Spring Ahead
Tasting Table's spring essentials guide
Once the weather warms up, you'll be more motivated than ever to make a reservation at that new restaurant, sip the cocktail everyone's been talking about or have your friends over for a spring soiree.
Taking cues from COACH's spring 2014 collection–inspired by downtown NYC's classic cool–Tasting Table's editors have compiled a list of their must-have clothing, accessories and tabletop essentials for food lovers this spring:
• Afternoon brunch date? Pair an irresistibly soft leather dress, like this Slouchy Summer V-Neck Dress, with a stacked block heel sandal. The Sevilla sandal's contrasting textures can go easily from day to night.
• Striped handmade napkins in lightweight cotton and hemp can go from dinner party to picnic in a snap.
• Outdoor drinking season is about to begin. Slide into peep-toe flats, like this Sherlock Flat in burlap and vibrant tangerine snakeskin, to hit your favorite open-air bar.
• Whether you're at a cookout or popping open a craft brew at home, you'll look like a pro with a colorblocked beechwood bottle opener that's as gorgeous as it is functional.
This spring is all about mixing and matching contrasting leathers, mixed media and exotic textures, so the possibilities are endless.
Need more inspiration? Check out Tasting Table's spring essentials guide–and make it your style menu for the upcoming months.
COACH Sherlock Flats
As the weather warms up, slide into vibrant snakeskin-and-burlap peep-toe flats from COACH's spring 2014 collection to hit your favorite outdoor bar.
2-Piece Serving Set
Match chic natural fabrics, like burlap, with natural table accents. These long-handled acacia salad servers have a surprising design twist with their modern cutouts.
Orange Wine Glass
Everything is more fun in orange–including these modern Victorian-style wine goblets that'll add a pop of color to your spring table.
COACH Borough Bag in Patchwork Leather
Bar stripes are the new colorblocking. A bold bag in luxurious mixed leathers will turn heads at the season's new restaurant openings.
Cotton and Hemp Napkins
Striped handmade napkins in lightweight cotton and hemp can go from dinner party to outdoor picnic in a snap.
Ceramic Spoon Rest
Take color inspiration from the Borough Bag: These richly hued handmade spoon rests are all one-of-a-kind.
COACH Hudson Car Coat
This water-resistant, classic-with-a-twist jacket for him is perfect for weekend getaways to your favorite food city. It goes from breakfast to destination dinner effortlessly.
Two-Tone Tumbler
Serving wine in mouth-blown blue glass tumblers puts a new spin on the traditional tabletop.
Universal Expert Bottle Opener
Whether you're a cookout guest or popping open a craft brew at home, you'll look like a pro with a beech wood bottle opener. It's as gorgeous as it is functional.
COACH Sevilla Sandal
With its contrasting leathers and stacked block heel, this shoe is casual enough for an afternoon date but striking enough for dinner out on the town.
Polka Dot Chevron Placemat Set
Spring is all about mixing and matching. Add a little whimsy to your table with placemats that combine pretty polka dots with a modern chevron pattern.
Lace Appetizer Plate
This terracotta plate's half-white, half-blue split personality will make it a sure conversation starter at your next dinner.