Today's Prescription: Realize that white doesn't have to mean boring.

People choose white dinnerware for many reasons... best for food presentation, for a modern look, numerous options available at many price points, easy to accessorize with colored linens or stemware, worried about getting tired of any color, or maybe they are just lacking in the imagination department.  Whatever the reason, we don't think white has to be a "boring" option.  Sure, you can keep it simple and traditional, but you can also create a very interesting table setting with textured white dinnerware.  We've highlighted just a few of our favorite white collections here:

Juliska Berry and Thread - This textured collection remains a constant favorite among our brides.  They have numerous options for all pieces of a place setting and a wide array of serving pieces available.  The collection also coordinates with their spectacular Jardins du Monde white dinnerware and the colored Berry and Thread pieces.  Busy families love its easy-to-care-for qualities - oven, dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe!

Bernardaud Louvre - If you want dinnerware to easily transition from everyday to formal entertaining, you can't go wrong with the extremely durable Louvre collection.  Options abound here as well as far as serving pieces and accessories.  Their over-sized Latte Mug has become an instant favorite at our store, it's the perfect piece for the upcoming fall and winter season!  While not the most popular of the Bernardaud patterns, I am personally in love with Digital which the photos just don't do justice!  It's a lovely, organic texture that also works for everyday and formal dining.

Simon Pearce Corinth or Cavendish - More contemporary than Juliska, but similar in weight (stoneware), we are always a fan of Simon Pearce.  Their dinnerware coordinates beautifully with their glassware as well.  The style is simple, classic and can work in a modern, traditional or even more country cottage style home. 

Rosenthal Thomas Loft - For a reasonable price, you'll be pleasantly surprised by your options in the Loft product line.  This classic casual porcelain offers everything you need for a place setting as well as oven-to-table items. 

Let us help you choose the right white for your family table!

Related articles

• Must Register For: Juliska (alwaysablogsmaid.com)

Today's Prescription: Back to school prep!

Hey Moms & Dads, after you hit the nearest Target for back to school necessities, come see us for some less obvious back-to-school supplies...

Lunch Supplies - For your toddlers hitting preschool for the first time, we've got soft, quilted, smaller backpacks, as well as some colorful snack sacks and lunchboxes.    Teach them early to be eco-conscious by getting them their own stainless steel water bottle. Improve your tools for making and packing healthy lunches for your family by investing in a quality cutting board from Epicurean and a Kyocera Utility Knife to make slicing a cinch!

Preschool - If your little one will need to take a nap at home, check out Barefoot Dreams "Nap to Go" set.  This blanket and pillow set is deliciously soft!

Skills - Make sure his or her bookshelves are stocked to keep them interested in learning to read. We've got various selections from Usborne books for a variety of ages.  For those learning to write, try Melissa and  Doug's Write-a-Mat placemat, it's an educational way to keep them busy at the dinner table. 

Family Dinners - Ok, not a requirement of back-to-school shopping, but we hope you'll be able to enjoy a family meal at the end of most days whether its homemade or take-out.  We suggest serving it on modern-twist's eco-conscious, fun, colorful silicone placemats. 

Related articles

• Bullying in Preschool: What Parents Need to Know (education.com)
• My New Favourite Kitchen Utensil (iandanielstewart.com)

Today's Prescription: Pittsburgh gifts!

We're often asked for gift ideas that are "Pittsburgh themed". Sometimes the shopper is buying for a co-worker or friend leaving the city or maybe they are traveling and want to bring something from their home town.

Our most popular gift by far in this category is a piece from Riverside Design Group, a local company located in Lawrenceville, PA dedicated to sustainable design.  They have created several beautiful collections, but Plates with Purpose tends to be the most popular as a "Pittsburgh" gift.  Fifteen percent of the proceeds of any Plate with Purpose benefits various Pennsylvania (mostly in Pittsburgh) charities such as Habitat for Humanity, Family House, and the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank.   Although glass, the plates are packaged well and with some extra TLC (i.e. bubble wrap) from us, we've had many customers successfully transport their gifts tucked inside their luggage all around the world. A subset of this is a small collection called A Platter That Matters that is ONLY available through our store.  Inspired by Riverside Designs' charity plates, we have partnered with select charities and Contemporary Concepts makes the donation to the designated charity (HEARTH, Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh). 

If your recipient is a Pittsburgh sports fan, we'll likely prescribe a set of Pittsburgh Penguins Tervis Tumblers, or a Steelers Tervis Mug.  People LOVE their Tervis Tumblers which are perfect for hot or cold beverages and the double walled construction keeps drinks insulated longer!  Got a big kid on your list, we usually have a selection of novelty Pittsburgh items like the boxing puppet in a Steelers jersey. 

Help keep someone's Pittsburgh memories alive with one or more of our WQED DVDs about Pittsburgh like the "Things That Aren't There Anymore" or "Kennywood Memories" DVDs.  These would make a great gift for a family. 

Today's Prescription: Colorful wedding gift ideas!

Buying a wedding gift for a fun, casual, artsy, creative couple?  If so, we suggest you forgo the traditional and go bold and colorful!  Here are a just a few of our favorite fun and colorful weddings gifts:

For under $75, choose four food-grade silicone placemats from modern-twist. These eco-chic mats are priced at $14.50 and up and are available in several solid hues and many cool contemporary patterns.

A truly contemporary couple will surely appreciate the modern aesthetic of vibrant Kosta Boda.  We have votives, bowls, vases and more available at a variety of price points.  Many shoppers make a Kosta Boda bowl or cake plate their "go-to" gift for newlyweds.   

Just because they're "everyday glasses" does not mean they have to be ordinary.  A set of four, six, eight, or more USA-made Esteban Prieto tumblers would make a lovely gift.   Photos of these lovely glasses do not do them justice!  Choose all matching glasses or get a mix of colors for more casual entertaining. 

Let us help you find the perfect gift for all of your upcoming events!