Laying the Elegant Table: China, Faience, Porcelain, Majolica, Glassware, Flatware, Tureens, Platters, Trays, Centerpieces, Tea Sets [Hardcover]

Ines Heugel (Author), Christian Sarramon (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 7, 2006

Anyone who enjoys entertaining is sure to be inspired by these objects of charm and history, which bring elegance and finesse to any table. Among the list of items profiled in the book are numerous types of plates (from country stoneware to fine bone china), stemware (from fine crystal aperitif glasses to hand cut ruby quartz goblets), flatware (knives, spoons and forks of every shape, material and purpose), as well as serving platters, soup tureens, serving trays, chafing dishes, egg cups, napkin holders and more. Inès Heugel delves into the history behind each item. She expounds on detailing and craftsmanship, popular designs and proper uses. All the major historic manufacturers, styles and brands are covered. Also included is a chapter on table ornaments—from centerpieces to candelabra—that round out any well-laid table. Christian Sarramon's atmospheric photographs show each piece in a contemporary setting, and delightful reproductions of vintage engravings and lithographs adorn the margins, giving the book the feel of an old-time almanac. Laying the Elegant Table is the perfect gift and an ideal addition to your own collection.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Lavish photographs and vintage drawings illustrate the descriptive text." -- Mar07 MAINE ANTIQUE DIGEST

"beautifully photographed vignettes" "the ideas from the book are sure to benefit both seasoned and novice party planners" -- May07 ROMANTIC HOMES

-- "For a complete understanding of how to set your holiday table in style a la Old World, look no further than this book." -- Nov06 RIVIERA MAGAZINE

"The book is a superb reference." -- Mar07 BETTER HOMES & GARDENS

-- "...provides wonderful, much-needed inspiration for our holiday tables." -- Nov06 PAPERCITY MAGAZINE HOUSTON

About the Author

Inès Heugel is a journalist and writer who specializes in decorative arts and interior design. She publishes regularly in Elle Décoration and Marie-Claire Maison. Christian Sarramon specializes in lifestyle photography.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli (November 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847828441
• ISBN-13: 978-0847828449
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 0.9 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,402,522 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Title is a bit deceptive since book is not about "laying the...", January 28, 2007

By 

LinAnne "Lin22" (Puget Sound) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Laying the Elegant Table: China, Faience, Porcelain, Majolica, Glassware, Flatware, Tureens, Platters, Trays, Centerpieces, Tea Sets (Hardcover)

The title of this book ("Laying the elegant table: china...etc") is deceptive, since the book is not really about "LAYING THE ELEGANT TABLE" as stated right at the top of this very expensive book.
Rather, this book is like a history book about china & serving pieces with detailed line drawings showing some rare serving pieces. Historical.

Now, I have no problem with history books about china pieces & patterns, but the problem is that the title of this book would make a reader believe that this book is filled with page after page of table settings, layed out for special occasions, or for everyday occasions, etc. (eg: similar to the Carolyne Roheme books on setting a table, since Carolyne uses lots of Majolica,Faience,tureens and elaborate silver pieces throughout her books).

In this book being reviewed, there are indeed some pretty colored photos. The colored photos that are included in this book are very lovely indeed as others stated, but most of the accessories and china pieces are line drawings. Once again, I have to say that the title of this book is along the lines of "setting the elegant table", NOT "a guide book to china patterns". So this is why I've stated that the TITLE of this book is deceptive, NOT the information.
(Information = good; Title = deceptive)

As most people looking at this book on Amazon will notice, there is not a "click/tab" feature allowing the potential readers to browse through this book (known as: "LOOK INSIDE"). Thus, if you are like me, you must first of all buy this very expensive book ...sight unseen, before realizing,once the book has arrived, that this book is NOT about "laying a table setting", but instead, this book is actually a "guide" to china patterns & pieces . In other words, this is not a "how to book", as the title might make a person believe.

Once again, the colored photos in this book are nice, and the descriptions to all the black and white line drawings seem to be accurate . No complaint there.

Therefore, if a person is looking for a "guide" to some rare and interesting china patterns and pieces, then this book will be of interest, (if you don't mind paying the price, since I could not find this book in any Libraries). Please note though that not ALL china patterns are in this book, or this book would have to be a 10 volume encyclopedia! Instead, the author chose to show a variety of china pieces (eg: special patterns, such as, some French Faience styles, some Majolicas , etc).......Heavy on the French Faience.

The average person will not probably ever personally come across many china patterns in this book, as they are hundreds of years old and extinct. A Museum might be the only place where the rarest antique china patterns and pieces (from this book) would ever be seen. Once again, from an historical perspective, this book is like a history book about old china patterns and china pieces, illustrated mostly in B&W line drawings (the B&W line drawings being very detailed). But if the reader is looking for a book on how to set a table or how to display china pieces on a modern table, then there are other books issued on that theme.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elegance has Changed and for the Better, January 8, 2007

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Laying the Elegant Table: China, Faience, Porcelain, Majolica, Glassware, Flatware, Tureens, Platters, Trays, Centerpieces, Tea Sets (Hardcover)

Perhaps it was those years in college of using mayonaise, jelly, and cheese bottles for glasses that has left me with an appreciation for good tableware, particularly for glassware.

So the first thing I turned to was the section on Gassware and Stemware. First the pictures in this section are beautiful (and clear glassware is very difficult to photograph). The descriptions, and the detail that she then covers in relatively few words is quite impressive.

Surprisingly the author suggests that the well set table of today need not have all matching sets of anything to be elegant. I really liked this idea because the stemware that I've purchased down through the years have followed a somewhat eclectic path. They've come to me through flea markets, thrift shops, antique stores, where ever I've found something I like. As she says, 'exhibiting a mixture of styles and epochs, and as such is playful and easy to manage.' Besides, you don't cry if you break a glass, and I happen to like each piece.

This is a very, very enjoyable, entertaining and educational book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book for the Novice, January 17, 2007

By 

violajoke - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Laying the Elegant Table: China, Faience, Porcelain, Majolica, Glassware, Flatware, Tureens, Platters, Trays, Centerpieces, Tea Sets (Hardcover)

I had really hoped to view some well put together settings using a variety of exquisite items. The focus is definitely French and English leaving out much of the truly beautiful German, Austrian and,yes, even American contributions to a beautiful table. The photography is minimal with sketches predominating.
It is a start however and should inspire further research on the part of a discerning reader. There also many helpful hints and explanations for the new collector or enthusiast.