Summer tablescapes calls for pretty botanical hues, shiny dew-drop textures, and an extra hit of glamour. So naturally, we looked to Julia Knight for tips on dinner parties, seasonal colors stories, and the secrets behind her sparkly pieces.

Rue La La: We’re a little bit obsessed with the shiny, pearl-like quality of some of your pieces. Tell us the secret behind the shimmer.
Julia: All our serveware with shimmering color interiors has a trademark blend of enamel infused with crushed mother of pearl. The mother of pearl powder transforms our unique color pigments into a finish that shines with a luminescent glow – it also adds strength to the enamel for heirloom quality.

Rue La La: How do you offset these gleaming mother-of-pearl pieces when setting the table?
Julia: My favorite thing is making my guests feel comfortable and at home. I love to set a fancy table but never want it too stiff, so I always bring in a variety of textures and colors to break up a too-formal feel. I like to mix flowers and greens, candles and fabrics, and above all, a range of shapes and colors.

Rue La La: We love that! What are some sure-fire winners on the table?
Julia: A salad in a raspberry Lily bowl says fun and fabulous! Seafood pasta in a seahorse bowl says my food is center stage for tonight’s theatre. My driving ambition is to create designs that insist on attracting your eye with their unexpected beauty – transforming the everyday into something simply and completely wonderful.

Rue La La: Let’s talk color. What are your standout hues for the season?
Julia: Color adds immediate drama – whether by focusing on one strong color for your whole table or creating your own unique color story to set the mood and theme. Looking to fashion, for a softer spring table, I have been using the updated color combination of Saffron, Snow, and Platinum. Going bright for summer, I like Raspberry, Spice, and Snow. And for more formal occasions, my tables are opulent with the jeweled colors of Pomegranate, Amethyst, and Toffee.

Rue La La: Okay, now for the juicy stuff. Give us your dinner party guidelines!
Julia: My do’s for the perfect dinner party:
1. Make it comfortable and inviting.
2. Keep guests close together to stimulate conversation.
3. Mix the friends that love to talk with the ones who love to listen.
4. Add a vintage element from your past to the arrangement.
5. Use color.
6. Layer your table settings.
7. Mix materials.
8. And always have candlelight.

- By Katie Flynn, Editor

Our Julia Knight Serveware Boutique opens Friday, May 18, 2012 at 11AM ET.

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