Mottahedeh, Milestone, and R.Haviland & C. Parlon

Chinese New Year Display at GUMPS - Red Dragon

2012-02-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

It's the Year of the Dragon and our Red Dragon is getting a lot of attention! If you're in the San Francisco area make sure to stop by GUMPS to see the beautiful display they have recently set up for the Chinese New Year!

Make it yours!

All dragon pieces are microwave, dishwasher and oven safe.

See the full line by clicking on the links below.

Red Dragon Dinner Plate (S1841) - $60

Blue Dragon Dinner Plate (S1741) - $55

www.mottahedeh.com

Old School V-Day Posts

2012-02-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to bring back some of our old V-day posts from last year. Click on the links below the pictures to see the full post!

Love Unites Us

Black, White, Red & Prosperity

What Women Want - The Little Things: Syracuse Rose

What Women Want - Know Her: Alencon

What Women Want - Flowers: Famille Verte

What Men Want: Prosperity Pie!

What Women Want - Get Aways and Surprises: Rose D'or

What Women Want - Jewelry: Chandigahr

A Single's Valentine

Better Than a Valentine's Day Card - Verse Tray

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

Better than a valentine's day card, and it won't be thrown in the trash or in a box! Take a quick peek at seven of our different verse trays that may be fitting for this Valentine's day. Perfect for rings, jewelry, or for the manly valentine, stamps and paperclips on a desk.

Make it yours!

Trifling Verse Tray (CW250B) - $35

Remember Me Verse Tray (CW250R) - $35

Love Verse Tray (CW2606) - $35

J'aime et J'esphere ("Love and Hope") (MN1705) - $35

I Like My Choice Verse Tray (S1988) - $35

Many are the Stars Verse Tray (CW2611) - $35

Love Unites (CW2612) - $35

To see the full list of verse trays that Mottahedeh offers please click here: CLICK

www.mottahedeh.com

Chinoise Blue Butternut Squash

2012-01-26T12:20:00.000-08:00

Here in the Northeast the weather has been playing ping pong with us. It's mainly been warm (relative to what we're used to experiencing this time of year) with cold snaps that chill you to the bone. It is this time of year when butternut squash and other hearty vegetables are still in season. So, why not make yourself some butternut squash soup? Freeze it and pull it out during the next snowstorm. It will warm you right up!

Is there anything more sophisticated then enjoying warm flavorful soup in an exquisite rim soup bowl with a fresh piece of bread from the local bakery? I think not.

Make it yours!

Chinoise Blue Rim Soup Plate (S1525) - $150

For the complete pattern line please visit our site.

www.mottahedeh.com

TradHome: Feb/March 2012 Year of the Dragon

2012-01-24T11:38:00.000-08:00

If you haven't yet, go grab yourself a Traditional Home magazine and look for our Blue Dragon dinner plates on the contents page as well as page 20: New + Next YEAR OF THE DRAGON.

"Fierce and fire-breathing, stylized dragon designs lend a bit of flair to one's lair. The Chinese revere the dragon for its ability to transform into a multitude of shapes and forms, and in the West, we also admire dragons for the more playful aspects of their character."

"Fancy Feast
Slay a dull table setting by adding Mottahedeh's "Blue Dragon", $195 for 5-piece place setting. (mottahedeh.com)"

We also have the full pattern in RED!

Make it yours!

Blue Dragon Dinner Plate (S1741) - $55

Red Dragon Dinner Plate (S1841) - $60

Visit our site for the full collection.

www.mottahedeh.com

GUMP'S Bridal Event: Sunday, Feb 12

2012-01-22T05:00:00.001-08:00

Here's an event you don't want to miss! GUMP'S is having a Bridal Event on Saturday, February 12 from 11am - 1pm and Mottahedeh is a Tabletop Platinum Sponsor. So grab your best girl friend and buy tickets for the event.

I've already had a wedding, but if I lived out in San Francisco, I think I'd still go to this event! Enjoy it for me, take pictures, and let us know how it is!

Martha Stewart Weddings: Winter 2012 Arc en Ciel Dusty Pink

2012-01-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

Look for R. Haviland & C. Parlon's Arc en Ciel Dusty Pink inspired wedding cake in this winter's Martha Stewart Weddings magazine!

Gold Standard
"Nothing says marriage like Robert Haviland & C. Parlon's Arc en Ciel china pattern, the French Limoges company's new take on its original wedding-band motif. And nothing says delicious like this four-tier interpretation. Its tinted sugar-paste bands were painted in edible gold by Ben-Israel, who owns Ron Ben-Israel Cakes in New York City. Inside, a molasses spice cake with orange-blossom and hazelnut filling (shown opposite) complements the elegant exterior.
The Details: Dessert plates ($110 each) and bread and butter plates ($85 each, mottahedeh.com)"

Garlic and Prosperity

2012-01-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

Whenever we go to a fancy Italian restaurant and they give you a little bowl of olive oil with fresh ground pepper, herbs and roasted garlic swimming around on the bottom to dip your bread into, my father, mother and I are usually the ones quietly and calmly fighting for the chunk of succulent breath freshener. My dad usually wins, and my mother usually gets made at him. And secretly, deep down inside, I die a little because I REALLY wanted that piece of roasted garlic.

Well, who knew making roasted garlic was actually REALLY easy?! So easy in fact that it only takes a few simple steps. So simple in fact, that I can tell you how to do it in only one sentence.

All you have to do is cut the tips off of the garlic head, peel away the outside excess skin, douse in a couple tablespoons of olive oil, let sit for 10 minutes, cover in tinfoil and pop in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes.

Or, you can use a garlic roaster. Same thing, you just do not need to cover in tin foil. EASY!

Dine "IN" on your favorite dinnerware. Now, there's no need to wrestle over the roasted garlic! Make your own dipping oil by combining olive oil, whole cloves of roasted garlic, a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano and a dash of salt and ground pepper. Or use the roasted garlic in your cooking, to spread on bread, or to eat clove by clove in ecstasy.

Hosting just took on a whole new level of sophistication!

Make it yours!

Plate seen above in the very first shot

Prosperity Dinner Plate (MV1601) - $50

www.mottahedeh.com

House Beautiful: Dec/January 2012 - Blue Lace

2012-01-06T10:03:00.000-08:00

You may have read this article in House Beautiful's Dec/Jan 2012 issue on pages 86-95 talking about "The New Luxe; Bold, uncomplicated, livable-and it's pretty."

"A Naples, Florida, living room sets the stage for the rest of the house - bold patterns, blue and white, straightforward furniture."

It's hard not to be drawn in by all the blue in this article. Take a closer look at the plates stacked on the chair and setting the table in the dining room. You may have missed that those rich blue plates are Mottahedeh's Blue Lace pattern!

Make it yours!

Blue Lace Dessert Plates (S1652) - $70

www.mottahedeh.com

Glazed and Confused

2012-01-04T08:27:00.000-08:00

Nearly a year ago there was a blog post posted about our Majolica Reproductions. I only just found it today! I thought it was a fairly good read and wanted to share it with you! Check is out here: CLICK

I have fallen in love with our Majolica Cobalt Blossom Teapot and Mugs from our Milestone collection. Two very close friends recently mentioned how cute they were and perhaps that's what influenced my sudden affection for them. "Yeah... they are pretty cute. And they're moderately priced!"

English Majolica debuted in 1851 at Prince Albert's famed Crystal Palace and the earthenware was an immediate sensation. English Majolica remains outstanding for its fanciful shapes and brilliant colors. Ours are adapted to more durable and dishwasher safe stoneware.

According the the blog above, "Mottahedeh has been in the business of creating original and historical reproduction china for the better part of 75 years. They specialize in museum copies of blue and white Chinese porcelain export china but have a broad range of products that include crystal, silver and tableware. Their history with majolica goes back to their origins. In the 1950's and 1960's they made original contemporary majolica designs for the giftware market. Given that history, it's rather surprising that they didn't begin their Victorian majolica reproductions until the late 1980's.

Their work is really very good, probably the finest reproduction majolica now available. The company produces a design for a limited period then retires it, making for a brisk market in the collectibles sector. In 100 years they may well command the same prices that Victorian majolica commands today."

Pretty neat, no?

Make it yours!

Cobalt Blossom Teapot (MS4155) - $40

Cobalt Blossom Mugs (MS4131) - $16 each

www.mottahedeh.com

Gift Cards Are HERE!

2011-12-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

Not sure WHAT to get that person who is impossible to get anything for?

...need an idea of how to ask for fine China for your wedding when the store you are registered with doesn't carry it?

...moving but you REALLY want that Tobacco Leaf dinner set, but won't have a place to put it after the wedding for a month or two?

... a bunch of you want to buy a really awesome gift for the bride and groom that they wouldn't be able to afford on their own?

...interested in introducing your granddaughter, daughter, or niece to the world of porcelain without worrying about choosing something she does not really like?

Just in time for the Holiday season we are introducing our first ever

MOTTAHEDEH

GIFT CERTIFICATES!

Currently they are available in increments of $25, $50, $100, $200 and $500 but we're happy to send them in higher amounts as well.

Click HERE to learn everything you need to know about the Mottahedeh gift cards.

Click HERE to purchase them from our website.

Introducing our New Lotus Tin Plate set/4

2011-12-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

We are happy to introduce our newest tin plate collection; Lotus. With its modern design and vibrant colors, it's a surprise this plate was taken directly from an antique! Good design permeates time, and this is a shining example of that truth. Four ornately decorated lotus tin plates come stacked snug in their own green tin box. Easy to wrap, ship, and store and make a perfect spring picnic set, tableware for your boat, or a slightly nicer (reusable) alternative to paper plates at barbeques or family events.

MAKE IT YOURS!

Lotus Tin Plate Set (4 plates to a box) - (T8200) - $45
To see our other tin plate collections click: HERE

They are in stock and ready to ship!

Our last shipping day before New Years is December 22nd.

Imperial Blue - a Pirates Choice

2011-11-29T07:17:00.001-08:00

My husband and I watch a lot of movies during our free time. Every time there is fine china in a scene my eyes are glued. Two nights ago we were watching a movie and my husband asked if I was looking at the teacup the main character was holding. "Of course." I replied. Unfortunately, it wasn't Mottahedeh.

