In Good Taste
Olympic Anticipation
The Chinese have mastered the art of ancient antiques and priceless classics—all while remaining completely contemporary. These items won’t clash with your everyday home décor, though they’ll be sure to enhance your home’s sophistication.

With the arrival of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, athletes and supporters have been gearing up to compete for the first time in China. Feeling the Olympic spirit here at Seattle Homes & Lifestyles, we went looking for tabletop products to bring Beijing home.

In our race to the finish, we found some clear winners: square ceramic plates in a bright Chinese red; a set of red chopsticks, which seem ordinary but have slanted tips to stay above the tabletop even at rest. The Chinese believe the color red brings luck and happiness—two fortunes you cannot resist.


Rising Above
Lay down your “restless” chopsticks that keep their tips up off the table; $48 at Click! Design That Fits, 2210 California Ave. S.W., (206) 328-9252.

For Second Servings
These blue and white bowls are reminiscent of Chinese pottery from the Ming Dynasty; $4.50 at Uwajimaya, 600 Fifth Ave. S., (206) 624-6248.

Teatime
Enjoy herbal tea in this elegant set by Heath Ceramics. Large Teapot in Linen, $157.50, and Studio Mug in Mist/Linen, $27.50 at Velocity Art and Design. Velocity Art and Design, 2118 Second Ave., (206) 781-9494.

East Meets West
Add color to the table with Waechtersbach Red Square Dinner Plates; $22.95–$29.50 each at Sur La Table, 84 Pine St., (206) 448-2244.

Not Just for Pandas
No need for a new table; just roll down this Chilewich bamboo table runner in Camel Bamboo; $44 from Velocity Art and Design, 2118 Second Ave., (206) 781-9494.		 

 

Light Up the Night

Place some candles in these lantern-inspired votives; $4.50 each at Tableau, 2220 N.W. Market St., (206) 782-5846.		 

 

Serves You Right

This eco-friendly Bamboo Tray, made of pressed lightweight bamboo strips, looks great under any dish. $14.95 at Crate & Barrel, 2680 N.E. 49th St., (206) 937-9939.