Modern Handmade Dinnerware Trends For Contemporary Table Settings

 My big thing is looking at how we as consumers want value but not at the cost of everything being the same.  I'm in love with everything that feels like it has been made by hand and a has a strong sense of provenance like this Rural outfit by Imke Klee and Looks like paper porcelain plates by Annett Janowiak 

Flick'r star Sayaka Minemura found this dinnerware set at Matsumoto Craft Fair in Japan. I adore the idea of using a familiar, disposable object such as the paper plate and transforming it into a cherished ceramic dinner plate. The uneven edge of the plate adds character and a feeling of one-of-a-kind to what is considered a mass produced product. The humble Wooden fork and spoon is by Ryuji Mitani

Beautiful, natural and informal linens like Lauren Kovin's textiles I believe make a dining table warm and inviting. Great food alone isn't enough. Serving dishes and dinner sets that feel like they're handmade is reminiscent of the love, time, care and skill you have put into making a meal. I'm currently in love with  Pure Deigns sandstone and porcelain collection.

 

Accessorise your table with products that include natural materials like the Balloon & Seasoning Shaker by Masayuki Kurokawa available from K-Shop. Boiled eggs photo by Charlie Engman

Imperfect is the new perfect. Wonky and not ironed is OK. Metropolis bowls by De Intuïtiefabriek. Natural linen trousers available from Etsy shop Blood Orange Thing's.

I am always looking for simplicity, function and beautifully made objects. Homogenous mass market product is a thing of the past. I guess this post is a small stone against the flood of mass manufacturing increasingly dominating design. Photo of linen trousers by Joe Bonomo. Dinner setting photo by Sayaka Minemura

Watch Movie For Extra Inspiration

Breakfast

Photos by tomo koh 

 Breakfast is my favourite meal! From poached eggs to crusty bread with lashings of butter and home made jam... YUM! I love it even more when I sit around a table with my fiance and friends. Eating with others can bring people together. It's here around a table eating good food when bonds are formed and sustained. It's a time when to listen, inform indulge and entertain each other. In a society that values individualism at the expense of community I can't think of a better way to start the day by simply sharing warmth, love and having a sense of belonging. Oh yeah and a full belly in the morning means a better working brain during the day. Remember this next time you try to skip breakie. Tomo Koh from Tokyo captures my favourite part of the day perfectly.

Basil Infused Vodka

photos by Jen Gotch

The weekend is coming up and I thought this recipe for infusing vodka with basil wasn't a bad idea to kick it off.  It's very easy and a great way to spice up your average vodka. I really like this on the rocks or in a Bloody Mary...(hick-up)

Ingredients:

• 2 large sprigs of basil
• 750ml bottle of premium vodka
• infusion jar with tight-sealing lid

Preparation:

1. Rinse the basil to remove any unwanted chemicals. There is no need to chop or remove the stems.
2. Place the basil into a clean quart-sized mason jar.
3. Fill the jar with vodka.
4. Secure the lid on the jar and shake well.
5. Store the infusion in a dark place at room temperature for 4 days.
6. Strain the vodka through a coffee filter into a seperate container.
7. Store as you would any other vodka.

Entertaining at home

Footage by James Whitaker

I want to ask you a question straight up. Do you entertain at home? Are you one of those people who loves inviting friends to your pad and creating a 3 course dinner or perhaps you choose a more casual affair? Or are you someone who prefers to meet friends at cafes, pubs or restaurants instead of having them in your little sanctuary. Me I love having people over. But I want to hear how you entertain or not.

British Tea Party!

photo of Nicki by Rowland Scott Smith

This is my friends wedding I went to last Saturday. I have been to a lot of weddings and I believe this has been my favourite! Why? It was fun. Sharing cake, tea, and sandwiches mixed with dancing in an old school community hall brought the nostalgia of England to this modern day wedding. The bride, groom and his mum searched all the local charity stores for months collecting a mishmash of vintage china. The result is beautiful, colourful and playful. Check out the grooms amazing paintings on Charlie Cobb

Design For Life Not Magazine Covers!

I was at my local bookshop today and saw the design magazine Icon. They asked Brit designer Jasper Morrison to design their front cover. The result is a minimal white cover with his scribbled handwriting on it saying design for life not magazine covers! Wow what a statement. I remember graphic design guru Vince Frost telling me don't design for design sake. When you look at the tactile photos of Jessica Backhaus you soon realize there is real beauty and inspiration in the most surprising and ordinary places. The stupid thing is most magazines would pass on showing you this kind of home . If I had a penny for each house my editors passed up to be featured in their magazine because they did not tick certain boxes I would be a very wealthy girl. I have been wondering lately how many gems have been lost in the old rejection pile. I think it's time for a revolution! Just as rock-chick Beth Ditto bared all and looked HOT on the front cover of Love magazine it's time to see homes with real soul making it on the cover of the big glossies looking as seductive and alluring as Beth! With a photographer with a great eye like Jessica it can happen. I would love to know what you would like to see in your magazines.