But last night, as we were watching Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides I nearly deafened him as this scene rolled on by, "Look! Look! That's OURS! That's Mottahedeh! Rewind it!" (CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SCENE ON YOUTUBE)

"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yeah! That's Imperial Blue! We were in the earlier Pirates of the Caribbean too. And we've been in a bunch of other movies as well."
"That's pretty cool!"

In fact, Pirates LOVE Mottahedeh. We've been in nearly all four movies so far. "Drink up Me Hearties!"

In Pirates of the Caribbean 1: The Curse of the Black Pearl our Blue Canton is all over the back wall of the cabinet that Elizabeth hides in from the pirates. Check out this video below.

There are also a number of scenes in the video below of our Ch'ing Garden from Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest. Pretty neat! I also really like the song. Pretty much perfect for Mottahedeh enthusiasts.

Scenes at 0:44 / 1:17 / 1:25 / 1:49

Make it your own!

(As seen in the movies)

Imperial Blue Tea Cup & Saucer (CW2404) - $115

Imperial Blue Open Sugar (CW2409) - $90

Imperial Blue Teapot (CW2408) - $285

Imperial Blue Creamer (CW2410) - $105

Blue Canton Cider Jug w/ Lid (HC140) - $525
Other Blue Canton pieces can be found here: CLICK

Ch'ing Garden Cup & Saucer (CW1604) - $130

www.mottahedeh.com

Mini Doughnut Lace Overload!

2011-11-10T10:28:00.001-08:00

I've been on a Mini Doughnut kick for the past couple of weeks. I mean, how can you not LOVE these adorable little morsels of absolute deliciousness?! Not to mention, they're not fried - so they're a little better for me... right? Right. So it's totally okay that I've had three dozen in the past 24 hours... right?

Well, it all started when I bought a Wilton mini doughnut pan here: CLICK

And from there it turned into a full blown creativity explosion! I made mini doughnuts decorated with cinnamon (post to come), decorated like pumpkins and spider webs for Halloween, and now these rainbow ones. I really can't help myself. I just want to give them to everyone! "Here, have a little treat of sunshine and hope... errr, I mean a doughnut. No, really, it'll help you get through the week."

These were inspired by our plethora of Lace colors.

Plum Lace, Apple Lace, Green Lace, Cornflower Lace, Blue Lace... we have so many!

Taste the rainbow for yourself! Here's how I made them, but next time I think I'll be flavoring them to match their colors.

First of all, I got the recipe from here: How Sweet It Is

I LOVE HER BLOG! You should love it too! Here's the recipe but with my changes.

1 cup cake flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 teaspoon distilled apple vinegar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 cup milk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder, then mix with a spoon. Add in milk and egg, mixing to combine. Stir in butter. In a small bowl, mix baking soda and vinegar together, then add in vanilla. Add the mixture to the doughnut batter. Divide the batter into smaller bowls and color with food coloring to your desired shade. Spray your pan with cooking spray (or wipe down with butter). Using a pastry bag (I found a pastry bag was better for the small pan than using a spoon) pipe each doughnut mold 1/2 of the way full. Bake for 4-6 minutes, then let cool for a few minutes.

Notes: I tried these with all-purpose flour and while they did work, they weren’t nearly as cakey as the ones made with cake flour. Also, if you don't have pastry bags on hand, use a small sandwich bag and cut off one of the corners.

I wanted my frosting to get hard, so I basically created a royal icing using a bit of cream cheese so that it was whiter and a little creamier.

1 egg white

1/4 cup whipped cream cheese, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons heavy cream, or more depending on texture

In an electric mixer, whisk cream cheese vigorously until it smoothes out. Add the egg white and continue to beat. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla, one tablespoon at a time whisking constantly until incorporated. Add more or less cream depending on your desired consistency. Either dip doughnuts or frost them with a small spoon. Once all doughnuts are covered divide the frosting into four bowls and color. Using a piping bag (or plastic bag) pipe colored dots onto the top of all the doughnuts. Serve hot or cooled!

Make it your own!

(As seen in video above)

Apple Lace Dessert Plate (S1352) - $45

Cornflower Lace Dinner Service (S1451)- $50

Plum Lace Service Plate (S1705P) - $115

www.mottahedeh.com

INTRODUCING NUT LEAF

2011-11-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

Fall has officially arrived!! Mother nature kicked the trees into gear with a freak snow storm which wiped out the power all over the North East but especially up in CT. If you're still without power, our thoughts are with you.

The October New York Table Top Show always coincides with the coming of autumn and this year we introduced a new dessert set called Nut Leaf. Different nut bearing tree leaves decorate each of the four plates and are accompanied by their respective nuts. Deep shadowing paired with vibrant greens keep this pattern fresh and alive in celebration of the cycle of life and the need to bear fruit (or nuts).

The original artwork was painted by a botanist in true form. Interestingly enough we pulled this pattern out of our Mottahedeh archives and gave it a face lift by enlarging the motifs, enhancing the beautiful colors, and adding 22k gold detailing throughout the leaves and around the rim, in the hopes that the freshness of the design would hold true to the natural beauty of nature.

The best part about this pattern is that it can be dressed up with gold and green, or dressed down to stand on its own framed by a beautiful place matt.

This pattern will not be available in retail shops until March. But keep an eye out for it for Spring 2012!

www.mottahedeh.com

Black Festival Halloween Spider Cake

2011-10-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

Halloween is only 4 days away!! And with its approach we thought we'd share one more post with you on the subject.

We made a double layered chocolate cake using this awesome recipe from Epicurious (CLICK IT!)

For cake layers

3 ounces fine-quality semisweet chocolate such as Callebaut
1 1/2 cups hot brewed coffee

3 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
3 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups well-shaken buttermilk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla

For filling we used their ganache frosting:

1 pound fine-quality semisweet chocolate such as Callebaut
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter

But instead of pouring the ganache over the top, we decided to make a cream cheese frosting flavored with almond and tinted orange for the occasion. The rest of the ganache was poured over the top of the cream cheese frosting and we piped melted white chocolate onto the cake for the web and spiders.

This cake is to DIE for!
Try it for yourself.

Gabriel Black Festival Service Plate (S2014) - $250

www.mottahedeh.com

Webbed Sacred Bird & Butterfly

2011-10-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

The itsy bitsy spider climb up the water spout... or in this case, our Sacred Bird & Butterfly mug - where he made an impressive chocolate web hovering just inches over warm pumpkin spice latte!

This looks complicated, but actually, it's quite easy! Cover the top of your mug in parchment paper and use a rubber band to secure it in place . Heat chocolate in a microwave bowl, stir, and place in a plastic piping bag. Cut off the tip and draw your spider web on top of the parchment paper. Place your finished web still on the parchment paper and mug into the freezer until hardened. Peel off of the parchment (carefully) and leave in the freezer until you're ready to use it.

While that's getting nice and hard make yourself some Pumpkin Spice Latte from scratch! Here's a recipe that tastes GOOD and is up for modifications depending on your preferences. CLICK IT! (Just make sure if you're going to "Nuke It" you use a mug without any gold on it and then transfer it to these beauties.)

Once you have your Pumpkin Spice Latte all set, top it off with some whipped cream, cinnamon and your chocolate spider web. Awesome presentation, awesome flavor! YUM!

(You could really do this with any drink recipe. Why not make hot chocolate, throw in some homemade orange marshmallows, and top with a chocolate spider web? The options are endless!!)

Make it your own:
Sacred Bird & Butterfly Mug (HC631) - $90

www.mottahedeh.com

Oprah Magazine: November - Syracuse

2011-10-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love peacocks!? This November's Oprah Magazine dedicated 4 pages to the magnificent bird and its inspiring colors. And on the very first page (page 87) is R. Haviland & C. Parlon's Syracuse.

Make it yours!
R. Haviland & C. Parlon's Syracuse 5 Piece Place Setting (HP610) - $890

www.mottahedeh.com

Gabriel Luncheon Skeleton Cookies

2011-10-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

Spice cookies only for the winter season? No Way! Decorate skeleton cookies for this Halloween! Not feeling the spice? Frost sugar cookies with chocolate before piping royal icing for bones. You can use just about any shape cookie cutter and let the kids figure out where the bones might be; dinosaurs, cats, ginger bread men, spiders, you name it!

Gabriel Luncheon Plate (CW2504) - $40
www.mottahedeh.com

Farahnaz Howling Ghost Strawberries

2011-10-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

OoooOOOooooo!

Kick the classic dipped strawberries up a notch this Halloween by dipping them in white chocolate for a ghostly dessert!

It's so easy to do! Just melt white chocolate chips in the microwave for two minutes, stir smooth with a spoon, dip your strawberries, and let cool on parchment paper. To add the faces melt some semi sweet chocolate and place it in a plastic bag. Cut the tip off and pipe the eyes and mouth. Ghoulishly delicious!

While the kids are out trick-or-treating, why not have an "adult" Halloween dinner party? Invite the parents of your kid's friends over for a night of fun while your teens and tweens harass the neighbors for candy. R. Haviland & C. Parlon's Farahnaz is the perfect dinner pattern for the event.

After the candy scrounging is through, the party can continue at your house. The kids will love being with their friends and the parents will enjoy one another's company knowing their kids are safe.

Make it your own!
R. Haviland & C. Parlon's Farahnaz Black 5 Piece Place Setting (HP901) - $870

www.mottahedeh.com

Vogue.com - Candle Sticks and Perfume Trays

2011-10-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Check it out!! Vogue.com is doing a story on "Stylish Storage" and included in their line-up of ideas are two of our pieces.
"Instead of tucking your favorite pieces away in a drawer or jewelry box, stack them on candlesticks and place them on a shelf or mantel. Not only is it a space-saver, it is also a great way to put your taste on display."

Make it yours!

Middle Candle Stick:

Mottahedeh & Co. Historic Charleston Acanthus Leaf Brass Candlesticks (HC73) - $120 for set of two.

To check out the other candlesticks we offer click here: CLICK!

"A small, ornate silver tray is a pretty place to consolidate all your signature scents, and it can do double duty as decor, especially when placed on an uncluttered vanity or side table."

Make it yours!
Silver Plate Ribbon Tray (EX310S) - $45

www.mottahedeh.com

Ghost Pizza on Black Lace

2011-09-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

It's that month! And unlike the rest of the US of A I've held off on posting anything about Halloween until October officially began. (Okay, I'm one day early.) It amazes me how each year commercial holidays get displayed earlier and earlier in store windows. This year I was shocked when I saw an add for Christmas advertisements at the beginning of September! WHAT IS GOING ON!?!?

