Amazing Travel to Turkey

Amazing Travel to Turkey

My husband, Tom, and I have just returned from a wonderful journey to an extraordinary country...Turkey.  We love to travel, to explore the sights and sounds that are different from those we encounter in our daily lives. Certainly, Turkey is a country worth exploring.  Our first stop was Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, a city which has defined "exotic" for me since I first learned of this ancient city as a small child.  It did not disappoint.

Situated on the Bosphorus Strait, which divides the continents of Europe and Asia, you can literally feel and see the mixture of world cultures...and taste history in the incredible food.  One of our favorite meals was at the Feriye Restaurant, exquisitely located on the banks of the Bosphorus, beside the elegantly changing lights of theBosphorus Bridge which joins Europe and Asia. Another favorite was the Asitane Restaurant...an exquisite outdoor setting under a canopy of trees...enjoying authentic meals prepared according to 16th century recipes of the kitchens of the Sultans.  

Highlights of Istanbul include the incredible Hagia Sophia, the church built by Constantine the Great in 360 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Justinian in 537, remaining the center of Orthodox Christianity until 1453, when it was conquered by the Ottomans and converted to the grand mosque of the Sultans; Topkapi Palace,the home of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire;  the amazing mosaics which are still being uncovered at the Byzantine Chora Church, and the Basilica Cistern, created during the Roman Empire converting a Basilica to a water filtration system...simply incredible!

We traveled to Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, where we visited the ancient underground city of Kaymakli.  It is believed that the first three floors of the eight floor cavern were carved by the Hittites in 2,000 B.C.  The underground city was used for security purposes for the entire town when enemy forces were approaching.  The amazing landscape of rock formations in this region is the result of volcanic lava from 2 million years ago!   Finally, we made our way to the Izmir,on the coast of the Aegean Sea. We toured the ancient city of Esphesus and the Temple of Appollo at Didyma marveling at the structures still standing and still glorious.

We were so fortunate to travel with a small tour group of 10, with a bright, charming and most informative guide, Farouk.  We enjoyed the Turkish mezes (starters),  the hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, the incredible Turkish hospitality, and, of course, Turkish wine and the baklava, of which we could not get enough!   Although we began this trip as strangers, we left as friends who now share amazing memories.

Custom Tablecloths Online ~ Tournesol Offers Fine Table Lines for Extra-Long, Extra Wide and Large Round Tables

Today homes are larger, entertaining spaces have dramatically increased and dining tables are longer and wider, as well. Custom tables are more common and affordable, yet there have been limited options for finding fine table linens which fit the larger tables...until now. Tournesol, the premier fine table linen shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has expanded the available choices from the world's finest maker's on its newly launched website, www.tournesolgifts.com, making it easy to find the perfect size tablecloth for your large table.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) August 29, 2010

Once upon a time, dining tables were "standard" sizes...round, rectangle or oval. The selection of tablecloths was also limited, both in size and fabric. Today, homes are larger, entertaining spaces have expanded and dining tables have increased in size as well. Custom tables designed for a specific space are more available and more affordable. Even so, there have been limited options for finding beautiful tablecloths to fit that beautiful new "non-standard" table...until now.

Le Jacquard Francais Villa Toscane Marbel
Standard Size 86"x149"

Tournesol, the premier fine table linen shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has a new website that makes it easy to select tablecloths for the extra-wide or extra-long table, www.tournesolgifts.com. There is no need to sacrifice quality or style. Tablecloths are offered in the most current fabrics and designs, including new easy-care fabrics which are stain resistant and require little or no ironing. Tablecloth collections are presented twice a year by the world's finest makers resulting in options for the most current colors and styles for the large table.

The longest standard tablecloth lengths are generally 118", with some makers offering 126". Standard tablecloth widths are no wider than 71". At times, designers include longer and wider patterns in their standard collections. A standard tablecloth has the advantage of being readily available and less expensive that a tablecloth created for a specific measurement.

In order to make the website search easier, Tournesol has created a separate section for Extra-Long and Extra-Wide Standard Tablecloths. The category includes extra-long standard lengths between 130" and 150" and extra-wide standard widths greater than 72" in rectangles and square tablecloths.

If the standard tablecloths do not fit your table, explore the category of Custom Tablecloths. This section includes patterns that can be made exactly to your measurements, by the makers of some of the world's finest table linens such as Garnier Thiebaut, Le Jacquard Francais and Jose Houel for Nydel.

Round tables are wonderful for creating a warm and conversational dinner table, but it is often challenging to find a beautiful tablecloth in the proper size. Tournesol's website offers guidelines in its Ideas Section for finding the perfect size tablecloth for round tables. A separate category as also been created to search for Round Tablecloths. For larger round tables, a search for section for Extra-Wide Standard Tablecloths can easily be made for larger square tablecloths. For example, for a 60" round table, which comfortably seats 6-8, a standard 84" square tablecloth is a perfect look.

Finally, Tournesol offers the assistance of a Concierge, who is available by calling a toll-free number or email to assist customers in finding the perfect tablecloth for any table, regardless of size. The Concierge may also have suggestions for tablecloths not offered online, but which are available at the Pittsburgh shop. For many fabrics, Tournesol offers the option of sending fabric swatches so that you can confirm your choice of color and fabric.

About Tournesol:
Tournesol celebrates the world! Barbara Reilly's shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers the finest selection of fine table linens in town, distinctive dinnerware and gifts for the home from around the world...and the highest level of personalized service. Tournesol is committed to bringing the same quality of items and service online.

A New Season Begins

A New Season Begins

Even thought summer does not officially end until the third week of September,  I have always felt the change of season as soon as the date changes from August 31 to September 1.  I love September.  It is a time of new beginnings.  School begins, the weather begins to cool, the leaves on the trees begin to change from bright green to the amazing mixture of orange, brown, copper and reds of autumn...and the new fall collections begin to arrive!

The 2010 fall collections include the traditional golds and browns and reds...but with a twist!  Garnier Thiebaut's Festin d'Or is a fabulous golden cloth with an unexpected...and stunning...plum border.  Jose Houel for Nydel has deepened and brightened the oranges of autumn, but also adds a bright grape border with the new Ambiance Curcuma. The combinations here are clear and vivid.

More subtle...but still strong.. combinations are also shown this season. Beautiful chocolate brown is paired with taupe and pale pink in Jose Houel's Ambiance Cacao.  The new classic brown and red combination is fabulous in Garnier Thiebaut's Mille Ceram Carmin, also available in this season's ubiquitous shades of gray in Mille Ceram Silex...simply beautiful!

Blue has always been a difficult shade for tablecloths.  It has not been easily found and when available, it seemed to be an "off" shade.  This season, however, blue makes a welcome comeback with Jose Houel for Nydel's Ambiance Plomb...a soft, but strong blue... and Garnier Thiebaut's Empreintes Indigo, a beautiful deep blue. These are welcome additions!

Enjoy the new collections.  There are more to come....fall is just beginning!

Round Tablecloths - Now Easier to Find!

Historically, the round table is associated with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.  The table was apparently designed to prevent arguments regarding the seating arrangements.  A round table suggests equal status amongst the guests ~ avoiding disputes, particularly important when the Knights bear swords!  

Today, the round table is a lovely setting for entertaining. Conversation flows easily and everyone is included.  Finding the perfect tablecloth, however, is sometimes a challenge. 

We have made some changes to our section on Round Standard Tablecloths, which is designed for easier navigation.  We hope that this will make your search much easier.  Of course, if you need any personal assistance, please contact our Concierge  by email or telephone 1.866.682.0115. 

Bastille Day

The French national holiday ~ La Fete National ~ is July 14, also known as Bastille Day.  This holiday commenorates the beginning of the French Revolution on July 14, 1789.  On that date a mob of 600 people "stormed" the notorious prison in Paris...the Bastille...and set free the prisoners, most of which were politcal prisoners.  No longer did the King of France have absolute power.  At the time, the king was  Louis XVI and his reviled wife...Marie-Antoinette.  It was the birth of a New Republic formed on the ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

Bastille Day is, of course, a day of elaborate celebrations.  Paris is brimming with music, dancing, laughter and cheers!   During the French Revolution, the prison was burned to the ground.  Each year a large dance party is held on the Place De La Bastille on the eve of Bastille Day, featuring music from many cultures.         

It is the day of  the world's largest picnic ~ "The Incredible Picnic".   Red checkered tablecloths line a 600 mile route from north to south make a place where you can share a baquette, some cheese and wine, with a friend or stranger... in the spirit of equality!

On the morning of Bastille Day, there is a grand military parade down the Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris. Celebrations continue all day, even after the magnificient fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower!

Bastille Day is celebrated in countries around the world.  It is a day for reflection and much celebration!
   
Vive la France!

Christmas in July ~ Lynn Haney Collection Pre-Order

The American movie classic, Christmas in July was released in 1940.  It is the story of a young office clerk who loved to enter contests hoping to win a fortune which would make all of his dreams come true.  It was written and directed by Academy Award winner Preston Sturges, who apparently also invented a kissproof lipstick - Red, Red Rouge - in 1920, for his mother's company, Maison Desti! 

