Trends or Style

TRENDS OR STYLE

A very good question to ask, you often hear about the latest trends in home décor, often its a colour that you think is a little out of place, well for me PURPLE as last winters on trend colour made me a little nervous.

Table Tops in a Box really looks at what would suit all decors, not restricted by the minimalistic, industrial and neutrals  styles/trends that have really dominated home décor for quiet some time now, its about creating your own style, your own trend, your own personality rather than following what  everyone else is doing.

Determining a style can also be about textures, what makes you feel good about yourself, at the moment  organic cottons, weaves, wood and natural fibres is a current style at Table Tops in a Box, with organic cotton cushions in mustard, slate grey and cream.  Matched with oversized throws also in the organic cotton, then mixed with a 'Vintage' Indian blanket, (with fabulous patches and reversible).

The table features a linen tablecloth with cream ribbon edging, reed style placemats with screen printed circle designs, the centre of the table features an 'Antiler Horn' made of teak, green accents in bowls and glasses bring the touch of colour to the table palette.  Horn spoons, wooden napkin rings with linen napkins bring it all together. 

These combinations are reflecting some of the on trends directives but are also allowing personality to come into the style, the touch of colour on the table, the reversible vintage throw, allow for the colour of your personality, little touches that become statements in the design.

The images will show you how it all comes together, Table Tops in a Box offers a fee to style your current home décor, it may be just as simple as taking the clutter out, changing the layout and introducing some statement items, a rug, new cushions and a new table décor style.

The fee charged is redeemable back on line or in store, this offer is for Sydney only but the team are happy to give advice if you email photos to libby@tabletopsinabox.com.au we might be of some help remotely.

Trends or Style, I think a combination of both is the key to successful home décor if you use textures, and also add colour to fit your personality you certainly will achieve your style.

Table Accessories

Dear Customers We recently launched a new section on our website called 'Table Accessories' where we sell beautiful decor for your home and table, predominantly focused on ethical manufacturing processes, so you will find some unique home or gift products available now and ongoing. Just recently back from a sourcing trip Table Tops in a Box endeavours to find ranges that are not stocked by other outlets, so you will find now online some amazing new products like the following: Batik Boats in beautiful blue tones, metal/white Sailing Boats, a Wall Hanging in the shape of a Spoon, Knife and Fork for the kitchen, A hanging rack in the shape of Old Fashion Taps, Batik Frames and Stools, Crochet Glass Votives, Stunning ceramic bowls from Portugal and hand painted and crafted boxes just to name a few. We'd love you to spread the word about Table Tops in a Box to your friends and family, we are not just Table Decor, we are a destination for fine quality, mainly 'Fair Trade' and or ethically manufactured home decor. Visit now at www.tabletopsinabox.com.au if you find any technical difficulties or would prefer to deal directly with the source we can be reached at libby@tabletopsinabox.com.au so just an email away. New ranges will be uploaded onto the website over the coming weeks and months. We are about quality, so our ranges in the Table Decor are 100% cotton, 'Fair Trade' manufactured, we are in the process manufacturing ROUND TABLECLOTHS these will be available around August timeframe, so enjoy reviewing our products and don't hesitate to tell family and friends to like our Face book Page at : https://www.facebook.com/TableTopsinaBox - we thank you for your time and we do hope you and your family and friends will visit our online store soon. For Sydneysiders we are located at shop1/306 Bronte Road, Waverley in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney - if you feel like visiting we are open Monday to Saturday 10-5pm and then most Sundays 10 - 4pm unless otherwise advised. Cheers,Table Tops in a Box

SETTING A STUNNING MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH TABLE

MAKE MUM'S BRUNCH A SPECIAL ONE

In a week's time you will be celebrating that special person, who usually holds the family together, she's there no matter, running you to school when you are late, arranging that special birthday celebration, helping you choose your clothes, or they just appear, and most importantly providing the all important meals each day, so delicious.

