LotusHaus

Donna Karan's new tabletop line

I'm a fan of Donna Karan. I especially like her Urban Zen foundation and retail collection. In the March issue of Architectural Digest, Donna Karan debuts a glamorous, organically shaped tabletop line.  In collaboration with American tableware company Lenox, Karan has created dinnerware, vases, flatware, stemware, and serving pieces made from porcelain, stoneware, glass, wood, and metal. The collection ties together Karan’s two sides – the urbanite and the nomad. Check out more photos here. Photos by Martyn Thompson for Architectureal Digest.

Chinoiserie Flatware Box

What a great wedding gift idea! Check out this black laquer Chinese inspired flatware storage box!

Modern Square Beverage Dispenser

Ooh, the floral designer in me is loving this modern square glass beverage dispenser... just imagine the cool decor you could design in the bottom container...

Moroccan Spice Dessert Table

Beautiful! I love this Moroccan inspired dessert table by Amy Atlas... genius! I want to throw a party with these beautiful colors and cultural theme! 

JL Designs creates her own Modern Wedding!

Wow! Carissa from JL Designs designed the most fabulous and modern wedding for herself at a private residence in Malibu, CA! The wedding cake above is by Vanilla Bakeshop with a custom stand designed by Carissa. See more from this incredible wedding at JL Designs! 

Sushi for Dessert? Make sweet mochi with fruit!

Making sweet mochi is super easy and tasty! Via the awesome bento blog JustBento and a guest post by The Tiny Urban Kitchen, I discovered a way to make "sushi" using mochi and fruit! So delicious! Wouldn't this be great for a baby shower or bridal shower! Pair this with some "floral sushi" styling for a sweet sushi inspired party!

That's Incredible! } Buddha Shaped Pears

Wow, check out these Buddha shaped pears! They are grown in a special plastic mold created by a Chinese farmer named Hao Xianzhang. Very interesting! While eating this pear, you can't help but slow down and be mindful as you nourish your body. 

Origami Teabag prototype concept

 
This amazing origami bird tea bag is a prototype by Russian designer Natalia Ponomareva! I hope it makes it to the shelf! What a perfect way to celebrate the day with a whimisical bird, a nod to arts & craft and and a cup of rejuvenating green tea! Via At Home with Kim Vallee.

Mooncake Festival

I just had to share this wonderful collage of mooncakes I saw over at the Lucky in Love blog!
Photo credits from Lucky in Love ~ Top left: Intercontinental - Singapore, Middle - right top: Bakerzin, Middle row: Carlton Hotel, Singapore, Large middle: Peony Jade, Singapore, Middle green apple cakes from Bossacafez, green cake: Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore, Bottom left Royal Series from Tung Lok, Bottom center: Fairmont Singapore, bottom right: also the Fairmont - this one with hazelnut filling.

Also known as the Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival, the Mooncake Festival is celebrated by Chinese communities every fall and traditionally, Chinese family and friends will gather together on this day to watch the bright full moon while enjoying outdoor BBQ and eating delicious moon cakes. There are many legends and children's stories about the history of the moon festival from being a tribute to the "moon lady" (photo below) or the mooncake being instrumental in Chinese history (concealing messages for a Chinese rebellion against Mongolian oppressors.)

In Seattle, the Vietnamese community is celebrating with the Festival of Lights on October 3rd. There will be 350 lanterns, moon cakes, story telling, face painting for the kids and more! Go here for more details!

Rouge Tomate - Red Hot and Green Venue in NYC

I really would love a mini vacation to NYC! If I were there, I would check out the new eco-luxe restaurant Rouge Tomate. The food and decor are all sustainable and the venue boasts an impressive mult-level design... The Cranberry Pool is my favorite (pictured below) and this would be where I would have wanted my bachelorette party or bridal shower! At the Rouge Tomate site, click on the Event button to check out the very cool floor plans.

If you are in NYC, check out the Eco-Luxe / Go Green Expo on Sept. 22 to be held at Rouge Tomate. More info here.

Persian Cotton Candy and DIY Wedding Favors

Via Eat Drink Chic, I discovered these beautiful DIY Persian Cotton Candy Favors! Persian Cotton Candy (or Fairy Floss) also known as "Pashmak" makes an exotic gourmet favor for guests at a wedding or party. Read the full post and download the templates for the envelope and label for your own use! And be sure to check out Pariya Food, a Persian produce company that sells Pashmak, and the website Persian Mirror for more info on Persian wedding traditions and food.

