Skip to Content

Hot on StyleList:

 

vase

Lily Lodge Flowers the Antidote to Boring Red Roses on Valentine's Day


Tired of overpriced not particularly beautiful red roses that often don't even open for Valentine's Day? Maybe your significant other doesn't even like roses? One woman I know married the man who finally figured out her favorite flowers were tulips and showed up with a bouquet of her favorite flowers rather than roses on Valentine's Day. Regardless of the reason, there are options available for those who want to give truly beautiful flowers to that important person in your life.

Ariana Lambert Smeraldo the owner of Lily Lodge, a spectacular flower shop in Los Angeles, California is no stranger to designer style. She was appointed West Coast Director of Stores and Public Relations of Bottega Veneta in 1998. It is not surprising that her store offers so much more than just the run-of-the-mill red roses. Just like many grandmothers have whispered to their granddaughters over the years that the women who choose Bottega know that their own initials are enough, Lily Lodge offers up floral arrangements for those with quiet but exquisite taste. Ariana understands that a combination of beautiful raw materials, a trademark style and understated elegance will always be chic.

The Killing of a Piggy Bank

Filed under: Art

killing a piggy bank
This delicate little piggy bank vase is unexpectedly attractive considering it's meant to represent the ushering in of digital currency and the extinction of physical money, paused at the exact moment the hammer hits the piggy. I suspect in this recession some will also be inspired to see it as representative of the need to break into savings to survive. The Killing of a Piggy Bank is the result of a collaboration between Marcel Wanders and Royal Delft for Moooi, and is the latest addition to the Delft Blue Collection of porcelain vases. $1,288

Beekman 1802 Launches B.1802 Rural Artist Collective

Filed under: Decor

One of the biggest trends lately has been a return to the classic crafts. For the past few years knitting has had a huge resurgence. The last year has seen the canning trend take off around the nation. Beekman 1802 a farm and mercantile which focuses on all things handmade, artisanal, and seasonal has announced the B.1802 Rural Artist Collective. The new project celebrates the skills of craftsfolk producing beautiful handmade items. One of their first collaborations is with Master Blacksmith Michael McCarthy.

McCarthy has traveled to West Africa to study with blacksmiths and learn traditional methods. He is one of the few working blacksmiths remaining in America and he even travels to West Virginia a few times a year to mine his own ore. He has created a few pieces for the Beekman 1802 Mercantile. The first is the B.1802 Iron Block. The block is designed to be a multi-purpose object. It can be a vase, a candleholder, paperweight and more. The very sturdy piece comes in two sizes 1/2 stone (7lb) for $95 and 1 full stone (14lb) for $125. The collective is also selling a delicately detailed hand-forged B. 1802 Fruit Spoon which was created using authentic 18th century spoon mold and has the look of an antique.

How To Care for Your Fine Crystal

Filed under: Decor

baccarat crystalCaring for and protecting for your fine crystal is important and should be done properly. Here are a few tips, courtesy of the experts at Baccarat, which has been creating some of the world's finest hand-crafted crystal since it was established in France in 1764.

Can Baccarat crystal be washed in the dishwasher?

Yes. Select the "fragile" or "average temperature" cycle on your dishwasher (the temperature should not exceed 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit). Separate and prop up the glasses so that the force of the water does not move them or knock them into each other.

Baccarat further recommends using "gentle dish washing tablets" designed especially by Baccarat to protect the crystal's original radiance. These gentle care tablets are suitable for washing your crystal by hand or in the dishwasher, perfect for preserving the crystal's radiance and shine.

Are their any tips for washing fine crystal by hand?

If washed by hand, each glass should be washed separately so that they do not bump into each other. Rinse the glass under running water, with the bowl facing down, and finish by rinsing the base

How should fine crystal be dried after it is cleaned?

Place the glasses on a thin cotton or linen cloth or on absorbent paper. Dry the glasses with caution by placing the thumb outside and turning the glass towards you. Always hold the glass by the stem to avoid excessive pressure. Use a thin cotton or linen cloth (one which is not fluffy) and arrange the glasses in their boxes or place them upright.

