Author: <span>Anne Collins Howard</span>

Published July 30, 2007 by

Lucky Koi Table

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I can be such a klutz at the dinner table; I try never to wear white when having a meal. Perhaps eating with a lucky Koi fish could help me out? The Tozai Koi round table is bound to bring you good fortune, or at least great style. The golden carp is painted on a white porcelain top. The natural luster and color of the table is a pure milky white that paint could never capture. Though porcelain may make fellow klutzies a little nervous, it is a dazzling medium for a table. It makes you feel like you are eating on fine china even if you are eating off a napkin.

Koi Design round table, $1,275: TozaiHome.com

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tables

Published July 27, 2007 by

Summer Placemats

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It is July, and my soft spot for little fishies is back. I cant help being a sucker for this summer theme, so when I saw this place mat, I wanted to call up a group of friends, make mango salsa, grill salmon, and have a feast on my patio. Now, not just any guppy can get me going like this—it’s the simple school pattern, the net-like stitching, and the perfect blue cotton that got me hooked. Zodax’s mats have surpassed the kitsch and elevated the Blue Water Fish placemat to this summers essential.

Blue Water Fish Place Mat by Zodax, $15 each; DickieWalker.com

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table linens tabletop

Published July 25, 2007 by

Fringe Frames

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It’s good to have a stash of presents handy. You never know when you may get that invite to a friends beach house or to a catered dinner party—but you want to be ready when you do. These frames from Fringe Studio are like the “break glass in case of emergency” of gift giving. They come wrapped in a chocolate linen box so you can grab one and go; the placeholder picture is so gorgeous the recipient doesn’t even have to add photography; and the border is so original, your good taste will ensure oft-repeated invites. The flora-and-fauna decoration is captured under beveled glass and adorned by an antique copper beaded edge. An easel back means that it can be displayed vertically or horizontally. This frame is made to impress, so buy in bulk and be the ever-ready, ever-fabulous guest.

Fringe Frames, 4×6 frame, $32 and 5×7 frame, $35: at VonMaur; 877-866-6287; VonMaur.com

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accessories picture frames

Published July 23, 2007 by

The Ultimate Bedspread Compromise

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Florence duvet from Haute Home

Im not married yet, but I can only imagine the battle of the sexes that must ensue when couples decorate their first bedroom. She wants Shabby Chic floral and he wants Boy Scout khaki. My future Mr. Wonderful will obviously know I wear the design pants in the family, but I know better than to subject him to pink toile. The compromise? Haute Home’s new bedspreads. The Tracey pattern in green bamboo is gender-neutral but style-strong. And if you catch him in moment of weakness, run the Florence duvet by him, it is a bit more feminine but so gorgeous he’ll learn to love it.

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bedding soft goods