But, could you really blame people for getting excited about one of the most festive times of the year?

Here's a fun and easy way to kick off the Halloween fun. Using a ghost cookie cutter make ghosts out of Mozzarella. We used torn basil leaves for the eyes and mouths.

Display your ghostly pizza on our 12" Black Lace Service Plate. It's the perfect size for a 1o" or 12" pizza and keeps with the orange and black Halloween theme!

Get one for yourself here:

Black Lace Service Plate (S1705BK) - $115

www.mottahedeh.com

Blue Canton Sea Salt Cookies

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this discovery the other day by accident. We had run out of regular table salt and while scrambling to make chocolate chip cookies from scratch I decided to use sea salt instead. The accident was one of the best mishaps of the week. My husband and I marveled at how such a tiny twist in ingredients played such a huge role in the overall deliciousness of a fairly straight forward cookie favorite! For those of you who love sweet and savory, this cookie is for you!
Make them yourself! Just follow the directions on the back of the Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie bag but replace regular table salt with Course Sea Salt. (Make sure to add a little bit less than the suggested amount. If you add too much it will dry your cookies out.)

Pile those warm cookies nice and high on our Blue Canton Cookie Plate (HC120) - $125

Make it yours!
www.mottahedeh.com

Traditional Home: September 2011 - Sultane

2011-09-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

Did you notice R. Haviland C. Parlon's Sultane in the September issue of Traditional Home?! Sultane decorated a whopping 8 pages!

R. Haviland & C. Parlon's Sultane (HP620) - Five Piece Place Setting ($795)

Make it yours!
www.mottahedeh.com

Javits Center - Blue Canton Madness!

2011-09-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry we've been fairly MIA - we've been busy with all kinds of fun things which we're excited to share with you!

If you were at the NY Gift show in August, we hope you stopped by our Blue Canton inspired booth complete with blue pagodas and a full Blue Canton mural with artwork taken straight from one of our best selling patterns.

Make sure to find us at the Javits Center in January for the International Gift Show - January 2012.

Veranda: 2011 September Tobacco Leaf

2011-08-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Look for us in this month's VERANDA magazine! First-time designer Veronica Swanson Beard talks about streamlining your wardrobe and your life. She lists Mottahedeh's Tobacco Leaf as one of her "favorite things".

"All the women in my family have this - it goes with so many colors."

Tobacco Leaf 5 Piece Place Setting (Y2335) - $575

www.mottahedeh.com

Cupcake Prosperity

2011-08-08T05:48:00.000-07:00

One thing that always tickles me pink are cupcakes.What an amazing invention!! "Hey, I can't eat a full cake (or I shouldn't) so let's make individual sized cakes in cups." GENIUS! Add this little bundle of cuteness below and tell me you don't want a cuppy cake.

But what inspires cupcakes? What inspires anything? For me it's other people. Other people inspire cuppycakes. And last week it was a close friend. She had a cupcake party this past weekend. I, unfortunately, was unable to make it. But at around 9pm on Wednesday night I decided I wasn't going to be left out!! So I baked a dozen cupcakes with every intention of sending them to the party. I made 5 different kinds; an easy enough feat when you buy a box of vanilla cake batter, and a box of chocolate cake batter. Then I just added my own extras. Sorry Mom and Dad, I'm a notorious cake box baker. My mother is well known for her delicious cookies and cakes, which are all made from scratch. It's for this reason that it's easy for my family to tell when something is made from a box.

I also used shelved frosting (chocolate and vanilla)... I'm going to baking hell, I know. Listen people, it's not about the cake at this point, it's about the decoration! And if it's for a large group of undiscerning palates, boxes are the way to go. Don't judge me! (Okay, you can a little, I give you permission.)

The Flavors:

Chocolate Fudge Cake with Oreo Frosting. (Had a bag of oreos in our kitchen. Just smashed-em up and threw it into the vanilla frosting)
Almond Cake with Walnut Frosting. (Added almond extract to the vanilla batter, and crushed walnuts to the vanilla frosting)
Vanilla Cake with Whoppers Frosting. (Added crushed whoppers to chocolate frosting)
Lemon Cake with Strawberry Frosting. (Added lemon extract to vanilla batter, and seedless strawberry jam to vanilla frosting)
Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting. (Added peanut butter to vanilla batter, and peanut butter to vanilla frosting).

So after the hard work of creating these delightful cupcakes, I realized, "Uh... how the HECK am I going to send these to Massachusetts?" My husband and I brainstormed and finally I decided they were way too cute to arrive in a messy indiscernible glob. While crafting these cupcakes I had also begun creating Cake Pops for a friend. "LIGHT BULB!" Cake pops would be easier to send.

Using the same batter as the cupcakes I made these. Instead of frosting them I covered them in semi sweet chocolate, rolled them in crushed oreos, whoppers, lemon cookies or nuts, stuck a stick in each one, wrapped them in plastic, and called it a day. "Whoo-hoo! Cake on a stick!" Just large enough to satiate a sweet craving but small enough not to feel bad about eating one (or 6, let's be real here, I want a full cupcake.)

Seen Above:

Prosperity Dinner Plate (MV1601) - $45

Prosperity Mug Saucer (MV1604B) - $40 The perfect size to serve individual cupcakes!

Cobalt Blossom Dessert Cake Plate (MS4151) - $20

www.mottahedeh.com

Brides Know Best: Green Lace & Lady Charlotte's Lily

2011-08-04T10:24:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Negeen Sobhani
Venue: Haifa, Israel

Green Lace Dinner Plate (S1551)
Lady Charlotte's Lily Dessert Plate (CW3902)
Lady Charlotte's Lily Bread & Butter Plate (CW3903)
Green Lace Cup & Saucer (S1554)

www.mottahedeh.com

Brides Know Best: Blue Lace

2011-08-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: A Fine Image
Venue: Taj, Boston, MA

Blue Lace (S1650) with Imperial Blue serving pieces.

www.mottahedeh.com

Brides Know Best: Prosperity/Syracuse/Arc en Ciel Mint

2011-08-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit:Venue: Wentworth By the Sea, Rye NH

Prosperity Dinner Plates & Mugs (CW1601 and CW1604)

Syracuse Dessert Plates (HP610-29)
Arc en Ciel Mint Chargers (HP530-118)

Brides Know Best

2011-08-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Back in March I posted this: CLICK

It was a posting about what Mottahedeh (and R. Haviland & C. Parlon) patterns actual brides are choosing. Check back all this week for a number of posts regarding that specific topic along with images of the actual couples! If you've been a bride who registered for Mottahedeh porcelain and want to participate, send me a quick *email along with a wedding photo and I'll add it to the mix!

www.mottahedeh.com

*dana@mottahedeh.com

HFN - Mottahedeh Exhibits at Javits

2011-07-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

HFN is in on the scoop that we'll be showing, for the first time in our long history, at the Javits Center next month during the NY Gift Fair! If you're there, come and find us! We're booth #2804 and we have some exciting decorations in the works. Can anyone say, "Blue Canton Inspired?" We can! Look for the blue and come say hello. We'd be happy to see you.

TeaTime: July/August 2011

2011-07-27T12:54:00.001-07:00

Check it out! We're in the July/August 2011 Tea Time Magazine again!
Find R. Haviland & C. Parlon's Arc en Ciel Mint paired with Syracuse on pages 6 and 44. And Mottahedeh's Blue Torquay on page 19.

Unfortunately the Blue Torquay is an older version we no longer make with gold detailing. But, our current line is now microwaveable!

Make it your own by clicking below.
Arc en Ciel Mint Dinner Plate (HP53034) - $125
Arc en Ciel Mint Cup & Saucer (HP53822) - $145
Syracuse Dessert Plate (HP61034) - $210
Blue Torquay 5 Piece Place Setting (MSW5330) - $80

www.mottahedeh.com

Time Is Flying By

2011-07-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Time IS flying by! And before we know it the summer will be over! After such high temperatures I'd be lying if I said I wish summer was longer. I'll be welcoming the slightly cooler temperatures.

We're sorry we haven't been posting as often as we'd like. We've been busy creating new product hopefully for the October show. It seems very far off, but development in this field takes months. Our ideas and concepts originate here in our NJ office. Artwork is then sent to our lithographers either in Germany, France or Portugal where they turn our hand painted designs into intricate decals using natural occurring oxides such as cobalt and iron. Once the decal artwork is approved it's then sent to Portugal to be fired onto each individual piece and then shipped back to the USA to our warehouse.

Because our patterns are soooo detailed and complicated the approval process goes back and forth a number of times before it is ready to be introduced into the normal production line. Often the lithographers have to figure out a way to create what we're asking for because it's not easy or has never been done before. We push our designs to bring you the highest quality available in the market, which is virtually impossible to copy.

Keep checking back! I promise to update the blog at least once a week during this busy period.

Iznik Tiles and Design

2011-07-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

I was recently in Istanbul, Turkey and was obviously enamored by the beautiful Iznik tiles all over the Great Palace and the Blue Mosque. "These tiles were... very suitable for mosques and other buildings because of their ability to absorb sound waves, creating an acoustic effect. The quartz mineral and network of pores help in heat insulation and air exchange of buildings. Because of the way that the tiles reflect the light, they create the effect of more space in mosques and other buildings."

I was further intrigued to learn that the secret to their production was lost in the 18th century. However, the technique has recently been rediscovered. To learn more about it click here: CLICK

My husband and I decided to buy a piece of authentic Iznik reproduction for my parents. This artist does exact reproductions from early Iznik design. Is it decorated with tulips and carnations in very traditional blues, greens and reds and is made using 85% quartz, just like the antiques used to be made.

The tulip is a symbol of the Ottoman Empire. Surprisingly we learned that tulips are native to Turkey and didn't make their way to Europe until the 16th century. The period between 1718 and 1730 is often regarded as the Tulip Period in Turkish history which was a period of the ottoman empire. The name derives from the tulip craze among the Ottoman Court society. To this day the tulip is still considered the embodiment of perfection, beauty, abundance and indulgence. It can still be seen all over Turkey. On our multiple tours we were told it's also a symbol representing Allah (or God). Since in Arabic "Allah" written looks similar to the bud of a tulip.
A couple of years ago Mottahedeh created their own Turkish Garden Tin Plate inspired by antique Iznik designs. You may not be able to make your way to Istanbul, but have a sliver of the beauty of Turkey in your own home! Lead free, made of tin, and perfect for a picnic or out on your boat.

