In my opinion, everyone who appreciates the pleasure – and the importance – of preparing a meal for family and friends, should also appreciates the importance of setting up an elegant table. On Tuesday morning, I was invited to visit Michael Aram‘s flagship store on West 18th Street, and was just delighted to see his fine porcelain collection, designed to reflect the way we are entertaining today in the modern world. His pieces incorporated ease and comfort without sacrificing grace and detail. I’ve always liked Michael’s designs because they’re perfect for parties, celebrations, get-togethers, sit-down dinners, brunches and fabulous holiday buffets.

Constructed of Limoges bodies with exceptionally executed graphic details, the pieces remain sturdy enough to withstand everyday use. Each motif stands on its own but can also be combined with any or all of the texture patterns to create many variations of place settings. The designs are also carefully managed to integrate perfectly with Michael’s existing array of metal, glass, wood and stone serving and decorative objects.

The result is an exquisite table every time you use them…casual when you want to be, more formal when the time is right…with motifs that go from two-dimensional expressions in the place settings to fully sculptural executions in the center of the table.

This table setting was styled by yours truly. Michael called on various design bloggers to create

a table setting that will incorporate his new collections along with his old pieces. 

The bouquet arrangement is from his fabulous team.

Incorporating the outdoors into his designs is one of the many strenghts of Michael Aram’s body of work.

This simple yet elegant tabletop setting called for a little mix and match – silver and wood accessories

equal a congenial mariage.

The fun continued at the office later that day, when I mixed Michael Aram’s glamorous coasters

with pieces from Jasper Conran and Gerard Nouri.

Our office table adorned with a Michael Aram’s coaster from his new collection as well as his old cat and mouse tray (“abstract” photo taken by our intern Jerome Massi).