So on Sunday its your turn to make the best 'Mother's Day' brunch of all time, most importantly the table décor will look stunning if you take these simple steps.

Some simple steps to make the table look amazing:

1. Table Runner - centre down the middle of the table

2. Flowers in small vases work from the centre where you position a cluster of 4-5 vases differing heights, then measure approximately 40cm either side of the centre vases and have another cluster of 4-5 vases, this give space to place food platters in between the vases.  At the moment, varying styles of flowers, mingled works well with touches of babies breathe (yes back in style).

3. Place your placemats, cutlery, napkin with napkin ring at each setting, with your glasses to the right hand side of each setting.

4. Attended touches is the placing of name tags, these can be luggage tags with jute rope, tie around the stem of one of the glasses.

So simple but it will impress, if you need the table décor, just view the ranges on the site www.tabletopsinabox.com.au or come into the concept store where one of the staff can assist in bringing the table design and décor together for you, we try to make it as easy as possible.

Now for the menu, I highly recommend Taste.com and its an excuse to have a delicious brunch like Eggs Benedict, so take a look you will find the easy steps to any menu. 

Table Tops in a Box also has a special coupon at check out with any purchase of $50 or more on Table Runners and Napkins just use the word MUM to receive your 25% discount, plus there is a special on the pink ranges across all styles.



Mother's Day should be Magical

Various sizes of vases with florals

A Special Something, What could that be?

A Special Something, What could that be?

Finding that special something and the journey you go on to find it, to discover it can be just as special as the feeling when you find it.

I think this makes sense, I just love going on discovery journey's which is usually when I go on my sourcing trips to Bali, Indonesia.  I use social media, magazines, word of mouth to plan the discovery journey which usually takes about a month to plan.

I know, I hear you saying plan when you are on a discovery journey, well my business name is 'The Number One Organiser' so I just can't help myself, with 10 days to find 'A Special Something' I do need to research and structure the journey a little.

One find which was via Instagram where I came across to beautiful young, talented girls who are digitally printing their paintings and designs onto fabric and making cushion covers and bags, purses which are just divine.  I felt like I knew Putri and Fitri before even approaching their market stall in Sanur.

The products are now available in my concept store, Table Tops in a Box at shop 1/306 Bronte Road, Waverley and I'm happy to take orders via email at libby@tabletopsinabox.com.au

My other great 'Special Something' was finding Andrea and Nyoman from Bali Zen, they are two wonderful people that run an incredibly ethical business in Bali, they manufacture the Table Tops in a Box ranges, all 'Fair Trade' - the ranges are handmade and the quality is difficult to describe.

It took three trips to Bali to find them, I was so passionate about being ethical in the manufacturing processes, so watch this space there are some really beautiful ranges coming at the end of the year.

In the meantime, you can find 'A Special Something' for Mother's Day right here at Table Tops in a Box, either online at www.tabletopsinabox.com.au or visit the store at 1/306 Bronte Road, Waverley NSW or email libby@tabletopsinabox.com.au we'd be happy to mail any item you might be interested in especially in time for Mother's Day.

Special gift wrapping is available.

A photo of the Oceanbellz market stall in Sanur, I was so thrilled to meet them, it felt like I knew them so well due to following them on Instagram for a period of time. 

Avail in store is the Shell and Frangipani cushion covers, cosmetic purse, casual purse with leather strap.

Table Tops in a Box | simple style |simple impact | simply stunning

Simple Style| Simple Impact| Simply Stunning

Table Tops in a Box offers so much more than just table décor, it offers a simple solution to your table décor, the ranges are simply stunning and feature FAIR TRADE manufactured cotton table runners, table cloths, napkins and candle covers, that all match to give any dining table a simple style with simple impact.

Having the dining table set doesn't come naturally to everyone, its an opportunity for the family to have that great conversation, share the day, enjoy the meal and enjoy the way the dining table is styled.

It doesn't take much to make the impact, especially if Table Tops in a Box has already done the styling for you, simply make a choice of colour to match your home décor, its about everyday living, with simple style.

