China CLANG: Designer Dining

Designer dining is big business these days. From collaborations like Vera Wang and Jasper Conran's collections for Wedgwood (available from Wedgwood direct and larger concessions in eg. Selfridges) to Sophie Conran for Portmeirion and firmly established, dedicated homeware arms of some of the world's biggest fashion houses - think Missoni Home, or Armani Casa - chic catering is firmly on fashion's menu.

Sadly. word has it Marc Jacobs will not be putting out any further ranges - crystal or china - for Waterford so I'm glad I snapped up these Mad Men style champagne saucers from Selfridges when I did, although there are the odd few pieces from his previous collections still floating about online (try eBay and sites like Crystal Classics).

British red carpet maestros Marchesa's latest china line for Lenox has just gone on sale at Bloomingdales (who, unlike Saks Fifth Avenue, unfortunately do not ship to the UK just yet so that's another one to keep a beady eye out for on eBay). Those ladies must be crazy busy at the moment as, china, awards shows and fashion week aside, they also have a capsule make up range coming out Stateside next month (available exclusively at Bergdorfs and Neiman Marcus) in conjunction with Le Metier de Beaute. No news yet as to where and when this will drop in the UK but hopefully news will reach us soon...

If you fancy something a little less labelly and a bit more quirky/urban, have a look at these pieces below or, for more pocket friendly couture crockery, check out the great lines on offer at Zara Home.

London scene plates (£29) and mugs (£12) by Snowden Flood, available from Liberty. Skull plates by Phoebe Richardson (£25), at Liberty and Shoe Butter dish by Jonathan Adler, from Heal's (£55)