Wow! What an amazing night! Thanks everyone for joining us for the first ever Silver Spoon Cookery event led by master chef Pessy Haskelevich. Here’s a quick recap of what went on:

We learned about one of the most undervalued vegetables – the beet. Pessy explained how beets have more to them than just their gorgeous colors, earthy-sweet flavor and delicious greens – these humble root vegetables are also loaded with vitamin c, potassium, fiber, iron and folic acid.

SOME BEET TIPS

While available year round, spring is prime time for baby beets that are sweet and tender. Look for smooth, firm roots and crisp looking greens. Separate greens from the roots and store separately in the fridge. The greens will last a few days but the roots will last up to 3 weeks.

Pessy Haskelevich

BEET & ASPARAGUS GALETTE

Whether sweet or savory a galette is less fussy than a traditional tart and offers a more crisp crust.  Use your imagination to change it up throughout the year; butternut squash and red onions in winter, tomatoes and corn in summer and this can easily be dessert if you add ¼ cup sugar to the dough and fill it with fresh fruit.

BEET & ASPARAGUS GALETTE

PASTRY

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½  teaspoon fine sea salt
1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
4-6 tablespoons ice-cold water
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions
Pulse flour and salt in the food processor.  Add the butter and pulse 10 times or until mixture resembles a coarse meal.  Drizzle ice water evenly over mixture and pulse until it just forms a ball. (Do not overwork dough, or pastry will be tough.) Gently press dough into a 5-inch disk and chill, wrapped in plastic wrap, until firm, at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to o 400°F with rack in middle.

FILLING

2 pounds beets, cut in half and thinly sliced
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
20 mint leaves chopped
salt and pepper to taste
4 stalks asparagus cut into 3 inch pieces
4 oz ricotta or soft goat cheese (optional)

Directions
Toss beets with vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and mint.  Set aside.

TO MAKE THE GALETTE
Roll out dough into a 13-inch round on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin. Transfer to a baking sheet. Toss the beets with asparagus and leaving the juices behind arrange the beets in the center of dough, leaving a 2 to 3-inch border. Fold dough in on itself to cover outer rim of filling, pleating dough as necessary. Drizzle a bit of olive oil and freshly ground pepper all over top of the crostata.  Brush pastry with beaten egg and bake galette until crust is cooked through and golden on edges, 40-45 minutes. Cool on baking sheet on a rack 10 minutes before serving.

SPRING SALAD WITH TARRAGON DRESSING

The demo was completed with a tasting of Pessy’s otherworldly creations couple with some white whine and cheese.

There are so many types of glasses out there – ever wondered which is meant to be used for what? Here’s a quick and dirty guide that includes everything you need to know:

Fine glassware is usually lumped into two categories, Stemware, the more formal of the pair and usually made of crystal and Barware, which is mainly used for hard liquor.

STEMWARE

All glassware begins with, you guessed it, molten glass. Crystal, is made by adding lead to the molten glass which lends it a unique translucency, clarity, and fine color.

Most stemware sets include 4 basic types:

Bellina By Lenox

The Goblet – the good for everything glass with a 12 – 14oz bowl generally used for water, but also can be used for all types for wine.

Red Wine – a 12-16oz glass with a wide-mouthed, rounded bowl that gives the wine plenty of room to breathe. As red wine is served at room temperature, it should be held by the bowl to keep the wine at the appropriate temperature and enhance the aroma.

White Wine – 10-14oz glass that is taller in shape and tapered at the mouth. As white wine is served chilled, it’s best to hold it by the stem to prevent your
hand from warming the wine.

Flute – used for serving champagne, this glass is 6-8oz in size. The flute’s tall shape and small mouth allow the bubbles to move slowly and retain their effervescence.

BARWARE

Unlike Stemware, Barware is used for the hard stuff, like whiskey, bourbon, and vodka. It can be made of crystal or glass.

Arabesque Amber By Versace

Double Old Fashioned – or the DOB, is a short and stout 10-12oz. This wide glass is perfect for drinks “on the rocks” and everyday use.

The Highball – is the DOB’s taller, slimmer brother that holds about 12oz, also called a beverage glass. It is commonly used for mixed or iced drinks. Larger versions are called coolers.

So now you know!

Call it what you will, goblets, chalices, stemware, crystal, there is one thing we know – every drink looks better in a beautiful glass. Here is our shop’s favorite collections:

#1 Vendome Goblet by Noritake

This gorgeous five piece selection with a flawless silhouette is an instant classes that you will love for a lifetime.

#2 Tulipe by Reed & Barton

A trio of fluid lines, these voluptuous stems have curves in all the right places.