I Dream of Cake by Shinmin Li

Via the Bellissima Vita Weddings Blog, I was blown away by this elegant cake captured by photographer Jennifer Skog and created by I Dream of Cake in San Francisco.  I Dream of Cake was established by artist Shinmin Li who creates innovative cake concepts and is continuously inspired by current fashion trends. The cake studio is a one of a kind, beautifully designed boutique that looks like a high end retail store! So gorgeous!

Below are some of my favorite Asian inspired cake designs that I found at the I Dream of Cake gallery...

Global Alternative to Cupcakes... Churro or Éclair!

Thanks to Ready to Spark, sparks are flying with dreams of churros and éclairs instead of cupcakes for special events! I'm loving the unique churro flavors by Xooro (pronounced Sure-ohs) and the many possibilites for dressing up the éclair like those found at Patisseries like Fauchon. If you have a Mexican or Spanish theme to your event, Churros are a fantastic dessert option. If you're after that "An American in Paris" vibe, go with the Eclair! Either way, you and your guests will enjoy a dessert that is out of this world! *Update 11-10-09 - for Filipino flair try the classic treat of Mini Coconut Macaroons in Bella Cupcake Couture wrappers (you can now get them in a custom design of your own)... I forgot about these tasty treats until just recently when I had a craving for my grandmother's version!

Related Post:
Bem Cassados - Brazilian Wedding Cake Favors

Bella Cupcake Couture } Eco-Friendly and Stylish Cupcake Wrappers!

Who doesn't love a cupcake dressed in a scalloped gown and covered in sprinkles? Carrie Middlemiss from Seattle started Bella Cupcake Couture after being laid off by Washington Mutual Bank. These fun and stylish cupcake wrappers are inspired by textile patterns and made from recycled paper and printed with soy inks! So as far as green weddings and parties go, you can have your cupcake and eat it too! For favors, you can use these wrappers with cupcake shaped bath bombs! (Instructions here). This post was inspired by The Soap Queen!

 

Summer Awesomeness from Colin Cowie

Ok, so I was like totally sucked into the Home Shopping Network (HSN) on TV today because entertainment guru Colin Cowie (his accent is South African) was showcasing his summer collection... and let me say that it's off tha hook and if I had extra loot I would buy up all the pieces and use them for events. Here are my favorites:

Beverage Server with Ice Receptacle: This is the most modern and versatile drink dispenser EVER! Watch the video footage and you will be a sucker too!  It's genius! First of all, it's made of sturdy glass. The ice receptacle keeps your drinks cold without diluting them. When not in use you can use the ice holder as a glass flower vase (genius). The bottom bowl is a separate piece and you can use it to display the beverage ingredients or create ambiance with flowers or other themed items. When not in use you can use the bowl for salads or layered desserts (genius). The lid fits perfectly on top of the bowl as well (einstein). At the HSN price of $74.95 I was seriously considering picking up the phone. But alas, times are tough and my glass pitcher is just gonna have to do... but isn't it just genius, lol! Here are some other nice items:

 

From left to right, top to bottom:
Chip and Dip Wood Tray with Porcelain Bowl, Bowl in Rattan Base, 7" Appetizer Plates, 3 part Stackable Storage Jar, Square Rim Dinnerware Set, Square Bowls in Wood Tray, Double Wall Glass Set.

Pezzi D'Amore } Brazilian Wedding Favors

Look at these beautiful Brazilian wedding favors from Pezzi d'Amore available in Seattle! I discovered these from the wonderful Bella Signature Design blog. These wedding favors are called "Bem Casados" or "Well-Marrieds" and they are the most traditional sought-after dessert at weddings in Brazil. Each Bem Casado is artfully made and is light, soft, airy and filled with smooth, home-made caramel bathed in a special sweet sauce.  Each treat represents two united parts sealed by sweet love, support and mutual respect.  According to legend, everyone who tastes them will be blessed with the happiness of newlyweds, so make a wish before you take a bite. Amen to that!

Elegant Dessert Images by Photographer Carin Krasner

I'm loving these shots by LA based still life photographer Carin Krasner! I saw this over at the awesome Algabar Journal for the Algabar Tea Bar in LA.

Noka Chocolate Easter Bunnies

For some elegant looking chocolate easter bunnies and eggs, check out Noka's purple ribbon set! I'd love them even more if they were organic chocolate... but isn't the packaging so lovely!

Colorful Acrylic Presentation Ware by Vikki Smith

Vikki Smith has a really great collection of acrylic presentation ware! The first photo is called Sushi-Ushi and it's her most popular item! Below are photos that show her cheery presentation ware in use at high end hotels and special events.

