Color Blocking: Candy Apple Red

Celebrate the first day off fall with some pretty candy apple red colored pieces!  Invoke those warm hues of red by adding a pop of color to the table.  An added bonus?  Some say that red is an appetite stimulator, which makes it a perfect color for the kitchen and for that dinner party you'll be throwing.

First Row (Left to Right)

Holala Tomato Table Weights, Set of four, $23

Pschit Salt & Pepper Shakers, $16, Set of two

La Belle Rouge Coffee Cup and Saucer, $24, Tea Cup and Saucer, $29

Second Row (Left to Right)

Gran de Riz Espresso Tumbler in Chili, $9 each

Le Creuset Doufeu Cherry Oven, $275

Revol Belle Cuisine Red Oval Dish, $21

Third Row (Left to Right)

Nordi Knife Rests, Set of 6, $10, and Berlingot Curved Blade Knife, $26

Ludik Glass Candle Lamp, $7, and Votive Candle, $3

La Belle Rouge Casserole Bowl with Lid, $15

Teapots vs. Tea Kettles

Did you know there is a difference between a teapot and a tea kettle?  Tea pots are designed for the table and serving, while kettles are for the boiling of water on the stove.  It's easy to find a kettle now, but pretty, table ready teapots are getting harder to find.  That is not the case at Genevieve Lethu Chicago!  We are a great selection of pretty, functional teapots just ready to wow your next tea party guests.  Here are some of our favorites.

Lignato, $105, Limited quantity available

Un Patio a Corduoe, $93

Mathilde, $120, available in Blue (shown above) and Natural Beige

L'amour est Toujours du Voyage, $93

Nature Enchante, $65

Fall Products We Love

Fall brings a fresh, new feeling to the year!  Here are five products that I'm loving for fall.  Add one or all five into your collection for a little extra pizazz this season.

Love these Individual Soup Tureen, $57, from the Mathilde Collection.  Perfect for yummy, rich soups on a fall night.

Sipping a large cup of morning tea feels oh so glamorous in this over sized, feminine Un Tresor Poudre Breakfast Cup, $40.  Limited quantity available.

Pretty petite pitchers look cute lined up with flowers or spread around a table for cream and milk.  Sous le Soleil de Minuit Cream Jug, $29.  Limited quantity available.

Going green has never been as easy as it is now.  I'm loving these bold, eco friendly cloth napkins.  Sardines collection, $14 each.

Lastly, extend that feeling of summer fun with punchy graphics on a low serving bowl.  Bondi Beach Salad Bowl, $34, and Phenome Salad Set, $52, shown in Aniseed.

Fruit Salads & Serving Bowls

Summer may soon be winding down, but there's still plenty of time to enjoy a fresh, fruit-y summer salad.  A friend of mine made the most delicious grape summer salad a few weeks ago and I just had to share it!  I made a batch of my own only days after having my first taste! 

Grape Salad
2 lbs Green Grapes
2 lbs Red Grapes
8 Oz Cream Cheese
1.5 cup White Sugar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
2 cups Pecans, sliced or halved
4 Tbs Butter

Combine cream cheese and sugar, beat until smooth.  Add grapes.
Spread 1/2 cup brown sugar over grapes.

Make the glazed pecans by combining 2 cups pecans, 1 cup white sugar, and 4 tablespoons butter.  Heat in a pan over low heat until pecans are well coated.  Let cool and then top the salad.

Bon Appetite!  Make this great salad for yourself and then show it off in these fabulous, large salad serving bowls.

Shown above (clockwise from top left)
Mathilde Beige, two sizes $96 and $108, Pasyphae Bleu, $63, Mathilde Blue, two sizes $96, $108, Bondi Beach, $84, Pasyphae Green, $63, Nature Enchante, $59, and Un Patio a Corduoe, $40.

National Banana Split Day!

Did you know today is National Banana Split day?  Almost everyone has fond childhood memories of noshing on a yummy, melty, ice cream treat full of sugar and toppings.  So celebrate the end of summer and bring that feeling back for one day.  Just make sure to give your banana split an adult twist by serving it in a pretty bowl! 

Pictured Above, Clockwise from left: Bondi Beach Small Dish $11, L'Amour Rimmed Soup Plate $25, Pasyphae Green Individual Salad Bowl $23, Gran de Riz Bowl in String $13, Bondi Beach Small Dish $11.