Turkish Garden Tin Plate Picnic Set (T7200) - $45
www.mottahedeh.com

4th of July Creamware Fruit Salad

2011-06-30T06:41:00.001-07:00

A Celebration of Our Independence!

For most the 4th of July is represented by fireworks, flags, and barbeques. Here's a fun way to dress up your fruit platter. Using a small cookie cutter, cut out heart and star shaped fruit and skewer them. Put your kids to work to create these adorable and colorful fruit kabobs. It's fun to come up with different pattersn. Be playful and feel free to add grapes, pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, anything you want!

Colorful fruit looks delightful on our white creamware pieces. Or place on our George Washington's Prosperity pattern - MV1600

___________________________________

Here are some fun facts about the celebration:
In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation was 2.5 million.

The nation's estimated population on this July Fourth is 311.7 million.

Source: http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb11-ff13.html

$190.7 million
The value of fireworks imported from China, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imports ($197.3 million ) in 2010. U.S. exports of fireworks, came to just $37 million in 2010, with Japan purchasing more than any other country ($6.3 million).

$74 billion
Dollar volume of trade last year between the United States and the United Kingdom, making the U.K., our adversary in 1776, our sixth-leading trading partner today.

More than 81 million
Number of Americans who said they have taken part in a barbecue during the previous year. It's probably safe to assume a large number of these events took place on the Fourth.

Although we do not have a fixed menu for the celebration of the Fourth, you can almost count on traditional favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs, chicken, ribs, garden salads, potato salad, chips and watermelon. Following is a summary of where these foods come from:

There's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is the leader in the production of cattle and calves.
The chicken on your barbecue grill probably came from one of the top broiler-producing states: Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina and Mississippi.
The lettuce in your salad or on your hamburger probably was grown in California, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of USA lettuce production.
Fresh tomatoes in your salad most likely came from Florida or California, which, combined, produced more than two-thirds of U.S. tomatoes. The ketchup on your hamburger or hot dog probably came from California, which accounts for 95 percent of processed tomato production.
As to potato salad or potato chips or fries, Idaho and Washington produces about one-half of the nation's spuds.
For dessert, six states — California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Arizona and Indiana — combined to produce about 80 percent of watermelons last year.
And the apples in your apple pie? They most likely came from Washington or New York, the two top apple producing states.

www.mottahedeh.com

4th of July - Posts from the Past

2011-06-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

A couple of posts from the past that were inspired by our country and the colors of our flag.

Fireworks, Picnics, Red, White and Blue
Memorial Day - Red White and Blue
The Love of Feeling Blue
Veterans Day
Presidential Pattern (Prosperity) - Hutch Rewind!

Tulip Tea Cup Bird Feeder

2011-06-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

It is SUMMER TIME! Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and birds are chirping! This year I've been spending a lot of time in my garden. We moved into our current home almost a year ago in August, but it was too hot to really start a plot of our own. This year, however, I started early. I've been loving every minute of it!

Why not round your garden out with this fun bird feeder idea? I originally learned about it here: CLICK But decided our tulip tea cups would be even more super cute! So here's a photo tutorial of how we made ours.

Tulip Collection: Cup & Saucer Set of 4 (MS6517) - $45
Buy the set and give this cute bird feeder as a gift to three of your friends with a little bag of bird feed!

www.mottahedeh.com

Perfect Tea Party Finger Foods!

2011-06-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

An Unbridal Shower menu! What to serve?! what to eat? How to serve it? Alice is English and so we felt it appropriate to have an unbridal English tea party complete with scones and clotted cream! But we mixed a few other favorites into the menu as well.

Here's what we offered:
*Cucumber sandwiches
*Scones and cream
*Fruit salad
*Refreshing lemon-lime drink
*French macaroons (we just bought them from Trader Joe's)
*A 3 layer topsy turvey cake (Fillings: raspberry, lemon, blackberry)
*Butterfly cookies
*Goat cheese watercress sandwiches ***Soo good!
*Zuccini muffins
*Veggiemite sandwiches (the brides favorite)
*Deviled eggs (made with dill mustard - was Dee-Lish!)
No paper plates here! We served everything on china. We handed each guest a tea cup saucer for the finger food so that they could sit with it while we played games.

Scones with lemon curd and clotted cream.

Some of our china seen in the images above:
Syracuse Dinner Plate (HP610-34) - $230
Syrcuse Rose Dinner Plate (HP611-34) - $230
Apple Lace Service Plate (S1705GA) - $115
Cornflower Lace Service Plate (S1705CF) - $115

www.mottahedeh.com

White Rabbit Goodie Bags

2011-06-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

You don't have to over-do it with the Alice in Wonderland theme. I find it much more charming when the theme is referenced instead of imitated.

We wanted to give our guests a little something sweet to take home with them. A simple rabbit stamped in black on a brown paper bag tied off with a colorful ribbon seemed to do the trick! We wanted to touch on the White Rabbit without placing a rabbit in a coat anywhere. We then filled the bags with colorful cookies and treats. We even made a larger cookie for each guests with the initials of the bride and groom.
Seen here with a Syracuse Rose Dinner Plate (HP61134) - $230

www.mottahedeh.com

"Eat Me" Cookies and Butterflies

2011-06-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Alice is shrunk, but now what does she do? She eats the "eat me" cookies and grows! We made our own "eat me" cookies and butterflies out of sugar cookies, frosting, and edible dye.
These little beauties aren't hard to make, but take a lot of time. Rolling, cutting, and baking a bunch of small cookies takes a few hours. Decorating takes even longer so make sure you have a few helpers for this edible craft project!
I like to add lemon extract to my sugar cookie recipes. Adds a pleasant and unexpected flavor to daintily decorated sweets. If your cookie dough is sticking, leave it in the fridge for a couple of minutes before rolling out. If you cool them again after they've been cut they won't puff up as much and loose their shape.

To make the edible paint combine:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons milk
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
assorted food coloring
1/4 teaspoon almond or lemon extract

Separate the white frosting into smaller bowls and mix with as many different colors as you'd like to use. We thought 5 colors to choose from was enough.

If you combine colors before the frosting as set, they will melt into each other and look like stained glass. If you prefer that colors stay distinct, wait until the first layer sets and then continue on with the detailing.

The finished goods!

We felt our R. Haviland & C. Parlon Syracuse dinner plates fit perfectly with our Alice in Wonderland themed Unbridal Shower . Get yours here: CLICK

Syracuse Blue Dinner Plate (HP61034) - $230
Syracuse Rose Dinner Plate (HP61134) - $230

Refreshing Lemon-Lime Drink

2011-06-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the scene in Alice in Wonderland where she's too big for the door so she drinks the little bottle that says "Drink me" and then shrinks?

Well for this bridal shower we thought it might be fun to make "Drink Me" bottles for each of the guests. We collected enough clear glass bottles for each lovely lady and emptied them of their contents. (I'm sure there's a way to find already emptied glass bottles, but we liked the colorful labels too much.) We then filled them with our own "Refreshing Lemon-Lime" DrinkRefreshing Lemon-Lime Drink Recipe:
Cut fresh lemon in half, squeeze juice into a bowl and then slice the rind into sections small enough to fit through the mouth of the bottle. Mash lemon pulp in the bowl until soft. Repeat with your lime. Using your hands crush fresh mint leaves to release their oils. Combine sparkling water, mashed pulps and leaves, juice, and rinds in each bottle by first placing the larger pieces into each bottle and then funneling the liquids. Add a natural sweetener (such as agave) to taste. Place in the fridge, prop up in an ice bucket, or drop crushed ice into each bottle to cool. Serve on a hot afternoon at a bridal shower for a healthy and refreshing treat! We drank ours out on the porch in our sundresses and hats!

www.mottahedeh.com

an Unbridal Shower Invite!

2011-06-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

What's a party without guests?! First things first, who to invite? The general rule with Bridal Showers is, if the bride is not inviting certain people to the wedding, you probably shouldn't invite them to the bridal shower. But usually the bride will give the maid of honor, or the bridesmaids, a list of people who she'd like to invite. If the bridesmaids are not hosting the shower, sometimes a close female relative will.

For this Unbridal Shower we used Paperless Post to send out electronic invites (Evites). I love the detail of the Paperless Post designs and how easy they are to customize. You even get the first couple free! QUALITY! It's also pretty typical to send out physical invites. The great thing about actually making or having invites printed is that they're easier to put in a scrapbook or give to the bride to keep. However, you do have to pay for postage. So for those brides who have mostly younger women at their bridal shower, the online method works fine. But you may have to print out a hard copy to send to any grandmothers who may not have the same access to email.

Find the Alice in Wonderland invite we used here: CLICK

Bridal Shower Ideas

2011-06-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love attending Bridal Showers? It's even more fun when they're themed! Check back all this week and next for some fun bridal shower ideas centered around "Alice in Wonderland".

"I'm Late, Alice in Wonderland White Rabbit Art Print"

Find a Fine Print that represents your theme. Mat it and allow guest to sign or write little notes all over it! Don't want to ruin the print? Place it in a scrapbook along with photos from the big event and well-wishes from all the guests.

We found this one on Etsy - $16 from Darkling Woods. CLICK

Vogue's Most Wanted - Melon Box & Stand

2011-05-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Check out Vogue.com's Most Wanted and find our melon box and stand!

Melon Box and Stand (S6547) - $215

www.mottahedeh.com

A Casual Family Dinner

2011-05-27T06:45:00.001-07:00

Last night my parents and brother came over for a very casual dinner with my husband and me. Thank you Trader Joe's for your amazingly quick, easy and delicious prepared foods! Yes, I am lazy after a long week and Trader Joe's totally pulled through for us last night. We started with Pastry Pups that took 20 minutes to bake in the oven. Then it was Pork Gyoza and Edamame for dinner fried and steamed on the stove. And while we ate, I threw a couple of Apple Strudels into the oven to bake. (1 box fed the 5 of us). We topped the strudels with Haagen Daz vanilla bean ice cream- YUM!!

Our Prosperity pattern is one of my favorites! I chose it as my bridal pattern for its versatility. It has no gold on it so it can be used in the microwave. It's durable so for quick meals like this one, even the clean up is fast! All you have to do is throw them into the dishwasher. For an everyday dinner pattern, all these things were important to me. Add that as newly weds we generally don't have a whole lot of room for cabinets and cabinets of china, I felt it was important that my porcelain could be used in both a casual and formal setting.

