One of my fondest memories as a child was visiting my grandparents at the family holidays and spending an entire day before Thanksgiving cleaning crystal and shining the silverware! It was a tradition to take out the best crystal from the china closet and sit at the dining room table and clean and polish every piece that we would use for Thanksgiving Dinner!

Now that I have my own family we still take out the china for the holidays but I always thought crystal was for homes that were very traditional and formal, and that definitely is not the Gibson’s!

Last month I showed you how Villeroy & Boch brings you Everyday Elegance Crystal that you can use for any day of the week and it’s casual enough to use anytime but still looks gorgeous with your casual or formal dinnerware. Today I’m excited to bring you a crystal piece that can be used at the dining table or anywhere in your home as home decor!

Each year I try and make a new seasonal inspired mantle on our fireplace. This autumn season I thought it would be nice to use fall colors of rust, orange, copper and gold and feature pumpkins and pinecones to show off Villeroy & Boch’s – Modern Grace Compote. While I could have used it as a serving piece for fruit at the dining room table, I think it looks great on my mantle! What do you think?

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Villeroy & Boch’s Crystal

Whether you are looking for simplicity in your home decor or you’d like to dress up your interiors with the addition of gorgeous crystal, Villeroy and Boch has a wonderful selection of pieces that are versatile for serving and for home decor.

I’m already thinking ahead to Christmas when sparkly ornaments will adorn the Compote beautifully along with our traditional lighted garland and stockings! Villeroy & Boch’s crystal can truly be used anywhere. A front foyer table display or as your dining room tablescape throughout the holiday season would be beautiful as well.

Thank you Villeroy & Boch for the gorgeous Modern Grace Compote, I can’t wait to find new uses for it throughout the upcoming seasons!

Have you entered the Villeroy & Boch – Olioboard Fan Room Travel the World contest yet? Today, October 23rd is officially the last day to enter. Check back on Friday to see the top 5 Olioboard’s to vote on for the grand prize winner announced on Monday, October 28th!

For more home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Disclaimer: I was provided the Modern Grace Compote crystal to review on Stagetecture. All the thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Now that fall has set in the ability to enjoy family dinners again without everyone running off to another place is what I love most about this season. Sunday brunches at my house with my mom, husband and kids is always an enjoyable time. My mom usually brings her own brunch dishes and we combine them to make a feast! This last Sunday, Sept. 8th was Grandparent’s Day and we decided to honor her with a delicious breakfast – where she didn’t have to lift a finger.

I was excited to partner with fine dinnerware manufacturer Villeroy & Boch who have specialized in making fine crystal, porcelain and ceramics since 1748. Villeroy & Boch dinnerware has graced the tables of the Popes in Vatican, crowned royalty, households of the rich and famous, and renowned restaurants and chefs on every continent.

We are all familiar with using your best china and crystal for special occasions and holidays, but what about everyday elegance? You know, those Sunday brunches with family, that baby shower you want to throw your co-worker or even family game night when everyone is at home to enjoy a hot cooked meal? Villeroy & Boch has launched their “Everyday Crystal” line. Perfect for cold beverages, wine, beer, and even water tastes better in a crystal tumbler!

I tried out the New Cottage Crystal Everyday Drinkware – Longdrink (tall) and the Water tumblers (short) at our Grandparent’s brunch and they were perfect for orange juice and water. What I loved about the crystal glasses was their weight. The base is solid but the drinking glass feels great in your hands and even better to drink from. The glasses were just large enough for my 7 year old daughter and still comfortable for my teenager and us adults.

I didn’t feel afraid that they couldn’t handle them, and that’s what I love about Villeroy & Boch’s new Everyday Crystal line.  Best of all.. they are dishwasher safe!

Here’s a few of the features of  Villeroy & Boch’s Everyday Crystal

‘It’s time to end the myth that crystal glasses are delicate and should be saved for special occasions. Our EVERYDAY CRYSTAL drinking glasses are the most durable and cost effective material for stemware, barware and casual drinkware. It will happily live up to everyday use without clouding or chipping. Year after year, your Villeroy & Boch crystal glasses will sparkle with radiance and ring to each toast with clarity. With our vast range of designs you can rest assured that the crystal you use every day will transition stylishly into your formal and casual entertaining. That’s an #everydayluxury you deserve!’