What's your favorite way to make a banana split?

End of Summer Essentials: Tomato Tote Bag!

Summer soon may be winding down, but the farmers' markets will continue into the fall!  Make sure you're looking smashing and smartly "green" with a reusable tote bag to carry all your goodies.  This cute Tomatoes Tote, $42, goes easily from grocery store to farmers' markets to Target.  It features a durable, wipe clean interior and exterior as well as interior pockets for stashing coupons or small items.  Look for in season fruits and veggies to be even more environmentally friendly....in the Midwest search for Broccoli, Cucumbers, Garlic, Cantaloupe, Beets and Basil, among others.  What's your end of summer favorite?

Color Blocking: Pink

We all know pink is a color associated with love and romance, but did you know poppy pink is a perfect color to accessorize your table?  Pink is fun, youthful, and exciting and like the color red can stimulate your energy by increasing things like blood pressure, heartbeats, and your pulse rate*!  We love the extra punch these bright pinks bring to everything from kitchen measuring, cocktails, or a simple plated cake.  

Here our some of our favorite pink pieces...

Row One (left to right)

1. Bondi Beach Dessert Plates, $70 set of six

2. Un Tresor Poudre Dessert Plate, $20

3. Foison 19x19 Napkins in Hortensia, $11 each.

Row Two (left to right)

1. Un Duecouer Pie Plate, $70  $35 on sale (limited quantity available)

2. Gloss Coffee Spoons in fuchsia, $9 each

3. Elisa Pink Champagne Flutes, $82 set of 6 assorted pink/purple colors

Row Three (left to right)

1. Joseph & Joseph Magnetic Measuring Spoon, $4 each

2. Faux Lotus Flower, $8 each

3. Petale Porcelain Bowl, $14, Petale Porcelain Dessert Plate, $12

Are you bold enough to add pink into your everyday dining?  Check out our other "color block" in Green!

*Online Source: SensationalColor.com

Presentation Plates for Dishes & Desserts

We all know presentation counts!  Dress up for your big speech at work and chances are if you look good, you'll sound good.  The same is true for your table.  That amazing meal you spent all evening cooking deserves to be shown off on beautiful presentation dishes!  Why not give your family or guests a visual treat as well as something their taste buds will enjoy? 

Here are some of my favorite presentation plates and dishes that give your food a little extra oomph.

Clockwise from top left:
Un Patio Cordoue Dinner Plate, $32
Nature Enchante Large Oval Dish, $72
Mathilde Cake Plate, $52, available in Beige (shown), Blue, or Purple
Bondi Beach Salad Serving Bowl, $84

A great statement dish in complimentary colors makes a nice hostess gift too!  What's your favorite way to make a statement on your table?

Tablescapes - The Contemporary Table

Setting a table with a modern, contemporary vibe is easier than you might think.  The rules for a "perfect matching" table don't apply.  Opt for bright colors, bold patterns, and clean lines.  Don't be afraid to mix and match your pieces.  Green and blue plates can live in harmony with saffron and red cutlery as long as they have a bold, unifying tablecloth behind them.  Mix your colors within each individual place setting or keep the setting the same color, but place a few different colored settings on the same table.  Don't be afraid to adorn your table with unusual accents and lots of height!

Our Ingredients:  Shown above, Phenome Flatware, $9 and up, Pasyphae Bleu Presentation Plate, $41, Pasyphae Nature Dessert Plate, $24, Pasyphae Bleu Individual Salad Bowl, $23.  Legend Moss Linen Napkin, $11, Wood Napking Ring, $6, Marise Petite Casserole, $34 set of four (top left), Tanganyika Table Cloth, starting at $153.

Add an earthy, fun vibe to the table with gorgeous skewers in a tall bud vase, perfect for roasting smores after dinner.  Shown above: Pico Red BBQ Skewers, $26 set of 6, Euphorie Ribbed Bud Vases, $17-$43.

Small candles add instant table ambiance or work as great place card holders or party favors.  Shown Above: Small Cylindrical Candles, assorted colors $10 each, Marise Petite Casserole, $34 set of 4, Romeo Turquoise Water Tumbler, $24, Romeo Amber Goblet, $19.