Valentine's Day Must Gives } Organic Chocolate Bento Box and Bon Bons

This just in! Sweeten you tooth and your wallet with these fantastic organic chocolates on sale at Viva Terra!  Bento Goodie Box (this is a real Japanese Bento Box...reuse it for food, jewelry storage, or whatever!) and Organic Chocolate Bon Bons (set of 6pcs for only $5 a box!!! I'm getting these for my gal pals!)

Happy Chinese New Year!

Check out these symbolic Chinese New Year Recipes from my favorite foodie, Jaden at Steamy Kitchen! You can also click here for more about the symbolism behind the foods eaten during Chinese New Year celebrations... (egg rolls represent prosperity because they resemble golden bars!)

Chinese New Year Roundup from One Pretty Thing

One Pretty Thing has an AWESOME roundup of crafts, treats and decor for any Chinese New Year celebration!

Lotus Teapot and Infuser Mug for body, mind and world awareness!

These precious tea items by Namu Baru are going on my Christmas wishlist! Namu Baru is a socially responsible and eco-friendly wholesaler of teaware and ceramics. You can read more about their sustainable and fair trade efforts here and purchase these lovely Lotus teapots and infuser mugs at Jenny K.

VerTerra } Modern, Natural, Compostable Tableware Made from Palm Leaves

Check out VerTerra, a modern and sustainable single-use tableware collection...Inspired by plates used at roadside stands in India, these unique plates, platters and bowls are made using only fallen palm leaves and water. Each piece is 100% compostable, can be used in the microwave or freezer and are perfect for sending leftovers and treats home with guests. Plates that don't find a home can be rinsed and tossed in the yard. After about 60 days the plates will completely compost! I'm loving the hexagonal plates and have a great post-meal idea that involves paint (or decoupage) and mounting the plates as wall decor like this.

Lovin' this! Thousand Fires Tableware by Fabienne Jouvin

I saw this set in a magazine and my jaw dropped! The design is called Thousand Fires by Fabienne Jouvin and I simply adore the pattern with it's lotus-like petal shapes, chakra colors and mandala framework. Ahem, if you look at my logo you will see a similar shape. The elements of my logo represent a leaf, a petal and a bud intertwined together =)

Plum Creek Mercantile } Fabric Snack Bags

Hey hip mamas, are you tired of plastic sandwich bags? I just discovered these great eco-friendly fabric snack bag options for your kids! Plum Creek Mercantile offers these funky and functional bags to store bulk foods or snack packs! The bulk food bags have a window that you can write on with a dry erase pen and all of the bags are machine washable. They all have velcro closures and many of them are made with organic cotton. I love the jumping frogs and robot printed bags!

Wasara } Paper ware for spiritual enrichment

Oh my goodness, my heart skipped a beat when I discovered Wasara, a truly magnificent concept in disposable paper table ware. With aesthetic beauty and thoughtful ergonomics, this Japanese concept has created an impressive way to display your culinary creations and serve your guests. But wait, the Wasara collection is also sustainable! Even though these items are disposable, their content is eco-friendly in design because they are made from reed pulp, which is quite renewable, and bagasse, which is pulp waste produced when juice is extracted from the sugarcane...the result is a tree-free, compostable and absolutely stunning collection of entertaining pieces. I have contacted Wasara to see where this collection is available on line and for purchase in the United States and will keep you posted! Via Kelley Moore

Related Posts:
Hands Giving } Thankful Gestures at the Table
Tast.es } Modern Disposable Servingware

Monbana Chocolate Cube } Sweet Idea for Entertaining

This Chocolate Cube (warning loud techno music upon clicking) by French chocolatier Monbana, is definitely a most beautiful and interactive way to serve chocolate treats. It's ideal for entertaining because it's reusable and you could restock it whenever you need to! Did I mention that I love the packaging colors...they would go well with this party theme. Now where can I get one in the US? Via the Dieline.

Hands Giving } Thankful Gestures at the Table

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.“ ~Melody Beattie

Subtle, caring and functional is how I would describe these lovely ceramic "hand" bowls by Japanese design firm Tonerico. I wish I could find these stateside as they are inspiring my Thanksgiving decor...which is beginning to look like white tablescapes, with lots of organic materials like branches and dried foliage and pops of persimmon, plum, lemon and sage green... See last year's Thanksgiving Decor which shared a similar palette but with more of a retro modern feel.

Dreamie Jeanie Tea Set

I love this tea set by Judith Weber available at Teavana! Definitely a stylish option for a wedding gift!