I love when home manufacturer’s cater to all spectrums of consumers. While we all love the special holidays that take 3 hours to set the Christmas or Thanksgiving table.. he he…. we enjoy even more being able to enjoy a bit of elegance in our everyday dining and get togethers with friends and family.

I invite you to see the rest of the “Everyday Crystal” line they offer and follow them on Twitter and Facebook for the latest products for your home entertaining.

Disclaimer: I was offered a promotional sample of the Villeroy & Boch drinkware to review. All opinions are strictly my own.

For more entertaining ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Bring in more color and difference into your summer dining table decor! From the table cloth runner to the glassware pieces, each table item can bring the perfect accents that will enhance your place. Let your summer dining table be focal point for your interior or outdoor dining table with a few neat tips on how to color it up for the summer you will be able to create a vibrant feel for you to enjoy!

Image via: Rustic Wedding Chic

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Begin with a Bare Table

Just like with any artist start off with a blank canvas or in your case a blank dining table.  Take the things that you might have previously had on it off make sure you get down to the bare necessities of the table, in a sense.  You are basically coloring from the bare table on up.

Choose your Table Cloth

Image via: Pinterest

The first layer that you want to begin with is the table cloth.  Get the precise measurements and sizes of your dining table, this will help you get the proper sized table cloth that will fit your table appropriately.  A bold print or color would be a preferred choice just because of it being the first layer it will definitely pop out and not become lost once all the pieces have been put down.

Lay Down a Contrasting Runner

Image via: Pottery Barn

Second layer would be the table runner.  Again, the measurements will be helpful in this case too.  You will be able to choose the right sized runner for the table.  A small tip get a runner that contrasts with the table cloth.  The contrast will can help to bring out other pieces within the room and more color.

Start Building your Centerpieces

Image via: Pottery Barn

The third layer is to go to the center of the table.  Starting creating your center pieces that have a common color or design that doesn’t overpower the table again, we just want to enhance it.  The centerpieces can be flowers, wooden balls, candles, vases, etc.  You choose which way you want the design of your table to be.

Create the First Place Setting

Image via: BHG

Now we have reached the place settings.  The place settings should fall under these categories the plates, bowls, and silverware.  Pick out different shapes and size for the plates and bowls yet make sure to choose the predominant color that is derived from the table cloth and/or runner.  You can have a different color for the silverware if you wish something that might in bring out the centerpiece, but if you prefer not to then don’t.

Add the Glassware

Image via: Pottery Barn

The final pieces that you want to add to your dining table will be the glasses.  Again, you completely choose which glasses you would like to have and set on the table  for display.  Purchase a set that has a variety of different types of glassware. the variety will help to add more variety and elegance to the table.  Now that you have learned some new tricks to twist your dining room table, try it out and see how it works for you!

For more summer home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Last week you enjoyed Michelle Clark’s– ‘Creative Space Saving Kitchen Ideas ‘ and this week I bring you Annette Dunlap  a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room. I asked her to inspire us with a Mother’s Day theme and she did a gorgeous garden-inspired brunch! Look at her Mother’s Day brunch, tablescape and decoration ideas to celebrate Mom in the beautiful outdoors.

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

A Mother’s Day Brunch Menu

How will you celebrate your Mom on May 12^th?  A restaurant can get expensive and if you don’t have reservations getting a table can be tricky.  An outdoor Mother’s Day Brunch is a simple and informal way to make your mom feel special.

• The menu for this brunch features ham strata, which is prepared the night before, refrigerated and then baked in the morning (for those who are vegetarians just substitute the ham with mushrooms and spinach or another vegetable of your choice).  It’s simple but oh so delicious and with the prep work done the night before it eliminates a lot of time spent in the kitchen on Mother’s Day.  
• Monkey Bread adds a delicious sweet element to the meal and is incredibly easy to make when you use Rhodes frozen dinner rolls.
• Finish it off with a refreshing watermelon fruit salad “cake” and hot coffee or tea and you have the perfect Mother’s Day brunch menu that’s certain to make your Mom smile!

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Tablescape Design & Decorations

Since the brunch will be held outdoors, nature will provide the perfect backdrop for your party.  Try to find a special place in your yard where the flowers are blooming or there’s a pretty shade tree and begin setting your table using natural elements such as the ones I’ve shown in my design board.  I started with burlap table runners and then added classic blue mason jars which go beautifully with the fragrant lilacs as a centerpiece.