Add in even more color with big statement dishes like casserole dishes and water pitchers.  Shown Above: Romeo Amber Bubbled Pitcher, $59, Delicio Cheery Red Oven Casserole, $33, Pasyphae Bleu Salad Serving Bowl $63, Durance Salad Server Set, $37, Tinka Long Green Dish, $14.

Don't forget to see our previous tablescape...The Romantic Table.  What tips and tricks have worked for you when setting a table?

National Lasagna Day

Tomorrow we celebrate national Lasagna day!  So I thought it fitting to show off some of our pretty pans for baking that delicious Italian dish along with my favorite, easy lasagna recipe.

I love baking lasagna in pretty, bright colored dishes that can go right from the oven to the table.  The Delicio line boats a bright rainbow of colors including Cherry, Saffron, Coconut, and Aubergine.  Smaller dishes like these are perfect when cooking for two, I love the square oven dish (shown at top, $37) and the narrower Rectangle oven dish (shown above, $33).  They're made in France and have cute little handles for easy lifting right out of the oven.

Or if you want to get creative and make mini lasagnas use these petite coquettes by Le Creuset.  Leave the lid off for baking and then add it back on to keep it warm before serving.  Le Creuset 8 oz Mini Round Availble individually for $25 or in a boxed set of three for $84 (one each of black, grey, and white).

Easy Lasagna - Straight from the Barilla No Boil Lasagna Box

I usually make this recipe for two...so I cut it in half and use a pretty, petite dish to bake.

Ingredients:

1 (9 ounce) box of barilla no-boil lasagna noodles

2 eggs

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup parmesan cheese (optional)

1 lb ground beef or 1 lb sausage, browned

spaghetti or pasta sauce

parsley (to garnish)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375.

In bowl, combine beaten eggs, ricotta cheese and two cups of the mozzarella cheese and parmesan. If you choose not to use the parmesan, just add more mozzarella. Set aside.

In a 13X9X3 pan, spread 1 cup of sauce on bottom of pan. (If you are using a 13X9X2 pan---just make 3 layers to avoid boiling over.)

Layer in the order, 4 uncooked lasagna noodles (they will overlap), then 1/3 part of the ricotta cheese mixture, half the browned meat, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of spaghetti sauce.

Next layer, 4 uncooked lasagna noodles, 1/3 part of the ricotta cheese mixture, and 1 1/2 Cups sauce.

Next layer, 4 uncooked lasagna noodles, remaining ricotta mixture and remained meat, 1 cup of sauce.

For top layer, 4 uncooked lasagna noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining 1 cup mozzarella.

Bake covered with foil for 50-60 minutes.

Uncover and continue cooking until all the cheese is melted on the top (about 5 minutes).

Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Bon apetite!

Tablescapes - The Romantic Table

Creating a romantic and feminine table is one beautiful way to adorn your table for your next dinner party.  Use florals and subtle decorative details.  We love mini orchids scattered about light, airy colors with a touch of gold for added whimsy.  Use light colors and clear materials to create this soft, subtle look.  We created this romantic table scape with our un tresor poudre collection, which translates to "a powder treasure" and is a gorgeous gold, pale pink, and brown cherry blossom pattern. 

Our ingredients, shown above: Crystal Flatware (starting at $31 per piece), un tresor poudre dinner plate ($24) and cafe cup and saucer ($24), Audrey Pearl Napkin Ring ($12), Origami White Napkin ($11), Pirouette Cocoa Place mat ($9), Nature Creations Orka Faux Orchids in white and pink ($9 per box), and Imagine White Cotton Table Cloth ($110)

 

Clear crystal candlesticks add just the right amount of sophistication.  Shown above: Tall Magnif Crystal Candlesticks ($108 each), Short Magnif Engraved Crystal Candle Sticks ($90 each), Assorted Taper Candles ($5 each), Small Blind Vase ($58).

A hint of bright pink keeps the table from looking too subtle.  Shown above: Berlingot Spreaders in Fuchsia (small $26, large $28), Berlingot Cheese Spreader in White ($28), un tresor poudre collection: cafe coffee cup with saucer 10cl ($24), tea cup with saucer 28cl ($33).

Don't be afraid to mix patterns, the slight patterned etching on these pink glasses is a perfect compliment to the rest of the table.  Dimanche Rouge Stemware: Flute, Vin Wine Glass, or Eau Water Glass ($20 each).

Have you set your own romantic table?  What worked for you? 

Summer Sale!

