to oven)

Completely nonporous

Glaze is hygienic, will not craze and is very hard, nonporous and smooth (easy to clean and will not absorb odors or oils)

Resistant to scratching and chipping

Lead and cadmium free

Attractive-mixes well with fine china

Excellent heat retention and even baking

Fired at 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit; lidded casseroles fired at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit

All pieces made by highly skilled artisans

Le Cadeaux: Melamine Dinnerware that Looks Like Fine China and Fine Glassware

 

Summer is in full swing and backyard barbecues are hitting their apex. While many people opt for disposable dinnerware made of plastic or paper, Le Cadeaux melamine dinnerware is an attractive alternative. It is environmentally friendly, durable, dishwasher safe and looks beautiful. You can make a statement at your backyard barbecue serving guests and family from and on this functional dinnerware and drinkware.

The first time I ever saw Le Cadeaux dinnerware and drinkware I thought it was colorful and fun china with blending glassware, that is until I picked it up and realized that the china was made of melamine and the drinkware of high quality polycarbonate.  I was amazed how the manufacturers were able to make it look like fine china and glassware. Le Cadeaux successfully creates the illusion of fine china with their colors, patterns and the way they shape the pieces. The plates are round, but the edges look free-form or hand-thrown.  Their polycarbonate drinkware is vibrantly colored, unbreakable and crystal clear. Le Cadeaux melamine china is light years from the melamine you grew up with or ate on at your grandmother's house.

Le Cadeaux offers a fairly extensive line of melamine tableware, serving ware and drinking glasses. Our top selling patterns feature roosters: see Rooster Red, Rooster Yellow, Rooster Blue and Provence Rooster, but the patterns with lemons and daisies do very well, also. Once you see it you will swear Le Cadeaux dinnerware is not made of melamine until you pick it up and feel it!

 

Portmeirion Botanic Garden: Timeless Dinnerware

Portmeirion began making Botanic Garden dinnerware in the 1970s, but Botanic Garden dinnerware still boasts strong sales and appeal today. Botanic Garden dinnerware features beautiful botanical prints on each piece inspired by antique botanical books from as early as 1835. Over the years there have been numerous plant motifs. The genius behind the Botanic Garden dinnerware is that Portmeirion releases new botanic motifs each year, creating a market for collectors and also opening new markets to those who admire the newer botanic motifs. Some years the motifs are moved to a different sized plate or dish.

While we are rambling on about the beautiful floral and botanical motifs, let's not forget about the quality porcelain on which those motifs are displayed. Portmeirion tableware is designed and made in the UK at their Stoke-on-Trent factory.  The ceramic used is fired at high temperatures, which makes it very hard, durable and virtually nonporous. Portemirion tableware can be moved from oven to table with ease; it can withstand temperatures up to 340°F and is also dishwaher safe.

Portmeirion has also released their Botanic Garden "Fire & Ice" collection of cookware. The cookware features the same timeless motifs, but is specifically designed for cooking. The "Fire & Ice" collection feature strength and durability. All pieces may be used directly in the oven or on a hot range (hologen, electric and gas flame), all pieces are scratch resistant and all pieces are freezer-to-oven safe, freezer-to-microwave-safe and dishwasher safe. Each piece is engineered to have a clean, nonstick surface and is ovenproof to 500°F. Not only do Portmeirion customers get a beautiful baking dish, but they get a highly performing one, also.

Loveramics: Porcelain Dinnerware and Teaware with an Urban Feel.

 

Introducing Loveramics tabletop collection filled with fun and contemporary tea and tabletop items that will not crush your budget. All Loveramics patterns are sold in sets and are gift boxed. They make great gifts for those recently married or for anyone who loves ceramics and design. Loveramics gets its name from the designers who create it. They came up with the slogan by bringing together the words "I love ceramics." Ceramic is the oldest consumer material in the world. All ceramics in this line are hygienic, durable and all natural.

