The summer party I’m throwing is coming up, so I recently asked Ali Pincus, one of the co-founders of the luxury daily sales site, One Kings Lane, for some easy entertaining ideas—especially ways to set an informal table. “I love personalizing seating,” she told me. “My new favorite thing is to write each guest’s name on a piece of fruit. I think green or yellow apples work really well. I saw this at a friend’s home, and loved it! And a beautiful glass pitcher with water and sliced lemons & limes always looks lovely.”
Since One Kings Lane offers home décor items at up to 70 percent off retail, I also asked her about the must-haves that are regularly showcased on the site. “There are so many!” she said. “However, one mustn’t feel the pressure to keep up with the current ‘must have’s.’ I actually like pulling various objects from my home and placing them onto my table. For example, I once used my office Foo Dogs on my dining table for a dinner party. But if there’s an ultimate ‘must have’ for a party, it’s great candles (non-scented) and beautiful holders.”
In addition, to its ever-changing offerings from various brands, One Kings Lane also hosts special Tastemaker Tag Sales every Saturday through Tuesday mornings, when designers sell items from their personal collections—often at 50 percent off retail. Some that are coming up are Charles Fradin and Russell Johnson this coming weekend, Grant Gibson on July 24, Kathryn Ireland on August 7, and Barabra Barry on September 11. The site also features inspiring photos of rooms by
several designers, such as this pretty guest room by Lulu DeKwiatowski. The designer profiles include great tips, too. I especially liked this tip from Lulu: “When you have guests staying over, always put a little carafe of water and a glass on a tray next to their bed,” she says. “It makes them feel spoiled and cared for.” For more tips and product ideas from One Kings Lane, visit its Web site. P.S. The site is offering a $10 instant credit to readers of The Happy Home Workshop. To take advantage of the offer click here and join by 12 p.m. PDT July 14, 2010. The credit must be used by 12 p.m. PDT July 30, 2010.
I enjoy your site-decorating tips, to make a home well rounded! Thank You!
Lisa, Thanks so much for your positive thoughts! Please continue to keep me posted on what you’re up to in your own home. I hope to occasionally post the projects of The Happy Home Workshop’s readers, too. Send me a note through the Share function of this blog if you want to share what you’re up to at your house. Thanks for tuning in!