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: