At Home with Heath

The idea of a wedding registry is appealing. You get to ask for all of the lovely things you want and your loved ones get to buy them for you. But, once you start shopping, you realize just how overwhelming it can be. Faced with endless Wedgwood china patterns, Baccarat crystal goblets and Lalique vases, you decide to seek out something a little simpler.

If your style is more Cali (as in California) than Connecticut, Heath Ceramics may be the perfect alternative to those formal registries. Founded by Edith Heath in 1948, Heath Ceramics is one of the few remaining mid-century American potteries still in existence. They are known for their beautiful handcrafted tableware including bowls, plates, pitchers, serving pieces, vases and tea sets.


Over 40 skilled artisans (many of them have been with the company for 20+ years) create the unique products on premise at their factory in Sausalito, California. Their stoneware clay bodies are fired at low temperatures to create durable and non-porous products. All of their glazes are original and natural to complement the raw beauty of clay. The look may be laid-back but these pieces have pedigree. Some are featured in the permanent collection at the MOMA.


Recently, Heath Ceramics collaborated with artists including clothing and housewares designer, Christina Kim of DOSA, and chef and food visionary, Alice Waters of Chez Panisse to create limited edition collections. Kim's Phases of the Moon Tea Set ($260), which features 4 tea cups and a tray, is a unique gift idea.


Online registries are available on the Heath Ceramics website as well as retail stores such as Barney's New York and Moss.

You can feel good about starting your new life with tableware from a company that prides itself on having strong American values. Not only do they produce all of their high quality products at their factory in the US, they adhere to strict environmental standards and maintain a fair and responsible workplace.

Photos by Renee Zellweger

A Mad Tea Party

If I had to choose one season in the Fashion Calendar, I would live in resort. It's essentially a collection designed for a lifestyle of leisure. Assuming, of course, that you have somewhere fabulous to go on vacation.

Last Thursday I was given a little taste of the good life at an afternoon tea party hosted by my friends at Ports 1961. Inspired by the painting (top right), "A Mad Tea Party," by Zelda Fitzgerald (artist and wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald), Creative Director Tia Cibani, Ann Caruso, Lucy Sykes Rellie, Mary Alice Stephenson and Eva Lorenzotti gathered up some of New York most fashionable ladies to preview the new resort collection that pays tribute to the Jazz Age.

Williamson Calvert, an events and cuisine company, was commissioned to create a luxe yet relaxed setting that would transport guests to the 1920's - a time of elegant garden parties, preppy college boys and high flying flappers.

The terrace was lined with towering birch and maple trees along with conical boxwoods, wisteria, ligustrums, rose topiaries and bougainvillea. Table tops were dressed with maize Damask linens, an eclectic mix of vintage fleur and garden china and antique goblets with gold rims. Lush arrangements of fragrant lilacs and Barrington Belle peonies added bursts of color while vintage Lenox pedestals and Wedgwood teapots accented each setting.

A long buffet was filled with savory and sweet treats including petit courgette quiche, cucumber and smoked sturgeon sandwiches, stuffed figs with Stilton and almonds and currant scones with clotted cream. The chocolate truffles infused wtih Earl Grey and Bergamot Tea were especially decadent.

Guests including actress Gabrielle Union, Vanessa von Bismarck, Olivia Palermo, Celerie Kemble, Adelina Wong Ettelson and Zelda's granddaughter Bobbie Lanahan, enjoyed a private viewing of the new collection while sipping on chilled Elderflower Cocktails, Lychee Ice Tea and the signature drink of the party - The Zelda, a delicious mix of green tea, ginger infused vodka and organic gingerale with a splash of simple syrup and squeeze of lime.

As with all events produced by Tony Alcindor of Ports 1961, the close attention to detail provided a full sensory experience. The Loose Marbles, a band of street musicians from New Orleans (that Tia discovered while walking through Chelsea market), performed as a charming couple danced a little swing and jitterbug - a wonderful and original touch. If you are lucky, you'll catch The Loose Marbles playing in Washington Square Park this summer.

For more information on Williamson Calvert (whose clients include Vanity Fair and Chanel), contact Deborah at 718-956-5633.

For those reading this post in an email or reader, click on the title to visit the blog for a complete slide show of photos from the event.

Decor photos by Deborah Williamson. Event photos by Patrick McMullan.

Movers and Shakers

I never paid much attention to Salt and Pepper.

To be honest, I found them quite boring. Yet, somehow, they were invited to every single dinner party. Not only did they seemed make it around the table - passed from guest to guest - they were even called out by name. They may be social but they seriously lacked a sense of style.

Until now. I've discovered some fresh, new looks for Salt and Pepper that will get the whole party talking.

My favorite salt and pepper shakers are the Jonathan Adler ceramic fish ($48) that are decorated with bold geometric patterns. At two inches tall, these little fish are playful and fun. They come in white or chartreuse (what a chic color!).




At the MOMA Store, I stumbled upon these adorable porcelain Hug Shakers by Alberto Mantilla ($25). The charming characters (who remind me of Casper the Friendly Ghost) affectionately hug each other when not in use.



Also, at the MOMA, these modernist stainless steel shakers are a real conversation piece. Called Wobble ($28), they have a weighted base that keeps them balanced as they "wobble" on the table and prevents them from actually falling over.


And, finally, if you prefer a grinder, these stainless steel cylinders by Crate and Barrel ($19.95 each) are beautiful with clean, smooth lines. No old fashioned grinder to turn...all you have to do is press down on the top with your thumb like clicking a pen for perfectly ground sea salt and peppercorns. Standing only 5.5 inches tall with a 1 inch diameter, these are compact and perfect for meals away from the table.