Loveramics works with award-winning top designers like Lee Chi Wing, Lorenzo Scazziga and Simon Stevens to create ceramics for an urban lifestyle. Their "Anecdote" teapot and teacup set features rounded and modern shaping. The Fairy Tale collection features a latte cup, tea cup and saucer and espresso cup and saucer. The cups feature a pastel palette, and all cups and saucers are embossed. The Matchbox tea cup and saucer sets feature square cups and round saucers; each handle is unique to its cup. The Tea Dam cups are short, wide and squatty. They feature a place for you to store your teabag and come in a variety of colors. The Marshmallow gift set is available with teacup and saucers or espresso cup and saucers and features a pastel palette, also.

If you're looking for something a bit more masculine, be sure to see the Titanium gift set. It features an espresso cup and saucer with a mirrored finish. Each Titanium set is gift boxed in a tin box and contains two cups and two saucers.

Loveramics has thought of space constraints with their Utopia design set of two mugs. The cups stack on top of one another with a base cup and a top cup. The urban design continues as you stack them.

The Hibiscus 20 piece dinnerware set features a simple black and white floral design. The set includes four of each of the following: 10 1/2 inch dinner plate, 7 inch salad plate, 8 1/2 inch soup plate, 7.5 ounce cup and 6 inch saucer. The set is gift boxed.  There are other 20 piece sets available: Minter Garden- featuring an earthtone floral design; Natural Greenery with a simple and elegant natural designs; and Peacock that features a peacock with floral motifs. The Peacock set also offers a completer set with serving pieces.

The Loveramics "I Love Salad" 11 piece salad set is a head-turner with its rectangular salad bowl, salt and pepper and three square ingredient bowls.  The set also includes a wooden platter with insets for all pieces, wooden salad mixers and an Oil and vinegar cruet.

We have more Loveramics patterns and designs on the website!

Skyros Designs Dinnerware: More Beautiful and Durable than We Expected!

Skyros dinnerware has surpassed our expectations. It is light weight, vividly colored and extremely durable.  You will not have to worry about chips, scratches and crazing with Skyros.  Skyros is thin stoneware handmade in Portugal by fine Portuguese artisans.  Their revolutionary stoneware is thin, but really tough due to high temperature firing.  All Skyros is dishwasher, oven, microwave and freezer safe.  We have dropped the plates onto one another many times and they do not break or shatter easily.

Skyros dinnerware and bakeware feature rich colors, organic shapes and sublime textures. Currently, there are 13 different patterns to choose from: Cantaria, Historia, Joya, Isabella, Corricoware, Fruit, Wheat, Lemon, Blue Lemon, Pomegranate, Greek Urn, Leaf Collection and Berry Christmas. Skyros also makes wonderful garden planters, beautiful hand painted roof tiles and peasant placemats.

COLORcode Dinnerware: Great Prices, Colors & Shapes

We are excited about COLORcode dinnerware. Sure, the looks, price and shapes are appealing (I will get back to those attributes in a moment), but what astonishes me is how tough these dishes are.  We have banged them around in the sink and on granite countertops and haven't chipped a piece yet.  The manufacturers and designers of COLORcode china are professionals from the foodservice industry and designed COLORcode to meet the rigorous demands of commercial kitchens.  All pieces are made of vitrified china and are heavy, thermal shock resistant and dishwasher, freezer, broiler and oven safe.  From the looks of COLORcode dinnerware you would not expect it (COLORcode has great lines).

Available in ten vibrant colors and ten shapes, you can mix and match to your heart's content.  You can have the shapes and colors you want and be as adventerous as you want.  Looking for triangular plates?  COLORcode makes them.  What about a square bowl or square plate with rounded corners?  They have those shapes, too!  COLORcode makes great dinnerware and their serving pieces and baking dishes rival the quality and attributes of expensive high-end porcelain.