Entertaining is also made easy, linen features in the table cloths and napkins, two colours teal or natural - casual elegant style, runners in the Ikatbatik style are also available in amazing indigo and indigo with gold designs - avail only in the concept store at 1/306 Bronte Road, Waverley.

Ideas and inspiration for table designs, on trend is the cooper look in vases and candle holder, with another inspiration, various sized bottles with tapered candles - photos show styles that can be easily replicated - for more inspiration just visit www.tabletopsinabox.com.au now!

A gift online saves time

A Gift online saves time!

Table Tops in a Box is offering  special Christmas Gift deliveries, fully wrapped with your own personalised gift card, just make a notation of the message you'd like on the card and the team at Table Tops in a Box will ensure it happens especially for that special person.

This season the Box Sets make the perfect gits, with the Mix N Match Patchwork and Floral Design with Dots and Stripes available in over 6 colours.  The four place settings are beautifully presented in the Table Tops in a box, branded box which enables easy storage.

The Christmas Box sets are also available and you might want to add some extra Christmas trees, the pink mixed in with the Turquoise setting is just stunning or the green trees mixed with the Red settings is truly traditional.


www.tabletopsinabox.com.au  is your one stop gift shopping location this Festive Season, with Christmas Decorations and Accessories as two new sections on the website, the Christmas decorations features stunning Batik covered Christmas Trees avail in Red and Natural RRP $59.95 plus the wall hangings Fork, Knife and Spoon for just RRP $85.00 you will find in the Accessories section, including votives and other amazing gifts.

If you need advice or want to send us a photo of your table so we can make suggestions just email us libby@tabletopsinabox.com.au and we'd be so happy to assist, we know the how to tips of styling and will be happy to match the table décor with your home décor easily.

Remember not only do we feature the bright alfresco table settings, we have a full range of styles so we'd be more than happy to email you back some suggestions with photos for you to make your final choice.

If entertaining we also offer the service of styling your dinner party, we charge an hourly rate, so please don't hesitate make enquiries on this service as well, we are only happy to assist.

Enjoy your Christmas Shopping by making a visit to Table Tops in a Box and if you are someone that likes to look and feel before purchasing and live in Sydney visit us at shop 1/306 Bronte Road, Waverley as we now have a concept store.

Runner or Table Cloth

Runner of Table Cloth

Many people ask me if they should use a tablecloth or table runner, my view is you can use both, it can look fantastic and give that pop of colour either way.

A plain block coloured tablecloth say in a turquoise can look amazing with a pattern mix n match yellow table runner, with the matching napkins in the mix n match, as one of the napkins also has the turquoise featured in a stripe.  Finish the setting with the yellow rope placemat and coaster, the ceramic yellow napkin rings finished with the mix n match yellow votive candles in the larger size to finish the table setting.  The photo shows the look with a white tablecloth which also looks great especially at Easter.

An alternative to the traditional tablecloth is the oil skin cloths from Mexico, they are usually in vibrant bright floral prints and they look incredible with a dot runner, we decided to do a 'Festival' styled table in store one week, the photo shows how amazing it looked.  The oil skin cloths are only avail in the concept store, you can order via email.

Another version of this is the classic black and white dot table cloth with red, black and white featured accessories, placemat, napkins, napkin rings its a classic look, which you can easily replica at home.

The table cloths on line all work exceptionally well with the table runners, you can easily coordinate the look from any of the ranges.  Need help just email at libby@tabletopsinabox.com.au or call on 0400401448 as we are happy to assist.

Mexican Tablecloth with rope placemat and dot runner, matching napkin with ceramic napkin ring, Mateus bowls and butterflies as accessories.

Mexican Oil Skin Tablecloths look amazing as an alternative to the fabric tablecloths, enquiries libby@tabletopsinabox.com.au

 

Classic tablecloth in white, with yellow mix n match table runner to give the pop of colour, typical Easter Setting



100% Cotton Tablecloths

Spring into Summer with Alfresco Entertaining

It's time to Entertain!

