September 2, 2009
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
“Casual” is a relative term…
When we previewed the imaginative tableware from the twenty years old establishment HOME, JAMES!...we initially thought, “… to the manor born.” Very transporting.
BECAUSE, the design patterns of the china/place settings are stunning…and inspired from historic times. The aristocratic flavor of our favorite “CHINATOWN” ---had our brains cells all fired up as we were reminded of some of the glorious Chinese porcelains right at the top of the sweeping staircase of the Met (…tropolitan Museum of Art).
Whimsical, colorful and delicate impressions (like latticed porcelain)--- but sturdy enough for everyday use- and that perks up the blah white dish set we already own.
ADDED PLUS: The china and glassware have enough heft, but are ‘sized’ for Americans- not some idolized version of Euro nobility. Meaning real coffee cups/mugs, not dainty teacups. ($100 for set of four CHINATOWN with fab Bamboo stalks' handles).
Nothing is so precious as not to be used everyday…even the “gold leaf” is faux---and microwave/dishwasher friendly. (Also pictured…THE GRAND TOUR and COURT JESTER)
Home, James! selections are patterned to ‘pop’ with any décor…from modern urban lofts, to down-home farmhouses. For example, we can see the Indonesian inspired “JAVA” really looking great in a sleek loft environment as well as in our sand all over the place ocean beach house.
ACCENT PIECES: Cool specialty items that can punch up any dining table…or can “hold” their own on any tableau are the most fun. We liked the versatile Ice Bucket/Wine Cooler ($120) that we can/would fill with long stemmed flowers.
NEW: For the upcoming holiday season, Thanksgiving and Christmas dining tables can look just that much nicer with place settings from the SANDRINGHAM china collection, (named after the British Royals’ country retreat). Somewhat kitschy, retro Santa Claus mugs and T-day worthy oversized Pumpkin tureen and platter also set an affordably festive tone.
GIFTS: Naturally one would be tempted to gift oneself…with the heritage fragrances bottled up in the scented candles ($45)---a smart collaboration with the National Gallery Of Art in DC. Authentically deliciously aromatic.
And well packaged as the box design is influenced by architectural tome- “The Grammar Of Ornament” by Owen Jones.
The most clever set of appetizer plates we’ve ever seen ---the CAVIAR Plates, are a welcome foursome that accurately renders 20th century Russian Caviar labels…and are packaged in a tin that looks like the real deal. ($85)
Other neat gift ideas include FOUR PHASES OF THE MOON CHEESE PLATES and a FAUX NICOISE OLIVE PLATE ($65).
WHAT ELSE: Washable table linens, lovely (and intricately) beaded and/or glass napkin rings that “fit” the themes …i.e. MARCO POLO, SUNFLOWER, MULTI-NATURAL SHELLS.
At the recent Gift Show inside the Jacob Javits Center…there was even more to see and behold. A good thing though, the booth was so crowded every time we cruised by…we’ll have to save it for another day.
INFO AND E-COMMERCE: HOME, JAMES!
HOME, JAMES! RETAIL STORES IN EAST HAMPTON & DALLAS.