You can use any fresh flowers such as roses, peonies or even a mix of wildflowers but keep the vessel that contains them simple and let the flowers be the focal point…Moms love fresh flowers!

A trick I’ve learned from hosting many holiday dinners is using colorful paper plates (don’t forget to recycle!) and placing them on inexpensive gold chargers.  This really cuts down on time spent washing dishes but still adds a touch of elegance and it’s perfect for an outdoor party.  To add a special touch to the silverware, wrap them in a small piece of burlap or simply tie a piece of jute around them in a simple bow.

Add garden lights, some colorful tissue paper balls hanging from a tree branch and the burlap “Family” flag banner is a sentimental touch that will be a special gift for Mom to hang in her home.  Don’t forget to mix and match chairs, cups, silverware, etc. as this keeps the tablescape interesting and not too formal.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Mother’s Day!!

Annette Dunlap is a decorating consultant in northeast Ohio.  She is employed part-time as a design assistant at Posh Places as well as working with her own clients and also recently opened a small thrift/antique shop with her sister called The Thrifty Beach Bums.  She is an avid Olioboard member .  You can visit Annette’s website , contact her on Twitter @akddesigns or follow her on Pinterest.

Creative Brunch Table Setting Ideas for Mother’s Day

Image via: Home Tips & Ideas

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Add Fruits & Flowers

Spring is a season of fruits and flowers. So, adding them on the brunch table is a nice way to bring colors, freshness, and taste. For bringing a lovely appearance, a colorful look, and fresh natural smell, use your favorite type and color of flowers on the table. Give it a lovely fruity touch by adding some fresh oranges and lemons among the flowers. Some of the fruits can also be thrown around the pot of the flowers. In this way, the brunch table will get a simple yet colorful and decorated look.

Image via: Divine Taste

Keep the Menu Healthy

You can include anything in the menu – from quiches and casseroles to sweet rolls and muffins. However, be sure that the foods are healthy and are suitable for a summer breakfast. For example, including parfait will just be perfect for a summer brunch. You can make the item healthy by adding slices of strawberries or bananas and yogurt besides the regular ingredients. However, the brunch can be started with a lovely champagne cocktail because moms worth it!

Image via: Heart Handmade

Decorate the Table

A nice meal looks good on a nicely decorated table. Besides preparing special foods, use decorated plates, cups, teapots, and glasses to serve them. Try to give the table setting a special touch by adding a decorated menu, a card on a plate with ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ written on it, colorful napkins tied with lovely ribbons, and a card holder with a card having your mom’s name on it. Arrange spoons, forks, and knives properly around the plates. You can use linens with delicate springtime hues on the table for adding a visual and textural contrast.

Add Colors to the Table

A colorful table setting can lift the mood in a jiffy. Apart from using fruits and flowers, a nice way to bring colors on the table is to add drinks or fresh fruit juices of various colors. It is also not a bad idea to have plates full of bright colored vegetable leaves or slices of various fruits. It will not only add charming colors but also show a kind of warm love. You can also use a number of colorful candles for creating a festive mood.

Image via: Indulgy

Your mother will surely be impressed with a home-cooked meal served on a table that includes her favorite flowers, foods, colors, and china. She will also be delighted to have a chance to meet and spend time with the whole family together.

For more Mother’s Day ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you are planning on holding a dinner party or entertaining around your diner table, the idea of a new look could be on your mind. Even if this is a last minute idea to pull your favoirte friends together or if you need to entertain your spouse’s boss, an unexpected dinner party could be stressful. Instead of stressing, look at these ideas to create a table setting dining party everyone will be talking about.

Image via: Pinterest

In hosting the unexpected dining party, it is very important to provide a great table setting. This will command attention to your guests and set the ambiance of the party. The entire setting highlights the table centerpiece which will pump up the celebration.

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If you want to feature a great table setting in your party, here’s are some effective ideas:

Stick with a few color shades

Being consistent with your color shades provide an identity of the chosen theme. For instance, a shade of green and pink can be perfect for your bouquet centerpiece. Avoid using too many color shades as it is prone to look cluttered. You can match the shades with the theme of your dining room.