We're pleased to announce our summer sale!  Save 20% now on all your summer essentials.  Picnic gear and beach themed accessories are all on sale through July and August 2011.  That includes our Bondi Beach pattern, insulated picnic pieces like wine bottle holders and picnic baskets, and all our wonderful coated tablecloths.  Here are some photos of the great pieces on sale just because it's summer. 

See something you love?  Call us at 312.423.9948 and order over the phone or stop in our shop to see for yourself!

Color Blocking: Green

Green is said to be the color that symbolizes tranquility, good luck, health, and even jealousy.  Green is abundent in nature and representative of new life, growth, and renewal, and all things enviornmental.  Some consider green to have a calming, de-stressing effect.  Decorating with green is a perfect way to add a splash of color as it matches with several other colors and can have a warming or cooling effect.  Here are some of our favorite bright green pieces sure to add pizzaz to your kitchen and dinning room.

Row One (left to right)

1.  Elysees Kiwi Napkin, $17 each

2.  Petale Set- Bowl $14, Plate $12, Napkin Ring $6.50

3.  Pasyphae Nature Non_Rimmed Soup Plate $25.

Row Two (left to right)

1.  Megg Microwave Egg Cooker, $6.

2.  Au ras des Paquerettes Dessert Plate, $13, Dinner Plate $16

3. Phenomene Flatware starting at $9 each

Row Three (left to right)

1.  Theobald Tumblers, low or tall, $13 each

2. Orka Silicon Spatula or Spoon Spatula $8 each

3.  Legend Moss Linen Napkin, $ 11 each (shown in roll), Pirouette Moss Napkin, $9 each (green, folded), Nature Enchantee Napkin, $15 each (print)

Picnic Gear

Summer has officially started!  The weather is warming up, the classical concerts in the park opened last weekend, so it is officially okay to plan those summer picnics and beach outings.  Check out some of our favorite and must have summer essentials!  No picnic would be complete without a glass of your favorite vino.  Make sure your precious wine bottle gets to your picnic, concert, or bbq in style with this insulated Break Isothermal Wine Tote, $19.  Also available in a double bottle style that carries two bottles for $25.

Being environmentally friendly by using cloth napkins never looked as chic.  Cloth napkins come in gorgeous and bright colors and patterns and are sure to brighten your day.  Shown above, Legend Moss Linen napkin (solid green in napkin ring), $11 each, Pirouette Moss Napkin (solid green, folded), $9 each, and Nature Enchante Napkin (print), $15 each.  Having a backyard picnic?  Go all out with lighted candles, napkin rings, and poppy contrasting colored flatware.  Shown above, Zubul Butterfly Napkin Rings, $45 set of six assorted colors, and Phenomene Table Fork in Raspberry, $9.

What picnic would be complete without a chic insulated tote?  I love this Break Isothermal Small Bag, $18, for it's retro inspired colors.  Also available in a larger picnic basket for $179.  Perfect for the party of one or some.

Beach outings can get windy, so make sure that table cloth stays in place with fun Table Cloth Weights, $23 set of four.  Available in Orange (shown above), Lemon, or Tomato shapes.

If you're worried about wine bottle drips on those pretty table cloths, you'll love these.  Haltogout Wine Servers, $16 set of two.  They're petite, flexible wine spouts to prevent drips and spills.

Where to Shop

National Candy Month & Pretty Candy Dishes

Who knew?  June is National Candy Month!  It's a fabulous excuse to eat candy, and as Chicagoans, we certaintly aren't short on sweet treats.  We have Frango, Garrett's Popcorn, Ferrera Pan, and a few others in our area.  But where's a candy affectionado to stash all their treats?  Traditional candy dishes are great, but don't be afraid to think outside the box for unusual and beautiful candy containers.  Here are some of our favorite dishes to stash your favorite treats in..and they're all sugar bowls!  The perfect size and shape for holding little candies.  So go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth this month. 

Above, this pretty porcelain dish translates to "Love is always a journey."  L'amour est toujours du voyage Sugar Bowl, $37.  Check out some of my other favorite dishes for hiding chocolates and more, below. 

Lignato  $32.
Limited quantity available.

Un Patio a cordoue, $43.

 

Tanganyika, $52 each
Features different images front and back.
Limited quantity available.

 What's your favorite candy and where do you stash it?
Love one of ours?  Here's where to shop.