COLORcode allows you to design your table easily and inexpensively. You will be hard pressed to find another china or dinnerware of this quality, heft and durability for the price.  For example, you can get a set of 4 round 10.5" dinner plates for $19.95 or a set of 4 cereal bowls for $25.95. The soft square plates and square plates are a little more expensive.  A set of 4 softly squared 11" dinner plates or a set of 4 11" square dinner plates runs $39.95. At these prices you can have a second set of dishes and not feel guilty about it!

CA Prop 65 compliant - lead free.

Vista Alegre Dinnerware Discontinued in U.S.

Vista Alegre tableware is MIA in the United States.  Royal China & Porcelain Co., the parent company of Spode, was the US distributor of the fine and fairly-priced Portuguese tableware line.  Spode was purchased recently by Portmeirion and Vista Alegre was not part of the acquisition.  We have not heard a peep from Vista Alegre. As soon as we hear something we will let the many Vista Alegre collectors know here. 

Spode China to Resume Shipping in Early August after Being Purchased by Portmeirion

After almost six months with virtually no shipments from cash-strapped Spode China, Spode products will begin shipping again in early August 2009 after being purchased by UK-based Portmeirion. We are very excited that Spode was purchased and even more excited when we learned that Portmeirion was the buyer. Portmeirion manufactures arguably the best porcelain dishes and china in the marketplace.  Portmeirion also purchased the Royal Worcester brand, but - as of yet - is not shipping Royal Worcester products.  We have not heard if or when Portmeirion will roll out Royal Worcester.  We hope there will be only a year's delay. We think they are doing pretty well to resume the shipping of Spode products as soon as they have. To read Portmeirion's statement please click here.

Vietri Dinnerware, Glassware & Home Accents

Vietri Dinnerware - Bring the ambiance and tradition of Italy into your home with Vietri Tableware, glassware & home accents. All Vietri glassware is mouth-blown and Vietri ceramics are meticulously hand-crafted and beautifully hand-painted in Italy.

The serendipitous and inspirational story of Vietri started in 1983 with a mother-and-daughters trip to Italy. The trio of ladies, Lee, Susan and Frances Gravely, were enamored by the artistry of the uniquely hand-painted and colorful dishes used in their hotel. They inquired about who made them and where they were made. Using a hired translator, they found the factory and met with the owner, Don Vincenzo Solimene. After three days and a handshake with Mr. Solimene, they departed Italy with a suitcase full of samples and their dream to create a company that embodies the spirit of the Italian dining culture.

Today, Vietri still carries the line which Mr. Solimene continues to produce for Vietri. However, Vietri now uses over 140 Italian artisans to create their wide assortment of "Irresistibly Italian" wood, ceramic and glass dining and home decor pieces. Favorite collections include: Vietri Cucina Fresca, Vietri Incanto, Vietri Rosso Vecchio, and Vietri Chiaroscuro (pictured above).

We are pleased to add Vietri products to our selection of high quality tableware and home decor items at Distinctive Decor. As long time admirers of the Vietri products we are proud to display these beautiful selections within our store and on our website.

Le Cadeaux Melamine Dinnerware

We have been so busy adding new products to our website that we have not had time to highlight them in our new products blog! We will attempt to make up for lost time over the next few blogs and introduce the exciting new products we have to offer.

Le Cadeaux Melamine Dinnerware - Set your table in style without the worry of breakage! At first glance you and your guests will think that Le Cadeaux dinnerware is quality ceramic or porcelain, but Le Cadeaux dinnerware is actually made of durable melamine. All pieces are dishwasher safe and virtually unbreakable. Great for backyard barbeques, patio place settings or every day use indoors (especially if you have small children!). Choose from Le Cadeaux Gallo Yellow, Le Cadeaux Gallo Red, Le Cadeaux Wallpaper Black & White, or Le Cadeaux Wallpaper Lime Green.

