Best. Table. Ever.

Be it setting the scene for a great meal, creating a memory, or showing off, there's a certain amount of pride involved in setting a great table. Sometimes's there's even some fear. Here are some tips to keep in mind that'll make this season's table your best one yet. 

1. Pick a [limited] color scheme. No more than 2-3 colors and yes, white counts. Greenery, however, is a freebie. Four classic color schemes are:

•  Silver, White + a Light-hued accent color. Light blue and blush are some examples. For zing and punch add greenery or silvered pinecones. This is a great scheme for a wintery day or for Hanukkah. 
• Gold  + White. This one's a classic for a reason. Don't overdose on the gold - a few touches go a long way but you can mix two shades of gold.
• Charcoal + Silver  (a holiday update to black and white). Très chic, this look is for a sophisticated and very va-va-va-voom. Look to beaded placemats, metallic edged plates or glasses, and cut crystal. White is a great accent to this look.
• Red or Burgundy + Accents. Reds are a classic for the holiday season, and the reason so many malls and stores will favor them, particularly the deeper, richer hues (try to count the number of red items within 10' of any store you enter from now until the day after christmas and write me about it!) Metallic accents and items with shine are your friends with this one. Jazz up the reds with gold, or elevate your decor all the more by adding nickel accents with gray as a supporting cast member. Red and White are make for a snappy, happy combination that’s very energizing. Evergreens and miniature topiaries are a terrific compliment to this look. 

2. Keep it simple.  Unless you’re very formal, those added forks will likely wind up unused, or falling on the floor. Set out only what you need. Download a table setting chart and if you have children, let them help out. Remember, when setting your drinks, start from right towards the middle of your plate with Bubbles-Red-White-Water being the arc from your hand towards the top. Give a thought to place cards. A name elegantly penned on card stock is a thoughtful addition that you don't have to rush out to Michael's for.

3. Mix metals for a modern, festive look. It's a way to look glam without a lot of effort.

4. Then.. Jazz it up! Add candles, flowers, and consider place settings with a shimmer to them as a modern alternative to charges that are later removed. 

5. Plates - When in doubt go for solid white. Food really looks its best on white dishes, the reason most restaurants and cooking shows use white. Feeling adventurous? Try mixing two place settings (top and bottom dishes from set A, with the middle dish from set B). The two can have a running color theme, be the same pattern in different coordinating shades, or just have an interesting texture. Make it something you love, and pick up on the colors in your table scape, and your table is sure to be just as chic as you. 

Have something really special? Dishes packed away from when you got married? Your grandmother’s [actual] silverware? There’s no time like today to start using it! Fine china, crystal or silver around the table can all add an elegant air to any occasion and helps turn your table scape more festive. 

6. Call it quits on centerpieces. Use several low vessels and run them down the center of your table. To make sure your diners can see across the table while not taking up too much precious table realty, keep your vases no taller than an average water bottle, and no wider than 3-4".

Use what’s on hand. A series of crystal goblets will make for a spectacular vase display down your table but you could always use a few white mugs too. Unless your flowers are large and stand alone, keep bouquets on the short side. And pssst...  Our  folded vases are a wonderful inexpensive option that keeps in a drawer when not in use. 

7. Advance planning. You're the general of this event - the day before. The day of, you're the fairly relaxed happy host or hostess who had a glass of wine before people started arriving and put the music on. Get some of the work out of the way ahead of time. A day or two before, take an hour to lay out your trivets, your bowls and spoons. Do yourself a huge favor and put a note on each platter or bowl of what goes where and make sure you're not missing something. Set out your wine glasses and check for water marks. Make sure to prep everything you can. When in doubt drop and extra dish and add an appetizer. Pick up flowers and arrange them the evening of the day before. Give them plenty of water and whatever love your florist recommends. consider a mixture of closed buds and open flowers so they can be at their best just in time for your meal.

Make your salad dressings ahead, then a few hours before the event (and before you dress up!) pour them at the bottom of your serving bowls, lay your greens on top, and plastic wrap, and chill. You can always keep extras of both in the fridge just-in-case someone wants less or more, but this way you'll have one less thing to prep. That's always a win. 

Have fun and Happy Holidays!

Father's Day

The oldest of three girls, I was fortunate enough to be born into a family with two strong father figures: my Dad, Issac, and my maternal Grandfather, Yakov. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the two of them. 

My dad, an Electrical Engineer with a passion for reading science fiction books that I have yet found a parallel for, raised me with warmth and big papa-bear hugs. Sitting next to him, I learned to think critically and love big. My dad's a giant regardless of stature. He's the first to say I love you, the first to hug, and always cracks jokes no matter the social setting (even with my old professors - there was this joke about a nun once. Oy.) .

I loved and dreaded working on my homework with my dad. It was always such serious business, though the joy he got from teaching me how to solve a problem, and think my way around it is one that is still in me, and one I hope I'll manage to pass down to my kids. 

My dad is the one who taught me to never give up. He instilled in me the lessons of thinking well and working hard. My dad remains a beacon of integrity and hard work. Besides my husband, I have never met anyone else with a work ethic like his, and his example has led me well in matters of the heart and in everything I do in my business. With a strong eye to success and focus, my dad has always been ready to help me with anything I need, at any time. He remains one of my biggest supporters, and is always there for me and mine.

In a rare picture together, with my sister, Ainat. Even back then, Dad and I were usually the one behind the lens.

My grandfather, Yakov was really, really handsome. Movie star handsome. The kind of guy to turn heads and smile at everyone, my grandfather was a brilliant man who spoke, read and wrote 8 languages and wasn't put off by anything.

My grandpa always helped anyone down on their luck, and anyone working for him or at his house always got a meal, a drink, and the chance to unload their troubles for a bit. 

Picnic

Mom, Grandma, and grandpa

Picnic with grandpa

A metalsmith, my grandfather owned a Metal shop in Tel-Aviv. He built the place by hand, down to the freight elevator itself. I can still feel the hum and deep vibration of that elevator as I write. My, but how I loved that thing - Grandpa made it, and he was the coolest man in the world! The acrid smell of metals and the sparks of welding come to mind when I think of visiting my grandpa's studio. I loved how his hands smelled at the end of the day, and how he always kept the shop clean and swept. I adored him and his excellent taste in everything from glasses, furniture, and cars. I can't think of my grandpa without thinking of his shiny well-cared for black leather briefcase with its sleek corners, his cat eyed 50s horn rimmed glasses, his panache for tobacco (which I hated), and the Harley with a boat he drove my mom and grandmother in, before he bought his Volvo. 

My grandfather supported me in all I did and most of all I remember how proud he was of me, and how he used to sit me on his left knee and pet my back as I told him of what I learned that day in school. My grandfather always told me I could do whatever I wanted to do, and encouraged me to dream. I'd watch Stark Trek with him and talk about the endless possibilities and dreams of man. On the weekends, we would all get together and I'd walk up to my grandfather's library with its Russian, German, and English books, and hope that one day I could be like him.

My first memory evolving both my dad and grandpa, was them teaching me to swim in the warm Mediterranean waters at age three, with two big arm floaties that really didn't seem like they'd be enough, but were. My grandpa and dad had me between them. They took turns holding my little tummy up, and I remember their encouraging faces and big belly roars of happiness when I finally took my first doggy paddle between them. The sky wasn't as big as they were. Thanks Dad, Thanks Grandpa, I hope you're both still proud of me.

Memorial Day

Formative Designs is saying thanks. Thanks to all our troops, and thanks to their families. You make us grateful, and so very proud. You bear a reminder to the good. Your sacrifices and service do not go unnoticed. And although we may never know your name, nor recognize your faces, we'd like to think we know your mettle. 

This Memorial Day weekend, Formative Designs is proud to be able to change things around. This weekend, we are not offering discount incentives. Instead, we are passing those discounts on to our troops. Please join us in giving back. 

Shop with us this weekend and 25% of all profits will be donated to our veterans. Because on this Memorial Day, we'd like to remember and give back to those who give so selflessly to us all. Memorial Day - Shop Proudly.

MOTHER'S DAY AND THE THINGS I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO

I first became a mom on Mother’s day weekend and so this time of year holds a special place in my heart. With mother’s day just around the corner, I've been thinking of all the great gifts my kids have given me over the years and about what it means to be a mom and daughter. Here’s some great gifts to give (or to get) and some things you might want to do with your children or mom this season.

JEWELRY - FEW THINGS ARE AS CHERISHED BY A WOMAN, EXCEPT PERHAPS HER HANDBAG COLLECTION.

I always purchase my jewelry with the thought of passing it on to my daughters - probably largely due to the fact that most of my first necklaces and earrings came from my mom's jewelry box.

When I was a little girl I remember the rush of joy and excitement I experienced when my mom would let me poke around in her jewelry box. I loved everything. It was so grown up and beautiful!  I used to finger the rings, hold the earrings to my face and pretend I was all grown up and as beautiful as my mom was. I still remember how I couldn’t believe it when my mom kissed my forehead and handed me her collection of small gold charms. They were given to her on her 12th birthday and immediately became my most treasured possessions. 

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Just thinking about them today makes me smile. Is it any wonder my love affair has continued? I'm a woman, a designer, a curator and a collector, and there's a lot of jewelry I get excited about. Shimell + Madden's creative, geometric shapes are timeless and beautiful in an almost elusive way, and remind me of old Hollywood. Knobby has a clean point of view and its modernist shapes and great price point can't be beat - the pieces go with almost anything. And Ann Lightfoot's rich, chic stone and cord necklaces are some of my absolute favorites. 

Another artist whose work I adore is world-renowned Canadian jeweler, Janis Kerman. Janis has been making jewelry for 45 years, and it shows. Her pieces are flawless, the backs just as meticulously detailed and tended as the fronts, and some of the most comfortable I've ever worn. Her pieces speak to the idea of balance instead of symmetry and are each a work of art and passion.

A few years ago, Janis’ daughter Erin, started a boutique jewelry line. Each design is a collaboration: conceived by Montreal-native Erin Wahed and hand-crafted by her mother (don’t you just love that?!) Since Erin has relocated to Manhattan, the two meet several times a year and mail each other cut paper diagrams of the innovative pieces to be made. Sophisticated and elegant, Bande des Quatres is stylish and modern, and already has a cult following. Since its launch in February 2011, Bande des Quatres has been featured in Vogue, Elle Magazine, Refinery29, InStyle Magazine, and many, many more. 

BEAUTIFUy your mom's home- a trick of the trade:

People bring me in to envisage their spaces and stylishly pull them together. One great trick I love pulling out is something you and your family can try this Mother's Day. 

Pick up your favorite magazine this weekend, and you are sure to find a slew of airy, welcoming rooms. If you’re looking around at your stuff wondering ‘where do those people put it?!’ try this trade secret. Elegant, breezy spaces often starts with uncluttered horizontal surfaces. Dining and family rooms in particular seem to be our families’ home bases for a mishmash of frames, photos, and mementos. Heartwarming and dear, I would never suggest you get rid of them. Instead, group and hang your favorite photographs & items on a wall. Hallways and staircases are my favorite places to do this - intimate and typically unadorned by art, they’re a perfect spot to dress with your best-loved faces and things. 

Getting your family photos off your horizontal surfaces and putting them together for a fun, dramatic moment is a no brainer. Trust me, you'll see more of them this way too!

To hang an art gallery like a pro, start the cutting out paper to the exact size of your frames and do a quick sketch inside it. Carefully hang the artwork on the hooks for the nails and touch them to to the paper to determine the correct height to hang the art hook. It's an easy, elegant solution to hanging lots of art at one time without costly mistakes. Here we hung almost 20 frames in just a few hours.

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Here’s the final result. High gloss walls are a great idea to bring in additional light and interest to a narrow, back stairway. How nice would it be to see your own family’s gallery come together this mother’s day?

vase + fresh flowers 

There's a reason this works! Pair one of these beautiful vases with fresh flowers you or your children pick (...or pick up!)  and give mom a fond memory, and a stunning vase to enjoy for years to come.

Try one of our beautiful vases by Two | One, a husband and wife ceramics studio, or Teroforma's porcelain vases.  Each comes in several sizes and colors.

Breakfast in bed... 

These Asher Israelow trays —  are stunning and deceptively simple in appearance. These delightful black walnut and brass boards can be used to serve up coffee & muffin, or to dress up your nightstand (see them here with earrings). Bring mom breakfast in bed this Mother's day and earn extra points.

Throw 

If none of these seems just-right, don't throw in the towel! Pack a picnic and go to the beach with your mom. These Japanese towels from the Imabari region in Japan have to be experienced to be understood. Ultra-soft and plush, each towel is made from fine, garment quality thread that’s loosely twisted for maximum softness and gently woven on traditional low-speed machines to maintain the integrity of the thread.  

Another great choice for mom might just be a blanket! Cuddle up with your mom and a good cuppa this mother’s day and remember why you love to spend time together. My favorite thing to do is snuggle with my kids on weekend mornings. Safe bet that your mom would love it too! Four layers of ultra-soft gauze get softer with each wash.

Pamper

Pamper your mom or yourself with a body scrub towel. This Japanese body scrub towel is such a great idea, that you may want to pick up more than one. With its exfoliating nature and 8"x36" dimension it's the perfect size to exfoliate your face, knees, elbows and even your back with ease.  At $18 a piece this exfoliating towel is a steal!

easy & fun - Yoga towel! 

Whether this towel is a gift for your mom or yourself, these delightful towels are a Japanese large size. We think they’re the perfect yoga or travel towel, fantastic to have on hand to wrap around your hair - and we can see them hanging just as easily in your kids bathroom adding a splash of sophistication, at a quality we bet your kids have never seen before. 