Choose your favorite colored place mats and pair them with the Prosperity Dinner Plate for a casual meal. OR for a fancier feel, layer a beautiful service plate (presentation plate) below and top the whole scene off with an ornate dessert/salad plate. The subtle white detailing of Prosperity will help frame both.

I like to pair Haviland & Parlon's Arc en Ciel Mint presentation plates with my Mottahedeh Prosperity dinner plates and Haviland & Parlon's Syracuse dessert plates. If I'm having a casual meal I'll use the service plates to serve the meal. If it's more formal I'll use them under the dinner plates. For me more expensive items are justified if I'm able to use them every day in a number of different ways that fit my needs. That's the best part about having fine china in the home; you don't have to use it only for it's original purpose! Get creative! Mix and Match! Use a bread and butter plate as a small dessert plate. Use a coffee cup as a candle votive. Use a service plate as a large dinner plate or as a platter! These things are made to be used. Don't just hide them in a cupboard. (But if you do, here's an earlier post about our Prosperity Hutch Rewind)

Make it your own:
Prosperity Dinner Plate (MV1601) - $60
Haviland & Parlon's Arc en Ciel Mint Presentation Plate (HP530-118) - $175
Maviland & Parlon's Syracuse Dessert Plate (HP610-29) - $210

www.mottahedeh.com

Table of the Elements - Anais Morrel

2011-05-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this post by Anais Morrel on the Neiman Marcus Daily who interviewed Wendy in Dallas a week or so ago. I was tickled by the pairing of Mottahedeh porcelain with catwalk outfits. Take a look for yourself!

To see the direct article click here: CLICK

The mix of Mottahedeh Imperial Blue and wood grain evokes Rodarte Spring/Summer 2011.

"The biggest trend in dinnerware is having fun with it, says Mottahedeh president Wendy Kvalheim, on a recent visit to Neiman Marcus in Dallas. Mottahedeh dinnerware stands for history and heritage, but that doesn’t have to translate to stuffy table settings. Try using ornate patterns for everyday, mixing and matching patterns and texture in fun combinations, and finding creative new uses for dishes, says Kvalheim. A pot de crème can hold a candle, or a crescent bone dish can become an interesting salad plate.

“People are afraid to make mistakes with fine porcelain and china, but there really are no rules. We are seeing a big move towards using fine dishes in a more causal way,” says Kvalheim. Mottahedeh isn’t too precious to take a spin in the dishwasher, either.

Important style note: fussy tablecloths are out; exposing your beautiful table is in.

Table settings have also evolved. For Thanksgiving, Kvalheim makes each place setting unique by using different complimentary patterns of dishes, then she unifies the table with a set of charger plates (which can also double as large plates).

Mottahedeh has won a fan in the designer Derek Lam. You would imagine Lam taking the same sleek approach to the interior of his SoHo loft that you see on his runway. But in the May issue of Elle Décor, Mottahedeh Imperial Blue plates find their way onto Lam’s list of the 12 things he can’t live without. He likes to mix the Mottahedeh Imperial Blue with Jaune de Chrome’s Tortoise. (As seen above.)

The new eclecticism in table styling looks so chic, it could have come straight off the catwalks.

Above: Match pewter stem glasses, Mottahedeh Dupaquier bowl, Michael Wainwright dinner plate, Mottahedeh Prosperity charger, Dibbern cup & saucer, JL Coquet desert plate, Val Peltro pewter flatware, Mottahedeh salad plate. Chanel Spring/Summer 2011, photo by Dan Lecca.

Above: Mottahedeh Carp platter, bowl and plate, Mottahedeh bird figurine, Mottahedeh Tobacco sugar bowl, Royal Crown Derby cup & saucer. Christopher Kane Spring/Summer 2011.

Above: Juliska glasses, Mottahedeh Bird tureen, Michael Wainwright charger, plate and dessert plate, Mottahedeh pot de crème, Match pewter spoon. Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2011, photo by Dan Lecca.

Herend Teapot, Versace cup & saucer, Mottehedeh Chelsea soup bowl, Mottahedeh tray, Aram sugar bowl, Anna Weatherley butterflies. Mary Katranzou Spring/Summer 2011.

Above: Donna Karan singing bowl, Mottahedeh Leaping Reindeer tray as salad plate, Bernardaud Vegetal plate, Moser glasses, Bernardaud Vegetal cup & saucer, Equis Sequoia flatware. Carolina Herrera Spring/Summer 2011, photo by Dan Lecca.

Top image: Mottahedeh Imperial Blue soup bowl, Jaune de Chrome Tortoise plate, Juliska sauce bowls, Mottahedeh Blue Dragon salad plate, Donna Karan chopsticks, Mottahedeh Imperial Blue desert plate, Jaune de Chrome cup & saucer. Rodarte photo by Dan Lecca."

Have it for yourself! Click on the links above, or visit our site!

www.mottahedeh.com

TeaTime: May/June 2011 Chinoise Blue!

2011-05-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

If you get a chance, go grab a May/June edition of TeaTime magazine and look for us! We're all OVER THE PLACE ! Their recipes are totally cute.

Find our Chinoise Blue on pages 3, 4, 20-26, 62 and 66!

And those beautiful blue and white plates? Yep, that's our Virginia Blue on pages 6, 38 and 66.

Chinoise Blue 5 Piece Place Setting (S1520) - $465
Chinoise Blue Teapot (S1532) - $360
Chinoise Blue Creamer (S1534) - $145
Gold Lace Charger/Service Plate (S1705GL) - $130

Virgina Blue 5 Piece Place Setting (CW3600) - $190

Get your own here!
www.mottahedeh.com

House Beautiful: May 2011 Blue Canton

2011-05-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

Didcha catch us in this month's House Beautiful Magazine? We're not listed, but on page 46 Frances Schultz writes about her kitchen and butler's pantry redesign and shows a beautiful display of blue and white china on her wall. Some of that blue and white goodness is ours! Blue Canton dinner plates, tureen and octagonal platter (on the table) are Mottahedeh all-right!

AND she was also featured in the Wall Street Journal with this awesome article.

Who doesn't love a little blue and white? Get your own here!
Blue Canton Dessert Plate (HC102) - $50
Blue Canton Tureen (HC93) - $850
Blue Canton Octagonal Platter (HC93A) - $335

www.mottahedeh.com

Turkish Garden Delight

2011-05-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Find us on ElleDecor.com here: CLICK

"Need a little dose of spring before its official arrival? Mottahedeh, known for its fancifully patterned fine china, has created tin plates ideal for a picnic in the park or garden. The set of four dinner plates is embellished with an intricate pattern of flowers inspired by a Turkish design. The lightweight plates come packaged in an artful tin box that’s pretty and practical, as well."

Mottahedeh Turkish Garden Tin Plate Set of 4 (T7200) - $45

www.mottahedeh.com

Traditional Home Online: Blue Lace Mother's Day

2011-05-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Find us online at Traditional Home: Mother's Day Luncheon

"Although sentimental heirlooms like wedding china or a piece of jewelry handed down from mothers and grandmothers are treasured, it's those practical pieces of motherly advice that are the most useful: Don't slouch. Always write a thank-you note. Never chew gum in public. Remember who you are. Never be too proud to pick up a penny. The best way to make a friend is to be one. I'll always love you the most. So for a Mother's Day luncheon, party planners Catherine Bailly Dunne and Tanis McGregor of Door Couture let those words of wisdom inspire a celebration where guests span generations, from toddlers to grandmothers." Read about it here: CLICK

Our Blue Lace Service Plate peeks out from under a Raynaud dinner plate.

Elle Decor May 2011: Imperial Blue

2011-05-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this month's Elle Decor and find us on page 88.
Effortless Elegance - Decorator Derek Lam's 12 "Must Have's" one of which is our Mottahedeh Imperial Blue Dessert Plate!

Imperial Blue 5 Piece Place Setting (CW2400) - $350

Tea for Two, Two for Tea...

2011-05-03T05:59:00.000-07:00

Why not treat your mom to a tea for two?

"Tea for two. Two for tea. Just me and you, Mom."

Sometimes all Mom really wants is some quality time with her child. Make an effort to shower your mom with love and support this Mother's day. Make her a meal, or simply treat to her a nice afternoon tea complete with flowers, cookies & cakes, and chit-chat.

Tobacco Leaf Teapot (Y2342) - $435
Tobacco Leaf Cup & Saucer (Y2339) - $160 each

How special would it be to have a tea set that you and your mother always use to catch up? It could be a nice family tradition sent down from generation to generation. Everyone needs a special tea time with mom.

www.mottahedeh.com

Virginia Blue Breakfast in Bed... Happy Mother's Day Mom!

2011-05-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

Here's what I don't understand about Mother's day. Why is it that the men I talk to who are married with kids say, "Why celebrate my wife on Mother's Day? She's not my mother."

Thank goodness for that! But hello! If your wife is the mother of your children, isn't there warrant in thanking her for all the hard-work she constantly puts forth in raising your children? I'll bet you she does something for you on Father's Day. Am I wrong?

I'm no mom yet, but I know how difficult it can be at times to be a mother. I have my own mother who constantly amazes me with everything she does while still holding together a household of lunatics and not only providing us with confidence and motivation, but also with emotional support. Even after the longest of days she'll still be willing to selflessly chat about the things happening in our lives.

And then there are the close friends of mine who have become new moms; battling the emotional and physical struggles of raising a new-born, pr oviding loving care when those babies bust out a brand new sparkling set of baby teeth, and watching their infants turn into toddlers... turn into children. Storybooks are read at night, nap-times are looked forward to, and warm bathes are followed by bed time. If you ask any mother she'll tell you it's all worth it. But I think it's important for father's to play a role is helping their children gain an appreciation for the sacrifices mothers go through.

So for all you married father's out there, thank your wives on this special day. Get the kids together to show their mother how much you all care. Make hand drawn cards, write a love note, treat her like a queen, and help her relax.

Breakfast in Bed.

Get the kids involved in this one! Instead of letting them jump on the bed to wake her up, ask them to help you make her heart-shaped pancakes using a cookie cutter. Let mom sleep in and once it's all prepared let them bring it to her in bed. Our favorite recipe comes from a book about ready to call it quits. The pages are worn and battered (literally). My mother has had this cookbook since before I was born, I'd assume. The spine has been reinforced multiple times.