Make your glassware standout

The crystal clear glass wares are very effective in providing elegance in your table settings. This type of glassware can truly shine in any table landscape you prepare. You can line up your wine glasses, goblets and other glass wares for a stunning table setting.

Image via: House to Home

Spread a spectacular tablecloth

When it comes to tablecloth, you should not settle for anything less. Your tablecloth makes a difference in the entire table setting. It will catch the attention of your guests. For the tablecloth, you can set off from the color shades and have it in contrast with everything. You can have it patterned, two-toned or anything that will make it spectacular.

Take note of these ideas and you will be able to welcome unexpected dining parties with ease of mind. Just make sure that your party essentials are all ready and in good condition.

For more dining room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The dining room can be one of the busiest areas at home, especially if you enjoy entertaining.  It is where you prepare everything for a meal and cater family gatherings. The everyday meal is something that makes the dining room a vital part of family bonding. This is where memories are made and relationships are built.

Image via: Flickr

If you want to make your everyday meal exciting, work on your dining room setting. It is an effective way to change the ambiance of the room. A beautiful table setting will enhance the appetizing looks of your food and beverages served on the dining table.

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Here are simple tips to make your dining room setting shine:

Replace your placemats

Changing your mats will provide an instant makeover for your table setting. Any member of the family will definitely notice the variation. This will add beauty in the room especially if you can match it with the general theme. You can also explore textured place mats which are very popular nowadays.

Have a stunning centerpiece

For this idea, try having a fresh and natural table centerpiece. You can pick flowers and foliage in your garden for the floral arrangements. It would be best if you will maintain a fresh centerpiece by replacing them when needed. With fresh and natural centerpiece, your dining experience will be beyond compare.

Image via: Verdigris Vie

Your choice of goblet can do the trick

When you dine, drinks are very important. This is why it is very essential to choose a nice and attractive goblet to enhance the dining experience. It will seal the deal. Try to use transparent goblet if the drinks you are serving is colored. This will make sure that the color of your drinks will be seen and appreciated.

These simple tips are effective and so easy to implement. You can creatively change your room settings on a regular basis by adding colors and variations in your theme.

For more home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but it’s actually better to overhaul your house when the seasons get colder. As we start to shut the windows to keep ourselves warm during the winter months, we shut off the ventilation to our house. This means potentially toxic particles build up in our homes.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution is between 2-5 times worse than outdoor air pollution. Anyone with asthma or allergies will experience stronger reactions. Detox your house with our guide.

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Kitchen

If you have a gas stove at home, you could have potentially dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide building up in the house. Although home cooking is a nurturing force for good, lots of nasties could be putting your health at risk. Normal levels of carbon monoxide are between 5-15 parts per million (ppm), however, if your gas stove isn’t set correctly, levels of CO can reach danger point.

Even low levels of carbon monoxide can cause fatigue, headaches, disorientation, dizziness, and nausea – high levels are fatal. Installing a detector can put your worries at rest.

Check your burners. If the flames are yellow-tipped, there is too much CO present. Invest in an exhaust fan, and if you already have one, make sure that it is cleaned properly.

Bedroom and Living Room

A build-up of dust and dander can cause respiratory problems, especially if you have allergies. This is natural, but you should stay on top of it. Replace old bed frames for something new: find adjustable beds online with fresh mattresses. Vacuum all upholstery and wash your pillows if you can.

Clean out the filters in your air conditioning system so you are not churning out allergens into your house. Remove the grill and wipe it with a wet cloth. Submerge the filter in soapy water then, rinse and leave to drip-dry. Before replacing the components, clean the inside of your air conditioning system with a damp rag.

Bathroom

Mold is your biggest concern when it comes to the bathroom – here you have to bring out the big guns to prevent health problems and structural damage. Mold loves moist areas so give your bathroom a thorough once-over, making sure there are no signs of water damage or mold.

Control moisture levels by using a dehumidifier. Humidity in your home should be between 30-50%, and you can test this with a hygrometer

Wash all your bathroom accessories, such as towels and bath mats. Put plastic shower curtains in the wash for 5 minutes on a delicate setting, however, if mold has already taken hold, add ¾ cup of liquid chlorine to the load.

Check everywhere for mold, and if you find any instances, scrub it away with a hard brush and a bucket of 1 cup liquid chlorine diluted with a gallon of water. You’ll have to do this to painted walls too, unfortunately, so buy a tub of mildew-resistant paint and coat the problem area, after you’ve removed the mold, to prevent further occurrences.

