What's your style for fall entertaining - formal or casually elegant?

Right into the Middle Ages, tablecloths were used for banquets or significant formal occasions , not for everyday  use. Tablecloths  possessed social importance  and implied high rank.  With the highly  mechanized weaving techniques of the 21^st century, elegant linens are no longer the prerogative of high society.

Crespolino Estate (Hand Painted Table Linens) by Quagliotti 

Although figured damask was the linen of kings, you can enjoy the subtle beauty of damask table linens with FLORA or IMPEROLINO by Quagliotti of Italy.

FLORA, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, is voluptuous in white, ecru, sage green, pearl grey, burgundy, dark green, navy blue and opulent gold.

 Flora Table Linens by Quagliotti

 IMPEROLINO (Imperial Linen) in classic white is a superb cotton linen blend that was produced for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and until recently was available only to the House of Windsor. Understated  in design and impeccably tailored,  it’s a stunner.

 Imperolino Table Linens by Quagliotti

All Quagliotti table linens are custom made, and may be ordered in custom sizes for oversized or unusual size tables.  Because of the customization capabilities of Quagliotti, any of their  fine table linen collections may be suitable for yacht or private jet.

Vins de France by Secrets de Provence

 

For casual elegance. the staff of Aiko Luxury Linens loves the tablecloths, placemats and napkins by Secrets do Provence which are stocked in the USA for quick shipment. Customer favorites include VINS DE FRANCE, a lush burgundy, plum and gold yarn dyed damask with the names of your favorite French wines.  MANOSQUE, named after a charming town in south eastern France,  is  another class act in deep, bold tones of fuchsia or blue denim. 

Manosque Fuchsia by Secrets de Provence                              Manosque Denim by Secrets de Provence

 

A special finishing process for SECRETS de PROVENCE table linens results in a fabric that requires little or no ironing. How fabulous!

 

With all these gorgeous table linens at our disposable, let's not forget the importance of wine glasses and barware by EISCH of Germany.

 Superbly blown and brilliant with sparkle, EISCH wine glasses have won accolades from wine experts such as Robert Parker  and Ronn Wiegand for their ability to release the wine's elegant bouquet and flavor. The process known as SENSIS PLUS improves the taste of even moderately priced wines.

Superior Stemware with Sensis Plus by Eisch

Several fine EISCH collections such as SUPERIOR and VINTEC are produced with the SENSIS PLUS technology. And for the ultimate in elegance and purity of form, select JEUNESSE mouth blown stemware - thin, sleek, and modern. 

 

Vintec Stemware with Sensis Plus by Eisch

 

True oenophiles select EISCH lead free glassware with a special glass for  red wine, white wine, bordeaux, burgundy, chardonnay, and champagne. Even mineral water and juices taste better with EISCH. Gorgeous  and practical,  they are also dishwasher safe.

At Aiko Luxury Linens we suggest a comparative wine tasting. Use a standard wine glass and a SENSIS PLUS wineglass of same or similar size. Clean both glasses and rinse in clear water. The comparison of wines works best when the bottle is opened right before tasting . Pour the same quantity of wine in both glasses, and wait for a few minutes. First, smell the aroma of each, then taste the two. You will be amazed by the difference!

And let’s not forget the handsome “no drip” decanters by EISCH which are graceful, do a superior job of aerating wine, and save your lovely table linens from nasty wine stains.   The classically shaped BONAPARTE is a favorite, and makes a great gift.

Bonaparte Decanter by Eisch

Holidays are special at our house. They give us a chance to express our love for family and friends, and give us the opportunity to showcase our unique style.  Setting a beautiful table is like the overture to an opera or the opening credits of a film. It sets the tone for the main event . Make it beautiful!

Aiko Luxury Linens
For more information call: (800) 972-2456

Luxury Bedding for Sultry Summer Nights

Welcome to Aiko Luxury Linens (www.italianfinelinens.com) summer 2010 newsletter!

In this issue we focus on patterns and fabrics that are designed to keep us cool and comfortable when the temperature rises. Our selection consists of Egyptian cotton fabrics that are woven of single ply yarns which allow the body to breathe during sultry, summer nights.

For a touch of vibrant color we really like Soleil by Signoria (made in Italy). This exuberantly printed design of bougainvillea in tones of fuchsia, pink and green on white 300 thread count sateen brings a bold splash of color to the bedroom. Combine the floral duvet cover and shams with coordinating sheets in a stripe pattern. You may also coordinate SOLEIL with Raffaello solid sateen sheets or Masaccio quilted coverlets in white, bordeaux or moss green.

Another lovely floral with a more subdued color palette of soft blue and green is Giverny by Nancy Koltes. Inspired by Claude Monet’s famous garden, Giverny is made to order in the USA using fabric that is woven in Italy. You may combine Giverny with Vanity solid sateen sheets.

A classic and a perennial favorite bedlinen is Les Naturelles by Christian Fischbacher (made in Switzerland). This sateen and cotton batiste combination (batiste weighs approximately 30% less than sateen) is available in white or ivory and several patterns that consist of checks, stripes and dots – a unique, diaphanous fabric that is light as air. Combine Les Naturelles with Sateen 105 sheets.

And now for the ultimate in luxury bed linens Giza 45 by Sferra. Initially used in the manufacture of Italian couture men’s shirts, Sferra has introduced this ultra luxurious fabric for bedding. An extremely fine and strong yarn, Giza 45 has an extraordinary soft and silky texture with an elegant drape. Select from white or ivory percale, sateen or jacquard.

Due to popular demand, Aiko Luxury Linens has stocked for quick shipment a limited inventory of Locarno and Lugano white Polish goose down comforters (queen and king size only) by Christian Fischbacher of Switzerland. Almost 100% down with a Swiss batiste cotton tick, they are meant to wick moisture away from the body to keep you comfortable.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. There is much more fine bedding to keep you cool as a cucumber. Don't hesitate to contact Aiko Luxury Linens (http://www.italianfinelinens.com/) for more suggestions.