#3 TAC 02 by Rosenthal Bordeaux

Thoroughly modern, these lovely vessels show off the delicacy of glass to perfection.

#4 Reed & Barton Soho Goblet

Reminiscent of your grandmother’s crystal, this gorgeous set of glassware will add just the right splash of sparkle to your table.

#5 Lismore by Waterford

Waterford has always been the king (queen?) of glass, and this time they’ve done it again with this brilliant, timeless collection.

#6 Lenox’s Opal Innocence

Exquisitely carved with climbing vines, these glasses are a resplendent homage to nature.

#7 Duchesse by Vera Wang

Taking a que from her lovely dress confections, Vera Want recreates her vision in gorgeous glass.

#8 Breeze Blue by Noritake

Finish off your table setting with a splash of ocean blue.

#9 Vera Wang’s Love Knots

A set for those with a penchant for playful and a whimsy for the wonderful.

#10 Bellina by Lenox

Delicate floral sprigs are etched on fine crystal, giving this pattern a springtime feel.

This post is a part of the Best of Ten series in celebration of the Silver Spoon Store’s 10th anniversary.

Every once in a while you come across something so startling beautiful, so completely different than anything you’ve ever seen before that it makes you stop in wonder. Prouna‘s breathtaking take on fine china and dinnerware is definitely one of those things. A short five years ago, back in 2005 Prouna discovered a how to bond Swarovski Crystals to fine bone china in a way that is so secure, that, get this, makes it dishwasher safe. In fact, they are so confident in their new method of bonding that they guarantee the crystals will last through the life of the piece.

The Stunning Prouna Jewelry Princess Collection

So what does this magical dinnerware look like? Exactly like a fairy crashed straight into a pirate carrying a treasure chest of precious jewels. In other words, a luxury dinnerware collection that is at once intricate but simple, modern yet fairytale worthy, and of course, each one sparkles with just the right touch of Swarovski Crystals.

Prouna Jewelry Persia Collection

In addition to their jewelery collections, Prouna also has some gorgeous handpainted pieces that make functional dinnerware a work of art.  Fusing form and function, Prouna has taken on the fine china industry already cluttered with amazing designers and comes out a winner each time.

Handpainted Prouna Selene Collection

In celebration of the Silver Spoon Store’s 10th Anniversary, we’re kicking off a series of Top Ten posts to showcase what we’ve learned in our 10 years in the industry.

As America’s leading tabletop and giftware brand, it’s no surprise that Lenox comes first to mind when thinking of quality dinnerware. Over 120 years old, Lenox has spend the last century building a reputation on its gorgeous collection of dinnerware, flatware and tabletop accessories, made of quality materials and beautiful design. With that, we present the best of the best with the  Top Ten Lenox Dinnerware Patterns:

#1 Opal Innocence

#2 Vintage Jewel

#3 Autumn

#4 Bellina Gold

#5 Pearl Innocence

#6 Chirp

#7 Butterfly Meadow

#8 Gilded Tapestry

#9 Floral Waltz

#10 Antiquity

Glass is probably the most underrated of all tableware materials. Doomed to be sanctioned as the least formal of dinnerware, this sturdy stock has been the wallflower of tabletop. That was until Annie Morhauser came along and realized that glass was the perfect canvas for her artistic creations. And thus Annieglass was born.

Annie’s first collection, the Roman Antique, a plate of thick glass with a widely painted rim of pure gold, was “a spoof of traditional fine china”.

Since Annie’s first glass masterpiece 30 years ago, glass has risen straight to the head of the class, showing the world it can compete with the finest of fine china, and the loveliest of crystal.

Looking to add some glamor to your holiday table? Annieglass has just the right amount of glitz to make every dinner an event. Here are some of our most favorite pieces:

Annieglass Arabella

Annieglass Roman Dinnerware

Annieglass Hearts Collection

Click here to see the full Annieglass collection. Here’s to a beautiful holiday!

#1 L’objet Mariana Tray: This exquisitely formed silver tray in wonderfully multifunctional. Equally perfect as a candle or serving tray, it makes a beautiful gift anyone would enjoy.

#2 Stainless Steel Washing Cups: One of our top selling items, these beautifully crafted washing cups are both practical and lovely with just the lightest touch of intricate ornamentation.

#3 Dansk Lenox Glassware: Made of the perfect weight glass, this stunning collection makes a great gift for someone who appreciates understated quality.

#4 Lenox Opal Vase: With enameled pearl-like dots, an opalescent background, and the innocence of bone china, this is a romantic pattern of understated elegance. Each piece is banded in platinum and decorated with a flowing, white-on-white vine design peppered with enamel dots.