This article was contributed by Lloyd, a freelance writer and blogger, on behalf of Archers Sleep Centre.

For more green living and home wellness posts on Stagetecture, click here.

Everyday your kitchen houses germs, and sources for your family to become ill. Whether you are trying to make your home a healthier place or you want to start teaching your family the benefits of going green in the kitchen, there are several tips to help.

Choose healthy cookware

Cookware safety often relates to factors in your control. You have to consider the quality of your cooking utensils and how much work it takes to maintain your cookware. Examples of less maintenance cookware are the All-clad and stainless steel cooking sets. These type are quick to absorb heat and non-stick. You can also rely on its non-reactive and non-porous materials that are hygienic and clean. The All-clad and stainless steel cooking sets come in stylish and neat designs for your kitchen.

Image via

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Prefer glasses than plastics

The glasses look better and cleaner than plastic when used as water containers. With glasses, you can easily wash and clean them. Although it is more prone to break but then proper care is an advantage on your part because you can save a lot of water. You can also store food longer in glasses than plastic containers. Using glass rather than plastic significantly reduces landfill in disposal sites, and many say glass gets cleaner than plastic because it isn’t porous.

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Unclog your sink regularly

It’s not only horrible but a real headache to have a clogged sink drain. A healthy sink can help in control bacteria forming that lead to odors and common food borne illnesses. If you do not have the skills, tools and equipment to fix your sink, call a professional to fix this problem. A clogged sink will definitely ruin your overall kitchen view. To attain the total kitchen experience, the solution is to maintain your sink clean and unclog. Bear in mind that your kitchen sink is where the majority of cleaning takes place.

Finally, cleanliness should be emphasized in your kitchen to achieve a green goal. This allows a healthy, energy-efficient and practical approach in your kitchen.

For more kitchen ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

To receive more home inspiration get 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home Ebook here.

When you are looking to purchase new glassware, there are several things that you should take into account. There are so many different varieties on offer so how can you know which one is right for you? Below you’ll find everything that you need to think about before you rush out and buy any glassware for your entertaining home.

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Tip #1: What Type Are You Looking For?

As there are so many different types of glassware available, you need to decide which types of glasses you will really need. Do you drink wine? Are you a champagne drinker? Or do you simply stick to water and soft drinks? The most popular types of glassware in the home include:

• Tumblers
• Wine Glasses
• Champagne Flutes

Tumblers are potentially the most popular as all ages drink soft drinks, whereas not all adults drink alcohol.  So think about what type of glassware you need. Even if you don’t drink that much wine, it may still be worth investing in wine glasses in case you have company some nights.

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Tip #2: Look Out for Quality

It’s really important to look out for quality when choosing glassware in your home. You’ll notice that there is quite a lot of different priced glassware on offer. It’s easy to find a set of 4 tumblers for less than £1. The only problem with this is that they will break easily. So if you plan on letting your kids drink from them then you could have a problem! Stick to plastic tumblers for children, or invest in high quality so that they aren’t easily breakable.

Quality really does show. If you pay for cheap glasses, they will look cheap in the home. Better quality leads to longer lasting products. So take your time to research the different brands available. Thicker glass is generally higher quality and will last much longer.

Tip #3: Choose a Variety of Sizes

It’s also important to make sure that you have a variety of sizes available. The more variety you have, the better equipped you will be for any occasion. Dinner parties, romantic evenings, family meals; you need a variety of glasses to suit different occasions. The last thing you need when you are in the middle of a special occasion with friends and family, is finding out that you don’t have the right glasses to accommodate the drinks!

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Tip #4: Consider Personalised Glassware

If you want glassware that really fits into your home then why not consider having it personalised. This now only makes it unique to you, but it can also be a great sentiment too. It could make a great gift for your loved ones. Personalised glassware is something that you can keep forever.

Overall the above tips should help you to decide what type of glassware you need. There are so many different varieties available so you should always take the time to consider your needs. Sometimes it’s nice just to have a selection of glassware that you can use for decorative purposes. There are all kinds of different styles out there to choose from and they can look fantastic on display.

Jess writes for Forevercrystal.co.uk where you’ll find a great selection of cheap wine glasses

For more entertaining ideas on Stagetecture, click here.