How to care for crystal decanters

It is better not to leave the wine in the decanter after use and to rinse it immediately with clear water. To absorb the humidity inside the decanter, place a long thin cloth or some absorbent paper inside the decanter and leave it in place for a few hours. Should there be colored marks inside the decanter, place alcohol, vinegar and coarse salt inside, shake and rinse.

How you should care for fine crystal vases

Hard water can damage the crystal and leave a water line on the upper part of the vase, says Baccarat. If there is no mineral water available, it is recommended to change the water level daily when changing the water. If your vase is heavy and bulky, and thus difficult to move, we suggest to not fill up the vase completely but to add water or even ice cubes on a daily basis.

How to care for fine crystal chandeliers

Baccarat recommends that very large chandeliers be maintained by experienced professionals who know how to take them apart, to clean each part and to place everything back correctly. Small and medium sized chandeliers should be dusted regularly in order to avoid more integral cleaning procedures. Here's how: Put on a pair of cotton gloves soaked in methylated spirits and rub gently the crystal pearls and ornaments. Methylated spirits evaporate very quickly, so soak your gloves into the spirits from time to time while cleaning. The result is astounding, but be careful not to clean around flames as methylated spirits are highly flammable.

How to care for crystal candlesticks

Do not stick wax candles into candlestick holders by using melted wax. Baccarat recommends the use of non-drip candles. In case the wax sticks to the candlestick holders, gently wipe it away by using lukewarm water or methylated spirits. Baccarat also recommends not letting the candles burn down entirely (leave approximately 3 inches standing). The contact with a flame could make the crystal burst.

How to care for crystal decorative items

Clean them with a soft cloth. Anti-static detergents help to protect the items from dust.

Christofle Palm Vase

Filed under: Decor


Fall is a wonderful time for cut flowers, not to mention with the holidays coming up soon everybody will be bringing and buying bouquets as gifts, but this beautiful Tall Palm Vase by Christofle will mostly likely only be enjoyed by a select few due to its sky high price tag of $16,000. Designed by Michele Oka Doner and intended to capture the elemental essence of a palm frond, it's made of Christofle silver in a limited edition of 50, signed and numbered. 13 3/4" high.

Heath Ceramics Summer Collection

Filed under: Dining


Heath Ceramics' newest seasonal collection features an upscale picnic bag that comes with a caddy and two three-piece place settings, plus features a wine slot and and a pocket for linens and flatware. The bag is multi-purpose and is "made to last a lifetime (just like your Heathware), from industrial materials," by designer/maker S. Stein in Santa Fe, N.M. Available April 1-October 1, picnic set, $548; bag alone, $348. Comes in persimmon (shown) and olive (see gallery).

The collection also offers a variety of pieces that don't look especially summery (the colors are more fall-like) but are nice enough to use all year, indoors or out. They are: two styles of bowl, a bud vase, a bud vase set, a bulb vase, two single-stem vases, a vase set with all three kinds, and a two- or four-cup set. See the gallery for a few photos of these simple, lovely pieces.

Via Food & Wine.

Piso, a Sculptural Vase

Filed under: Decor


I love big groupings of vases because they usually mean big groupings of flowers, although this group of sculptural Piso vases might just be prettier without blooms. Designed by Olav Slingerland, each Piso is available in your choice of 7 bright colors and has a tilted round opening leading down to a simple, squared off base. Can be equally impressive as a single element, as part of a small group, or like this in a larger mass of haphazard colors and directions. Made of porcelain, each Piso measures 2.5" x 2.5" x 11" and sells for $109 individually or $1,374 for a group of 16.

Uranium Thickie Vase by Esque Design

Filed under: Decor, Art

The vase shown here won't be sitting on your table anytime soon unless your table is very very sturdy. This heavy glass vase from esque design was made by layering thin veils of color-including greenish uranium glass amidst clear glass and it weighs a hefty 40 pounds. The exterior has a rough surface created through careful carving and polishing. The vase sells for $6,400.