I really think that Spring/Summer is the best time to entertain, especially when your other half can share with the cooking by firing up the BBQ.

I've shared a few new recipes on the Facebook page, a special favourite is the watermelon and orange salad it is so delicious and its from Martha Stewart herself.  So if you haven't liked the Table Tops in a Box Facebook page, you should because recipes is one of my favourite things to post and research.

Some handy hints if you want to spruce up your home, especially effective ways to add some life into your living/dining areas.

Since opening my concept store, 1/306 Bronte Road, Waverley NSW I've been ranging the amazing 'Fab Rugs' - sustainable product that you can utilize either indoors or out, these rugs come in 4 sizes and can really define especially an outside dining area.  They come in many colours and styles, affordable as they start in price in my concept store from $66 - $134 - which are great prices.  So that's one step to give your outdoor entertaining area a lift (a hint you just hose them to clean).

Indoors, its so easy to just change your cushions, you can add a real energy into your living  room by introducing new colours in your cushions and don't be afraid to mix n match, its ok to have stripes with floral, trust me! 

Your dining tables both indoor and outdoor should also be given a lift and there is no better way than to add a table runner, these runners can be used 24/7 and is another way to tie in your new colour scheme in your cushions, remember textures and dimensions when styling a new look.

These are simple tips, and if you'd like I am happy to help with any ideas, either come into store or email me at libby@tabletopsinabox.com.au - it helps if you have photos so I can see the room and your current colour scheme and style.

Alfresco table place setting, white wash placemat, with Mateus Bowl, blue napkin with wooden napkin ring, batik runner.

Cushions that work in with the Alfresco table place setting, use of the central colour blue, defines the colour scheme and style of the living room.

 



Chevron mat, defines the dining table area, bold statement in black and white, contrasts with table décor, ideal colour and design for most table settings.

Life As a Table

I'm feeling a little undressed, I've been left like this for some time, no dinners, no friends over or even set with a casual array of nibbles, I can't explain how it feels to be so undressed.

As a table you like to have a little bit of dressing even if its a table runner, with a big bowl when the table isn't being used at meal times.

Then there is the daily dinner time, the runner remains and then the everyday placemats come out, I love the ones with the floral screen printing, with a little fringe, especially the orange ones, they match the runner and for a pop of fun the orange dot napkins with wooden napkin ring, really make me happy.

The formal dinners are my most favourite, especially the Alfresco ones, what I mean by that is a casual yet stylish table setting, with one of the black block colour runner, the white shell placemats, black napkins with cream ceramic napkin rings, the centre of the table is filled with various size and heights as well of glass vases, filled with small shells, as opposed to floral, votive candle as mood lighting, the Mateus lace design platter in stone, with matching oyster bowls in stone make an amazing table setting. Black glasses and water jug, bring another dimension of style.  It's like wearing formal attire that flows and floats, is the best way to describe how this table setting makes me feel, with a touch of a sea breeze, with the shell touches.

Now I'm feeling dressed as a table should feel, guess what?  My most favourite table dressing is at Christmas time and that's only 11 weeks away, so don't forget to dress your table it can make them feel very shy and embarrassed.

