grosgrain napkin ring

I spotted this really cute grosgrain ribbon napkin ring in House Beautiful--from Social Couture.

summer linens

How fun to set a summer table with some vintage Vera napkins? I found these on Etsy, after reading Eddie Ross' Storque post: 1. The Collector's Closet, 2. RetroWear. 3. Joules.

dinner party ideas (1)

When I can't sleep, I work on planning a little dinner party in my head (wonder where I got that--Mom?!??!). Should I go with the Mexican fiesta theme, I think I could swing these paper lanterns as decor. Via design*sponge.

it's the little things

I found these little dishes via the precious blog Thoughtful Day. Made by Beehive Kitchenware Company, where I also found lots of other wonderful things. I think I'd use them to rest my spoon between multiple cups of coffee.

popmats

How adorable is this placemat, with a pop-up for a placecard! By Publique Living, via Oh Joy!

Seated Dinner

Now that the pollen is beginning to clear, I've got outdoor dining on the brain. Hope to get some succulents for my table, like these from Blueprint.
P.S. I broke down and ordered all the back issues of Blueprint. May be the best $20 I've ever spent.

Laura Goes Green

I thought this was the best idea, to recycle old dress shirts into napkins. Even with my limited sewing skills, I think I could take on Trey's closet of old shirts. From body + soul magazine.

Eat Your Veggies

I loved this idea in MS Living: a vegetable patch crudite centerpiece. They used a galvanized planter, and filled the bottom with sprouts and a little water. I think Peter Rabbit would be very pleased.

Lavender Luncheon

I would so love to be dining al fresco, at the Carousel Lavender Farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. As featured in Martha Stewart Living March 2008. Wonder if I'd need as much bug spray up there?

Hurry, Spring!

Even though I am a mosquito magnet (not a great thing in the humid South), I love a little outdoor dinner party. Think I need to pick up Martha's Outdoor Living magazine to get inspired. Has anyone flipped through it?

Set the Table

I can still hear my mom's words ringing in my ears, "Laura, go practice your piano and then set the table!" Well, the piano didn't stick (although I can play a little Moonlight Sonata), but I have a great appreciation for anyone who goes beyond fork, knife, and spoon.
{image: House Beautiful February 2008}

Juliska Love

I have a bit of an obsession with Juliska. As a matter of fact, I'm hoping there is some waiting under the tree for me next Tuesday morning. Each piece is mouth blown, and incredibly delicate and unique (and supposedly dishwasher-safe, but I don't believe that for a second). So unique in fact, that I was afraid I'd received the wrong glasses as wedding gifts because of their varying heights. Whatever, I love it. The company is only six years old, and has quite a sense of humor.

I Heart Chocolate (Vietri)

My mom and I love some Vietri. And so does my favorite Food Network chef, Giada de Laurentiis. The chocolate and cream setting would be especially nice at Thanksgiving. And I love how the Food Network stylists added the touch of rosemary.
{images: vietri, food network}

Manhu Designs

I keep having run-ins with this lovely monogrammed dinnerware, in the unlikeliest of places. I think we're meant to be. Manhu Designs specializes in handmade custom dinnerware, "from a small town in South Georgia to a rural village in Tuscany." You'd be surprised how much those two places have in common.

{images: manhu designs}