The story goes...in 1980, a group of Irish tourists visiting the Blue Mountains in Sydney, Australia, were so thrilled to see snow in July, they convinced a local hotel to hold a "Yulefest".  The idea of "Christmas in July" soon spread throughout Australia and is now a festive tradition, with the traditional Christmas dinner and all of  the trimmings, Christmas candles, streamers and in Australia...Christmas hats and whistles.

At McMurdo Station in  Antarctica, July is the middle of winter, with the coldest and windiest weather of the year. Since planes have great difficulty landiing during this time, packages and supplies are frequently parachuted in...just like Santa sending gifts from his sleigh!  Thus, Christmas in July.

In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas on December 25, is actually a summer holiday.  Christmas in July is the chance to enjoy a traditional northern hemisphere holiday, with cold weather and snow. 

For most Americans, Christmas in July is an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping.  Many merchants offer special promotions..and Tournesol is happy to continue the tradition!

For 24 years, the artisans in the Lynn Haney Collection workshop in Lubbock, Texas, have created the most amazing Santas.  Each one is hand-crafted with exquisite detail, authentic fabrics and love. 

The first Santa that Lynn Haney made was a soft-sculpture Santa with a long bell-trimmed hat... stitched by hand.  With the encouragement of his wife, he began the process of perfecting his art, adding clay heads, wonderful fabrics and enchanting accessories.  In 1987, the Lynn Haney Collection began in Lubbock, Texas, where its workshop remains today.

Today, each Santa has a distinctive personality.  Each is meticulously design with Lynn designing and sculpting each head before it is reproduced in wood resin and hand painted.  Authenticity and quality are the hallmark of a Lynn Haney Santa. European braids, trims and furs are carefully sewn on the velvets, wood and brocade costumes.  Lynn has enlisted talented seamstresses in Hungary who recreate costumes that have been based on Hungarian folk art.  Vermont knitters hand-loom the knitted designs.  Some costumes are hand-embroidered by skilled artisans in India. Each piece is signed by Lynn Haney. 

New collections are introduced each year.  This year, Lynn Haney Collection has joined with the Woolrich Company, the 180 year old woolen mill in Woolrich, Pennsylvania, to create Woolrich inspired Santas. Of course, each outfitted with the incomparable Woolrich wool.


Until July 31, Tournesol is offering you the opportunity to pre-order any Lynn Haney Santa, including the 2010 Collection the New Woolrich Collection, shown as "Featured Pieces" on their website.  Your Santa will be made for you and delivered in December.  We offer Free Shipping or you can pick your up Santa at our Shadyside shop.


One gift to cross of the list...and it's only July!

Summer Tablecloths ~ Easy and Elegant ~ Part 2

Summer is a wonderful time of year to invite guests to our home. The days are longer, the evenings are warmer and everyone seems more relaxed. The outdoors provides additional seating so we tend to invite more people, including more children. Casual parties are most popular, but sometimes you may choose to kick it up a notch and host a more elegant gathering...although you still want to enjoy your own party and not worry about blueberry pie on your new tablecloth!

Fortunately, today's fabrics offer several options and are perfect for all seasons. Earlier this year, American designer Mona Steck introduced her award winning Easy Care Collection for Settings by Mona. These tablecloths are made with specially blended linen fabric which also resists stains and spills, they remain on the surface. This fabric is soft, breathable, feels like soft linen but is totatly protected. Her elegant patterns combining white linen with black, flax or sienna fabrics are perfect for casual or formal dining.

The Easy Care Collection is offered in a variety of standard sizes, including the extra long 71"x160".  Custom sizes and color combinations are also available.

The amazing French polyester tablecloths by Jose Houel for Nydel are one of our most popular tablecloths, year round. Once avoided by top designers, today's polyester is recognized as the ultimate easy care. You can dress them up or down. Simply machine wash on gentle, hang dry and stains just disappear!  Jose Houel offers two collections each year so you can be sure that your tablecloth is the height of fashion. Jose Houel's tablecloths are also available in custom sizes and color combinations.

And for an elegant and breezy look...Lisa Corti. These hand blocked tablecloths, designed by renowned designer Lisa Corti and made in India, are simply luscious. Wonderfully sheer cotton, wonderful quality and exquisite designs...like a garden on the table!

And now a word about napkins...the trend towards preserving the earth's resources continues. Cloth napkins not only complete the stylish table, they are ultimately less costly than paper because they can be reused. Matching napkins are available for most of the tablecloths mentioned above. Or add contrasting solid cotton or linen napkins, easy to wash and easy on the enviroment.

Enjoy the summer...and enjoy your guests!