Friday, November 26, 2010

Thanksgiving Table + The Arbour



Patti and I thought we would share our Thanksgiving table setting with all of our wonderful customers.  This year since we had a smaller Thanksgiving than previous years, we could really focus on the table.  I was busy in the kitchen, so it was mostly up to Patti and I have to admit, I was enamored when I saw the finished product.

It was a casual day of entertaining at Patti’s house, so she really wanted the table to look special, but not formal.  I think she succeeded!  I had a very successful day in the kitchen and my mother had one of her own in the dining room. We hope you had as amazing of a holiday as we did and we are so thankful that we have such kind and loyal customers!

The Arbour’s Tips for a Perfect Table Setting

Keep it simple and seasonal. For the centerpiece, Patti used only fresh greens in an antique English footed wood bowl.  Real gourds and two different types of votives nestled among cedar and fresh bay leaves cut from the backyard added the seasonal aspect to the table.  It was definitely Thanksgiving!


Have a vision in mind.  In this instance, Patti’s was homey elegance.  By choosing a warmer color palette and no flowers, the table came across as being comfortable, yet the crystal glassware and gold accents upped the ante.


Mix it up.  Casual and formal, old and new; it can co-exist on one table!  Patti was able to incorporate crystal glassware and antique gold serving pieces alongside cotton napkins and rattan chargers.  It doesn’t have to all match!


Add texture when possible.  The rattan round chargers and the cedar greens directly on the table made the whole look softer.


Have fun and enjoy the creative process.  There is no wrong way!

In the next few weeks we will be doing the same thing for Christmas.  Patti and I will create not one, but two tables using most of the same items, but achieving two very different looks with a few simple changes.  Until then, enjoy the holiday shopping and festivities!

Jen

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

New at The Arbour - Holiday and Blog Design!

It’s that time of year again!  The holidays are fast approaching and after a lot of pleading on your part, we decided to put up our first round of holiday merchandise on Saturday.  More is coming, but in the meantime, take a gander at these pictures.  Of course nothing is better though than coming in and seeing it in person….

Also, I attempted to slightly redesign our blog to give it more of a modern look.  The background image will change with the seasons, so for the next few months, enjoy the birch trees!

Jen







Monday, November 1, 2010

Michael Aram at The Arbour + Special Offer


This month, our featured line is Michael Aram!  For the last several years, The Arbour has carried his wonderful creations.  Instantly recognizable, stylish and loved by everyone, Michael Aram pieces are ones to cherish and collect.  In fact, most of the design clients Patti and Ann have worked with over the years have ended up with a Sona Vessel in their home.  As per his website, Michael Aram is an American born artist who turned to metalwork after a trip to India in the late 1980s, spurring him to move to New Dehli and set up a workshop.  Every piece is entirely handmade ensuring those who buy Michael Aram pieces are getting a true work of art crafted by gifted artisans.  His work falls in a realm somewhere in between fine and decorative art meaning items are both beautiful and entirely functional, something we can all appreciate in this day and age.

At the gift show in New York this past August, Patti was very inspired by the Michael Aram booth and his new additions so she put in a much larger order than usual in preparation for the gift-giving season that we are all finding ourselves face to face with.   Come in and see his new fruit collection, including a fabulous apple dish and stock up on easy holiday gifts for friends and family alike.  EVERYONE loves Michael Aram, regardless of age or home style!

For the next two weeks, The Arbour is happy to extend 15% off on all Michael Aram, both in store and special orders.  Hurry in before November 15 to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to purchase a piece (or two!) made by a cherished member of the global decorative art community.

Jen