"The American People's Cookbook"

The best thing is that they don't even call them "pancakes" in here. They call them "griddlecakes"!

Seen Above:

Virginia Blue Dessert Plate (CW3602) - $45

Cornflower Blue Lace Dinner Plate (S1451) - $85

Vung Tao Miniature Covered Vase (S2875) - $75

"Stars" Ring Tray (CW2611) - $35

www.mottahedeh.com

Editor at Large: Sultane

2011-04-26T10:03:00.001-07:00

Look for the Sultane table in this Editor at Large TV snip: Spring Trends.

Keep an eye out for the purple butterfly cookies!

www.mottahedeh.com

Traditional Home: May 2011 - Apple Lace

2011-04-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

Look for us in May's Traditional Home! With 4 pages of the New + Next/Trend of Lace, how can you pass up one of our best selling patterns?

"Apple of My Eye 'Apple Lace' by Mottahedeh, $215 for five pieces (mottahedeh.com)"

Apple Lace Dinner Plate (S1351) - $50
Apple Lace Cup & Saucer (S1354) - $80
Apple Lace 5 Piece Place Setting (S1350) - $215

And don't forget! We now have serving pieces in Apple Lace! Mugs, bowls, trays, and platters. Or mix and match them with our other patterns. Find it all on our website!

www.mottahedeh.com

Plum Lace Service Plates

2011-04-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Our Plum Lace Service Plates are back in stock! Order them for yourself today!

Plum Lace Service Plate (S1705P) - $115
www.mottahedeh.com

New York Table Top - April 2011

2011-04-12T09:56:00.001-07:00

The New York Table Top show is in full swing! And of course on our first day it is raining. No worries here though, inside the Mottahedeh showroom everything looks beautiful. Fresh cut flowers and vibrant porcelain dress up the tables in a fun and fresh way. We'll leave the gloom outside. But don't take my word for it. Come on in and see for yourself!

Table Top is really geared towards retailers, designers, and editors, but for those who are unable to come and see this beautiful art form in person, here are a few pictures to get you in the Table Top Mood.

Chelsea Botanicals with our Plum Lace Service plate

R. Haviland & C. Parlon's *NEW* Sultane

American Ship Tin Plate Picnic Set (set of 6 plates)

Cookies for Display

2011-04-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

Make your own!

Sugar Cookies

Fondant

Pearl Candies

The inspiration is our new Haviland & Parlon pattern "Sultane". It is a deep purple with little lavendar dots all over it. I made these for our show displays in High Point and New York City. These cookies are easy to make and went perfectly with the pattern.

It's helpful if you stick the dough in the fridge for half an hour, and also right before you throw them in the oven. This will keep the dough from puffing up too much while cooking. I baked the fondant at the same time, placed on top of the cookie dough, which gave it a puffy look, and stuck the edible pearl candies in place before popping them in the oven.

If you're in the New York area, go take a look!

High Point Market North Carolina

2011-04-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

If you're in the High Point area or visiting Market this week - make sure to stop by our High Point showroom to see our displays and to learn what's new this season! The show goes until tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon!

Mottahedeh High Point Showroom Address:
200 N. Hamilton St.
Suite 131 North Court
High Point, NC 27261

Butterfly Lace Table

Seen Above:
Green Lace Service Plate (S1705G) - $115
Apple Lace Dinner Plate (S1351) - $50
Golden Teardrop Butterfly Dessert Plate (S1252A) - $65
Famille Verte Five Lobed Cachepot (S1880) - $625

R. Haviland & C. Parlon Sultane Table

Seen Above:
R. Haviland & C. Parlon's Sultane
*More info to come after the New York Table Top Show next week*

Chelsea Botanicals Table

Seen Above:
Plum Lace Service Plate (S1705P) - $115
Chelsea Botanicals Dinner Plate (set of 6) (Y1783) - $$415
Chelsea Botanicals Two Handled Vase (Y1798) - $225

www.mottahedeh.com

Country Living: Chelsea Rabbit Tureen

2011-04-04T06:57:00.001-07:00

Hop to it! Check out this month's Country Living and find our Chelsea Rabbit Tureen!

"When not filled with soup, this glazed ceramic bunny hops to it as an irresistible cookie jar."

Large Chelsea Rabbit Tureen (S5213) - $155
www.mottahedeh.com

Turquoise Lace

2011-04-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

Tablescape designed by Kathleen Sullivan Elliott of Kathleen Sullivan Elliott Interior Design using our Turquoise Lace Service Plates. Images by Binita Patel.

Seen above:
Turquoise Lace Service Plate (S1705T) - $115

Plum Lace PAZAZZ!

2011-03-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

I had to do a double-take, but "yes, that is our Plum Lace Service Plate". Not that you really see it next to that bling of a napkin ring. See the images here: Binita Patel

Seen Above:
Plum Lace Service Place (S1705P) - $115

www.mottahedeh.com

Blue Canton Table Decoration

2011-03-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

I was in awe as I stumbled across this Blue Canton inspired table which was styled by Eric Steven Jacobs of ESJ Designs (and Visual Director of Shreve, Crump & Low) and photographed by Binita Patel for the Shreve, Crump & Low Festive Tables Event last November.

"This next table is uber creative! Eric Steven Jacobs of ESJ Designs created a traditional Asian tablescape and atmosphere using the Mottahedeh “Blue Canton” dinner set as his inspiration. I particularly love the traditional cushions and drapery that ESJ has added to really create that “sit-down” feeling around the table. Contrasting the Mottahedeh “Blue Canton” dinner set against the red chargers really makes the whole setting pop!!" - Binita Patel

Seen Above:
Blue Canton 5 piece place setting (HC100) - $210
Blue Canton Coffee Pot (HC107) - $195
Blue Canton Square Salad Bowl (HC112) - $180

Blue Canton Inspirations

2011-03-30T06:08:00.001-07:00

Toast and Tables has Blue Canton and our Imperial Blue shown on the wall. The image was taken from House Beautiful Magazine.

"Blue and White is a favorite decorating scheme for interior designers around the world and the color combination has inspired many tabletop designers... Image from House Beautiful Magazine; Blue Canton Dinnerware, 5 pc place setting $210.00, Mottahedeh"

Seen Above:
Blue Canton Dinner Plate (HC101) - $55
Imperial Blue Dinner Plate (CW2401) - $95

www.mottahedeh.com

Brides' Know Best

2011-03-29T13:09:00.001-07:00

So what do actual brides choose for themselves from our patterns? Take a look at how they've chosen to mix and match our pieces!

Seen Above:
Green Lace Dinner Plate (S1551) - $50
Lady Charlotte's Lily Dessert Plate (CW3902) - $55
Lady Charlotte's Lily Bread & Butter Plate (CW3903) - $45
Green Lace Cup & Saucer (S1554) - $80

www.mottahedeh.com

Giver's Log

2011-03-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am OBSESSED with this website called "Giver's Log" It's a blog dedicated to making and giving gifts to others. And check it out! Our tin plates are suggested as a gift under AmberLee's "Gift Inspiration Boards "!

Give a Tin Box set! Visit our website to see our full line: CLICK
Seen Above:
American Ships Tin Picnic Set of 6 (T1981) - $65
Turkish Garden Tin Picnic Set of 4 (T7200) - $45

www.mottahedeh.com

April's Cooking Light with Apple Lace Butterflies!

2011-03-28T06:30:00.001-07:00

April's Cooking Light Magazine is bursting with Mottahedeh product, all thanks to one of our favorite prop and set stylists - Lisa Lee!

Find us on pages 12, 20, 125, 126 & 128!

We even made it into the Editor's Dozen (page 20.)
"6. So light it could fly away. Mottahedeh's Apple Lace Butterfly Dessert Plate"

Seen above:
1 - Apple Lace Butterfly Dessert Plate (S1352A) - $55
2 - Sacred Bird & Butterfly Octagonal Platter (HC611A) - $250
3 - Chelsea Bird Tea Cup & Saucers, set of 4 (CW2448) - $300
4. Virginia Blue Coup Soup Bowl (CW2606) - $50 on top of a Virginia Blue Dinner Plate (CW3601) - $50

Get it all here:

www.mottahedeh.com

High Point Market 2011: Ready Set Grow!

2011-03-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

We have two large shows coming up in the month of April. The first is the High Point Market in North Carolina. We have a special showroom down there with beautiful windows displaying all of our product. The market starts on the 2nd and goes until the 7th, so it's right around the corner!

In preparing for the big event, I've been putting together showroom displays of our new product as well as a couple of displays of existing product for the show. One of the patterns we'll be showing is Chelsea Botanicals. We were so inspired by the Tea Time magazine spread that we decided we'd love to show it this year.

As I was browsing Pottery Barn during my lunch break yesterday I stumbled across faux fern place mats. They were tucked under a set of three plates, but nowhere else in the store to be found. At first I thought they looked a little hokey, but then decided they'd actually be pretty cool for the show, peeping out under our service plates! I asked a floor associate if they had any available for purchase, and guess what?! They were on sale for $9. "Cha-CHING!" I bought four.Here's the thing about displaying at shows.
A. You want to use as many real flowers as possible (and we do) because they're absolutely beautiful and bring life to a table.
B. Flowers have to be in water, and if they're not, they wilt and die. Common knowledge right?
so
C. If you can find fake food or flowers to show a certain effect - one in which it is impractical to have water - than PERFECT! Shows generally last around a week, so by the end of the week real flowers are looking a little droopy.

So here's what I've been playing around with. We'll be showing our Chelsea Botanicals on top of our Plum Lace Service Plates. Unfortunately, for this photo, we were out of Plum Lace Service Plates. But, we get a shipment at the end of this month!! (So if you've ordered yourself one, the wait should be over soon and these lovely service plates will be in your hands.)

We'll take more photos of everything put together on the table at High Point Market in a couple of weeks. But for now, if you'd like your own spring botanical table you can get it all here.

