Revol Chicken Roasters and Baby Chickens!!

They are back...... Just in time. Don't miss out on these Revol bakers. 

 

They pop into the oven at 500 degrees.... straight from the freezer.

New Dishes From France! Check Out Cadichon!

 

The Perfect Dishes To Pour Your Coffee and Tea In.....

Just In Time For The Holidays!

Mon chou

Mon chou....... 
Cup cakes, Macaroons, Dessert Plates and Mocha Cups.... 
Just in Time for The Holidays!

Mademoiselle Collection Has Made It To The USA

We have a new collection arriving at the shop tomorrow! Mademoiselle is a beautiful.... very French design.

The collection arrived today at the shop! Gorgeous is the best word to describe this pattern!

Genevieve Lethu Chicago and Revol Event

Beautiful Revol and Genevieve Lethu Event! 

Nov. 17-19! 

20% off all Revol

 

November 17, we are introducing Revol Porcelain Dinnerware to The Magnificent Mile of Chicago. Revol porcelain is the cream of culinary-grade ceramics. It's made from exceptionally hard materials making the porcelain highly resistant to chipping, impact, and thermal shock. The smooth enamel finish makes for fast, easy cleaning. And, yes, it's dishwasher safe.

The Revol company started out in 1789, the company has adhered to the values that have carried it through to the present: innovation, quality and performance. Come to Genevieve Lethu between 10am and 7pm to register for a chance to win a beautiful red poultry roaster and meet Jonathan Pearson, Vice-President, Revol USA. Free demo classes!

 All Revol will be 20% off for the special introduction to the Magnificent Mile of Chicago.

Several items that we're stocking are the dinnerware, fun serving dishes for small desserts or snacks, awesome baking dishes in bright colors, as well as the chicken roaster in lots of fun colors.

Call or stop by the shop Nov 17 – Nov 19 for the Revol event! 

Free Demo Classes!

The classic French dishes you will love!

312-423-9948

We ship anywhere in the United States!

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.

10 New Uses for Espresso Cups

We all love those petite, dainty espresso cups.  They bring us daily caffeine joy and usually come in fun patterns, shapes, and colors, but you don't have to restrict their use to coffee and espresso alone.  Here are ten new and fun ways to use these little cups in everyday life.

1. Pop in an over sized bloom and use it as a mini bud vase.
2.  Measure out recipes in advance using them as prep bowls.
3.  Add a candle for an instant tea light holder for ambiance at your next dinner party.
4.  Create instantly chic place card holders or as a guest gift for each place setting.
5.  Move them into the bathroom to hold Q-Tips and cotton balls.
6.  Create a bed side catch all for earrings and pennies.
7.  On the desk, use them as a low pencil cup for colored pens and pencils.
8.  Serve little candies in individual dessert holders.
9.  Sort your arts and crafts table with containers for buttons, paper clips, and more.
10.  Serve an amuse bouche or after dinner shot.

Any other ideas you like to use your little espresso cups for? 

Shown above, left to right: Lignato Coffee Cup with saucer, $28, (limited quantity available) Gran de Riz Coffee Cup in Sand and Red colors, $17, Pasyphae Cup with saucer in Natural and Blue Colors, $22, Nature Enchante Coffee cup with Saucer, $22.

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?

Recipe: Sardine Carpaccio

Try this easy appetizer to impress your guests.  Created by Genevieve Lethu in conjunction with their Sardine table top collection.  Serve your fabulous dish alongside these fabulous Sardines Napkins, $11 each, in bold reds, yellows, and greys (shown above).

Sardine Carpaccio

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation: 30 minutes, Marinates 1-2 hours

12 Sardines

1 Shallot

1 Lemon

Fresh Chives

Olive Oil

Freshly ground Salt and Pepper

*Fillet the sardines and remove the skin.

*Place the fillets on a plate and pour over the juice of 1/2 the lemon.  Leave to marinate 1-2 hours.

*Finely chop the peeled shallot and chives.  Put to one side.

*Remove the Sardines from the refrigerator and transfer to a flat dish.  Discard the remaining marinade.

*Lightly sprinkle the sardines with the other 1/2 of the lemon juice, add a good dash of Olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Sprinkle the chives and chopped shallots on top.

*Serve chilled.  Accompany with salad leaves dressed in balsamic vinegar and olive oil if desired.

Bon Appetite!

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?

