Friday Favorites 3/8/2013

March 8, 2013

Erin Marvin, Associate Editor

I keep telling myself that spring is just around the corner… but most of the time it feels like I’m lying. Even though the outside temps still have us shivering in our winter coats, you can still bring a bit of spring inside with these darling Twine Flower Napkin Rings from Juliska. I love their simplicity and rustic charm—sure to bring a little warmth to any table.

Photo courtesy of Juliska

Maria LaPiana, Contributing Writer

I am a fan of green—especially in tablescapes—and particularly when new and antique pieces are combined. (Hands down, my favorite vintage pattern is Forest Green.) Sadly, I’ve noticed that water and juice glasses (the pieces that always seem to break) are becoming harder and harder to find. But I’ve discovered a more than reasonable substitute, one that combines old and new naturally: the glassware produced by The Green Glass Company.

Photo courtesy of The Green Glass Company

This environmentally friendly company recycles bottles supplied by wineries and glass bottle producers, including those that have failed quality control standards and are destined to be crushed. They cut the bottles into two pieces, turning the bottoms into tumblers, while the tops are transformed into goblets (they’ve patented that process). The rims are rendered perfectly round and smooth. They make all of their dishwasher-safe glassware at their facility in Weston, WI. You can order glasses (and goblets, votives, carafes … even bud vases), or a custom set of glasses online. They’re shipped, not surprisingly, in biodegradable packaging. Keep in mind though, all of the glasses in a set may not look precisely the same. Variations are common in reclaimed bottles, as they may differ in thickness, or may not have come from the same supplier. The folks at Green Glass hope you’ll agree that the beauty in imperfection is worth celebrating. For more information or to order, visit www.greenglass.com, or call 715-355-1897.

Stacy Kunstel, Homes Editor

One of the amazing things the Design Blogger Conference does is that it exposes you to people and to thing you never would have found on the web on your own. While I was at the conference earlier this week I found myself sitting next to Nancy Ramamurthi, the co-founder and chief marketer of Chairish, a sort of online luxury garage sale of designer goods. Put the emphasis on luxury and high design because where else could you find a Christian Liagre dining table that was custom made in France for $8500? Or perhaps you’ve been looking to add an Eileen Gray piece to your living room. Here’s a side table for half its retail. . The site, which launched just a few weeks ago, is clean and beautifully navigable and now officially bookmarked on my computer.