Seen Above:
Chelsea Botanicals Dinner Plates Set of 6 (Y1783) - $415
Chelsea Botanicals Dessert Plates Set of 6 (Y1784) - $325
Plum Lace Service Plate (S1705P) - $115
Faux Fern Place Mats (Pottery Barn) - $9 each
Wrapping the napkins we used "Leaf Ribbon", which I bought from the Paper Source but you can also get it online here: CLICK

www.mottahedeh.com

You Tell Us: Antique Box and Cup

2011-03-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

I've been going through some of our "rare room" items from our Vault. Mottahedeh has been in business for a long time, and our origins are in reproduction porcelain. Most of our patterns are inspired by or precisely replicate antique patterns, shapes, and motifs. In our vault we keep antiques and the first of products we've produced. In going through a couple of things I found this adorable antique box and cup detailed in gold.

Just because something is an antique, doesn't make it completely outdated. I was thinking this could look really cute as a vanity display with perfumes standing in the box, and eyeliners and lipsticks in the cup.

How would you update this antique to make it fit into your current style? How would you display it? Leave us a comment! Let us know! We want to hear!

www.mottahedeh.com

Entertain with the Dragon

2011-03-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

A humorous graphic created by Bryan Dolan

Seen Above:

Blue Dragon Oval Platter (S1748) - $185

www.mottahedeh.com

March/April 2011 Tea Time: Chelsea Botanicals

2011-03-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

An Elegant Easter Tea

Pick up this month's Tea Time and you'll see six pages full of our Easter ready Chelsea Botanicals and Plum Lace service plates along with recipes to recreate this special feast at home. Learn how to make coconut scones, carrot fritters, mini lamb quiches with parmesan crisps, crepes and blueberry sauce, cream-filled white chocolate baskets, and strawberry cupcakes! The pictures alone will make you drool and the flowers will have you rooting for spring to arrive just a little bit earlier this year!

Seen Above:
Chelsea Botanicals Dinner Plates (Y1783) Set of 6 - $415
Chelsea Botanicals Dessert Plates (Y1784) Set of 6 - $325
Chelsea Botanicals Teacups & Saucers (Y1789) Set of 6 - $315
Plum Lace Service Plate (S1705P) - $115

www.mottahedeh.com

Happy Apple Lace Service Plate Saint Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Seen Above: Apple Lace Service Plate (S1705GA) - $115
Boston Cream Pie Recipe

Vibrant Butterfly Lace Plates

2011-03-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

The spring equinox is right around the corner! On Monday the earth's axis will neither tilt toward or away from the sun, making the center of the sun in the same plane as our equator. For a lot of people it marks the beginning of spring and for Baha'is, Persians, and Zoroastrians it's the start of the New Year!

We recently introduced four new dessert plates which can be mixed and matched with a number of patterns in our line. The color proofs have just been approved and as you read this, our butterfly plates are being produced in Portugal. We're taking back orders, so if you'd like a set of your own, hopefully just in time for spring & Easter, check them out on our website and pre-order yourself a set! They should be in your hands by the end of April! Feel free to mix and match or buy all of one pattern. They're sold individually.

Apple Lace Butterfly Dessert Plate (S1352A) - $55

Cornflower Lace Butterfly Dessert Plate (S1452A) - $55

Golden Teardrop Butterfly Dessert Plate (S1252A) - $65

Green Lace Butterfly Dessert Plate (S1552A) - $55

www.mottahedeh.com

Spring 2011 High Point Market Preview

2011-03-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

We're in the High Point Market Accessory Preview! Look for our beautiful Tobacco Leaf lamp in the "lighting" section on page 207, and our blue & white Blue Canton Bough Vase in "decorative accessories" on page 179.

Seen Above:
Tobacco Leaf Lamp (S7259LAMP) - $1,850
Blue Canton Bough Vase (HC96) - $475

www.mottahedeh.com

April Table Top - NYC

2011-03-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

New York City's Table Top is coming up!
The event takes place April 12-15th.

Here's a small clue as to what you might see on one of our Mottahedeh tables at the upcoming show!

Mottahedeh isn't only for eating off of. Glam up a fish bowl with a beautiful base (plate). And for the fish to hide in, a pot de creme keeps it classy.

Seen Above:
Cornflower Lace Dinner Plate (S1451) - $50
Prosperity Pot de Creme s/4 (MV1612) - $280

Call us if you'd like to buy an
individual pot de creme (MV1612A) - $70
609-409-1490

www.mottahedeh.com

The Love of Feeling Blue

2011-03-07T12:21:00.000-08:00

It seems like every home decorating magazine I open these days has a blue and white piece of porcelain sitting on a table, hanging on a wall, or nestled on a shelf. Blue and white porcelain is classic and its popularity continues year after year. It's truly timeless.

Some Interesting Facts about Cobalt:

Though most blue and white patterns we're familiar with have Chinese designs, the use of cobalt on china was discovered and used way before the Chinese by the Persians in the Middle East back in the nineth century through decorative experimentation on white ware. It was then brought to China and the technique was perfected. Cobalt white ware was even shunned in 1368 by the Ming Dynasty for a time by the Court, because it was felt to be too foreign in inspiration.

Later, during the seventeenth century, blue and white ware became popular in the European markets and thus started to take on more European design. It was eventually brought to America where Chinese blue and white was in high demand well into the nineteenth century.

It's no wonder blue and white porcelain is considered timeless. Its popularity has spanned centuries, traveling around the world, inspired and perfected by multiple cultures. It held global impact before we even came up with the term "globalization". And though the color originated in Iran, and the techniques and designs in China, it has become a part of the heritage of many American families. How beautiful and amazing is that?

Seen Above: Clockwise

12:00 - Medium Lobed Tray (HC81) - $70
2:00 - Blue Canton Shell Dish (HC121) - $95
4:00 - Blossom Plate (Y1628) - $65
6:00 - Blue Canton Medium Platter (HC97) - $250
Center - Blue and White Square Bowl (Y1625) - $160
Blue Canton Punch Bowl (NT2419) - $990
Blue Canton Trumpet Vase (HC83) -$165

In case you're interested in purchasing any of the following pieces, we have most of them in stock. Call us today and we'll ship it out tomorrow for you!

www.mottahedeh.com

Cincinnati Tea Cup & Saucer

2011-03-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

Afternoon tea is a lovely invention of the English, but the tea and china coming from the Orient fueled it. Did you know that teacups and saucers were originally used a little differently than how we use them today? Every wonder why antique saucers are deeper than the saucers you're used to? Check out our twitter page to get a better idea of how they were used! Click It!

Seen above: Cincinnati Service Tea Cup & Saucer (W1102) - $115

www.mottahedeh.com

Papa K's 2 Egg Cake: Cornflower Blue Lace

2011-03-01T11:20:00.001-08:00

I am a Baha'i, and these past four days my family and I have been celebrating Ayyam-i-Ha. It's a time of cheer, celebration, acts of generosity, service, and gift giving in preparation for our Fasting period before the Baha'i New Year. If you want to learn more about it you can click here. But basically this weekend I made my father his favorite cake as a gift. He's a pretty healthy guy, but he has a major sweet tooth when it comes to certain foods.

My husband and I got married just over a year and a half ago. As a wedding gift we received everything under the sun in terms of kitchenware. One of my favorite pieces was a glass cake stand. To my dismay, this past weekend, I realized it had been chipped in our cupboard. NO WORRIES! The glass top happened to fit PERFECTLY over our Cornflower Lace Service Plate, which I do think makes a lovely cake plate in and of itself.
This is actually my mother's recipe so it should be labeled "Mama K's 2 Egg Cake" but since it's my father's favorite I'm renaming it "Papa K's 2 Egg Cake". I doubled the recipe to make a two layer cake, so really it should be called "Papa K's 4 Egg Cake." But we'll stick with 2.

The frosting is a simple butter cream with almond extract and chopped walnuts. I made about a pound of frosting. This is supposed to be an indulgent cake, and this frosting is my favorite! It's probably too much frosting for most people, but it seemed to come out perfectly fine; evident by the fact that my father ate about half of the cake by the end of the day on his own.

Cream the butter.

Add a tsp of almond and vanilla extract as well as a box of powdered sugar (gradually). Use a little bit of milk if it's too firm.

Hand mix in the chopped walnuts. The more the better in my book, but it depends on how much you like walnuts.

Frost the first layer of cake.

Then, place the second layer on top and frost the sides as low as you'd like to go. My mother usually just frosts the top, but I decided I wanted less cake to show, plus I had a pound of frosting and I didn't want it to go to waste.

YUM! Ready to go to Papa K's!

Now, make your own!

Seen Above:

Cornflower Lace Service Plate (S1705CF) - $115
Other Lace Service Plate Colors
Williams Sonoma Glass Domed Cake Plate

www.mottahedeh.com

Southern Living Weddings: Spring - Tobacco Leaf & Lace

2011-02-28T11:41:00.001-08:00

All you beautiful brides-to-be out there! Take note in this year's Southern Living Weddings magazine.

We're a big fan of Southern Living, and an even bigger fan of Southern Living Weddings! Find our fine china on page 15.

"Set a pretty table with traditional floral motifs that are fresh and feminine. We suggest mixing different patterns to liven up the look. You'll want to register for a set of 12 dinner plates in one pattern, but there's no reason why salad plates, bread and butter plates, or serving pieces can't be in coordinating colors and patterns."

Seen above:
Tobacco Leaf Dessert Plate (Y2337) - $145
Plum Lace Service Plate (S1705P) - $115

www.mottahedeh.com

Kitten Sipping

2011-02-26T06:54:00.000-08:00

Would you be inclined to buy more Mottahedeh if each teacup came with a kitten?
Source

www.mottahedeh.com

Inspired by Mottahedeh

2011-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

We like to keep things fun here at Mottahedeh. A couple of Fridays ago we decided to have a fondant decorating party! Everyone chose one of our patterns to inspire a masterpiece. (I'm talking about EVERYONE - warehouse, accounting, customer service, product development, etc)

Now, none of us can claim to be true artists, but I'm pretty impressed with everyone's courage as they dived into the sugary world of cupcake artistry.

Famille Verte

Tobacco Leaf

Inspired by the Rooster Tureen and displayed on Sacred Bird & Butterfly

Lady Charlotte's Lily

What inspires you?
www.mottahedeh.com

Victoria Magazine: Spring 2011 Butterfly Lace

2011-02-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

"How can one help shivering with delight when one's hot fingers close around the stem of a live flower, cool from the shade and stiff with newborn vigor!" - Colette

Spring is in the air! (Or at least it has felt that way the past few days.) Mother nature is toying with us here in NJ. All of a sudden it's beautiful, sunny, and warm, and then the next morning it's below freezing with 40 mph gusts of wind. Thank goodness for magazines like Victoria Magazine that show us pictures of spring inspired tablescapes. The longing for nice weather begins.