A great price point to be introduced into the world of Japanese towels, these quick drying towels are a sure thing. 

Get outside! 

It's Spring! Finally, gloriously, thankfully, it's Spring! Enjoy the season and go outside with your mom or kids. Plant a few herbs, a tomato plant or two and make sure you have a reason to visit soon. Summer will be here before you know it, and nothing will taste quite as nice as food made with herbs from mom's own garden. 

Sigal

© 2015 Formative Designs LLC. All rights reserved.

A Nur$ery? Not necessarily

Amy Partridge from Westchester Magazine recently asked me about what it takes to put a nursery together in a price conscious way.

She was a little surprised by what I had to say.

I'm a mother of three, and my son, whose nursery I recently decorated, just turned six months old. And let me tell you, shopping smart from the get go has saved me thousands.

My secret is simple: I'm a black belt ninja shopper and I almost always shop for the long run. 

When it comes to designing for children, making smart choices from the get go is the key to saving money and reducing stress.

One great way to save money when designing your child's nursery is to shop around. Another is to hire a designer.

A Designer? Yes. 

Most families that hire me aren't wealthy. They're people like you and I who are seeking professional advice and don't have the time or money to continuously redo rooms.

Hiring a design professional is a smart choice in these cases as designers have the expertise to properly design a room, quickly and stylishly pull it together and can pass on their discounts to you. With a decisive client and efficient decision making, a large part of the cost of the service can be offset by your savings.

“Don’t forget you will be spending a lot of your time in the nursery - making sure there’s something that you can enjoy in the room makes sense.
And remember: Cute doesn’t last when it comes to decorating.”

A grown up chair can absolutely live in your nursery! 

To save money and keep the room geared towards your child, consider using your toys and books to add color and life. Sometimes, there's just no need to buy a lot more than what you already have. 

If you still want to go it alone, here are some things to consider:

Spend a few weekends and some down time going into your local stores, from big box stores like BuyBuyBaby and Pottery Barn Kids to little neighborhood shops in your area.

Find your style and do your research. Buy magazines, get fabric swatches and go online. A lot.

Fabrics, furniture finishes, paints and carpeting samples are essential when pulling a room together. Always keep your drawings, dimensions and an inspirational object or two on hand as well. These will help keep you focused and may help avoid you winding up with a room that doesn't function well or feels like it doesn't belong in your home. 

Find where you can see the merchandise in person and go see it. If you're a suburbanite and don't have much to see locally, go to the big city. Trust me, even five trips to the city are worth it.

Ask your friends for recommendations on quality and features.

If it's your first time buying a crib you will need to decide if you want a drop down or fixed front; slates all around or just on the front and back. Are you crib skirt people or does the mere thought turn you off? Do ruffles horrify you or are they a must?

Did you get furniture passed down to you or are you starting from scratch?

Now that I mentioned it, do you need a chair? A toy chest? Dresser? Shelves? Is the nursery closet organized? A simple rod will not do for baby. Do you want to purchase art or have some you'd like to incorporate?

Ever heard of the kitchen work triangle? The same rule applies. In the nursery your basic working triangle should help you work effectively. Keep your dresser, changing table and laundry hamper within arm's reach for ease of use.

Here's a trade secret: We installed two laundry hampers. When baby grows up, one can turn into a toy bin. Here, one hamper is installed in the bottom drawer of the closet. This way it's tucked away, easy to get to and doesn't take up valuable floor space. 

Some other things you might want to ask yourselves relate to your baby's room from an environmental aspect. Do you or your spouse have allergies? Are you eco-conscious? Concerned about VOCs? Do you have wall to wall carpeting that might need removing? Is the lighting adequate? Do you want room darkening shades or blinds? Are the power outlets up to code? Have you checked and updated your CO2 detector and picked a handy spot for a fire extinguisher? Do you need safety gates? All these things should go on your shopping list.

Then, if you're on a budget, wait for sales.

Be sure of your choices since often the best sales are non-refundable and that questionable crib? Not something you want to look at for the next 2 or 3 years, more if you have multiple kiddos planned (by the way, all three of mine used the same crib- another reason I shopped for quality).

Finally, don't forget to shop ahead – it's not uncommon for quality nursery furniture to have a lead time of 8-12 weeks.

The process is time consuming and for some, somewhat overwhelming. If you are stylish and want to do it yourself don't be discouraged – it is doable –  just be sure to be organized and methodical. Pick things you need, things you love and things you can afford.

And if reading this is making you break out, you just might want to hire someone to help you. It shouldn't break the bank.

- Sigal

Working with a professional doesn't have to break the bank and can give you great results to enjoy for many years. 

See my son's nursery as it was featured on Wee Westchester's Coolest Kids Rooms.