Amy Atlas } Dessert Tables to Live For!

Ok, pick your jaw up off the floor! What you see here is an expertly designed dessert table by Amy Atlas, a highly sought after New York party planner. Yes folks, that is a lollipop tree and those other stick treats are Browniepops. I want those cake stands and candy dishes!!! This sweet discovery is via the Bride Ideas blog!

Modern Goods by Yuki Murata } at Kobo Seattle

I'm loving this collection of beautiful global style tableware from Modern Goods by Yuki Murata! My favorite is the Asian cloud design! These would be enchanting for the upcoming holiday dinners! See the collection and meet the artist at Kobo, one of my favorite Seattle shops!

Yuki Murata will be at KOBO Gallery alongside her handpainted bone china tableware designs on Thursday evening, September 18th, 6-8pm.
 
Her experience spans multiple cultures and disciplines from her identity as a half-Japanese woman to her product design company working with artisans in Tangshan, China.  From fine arts to architecture to tableware to textiles, Yuki has been exploring the significance and intersection of globalism and modernity.

The origins of her designs are grounded in her Asian heritage, her love for the natural world and her passion for authentic joyful living. 

Please join us at KOBO to meet the artist and see her new work.  Samples of her latest fall collection will be on view and to launch her new designs we are running a KOBO special promotion through the end of September 2008 on all Modern Goods tableware*.   Pre-order any of Yuki's designs and enjoy 20% off if you buy 3 or more pieces of any style or design.  Delivery in November. 
 
Buy early for the holidays or for that special occasion gift.
 
*Purchases must be made through KOBO to receive the special promotional pricing.  You can place orders by email at [email protected] or by calling us at (206) 381-3000. 

 

Jade Chocolates

Via the inspiring Algabar Tea & Lifestyle boutique in LA, I happily discovered Jade Chocolates, an Asian inspired gourmet chocolate collection with a wonderful story. Mindy Fong, the owner and self taught chocolatier started her business as a result of insatiable chocolate cravings during pregnancy and her inspirational entrepreneur grandfather. I love the packaging and unique chocolate designs, like the mango orchid bouquet and chocolate fan! Beautiful ideas for Asian inspired wedding and party favors!

Lucky Koi Wall Mural } Inspiration for your Nursery and Baby Shower!

One of my creative visions for an upcoming baby shower was the use of temporary or removable wall murals and artwork... Here's an awesome example of this idea by Anika, using Blik Wall Decals by Mel Lim and incorporating nursery decor with the baby shower. The amazing cake design was done by A Little Bit of Heaven. Luckily, I discovered all of this joyfulness by subscribing to BACE, the new Business and Creative Exchange blog by Mel Lim and her husband...check it out if you are an entrepreneur and looking for tips to make your creative business more joyful and more prosperous! Speaking of prosperous, I'd better feed my Koi fish! You can help me feed them too (see my Koi Pond in the left sidebar)

Doileez } by Modern Twist

I really adore these reusable silicone Doileez by Modern-Twist! "These food safe, hand-silk-screened Doileez, are easy to clean and provide a variety of uses. Use them under vases, table centerpieces or to decorate food presentations at parties."  Of course you know I'm lovin' the lotus shaped ones...Thanks to HWTM for this one!

Ming by ibride } The Ultimate Wedding Gift!

Via Better Living Through Design I discovered what I totally would have wanted for a wedding present! Check out Ming by ibride - a truly amazing set of 6 melamine bowls and platters that stack to form a beautiful vase. Inside each piece is a wonderful surprise of imagery depicting flora and fauna in green tones! Buy it here.

Global Tableware } The Mondo Collection by Rosanna

This Mondo Collection by Rosanna (Seattle) would have been perfect for my Green 4th of July party...but that's ok, these would work for any day of the year! These lovely dessert plates and mugs are part Taj Majal, part Bali, part Mediterranean and totally beautiful. The Mondo glassware is also global, modern and green - each set is hand made and decorated by Mexican artisans from completely recycled materials! Enter to win a Rosanna Shopping Spree via The Hostess Blog.

Bison Homewares } Handcrafted Ceramics from Australia

I'm gettin' love and color therapy from these beautiful handcrafted ceramics from Bison Homewares in Australia! Via Style Files.