To help you get inspired, look for our new Cornflower Lace Butterfly dessert plates in the March/April's "Favorite Things" section.

"Fresh-from-the-garden roses provide the inspiration for this splendid outdoor table, opposite and above left. Bright pink "Market Street" dinner plates from Kate Spade are paired with Mottahedeh's exquisite lavender banded "Lace" butterfly dessert plate in Cornflower for an eye-catching color combination." (pg. 17)

(We carry a similar color dinner plate by Robert Haviland & C. Parlon in Arc en Ciel Fuschia if you like this color combination.)

And on page 20 you will find our Plum Lace Chargers.
'"Lace" service plates in Plum from Mottahedeh are paired with flower-embellished 'Windsor Garden' dinner plates, cups, and saucers from Herend."

Have it! Seen Above:
Cornflower Lace Butterfly Dessert Plate (S1452A) - $55
Arc en Ciel Fushcia Dinner Plate (HP51334) - $125
Plum Lace Charger (S1705P) - $115

www.mottahedeh.com

Mix & Match: Sacred Bird & Butterfly / Colette Gold

2011-02-22T09:53:00.000-08:00

Mottahedeh sells a plethora of patterns in the most beautiful colors. Just because you love the Sacred Bird & Butterfly pattern, doesn't mean you have to buy the whole set! Feel free to mix it up a bit! For our favorite orange pattern we suggest mixing it with R. Haviland & C. Parlon's Colette Gold. Colette Gold has quite a few serving pieces in the line that we don't tell in Sacred Bird and Butterfly. So if you REALLY NEED that gravy boat for the next big family get together and still want to use your Sacred Bird and Butterfly dinner plates - mix it up!

Seen above:
Sacred Bird & Butterfly Dinner Plate (HC601) - $60
Colette Gold Dessert Plate (HP438029) - $105
Sacred Bird & Butterfly Tea Cup & Saucer (HC604) - $70
Colette Gold Gravy Boat (HP438058) - Special Order - $575
Sacred Bird & Butterfly Master Salt (HC632) - $80
Sacred Bird & Butterfly Fluted Dessert Bowl (HC617) - $105

What patterns would you like us to show you mixed up? Leave a comment and we'll post our suggestions.

www.mottahedeh.com

Martha Stewart Online: Bluelines Source Book

2011-02-20T06:50:00.000-08:00

Bluelines Contributor's Bookmarks

We were doing a bit of searching and apparently our website is an inspiration for Bluelines contributors. We feel so privileged! Unfortunately, when you click on our link, it doesn't connect. But you know where to find us! www.mottahedeh.com

"We asked Bluelines contributors to open up their bookmarks folders (aka the websites they visit for inspiration) and we compiled them here for you.

Do you need some cool desk accessories? Do you want to find a recipe for tonight's dinner? Are you longing for a fresh, new blog? Look no further.

Don't miss our very popular 100 Reasons To... columns, which are bursting with new tips, facts, and sources and now conveniently located in one place.

Happy surfing!"

www.mottahedeh.com

House Beautiful Online: Vases 101 - Sacred BB

2011-02-19T06:28:00.000-08:00

House Beautiful Online did a segment on 101 vases. "Silver, Stone, or Glass - a vase for any occasion." Number 58 is our very own Sacred Bird & Butterfly Shang Vase (HC619) - $130.They also featured the 5 piece place setting in their "Best Gifts for the Dining Room" #8!
"Start a new tradition. This exuberant Orange porcelain from Historical Charleston copies a Chinese export original."

Sacred Bird and Butterfly 5 Piece Place Setting (HP600) - $225

www.mottahedeh.com

Mottahedeh's Best Selling Patterns

2011-02-18T07:19:00.000-08:00

Apple Lace 5 Piece Place Setting (S1350) - $215

We want to know! What pattern would you guess is our best selling? Browse our website and let us know which you'd guess, then post a comment, let us know on Facebook or send us a quick tweet!

Check back next week and we'll let you know which patterns are leading the way!

www.mottahedeh.com

House Beautiful: March 2011 Arc en Ciel Fuschia

2011-02-18T06:21:00.001-08:00

Find us in next month's issue of House Beautiful! 50 Ways to go PINK and one of the ways is by having R. Haviland & C. Parlon's Arc en Ciel Fuschia!

R. Haviland & C. Parlon's Arc en Ciel Fuschia Dinner Plate (HP513-34) - $125

Blue Bloods: Sacred Bird & Butterfly

2011-02-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

Blue Bloods - Fri 10/9c on CBS

Take a very close look at the plates the Reagan brood are eating off of in the show Blue Bloods. If you look ever so carefully you may notice that they are ours. YEP! The Reagan family discusses their lives over Mottahedeh's Sacred Bird & Butterfly Dinner Plates.

Mottahedeh Sacred Bird & Butterfly Dinner Plate (HC601) - $60

"BLUE BLOODS is a drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. Frank Reagan is the New York City Police Commissioner and heads both the police force and the Reagan brood. He runs his department as diplomatically as he runs his family, even when dealing with the politics that plagued his unapologetically bold father, Henry, during his stint as Chief. A source of pride and concern for Frank is his eldest son Danny, a seasoned detective, family man, and Iraqi War vet who on occasion uses dubious tactics to solve cases. The sole Reagan woman in the family, Erin, is a N.Y. Assistant D.A. and newly single parent, who also serves as the legal compass for her siblings and father. Jamie is the youngest Reagan, fresh out of Harvard Law and the family's "golden boy;" however, unable to deny the family tradition, Jamie decided to give up a lucrative future in law and is now a newly minted cop. Jamie's life takes an abrupt turn when he's asked to become part of a clandestine police investigation even his father knows nothing about, and one that could impact the family's legacy." - From the CBS website.

So catch-up on this season's episodes while keeping an eye out for our table settings!

www.mottahedeh.com

Elle Decor Feb/March: Tulip Dessert Plate

2011-02-15T05:40:00.000-08:00

Did you see us in this month's Elle Decor? Look for our Milestone Tulip Dessert Plate!

Tulip Dessert Plates set of 4 (MS6518) - $40
Add the cups and saucers for another $45!

www.mottahedeh.com

Single Valentine

2011-02-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

For the majority of my life-time, I had no valentine on Valentine's Day. I was happy being alone. I've never been the type of person who has longed for a romantic relationship. I felt I had everything I needed from my close friends, and focusing on my relationships in general provided me with the support and stability needed to navigate the world around me. I always knew I'd get married, and eventually start a family, but I was in no rush. I was confident that when the time was right, things would work out, and marriage would happen. But until then, it wasn't a priority of mine to be in a relationship because I felt unless it was leading to marriage, it was a lot of wasted effort that I could apply to gaining skills and confidence in other arenas of my life.

So for those single hearts out there, on this day that romanticizes the love that should be present all the time and throughout all of our interactions with everyone we meet, this post is for you. I think there's a strength and beauty in being happy alone. similarly I think there's a different type of strength in beauty in being in a healthy relationship, but they're slightly different. So my suggestion on this day is to give yourself a little Valentine love. Go buy a bag of Lemon Heart Cookies from Trader Joe's (They are soo good!), make yourself a cup of tea, rent a movie that you love, and curl up on the couch perfectly content with spending some quality time solo.

"Love Bears All Things" Verse Tray (CW2606) - $35

www.mottahedeh.com

V-Day Gift Idea

2011-02-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

The gift I gave to my husband for Valentine's Day:

These were the clues for next weekend. It starts with the apple and moves clock-wise around the heart.

Apple - represents the Big Apple, NYC
Coffee Beans - represent the Coffee and Tea Festival taking place in New York City next weekend. He's a huge fan of coffee and everything related to it. (Half priced tickets can be bought here: CLICK)
Spaghetti - to represent a nice Italian meal together, his favorite.
Fruit Tart - representing Bruno in Manhattan, cute desserts.
Blue Paint Bucket - to represent a visit to see the Blue Man's Group. Since neither of us have seen it before.

Guys need a few surprises in their life too :)

What Women Want - Jewelry: Chandigahr

2011-02-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

"Jewelry"

What the ladies find romantic:

“Some surprises I've enjoyed in the past were pearl earrings and an engraved music box (at separate times). I also like those mushy cards with cursive and ribbons on them from Hallmark.” – MK

“Also, jewelry is tricky, but such a wonderful memento. Boyfriends who are feeling timid about what there girlfriends might like should go for something really sweet, small and simple like a little charm on a delicate chain that can be worn whenever with whatever.” - AK

“For our anniversary he gave me earrings that were of flowers, they had three petals which he said was for 3 years of marriage, I really appreciated the thought he put into them. Jewelry is really lovely but for it to be romantic there needs to be thought put into it, either in the jewelry itself or how it is given.” - LA

____________________________

If you're in a pinch for a quick V-Day surprise, why not make your own chocolate covered strawberries together? It's easy to do, and it's fun if you haven't done it together before. If you've never melted chocolate there are a couple of things you need to know.

1. Don't get ANY water into the chocolate as you try to melt it. It will cause it to seize up, and ruin the smoothness.

2. You can microwave chocolate or place it in a bowl on top of a pan of boiling water (But again, don't let any water get into it).

3. White chocolate can be used to make decorations :)

So whip up a batch of melted chocolate and get your strawberry dipping on! YUM!

R.Haviland & C. Parlon's Chandigahr Dessert Plate (HP742-29) - $80

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INTRODUCING NUT LEAF

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Javits Center - Blue Canton Madness!

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an Unbridal Shower Invite!

Bridal Shower Ideas

Vogue's Most Wanted - Melon Box & Stand

A Casual Family Dinner

Table of the Elements - Anais Morrel

TeaTime: May/June 2011 Chinoise Blue!

House Beautiful: May 2011 Blue Canton

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Elle Decor May 2011: Imperial Blue

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Cookies for Display

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Turquoise Lace

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April's Cooking Light with Apple Lace Butterflies!

High Point Market 2011: Ready Set Grow!

You Tell Us: Antique Box and Cup

Entertain with the Dragon

March/April 2011 Tea Time: Chelsea Botanicals

Happy Apple Lace Service Plate Saint Patrick's Day!

Vibrant Butterfly Lace Plates

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April Table Top - NYC

The Love of Feeling Blue

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Introducing our New Lotus Tin Plate set/4