Colour Effects

I would imagine if you follow my website and product ranges you can tell I love colour, the minimal neutrals don't inspire or make me feel happy, I LOVE COLOUR and at time mix them together including patterns and designs, my old colour painting teacher used to call me 'Electric Libby' - even my water colour painting were bright and vibrant, so I wanted to share some theories behind colour with you in the post!      I just added more to detail to this post, enjoy reading! RED. Physical Positive: Physical courage, strength, warmth, energy, basic survival, 'fight or flight', stimulation, masculinity, excitement. Negative: Defiance, aggression, visual impact, strain. Being the longest wavelength, red is a powerful colour. Although not technically the most visible, it has the property of appearing to be nearer than it is and therefore it grabs our attention first. Hence its effectiveness in traffic lights the world over. Its effect is physical; it stimulates us and raises the pulse rate, giving the impression that time is passing faster than it is. It relates to the masculine principle and can activate the "fight or flight" instinct. Red is strong, and very basic. Pure red is the simplest colour, with no subtlety. It is stimulating and lively, very friendly. At the same time, it can be perceived as demanding and aggressive.
BLUE. Intellectual. Positive: Intelligence, communication, trust, efficiency, serenity, duty, logic, coolness, reflection, calm. Negative: Coldness, aloofness, lack of emotion, unfriendliness. Blue is the colour of the mind and is essentially soothing; it affects us mentally, rather than the physical reaction we have to red. Strong blues will stimulate clear thought and lighter, soft blues will calm the mind and aid concentration. Consequently it is serene and mentally calming. It is the colour of clear communication. Blue objects do not appear to be as close to us as red ones. Time and again in research, blue is the world's favourite colour. However, it can be perceived as cold, unemotional and unfriendly.
YELLOW. Emotional Positive: Optimism, confidence, self-esteem, extraversion, emotional strength, friendliness, creativity. Negative: Irrationality, fear, emotional fragility, depression, anxiety, suicide. The yellow wavelength is relatively long and essentially stimulating. In this case the stimulus is emotional, therefore yellow is the strongest colour, psychologically. The right yellow will lift our spirits and our self-esteem; it is the colour of confidence and optimism. Too much of it, or the wrong tone in relation to the other tones in a colour scheme, can cause self-esteem to plummet, giving rise to fear and anxiety. Our "yellow streak" can surface.
GREEN. Balance Positive: Harmony, balance, refreshment, universal love, rest, restoration, reassurance, environmental awareness, equilibrium, peace. Negative: Boredom, stagnation, blandness, enervation. Green strikes the eye in such a way as to require no adjustment whatever and is, therefore, restful. Being in the centre of the spectrum, it is the colour of balance - a more important concept than many people realise. When the world about us contains plenty of green, this indicates the presence of water, and little danger of famine, so we are reassured by green, on a primitive level. Negatively, it can indicate stagnation and, incorrectly used, will be perceived as being too bland.
VIOLET. Spiritual Positive: Spiritual awareness, containment, vision, luxury, authenticity, truth, quality. Negative: Introversion, decadence, suppression, inferiority. The shortest wavelength is violet, often described as purple. It takes awareness to a higher level of thought, even into the realms of spiritual values. It is highly introverted and encourages deep contemplation, or meditation. It has associations with royalty and usually communicates the finest possible quality. Being the last visible wavelength before the ultra-violet ray, it has associations with time and space and the cosmos. Excessive use of purple can bring about too much introspection and the wrong tone of it communicates something cheap and nasty, faster than any other colour.
ORANGE. Positive: Physical comfort, food, warmth, security, sensuality, passion, abundance, fun. Negative: Deprivation, frustration, frivolity, immaturity. Since it is a combination of red and yellow, orange is stimulating and reaction to it is a combination of the physical and the emotional. It focuses our minds on issues of physical comfort - food, warmth, shelter etc. - and sensuality. It is a 'fun' colour. Negatively, it might focus on the exact opposite - deprivation. This is particularly likely when warm orange is used with black. Equally, too much orange suggests frivolity and a lack of serious intellectual values.
PINK. Positive: Physical tranquillity, nurture, warmth, femininity, love, sexuality, survival of the species. Negative: Inhibition, emotional claustrophobia, emasculation, physical weakness. Being a tint of red, pink also affects us physically, but it soothes, rather than stimulates. (Interestingly, red is the only colour that has an entirely separate name for its tints. Tints of blue, green, yellow, etc. are simply called light blue, light green etc.) Pink is a powerful colour, psychologically. It represents the feminine principle, and survival of the species; it is nurturing and physically soothing. Too much pink is physically draining and can be somewhat emasculating.
GREY. Positive: Psychological neutrality. Negative: Lack of confidence, dampness, depression, hibernation, lack of energy. Pure grey is the only colour that has no direct psychological properties. It is, however, quite suppressive. A virtual absence of colour is depressing and when the world turns grey we are instinctively conditioned to draw in and prepare for hibernation. Unless the precise tone is right, grey has a dampening effect on other colours used with it. Heavy use of grey usually indicates a lack of confidence and fear of exposure.
BLACK. Positive: Sophistication, glamour, security, emotional safety, efficiency, substance. Negative: Oppression, coldness, menace, heaviness. Black is all colours, totally absorbed. The psychological implications of that are considerable. It creates protective barriers, as it absorbs all the energy coming towards you, and it enshrouds the personality. Black is essentially an absence of light, since no wavelengths are reflected and it can, therefore be menacing; many people are afraid of the dark. Positively, it communicates absolute clarity, with no fine nuances. It communicates sophistication and uncompromising excellence and it works particularly well with white. Black creates a perception of weight and seriousness. It is a myth that black clothes are slimming:

Colour me happy!

A little snippet of the meaning behind colours, as you know Table Tops in a Box is fond of colour, and looks forward to Spring/Summer so the Alfresco Dinners and entertaining begins.


Today I'm sharing the meanings behind Red and Orange and variations on these colours!


Light red represents joy, sexuality, passion, sensitivity, and love.

Pink signifies romance, love, and friendship. It denotes feminine qualities and passiveness.

Dark red is associated with vigor,willpower, rage, anger, leadership, courage, longing, malice, and wrath.

Brown suggests stability and denotes masculine qualities.

Reddish-brown is associated with harvest and fall.

Dark orange can mean deceit and distrust.

Red-orange corresponds to desire, sexual passion, pleasure, domination, aggression, and thirst for action.

Gold evokes the feeling of prestige. The meaning of gold is illumination, wisdom, and wealth. Gold often symbolizes high quality.

 
 

Mother's Day made magical!

20% off all Pink Table Décor and Pink Four Place Settings this Mother's Day - offer available till May 11, order now to guarantee delivery!

 

“A table for this day should be fun and festive. Use flowers, vegetables and fruit for decoration. Don’t forget beautiful table runners and napkins and other sweet details such as tea light candles. Use bright juicy colors – orange, pink, yellow and purple, original centerpieces and candleholders, napkins and exquisite cups and jugs.”  

Libby O’Neill - Creator of Table Tops in a box. 

 

For further information, high res images, or an interview with Libby O’Neill regarding other clever ideas for your table, please contact Table Tops in a Box on 0400401448, Shop 1/306 Bronte Road, Waverley or visit online at www.tabletopsinabox.com.au

 

Valentine’s Day, romance at its best!

Start planning that perfect romantic meal as Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it!

That perfect take your breath away moment is a romantic table setting from Table Tops in a Box, be it a picnic with a romantic stroll on the beach or a table for two with a home cooked meal, your table decor requirements are all at ‘Table Tops in a Box’ either on line at www.tabletopsinabox.com.au or at the concept store shop 1/306 Bronte Road, Waverley.

The table is the most important element especially for that special someone in your life.

 It doesn’t take much to make a table look stylish.  People enjoy the wow factor, the buzz and the joy it adds to sharing a meal together.  Dressing the table is just as important as the menu. 

Libby O’Neill Creator, Table Tops in a Box recommends these particular styles this Valentine’s Day:

Fine Dining with the Mother of Pearl setting, fine shell available in cream or gold placemats, napkin ring and coaster, matched with stunning runner and napkins either in neutrals or the colour of romance red.

Casual setting is the dots and stripes range, perfect for the picnic setting or alfresco dining at home, available in 7 colours to match any decor.  Range includes floral screen printed placemat, coaster matched with runner and napkins in either dot or stripes, with wooden napkin ring. 

To perfect that take your breath away moment start planning, so visit ‘Table Tops in a Box’ either online or in store as we’d love to take your breath away with ‘Simple, Stylish and Impactful table settings.