Ed Branson Cloaked Vases

Filed under: Decor

From a renovated apple barn in Massachusetts, glass artist Ed Branson creates distinctive masterpieces of color and shape. He strives to "freeze the movement of glass in a natural, beautiful form" and he has succeeded with these vases. Combining graceful fluidity with brightly hued organic shapes, his Cloaked Vases capture and hold the eye. Available in a variety of rich colors, these stunning pieces would add a dramatic touch of modernism to any room. Prices begin at $650 for a small vase.

Caleb Siemon Barrel Vase

Filed under: Decor


Glass blowing is a centuries old art form that continues to evolve in the hands of modern artists. Artist Caleb Simeon draws on his training with a Venetian master sculptor and traditional Italian glass blowing techniques to create highly collectible, beautiful works of art. In his gently curved Barrel Vase, the rich bands of colors appear to be slowly melting into one another. The result is a striking piece that feels moody and mysterious, despite the bright hues. $870.

Union Street Glass

Filed under: Decor


Union Street Glass is no fly-by-night operation, Glassblower Guy Corrie and his wife and business partner Leanne first started their business in 1980. Now the company has a 10,000 square foot studio in Richmond, CA. Guy works with a small team of artists making light fixtures, lamps and other glass objects. They have also worked with a production team in the Czech Republic to develop a line of stemware. The pieces come in several different product lines each with an overarching design sense. My favorite is the Urchin, brightly colored pieces with crystal spikes. These pieces are all handmade in their Northern California studio. The elliptical platter shown here comes in ten vivid colors and sells for $770.

Arim Candle Holder and Bud Vases

Filed under: Decor


These Arim Candle Holder and Bud Vases are inspired by contemporary influences combined with ancient Turkish forms. Mouth blown out of lead-free crystal, the slim stems and pastel coloring fits well with their name (arim), which in Turkish means "sweetheart." It's too bad they don't make a variety of sizes, as I'd love a grouping all bunched together with white blooms in each, but that's not to say one as part of a summer centerpiece wouldn't be gorgeous also. They are only available in two colors, green and blue, and are actually quite tall at 14". $215 each.

Carlo Moretti Palude Vase

Filed under: Decor

Bright colors, bold blocks, and fine lines define this Palude Vase by Carlo Moretti. Athough the photo makes it look a little bigger to me than it actually is (just under a foot tall), I love the thick glass and almost child-like design. Handmade in Italy, this would work well to bring a dose of life to a dull corner or break up blocks of solid color in an arrangement of objects. I'm a fresh flowers fanatic, but nothing is coming to mind right away in regards to what kinds of blooms would look best in this vase -- it really looks great all on its own. 11.5" x 6.75" x 3.5", $774.

Jonathan Adler Giant Belly Vase

Filed under: Decor

Depending on the particular piece, I usually find myself drawn to a strange mix of both surprisingly simple designs and completely over-the-top and unique ones. This Giant Belly Vase, by Jonathan Adler, would of course be the former. I just love how they describe it on the site: as a "ceramic skin stretched over an invisible armature like a Japanese paper lantern," and I think it's simple, classic, and beautiful. Made of high-fired stoneware it's available in either a matte white glaze or "ultra chic" platinum, and it stands 21" high. $425.

Crushed Glass Vase

Filed under: Decor

Spring and summer are my favorite seasons because, among other reasons, I just love cut flowers so much. It's still a little early for anything homegrown, but I'm starting to get really inspired and excited -- and it's almost as much fun coming inside and finding the perfect vase for a bouquet as it is to pick out the flowers themselves.

I can totally picture a big gorgeous bunch of daisies (I love simple flowers) in this subtly sparkling and handcrafted Crushed Glass Vase in amethyst. 16" high and 6 1/2" wide at top. $66.95.

Featured Galleries

Aperion SLIMstage30 Speaker System
Fortis Spaceleader Volkswagen Design White Watch
Gustafsson & Sjogren Stockholm watches
Sensai Summer Skin Care and Makeup Must-Haves
Four Season Provence
Casa Noble Tequila
Turks & Caicos Style
Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver Watch New Colors
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Aronde 1954 Watch