Drexel Heritage Designer on Design Inspiration

Posted on October 26, 2010 by brandaid in Furniture Market

Last week during High Point Market, we were able to catch up with Denise Alala, vice president of upholstery design for Drexel Heritage. In this video, Denise shares a little bit about her position with Drexel Heritage and where she finds design inspiration.

Get Festive with Formality

Posted on October 15, 2010 by brandaid in Trendy Tips

It’s only the middle of October, but we’re willing to bet that a lot of you have already solidified your holiday plans. For those of you fortunate enough to be hosting your family and friends this year for the first time, don’t fret! We’ve got a handful of helpful tips (and reminders for all of you seasoned vets) on how to formally set your dining room table and properly spread holiday cheer!

Step #1: Spread your tablecloth. If you’re not using a holiday-themed tablecloth, a crisp, white tablecloth will also do the trick. Just make sure that whatever you use, it’s wrinkle-free!

Step #2: Place your centerpiece at the center of the table.  Fresh flowers and candles are nice additions, or you can even make your own!

Step #3: Set out your dinner plates one inch from the edge of the table. They should also be centered in front of each chair.

Step #4: Place your utensils. Forks will go to the left of the plate and knives to the right of the plate with blades facing inwards. Spoons will go to the right of the knives. Utensils should be placed in the order that they will be used, with first-course utensils farthest from the plate. Utensils should also be lined up so that they are even with the plate, one inch from the edge of the table.

Step #5: Set out your glasses directly above the knives. Like the utensils, glasses should be positioned in the order that they will be used. Usually, water is first, followed by wine glass(es).

Step #6: Position dessert forks and/or spoons horizontally at the head of the plate, or bring them out with dessert. Dessert plates are usually served later and are not set out in advance.

Step #7: Place bread plates above the forks. Butter knives should lie across the bread plates.

Step #8: Lay a folded napkin at the center of each dinner plate or in a glass. Be sure to get creative with your folding, and don’t be afraid to get fancy with your napkin rings, either!

For more information on how to set your perfect holiday table, check out these helpful links:
·    eHow – How to set a formal table
·    Bright Settings – Online table setter

Also, feel free to share some of your table-setting tricks in the comments section below.

Happy table-setting!

Adieu Paris, Hello High Point!

Posted on October 8, 2010 by brandaid in Furniture Market

Designers everywhere are packing their bags and getting ready to head to North Carolina next week for the season’s biggest industry event – the inspiring High Point Market! And speaking of bags and inspiration, our Drexel Heritage design team was inspired just last month when they spotted these colorful suitcases (doubling as decorations) at the Maison et Objet furniture trade show in Paris.

Maison et Objet, which attracts designers from across the globe, has been a momentous source of inspiration to our team. Featuring the latest in style and technology, the 5-day event showcases the most up-to-date creations in home fashion, including furniture, tableware, fabrics, decoration and accessories. This year our designers found inspiration not only in these suitcases, but also in the many colorful patterns, interesting textures and unique shapes of Maison et Objet.

Now our dynamic team is back and busily preparing to showcase new ideas of our own during the High Point Market. Last year, guests got exclusive first looks at our newest collections, and this year promises to be even more exciting. If you’re an interior design blogger and want to visit our showroom, please provide your contact information in the comment section below.

Hope to see you there!

Isn’t It Romantic?

Posted on October 4, 2010 by brandaid in Trendy Tips

*Sigh*

Don’t you just love the romantic things in life — flowers, sunsets…headboards?

In a recent online post, House Beautiful chose our Drexel Heritage Upholstered Headboard as one of 15 headboards that they loved. With its romantic 18th-century style and customizable features, we agree with them –  we really do want to have breakfast in bed. And dinner!