The first Sur La Table store opened in Seattle's Pike Place Market in 1972 selling hard-to-find kitchenware imported from France. Since then the company has expanded to more than 75 stores nationwide, a direct-mail business distributing millions of catalogs each year, an e-commerce site, a gift registry, and a cooking class program. Sur La Table continues to carry many of the same products from France that it carried when it opened, but now offers tools from around the world to prepare any cuisine. Sur La Table remains committed to its roots by continuing to provide exceptional customer service and a broad assortment of premium-quality products. Sur La Table headquarters are located in Seattle, Washington.

Udaipur Tales International Story Telling Festival has brought back the art of storytelling. The festival has become an astounding success with story tellers from across the globe taking the audience on a mesmeric journey.

THE MAKERS Who: Partners Xenia Taler and Steven Koblinsky. Xenia designs the tiles, Steven crafts the clay and glazes. Where: In their Toronto studio. When: Since 1996. How: Tiles are pressed in molds made of wood, or extruded. Glazes are mixed from scratch. All tiles are decorated by hand. Why: Because we hope that one day, a long, long time from now, not only will your children fight mercilessly over the wonderful tiles you had so wisely purchased, but even when humankind is forced to venture off this world and fend amongst the stars, those tiles will be the second or third item on a strict ten item list which your descendents feel they must take along with them on their arduous journey. THE TILES We make two kinds of tiles:Our wall hanging tiles come with a groove in the back for hanging as well as cork on the bottom and glazed sides. They are suited to withstand heat and can be used as coasters and trivets. Our installation tiles are thinner and have unglazed sides for grouting. Applications include kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces and tabletops. Either thin or thick tile can be used for installation but it is better to order the thinner tiles with unglazed sides if you are definitely planning on installing them. To order our thinner tiles, please see our Installation Tile section. CARE Most soaps and detergents are fine to use. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners. Also avoid children with permanent markers. (Seriously, the marker die will seep into the crackle.)