#5 Kim Seybert Mosaic Collection: Have someone on your list with a penchant for something different? Well, this stunning mosaic set is the gift for them.

#6 Blue Filigree Salt & Pepper Set: Add a dash of color to any table with this Atlantic blue Salt and Pepper set with just the right sprinkling of delicate silver filigree sitting daintily on a matching tray.

#7 The Everything Bowls: Both pretty and practical, it is little wonder that these bowls are our another of our all time best sellers. Coming in three colors, pearl, sea green, and taupe, and in multiple sizes these make a great gift individually, or as as set for someone special.

#8 Casafina Cookware: Casafina’s oven to table (to dishwasher) dinnerware is famous for making beautiful dining a breeze. From budding homemakers to gourmet cooks, Casafina’s wide variety of dishes in every conceivable shape, size and color makes this the perfect gift for anyone familiar with the stove.

#9 Rosenthal Block-Glas Candlesticks: Function and art interlock in the sculptural Block-Glas series. Each candleholder serves a useful purpose, but is so impressive to look at that each becomes an art piece in itself.

#10 Silver Spoon Store Giftcard: What is one-size-fits-all, never goes out of style and pleases everyone from sisters to bosses to mother-in-laws? That could only be the Silver Spoon Store Giftcard! Taking the guesswork out of shopping has never been easier!

Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton "Femme Fatale"

Do you know what happens when celebrity fashion designer Monique Lhuillier teams up with dinnerware powerhouse Royal Doulton? Magical things, naturally.

In this stunning collaboration of fine dinnerware, Lhuillier translates her elaborate wedding dress creations into dinnerware that blends luxury, glamour and sophistication in an effort “to inspire the modern woman to use fashionable tableware everyday!”

Our favorite from the collection is the “Femme Fatale” that is at once sultry and sophisticated, carrying a raised croc pattern in a warm pearlescent grey rimmed with bright platinum band. The rich yet neutral tones set against pure white centers are subtle and timeless, while the fashionable motif makes the look “très chic.”

The Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton collection carries the tagline: “Life is short, use good china.” We couldn’t agree more.

Want to see Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton? Check out these great patterns: Atelier, Charms, Dentelle, and Modern Love.

With over 150 million pieces sold and produced worldwide, Royal Doulton’s Old Country Roses is probably the most popular bone china pattern of all time. Designed by Harold Holdcroft in1962 for Royal Albert (who merged with Royal Doulton in 1971) its iconic pink and yellow roses were inspired by a 1921 Holdcroft design called King’s Ransom.  The classic design features a lavish 22-carat gold border and has an enduring appeal for those with a passion for florals and a taste for nostalgia and vintage-chic.

Meet Old Country Roses younger sibling: Country Rose Buds. The newest edition to the Royal Doulton dinnerware collection, Country Rose Buds embodies the classic beauty of the Old Country Roses collection, but with a casual, modern feel. Crafted of bone china, the Royal Albert Country Rose buds china pattern features a sprinkling of tiny pink and gold blossoms on a white background. The Royal Albert Country Rose Buds china collection has everything you need to bring this beautiful look to your table, with coordinating sets of dessert plates and mugs.

The lazy days of summer are quickly coming to an end and with it your last chance at outdoor entertaining. Summertime is perfect for unwinding with your closest friends and families over picnics, bar-b-ques and outdoor parties. Here are some easy way to make your events effortlessly beautiful.

Summer entertaining is by nature less formal than the usual events. Take this chance to explore your creative side and be adventurous with your table setting choices. Mix up your fine china with chunky glasses or use your crystal stemware with your casual dinnerware to add some interest to your table. Another fun idea is to mix up your glassware for a multi height (and color) presentation.

Serving your goodies buffet style is another way to keep your party friendly and low key. And by using some great looking oven-to-table serveware you save on clean up both before and after the party. They come in so many styles and colors these days that it is easy to find a set that suits both your taste and budget.

Drinks are also super easy to display and serve. Give your H2O an extra kick with some slices of lemon, lime or orange (or all three!) served in a simple glass pitcher. Or add some fresh mint and cucumber for a crisp and light refreshment. Cans of soda and bottles beer can look great and stay frosty in colorful tub full of ice.

Keep decorations fun and fresh by using brightly colored bouquets. You can go for a beach theme by using silver colored sand buckets as vases and seashells are great for keeping napkins safe from the wind. For evening parties, try pillar candles in mason jars for a beautiful centerpiece.

Enjoy the last of these warm weathered days!