Petite Casseroles & Mini Coquettes

Looking for a way to spice up your dinnerware without buying a whole new china collection?  Add some petite casseroles and mini coquettes into your cooking repertoire.  These petite baking dishes come in a rainbow of colors and multiple sizes and are perfect for any small portion dish.  Impress your family or guests by serving them delicious macaroni and cheese in their own personal dish complete with the lid.  They go straight from oven to table and even to the fridge to minimize clean up!  Above, the Marise Set or four terrines in a cute gift  box, $34.

Le Creuset also makes some gorgeous petite dishes in round and oval shapes.  Purchase as many as you like as they're sold individually as shown above, $25 each, or in a boxed set of three featuring one each in grey, black, and white, $84..Try them with the yummy recipe below or check out their book full of tips and recipes for your mini dishes.  Available directly from Le Creuset or your local book shop (shown below). 

One of my favorite recipes to make in my mini casserole dishes or even ramekins is this yummy Pear Crisp from Kraft Foods.  It also tastes delicious with apples!

Pear Crisps from Kraft Recipes

1 oz. (1/8 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1 Tbsp.  brown sugar

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 large  fresh pear, peeled, chopped

4 Nilla Wafers, coarsely chopped

1 Tbsp.  chopped  pecans (optional) 

1 Tbsp. butter

2 Tbsp.  thawed whipped topping

 

*Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
*Mix cream cheese, sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl until blended. Stir in pears. Spoon into 2 custard cups sprayed with cooking spray.
*Mix wafer crumbs, nuts and butter; sprinkle over cream cheese mixture. Place cups on baking sheet. 
*Bake 25 min. or until hot and bubbly. Cool slightly. Top with COOL WHIP just before serving.

Bon Appetite!

Flower Arranging Basics

One of my favorite things about summer are farmer's market flowers.  In season flowers are so beautiful and nothing feels better than purchasing them directly from the farmer who cut them.  Kevin Sharkey of Martha Stewart Living Magazine calls them "affordable elegance" and one of his guilty pleasures.  I would agree.  A vase of pretty flowers will liven up any room in your home. 

Don't be afraid to think outside the box when selecting a vase either.  Anything can make a beautiful display vase for your flowers...egg cups, water pitchers, large low bowls, etc.  Don't be afraid to try something different.  Kevin suggests sticking to one single variety of or color of flower in your container.  Try all mini carnations in soft pinks and whites or a vase full of only yellow blooms.  I love this Fig Colored Pitcher from the Mathilde collection, $50, it would look smashing with white or pink flowers. (Shown above, also available in Fennel, Cream, and Nattier/Pale Blue).

Looking for something a little more "artsty?"  Try Real Simple Magazine's technique of "Flower Arranging 101."  Real Simple offers three easy steps.
1.  Create a Foundation with foliage to build a framework.  Keep a pleasing, asymmetrical shape that will create a high point in the back.
2.  Add large "face" flowers.  Cut the stems of these big blooms (like peonies) at different heights so some nestle low to the vase and others reach high.  Use floral foam or tape across the top of the vase to keep the flowers in place.
3.  Weave in wispy elements.  Think climbing flowering vines or ferns.  Place them in three strategic spots, up high on one side, down low to spill out the bottom of the vase, and some in the middle.

Above are some of my other favorites for creating unique flower arrangements.  Clockwise from top right, L'Amour Teapot, $93.  Remove the lid and add any almost any array of colors of flowers to compliment.  Grain de Riz Espresso Tumbler 10cl, $9.  These petite cups are perfect for one giant bloom on a really short stem, also available in Grey, Cotton, or Red.   The Angela Ice Cream Dish, $15 would be perfect with a cluster of carnations or roses.

What is your favorite piece to put flowers in?  Do you stick to a thematic color or flower type or are you more of a wild flower inspired person? 

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!

Unusual Utensils: What is a Fish Fork?

Welcome to Unusual Utensils!  We tend to be very simple in our dinning habits, so there are a few utensils that don't come in your standard place setting.  So identifying and figuring them out can be frustrating.  Welcome to the fish fork (left). 

During a formal meal, both a knife and a fork will be provided for the fish course.  Your fish fork is usually slightly shorter than your traditional table fork and has three tongs instead of four.  It is shaped slightly differently to help you best manipulate the fish on your plate. 

Serving sets for fish are also commonly available and are almost identical in shape but  much larger.

To the right you will see your fish knife.  Slightly different in shape from a traditional knife, again to help you in moving and cutting the fish.  It also does not usually have a sharpened edge as most table knives do, seeing as fish is not as hard to cut as most other meats.

Looking to add fish pieces into your set?  Try the Select Series shown here, smooth handles with a subtle shine, available in Ruby, Paprika, and Natural.  Fish Fork, $24, Fish Knife $27.

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?