In addition to your table and picnic settings you will find amazing candles by ‘Love That’ introducing new rose scents and the famous Italian Nesti soaps, a special gift for your loved one!

 

 

 

Libby O’Neill – Creator Table Tops in a Box Shop 1/306 Bronte Rd Waverley NSW 2024

M: 0400401448

W:www.tabletopsinabox.com.au

 

Table Tops in a Box expanded into a retail shop front at the end of October and its been a great success with many other table top products available for sale in store.  The most interesting thing is that many people are asking for Table Cloths, so I have started working with the wonderful Bali Zen 'Fair Trade' manufacturers on table cloths - utilising some of the amazing fabrics and designs already featured in the table runners these will be sold online sometime soon!

The shop is located at shop 1/306 Bronte Road, Waverley in a really cute eastern suburbs shopping village fondly referred to as Charring Cross, my grandmother used to live up the road and I used to live around the corner, so the position of the shop has great memories, as a child running errands for my grandmother, the local milk bar which isn't operating anymore was the local hang out, at age 42 the owner Theo still recognised me as Mrs. Goonrey's granddaughter, some 27 years later, now that's a memory to treasure!

I'd love to see my online customers also in store, so if you are in the area either on holiday or live locally please come and visit.  Due to costs I sadly will have to charge postage for any order under $100.00 online for metro areas in 2014, something I've been trying to avoid for sometime but I'm now into my second year of Table Tops in a Box and the cost of free shipping is no longer cost effective.

On a brighter note, the dots and stripe ranges look fantastic, so take a look at them online at www.tabletopsinabox.com.au now, a four place setting retails for just $142.00 and the runners are reversible. Dots are really in fashion, I especially love the orange and black/white.

A preview below:

Its been sometime since my last blog, and I've made some changes to my work life so I can totally commit to Table Tops in a Box moving on.

The latest news is that Table Tops in a Box now has a shop front at shop 1/306 Bronte Road, Waverley in one of Sydney's eastern suburb small villages fondly referred too as Charing Cross.

The shop gives me an opportunity to complement Table Tops in a Box products with stylish home ware items, such as the Papaya pebble bud vases, amazing ceramics from Mateus and stunning glassware and other statement items that just really make the ranges look more amazing.

So ' Good Gifts we do Bring' at Table Tops in a Box, with the launch of the Christmas in a Box range, now available in traditional xmas red, turquoise for the alfresco beach style lunch or a stunning natural range, all of which can me mingled with some of the existing Table Tops in a Box products.

Box Sets make an ideal gift and with free delivery to all metro locations don't hesitate to order on line now or come and visit in store if you live in Sydney.

Trading hours are from10am each day throughout the silly season, so come and see the 'Good Gift's at Table Tops in a Box either on line or in store now!

A Christmas menu is on it's way and by the way are you not loving the  ALDI ham ads on television with the surf board riding Santa's holding the ALDI ham's, it makes me laugh each time, as it depicts the typical Aussie Christmas!

How amazing is the weather in Sydney at the moment, the shock of returning from Bali last Friday has passed, with the last two days being just glorious!  Bali went well with the ground work for Christmas Boxes in place, Table Art Work is still a work in progress so I'll keep you posted as this idea progresses, it didn't look as affective as planned but still has substance as an idea.  I'll make it happen it just needs more work, sampling and testing implementation.

I've posted on Facebook a competition for the best Mother's Day lunch recipes ideas, the full menu with entree, main and dessert, I will upload on the website www.tabletopsinabox.com.au the best menu/recipe ideas with a prize for the lucky person who supplies the recipe and menu.

The perfect gift for Mum is Table Tops in a Box so spread the word, share the Facebook posting, so I can spread the word about Table Tops in a Box and the competition.

Bali was incredible with the highlight being cooking glasses at the Tugu Hotel, well worth doing and the instruction is very personal almost one on one.  Fine dinning at La Lucciola, Mamasan and Sardine were all amazingly fantastic with each restaurant delivering a varied menu, ambience and service.