Sea Thai Restaurant } Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

While in Brooklyn a couple of years ago, I fell in love with SEA, a hip and trendy Thai restaurant in the Williamsburg area. In my dreams I have an event space like this with a lotus pond and a DJ booth! Not only is SEA a restaurant but it also boasts nightlife and celebrity status. Since I'm on a little Sex and the City kick this week, I thought it would be a great time to mention that in Season 6 Samantha met her boyfriend Jerry for the first time (who was the waiter) at this restaurant which was posing as a raw food establishment call "Raw"!

*P.S. The LotusHaus blog is officially 1 year old as of yesterday! Thank you so much for joining me in this journey!

Tast.es } Modern Disposable Servingware

Via NotCot I discovered these absolutely stunning "disposable elements for catering" from a company in Barcelona called Tast. Don't you just adore the curves and forms? They're just so modern and futuristic! I would love to use these at my parties. But if these are disposable, I really hope that they're made from recycled and/or recyclable materials...

My Kind of Picnic!

These colorful tiered bento-style lunchboxes and tableware from Graham & Green make me want to party outside! These are from the UK but click here to purchase similar lunchboxes in the US.

1 Liter } The Most Beautiful & Functional Bottled Water for Entertaining

I was at World Market yesterday and picked up these AWESOME water bottles by Canadian company 1 Litre. With a built in cup and modern carafe style, I immediately thought these would make the most incredible and functional beverage offerings for a gift basket, guest room, bridal suite or VIP section. The design is streamline and you can also custom imprint your logo or name. Learn more about this innovative product here or purchase online here. (Of course, as always, be mindful and remember to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle)

Spicy Wedding Favors } Customized Spice Kits

Here's an idea for a global modern wedding favor ~ customized spice kits by Etsy seller PurposeDesign. You can have your name customized on the label and then choose from different world spice kits like Mexican, Thai, Italian, Southeast Asian or even just a simple Chai Tea kit. These would be great bridal party gifts or parents gifts. Click here for another spicy favor idea.

Modern Ice Scuptures } Okamoto Studios

Super cool...and Icy too! Feast your eyes on these unique ice buffets created by Okamoto Studios in New York. Via The Bride's Guide.

Algabar } Tea and Tranquility in LA

Beauty. Utility. Spirit. Oh my goodness, I need to get back out to LA...La Brea Avenue to be specific! Check out the Algabar Tea and Lifestyle store inspired by modern Chinoiserie and the art of living and giving. Here you will find a beautifully edited collection of Tea, Home Decor, Fragrance and Gourmet Foods. Algabar also features many unique events like tea and chocolate tastings, global flavor cooking classes, a hot tea bar, MarTEAnis and specialized catering.   I love the Algabar philosophy and it's tranquil and modern vibe!

Ovopur } Environmentally friendly water dispenser that looks like an egg

Today, I discovered Ovopur, an environmentally friendly and uber-cool looking water dispenser.
Via MocoLoco, I learned that the Ovopur:

1) Consumes no electricity. Instead it uses gravity to filter and revitalize tapwater, 2) The unit itself is made of porcelain, glass, and metal, and 3) Features a reusable, multilayer filter cartridge whose contents are 100% recyclable. The main reservoir can hold up to 11 liters of fresh water, with the water level indicated by the magnetic gauge. The filter cartridge uses a combination of KDF 55, activated carbon, microporous bioceramics and quartz crystal to remove impurities from the water.

Wowee! This is so global cool! Download the brochure and find out how this ingenious piece of work is inspired by Chinese Tradition.

Spring Asian Cookies } PopArtSweet's Etsy Shop

Etsy is such a great place for inspiration! I'm lovin' these artistic and Asian inspired cookies by PopArtSweet! Wouldn't these make fun baby shower, wedding or Easter gifts?

Easter Party Favor Idea } Organic Chocolates in Natural Sinamay Pouches

Here's a sweet idea for an organic Easter Party Favor! Wrap up some tasty organic chocolate easter eggs and bunnies from Sweet Earth using some colorful and natural fiber Sinamay pouches (A product of the Philippines!) from Plum Party, add some raffia ribbon plus a Bloom card and convey your sincerest Easter greetings! Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.  ~S.D. Gordon

Jin Patisserie } Please don't hide these Luxe Easter Eggs!

Celebrate Easter the right way with beautiful delectables from Jin Patisserie! I am so in love with the graphic beauty and super luscious styling of all things Jin. Check out the collection and online shop here (and enjoy the lovely twinkling music that plays after the jump)

Gifts for the Host } Thai Cafe at Home

 
I was delighted and intrigued when I found Thai Cafe at Home which gives the gift of cuisine with dinner or lunch recipes and Thai cooking staples housed in a gorgeous silk box.  Perfect for the internationally inclined host or wedding couple!