Portmeirion

We have been admiring Portmeirion dinnerware for many years and are excited to add this high quality Englsih tableware to our selection of tableware at Distinctive Decor. The Pormeirion Company was established by husband and wife team Susan Williams-Ellis and Evan Cooper-Willis in 1960. Ms. Williams-Ellis purchased a small pottery decorating company that she had worked with for several years in Stoke-on-Trent, England called A.E.Gray Ltd. In 1961, the couple purchased Kirkham's Ltd., a small pottery manufacturing company. This allowed Ms. Williams-Ellis to begin designing the shape and style of the pottery instead of only decorating pottery made by others.

In the 1970's Ms. Williams-Ellis discovered a nineteenth century publication of antique botanical illustrations. These were adapted into the Portmeirion Botanic Garden Collection. This collection grew to become one of the world's top selling tableware lines. After 30 years this still accounts for over one-half of the company's production. Other notable collections include Portmeirion Pomona named after the ancient "Goddess of Fruit" - Pomona. This collection features nine fruit motifs inspired by a collection of 1830's books. The dishes feature a "romantic" shape based on the rounded forms of fruits and gourds. The Portmeirion The Holly and The Ivy Collection is a lovely holiday collection.

Ambiance Collections Tableware

Ambiance Collections (formerly Romancing Provence) is a New York based tableware manufacturer. Their fabulous collections are designed by a team of talented designers whose collective tabletop experience exceeds 80 years. Ambiance Collections designers' love for the product, determined work ethic, and strong motivation has quickly turned Ambiance Collections into a top name in tableware. If you are looking to set a distinctive table for your next gathering look no further than Ambiance Collections.

Popular collections include Anemone Blooms featuring beautiful raspberry flowers, Fields of Provence adorned in bright red poppies, Romance featuring warm earth tones and muted flowers, and Fleur Rustique with beautiful red and green flowers. You will find figural serving pieces and accent glassware in most collections as well as a nice assortment of figural teapots and tea for one sets.

Spode Introduces the Kim Parker Home Collection

Spode has partnered with internationally renowned textile designer, Kim Parker, to create the Spode Kim Parker Home Collection. Kim's charming designs are featured in two collections: Chicory Hymn and Emma's Garland. The Chicory Hymn collection is named for the pale blue chicory flowers and for Kim's love for music. This pattern combines blue, yellow and purple in lively combinations. The Emma's Garland Collection is named for Ms. Parker's literary heroine "Emma" from Jane Austen's novel and for the sweeping garlands dancing across each piece. Emma's Garland combines green and pink in a charmingly delicate fashion. Both collections include complete tableware and giftware selections.

Nachtmann Crystal

It is here, and even more beautiful than we anticipated - Nachtmann Crystal. Nachtmann Crystal has been produced in Germany for more than 170 years and is now a division of the Riedel Glassworks company.

Nachtmann's philosophy, "Glass from Nachtmann convinces through its unique brilliance, lasting tone and the significance-bearing weight of the lead crystal. A total of 1,650 employees devote themselves to the artistic design and craftsmanship of the magnificent material lead crystal. In production, great value is placed on top quality standards, the finest raw materials and pioneering and especially environmentally friendly technology. The results are glass accent pieces the flawless perfection of which is perceptible to all the senses."

Items of note include charger plates and wine glasses from the Nachtmann Dancing Stars Collection and gorgeous crystal vases.

Vera Bradley Dinnerware

Vera Bradley My Home Collection Dinnerware - Unfortunately the Vera Bradley Company has decided that they do not want the dinnerware or decorative items from the Vera Bradley My Home Collection to be sold online any longer. We will still actively sell the line, but orders now must be placed via our toll free number, 1-866-963-3267. Our knowledgeable customer service representatives will be happy to assist you with your Vera Bradley purchases. You may also email us to obtain a price list for any of the Vera Bradley My Home Collection items. All current Vera Bradley web based bridal registries will remain open. New Vera Bradley bridal registries must be created by calling our customer service representatives. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. This decision was completely beyond our control. We are disappointed that we will be unable to feature the Vera Bradley My Home Collection on our website in the future.