Back to normal life and busy time ahead, so place your Mother's Day orders now and I'll post the winning recipe once I collate the entries and choose the best menu!

Happy Easter

Only 6 more sleeps and I'll be flying to Bali for another research trip, I can't wait!  Dinner on Friday night didn't happen the way I planned, two guests weren't able to make it so sorry I didn't post the photo!  Menu for two ended up being Roast Chicken courtesy of Jamie Gordon and then Eaton Mess!!! 

I've just seen cute Easter Egg painting tips in Country Style, so if you are planning an Easter Lunch, you can decorate your table with Table Tops in a Box with the added touch of hand painted eggs!

My recipes are still on www.tabletopsinabox.com.au for easy reference, Roast Pork with Creme Caramel for pudding (as the English would say).

Also reminder to like me on facebook, its an easy way to keep up to date on the markets I attend, plus the latest ranges and decor tips.

Now must start thinking about packing for Bali, I'm sad not to be setting the Easter Lunch table at my sister's place, the family are all gathering for lunch, maybe next year!

Happy Easter Everyone!

Season Changes!!

In little over a week I'll be back in Bali to look at the next ranges, with a view to producing a Table Tops in a Box for Christmas, I'm also going to investigate table art I won't tell you too much more, until the ranges are launched.

Today has been divine, I've set my dining table for dinner on Friday night, I can hear you saying it's only Wednesday but I had a free day and decided to get organised.  I've used the Mix N Match Black runner and napkins with the black rattan placemats, coasters, napkin rings and added some of the pebble bud vases from one of my favourite stores Papaya!  It looks fantastic, I'll post some photos on the night.

Still deciding the menu and have Marg Fulton Cook Book out again, you can't go past Marg for a great recipe.

Today I've also thought about a Pop Up Store, so if you have any location suggestions let me know, its a wonderful idea the Pop Up Store, it keeps the local village strips alive whilst waiting for new shops to open.

So the next time I'll be writing my Blog will be from Bali!

OH! I'll post a photo to show you how Friday night's dinner looked!
www.tabletopsinabox.com.au

Its great news, I've just decided to go to Bali again to work on the next ranges, with a box set for Christmas in the planning.

I'll be thrilled to launch it, potentially in October of this year.

I've also started to plan the Easter table ideas and menu, its not that far away, so you can view the Roast Pork and Creme Caramel recipes on the website now!

I highly recommend the Mix N Match Yellow or Pink settings for Easter, with Easter Egg accessories from Bed Bath and Table, they do great hand painted Easter Eggs!

I've been busy also organising story boards for two other ranges, my ideas file has been working over time  with influences from vintage wallpapers, black and white photography of floral and developing ranges with elegant textures.

Back to my current ranges which you can either purchase online or  I'll be at the markets as well so if you feel like visiting me I'll be doing the following:

Saturday 23 Feb - Kirribilli Markets
Saturday 2 Mar - Mosman Markets
Sunday 10 Mar - Kirribilli Artisan Markets
Saturday 16 Mar - Gerringong Markets
Saturday  23 Mar - Kirribilli Markets

Loving this planning stages, it is just so great to get the creative juices flowing!

Hope to see you soon at a market or make contact via email.

 

Mix N Match Brights - Red Setting

 rope placemat and coaster, votive with fabric sleeves.

Valentines Day - it's time to start planning that Romantic Dinner, with table decor
 by Table Tops in a Box!

The Mix N Match Brights Red is absolutely perfect for a romantic dinner setting, with added red heart shaped chocolates, love notes 'You bring out the best in me',' I love you a thousand times over and over and over again' as little added additions.

Check out the recipe section on my website www.tabletopsinabox.com.au and you'll find two recipes from Nigela, Beef Wellington and Eaton Mess - yummy!

You couldn't find a more romantic cook if you tried, and you'll love these two recipes they are easy to follow.