I'M SEEING RED FOR CHRISTMAS

Last year, I used lots of RED in my white home in Minnesota.  I have not used red for over ten years in Arizona.

This year, I can't get enough of red!

Enjoy some red from Pinterest!

HI GORGEOUS! i LOVED YOU FOR A LONG TIME!

I have long been a fan of the Chinese dinnerware called "Rose Medallion."  

I started collecting place settings last year in Arizona. The antiques dealer that I was following had most of his pieces in Chandler at Merchant Square Antiques.  Then good fortune smiled when he moved to Antique Gallery in Phoenix.  That is much closer to Buckeye.  I purchased some pieces there.

My best find was at Estate Resale in Surprise, where there was a huge amount of old Rose Medallion for sale, which had been in the consignment store for a long time.  I was able to complete my eight place settings very reasonably!

The first time that I used them to entertain was this spring.

I had a brunch for some lovely new friends that we have made in Sundance, the community of Buckeye, that we live in.

This brunch was during the Easter season so I used glitter eggs from Walmart to hide the orchid pots.  The orchids were also from Walmart.  I used a Rose Medallion chestnut bowl as a cache pot for the orchids.

I also purchased a Rose Medallion vase (with a tiny chip) from Estate Resale.  It is huge and just gorgeous!

Of course, I molded butter into the shape of a bunny!  The rolls also looked like bunnies, in honor of Palm Sunday.

 Instructions here:  https://platedcravings.com/easter-bunny-dinner-breadsticks/

My monogramed napkins were a special order from Ballard Designs.  I plan to use them for Christmas time too!

I used my sterling from Kirk Stieff which is the "Repousse" pattern.

The menu consisted of fresh fruit with a yummy, but healthy dip!

Recipe here:  

http://www.layersofhappiness.com/the-best-fruit-dip-ever/

I served a spinach quiche with a hash brown potato crust .

 Recipe here:  http://www.happilyunprocessed.com/2015/11/25/spinach-and-gruyere-cheese-quiche-with-a-hash-brown-crust/

Dessert were chocolate nests with a hot pink "Peep" chicken and chocolate eggs.

My dessert wasn't very "professional" but it was light and fun!

Instructions here:  http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/953339/fun-easter-treats-to-make-with-your-kids

Luscious pink peonies finished off the decor!

FABULOUS ARIZONA DINNER PARTY

I HAVE SOME CATCHING UP TO DO!

DURING THE PAST HOLIDAY SEASON, DON AND I HOSTED A WONDERFUL DINNER PARTY FOR FRIENDS.

WE SELDOM HOST DINNER PARTIES.  I GUESS TO MANY THINGS CAN GO WRONG, AND WHILE IT IS WONDERFUL FOR THOSE WHO CAN SIT AND ENJOY THE MEAL, THE HOSTS ARE OFTEN POPPING UP TO PREP THE NEXT COURSE, ETC.

WHAT I DO ENJOY IS IN THE PLANNING!   I LOVE THINKING ABOUT THE CHINA, THE SILVER, THE CENTERPIECES, THE MENU AND OF COURSE, THE DESSERT!

I USED PLAIN WHITE LINENS.  MY SUNBURST CHARGERS WERE A CHRISTMAS GIFT FROM MY OLDEST DAUGHTER, SEVERAL YEARS AGO.

I HAVE HAD THE GOLDEN ANGELS FOR A DECADE.  I AM NOT A COLLECTOR OF ANGELS.  I RARELY OWN THEM, BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL THAT I DEARLY LOVE AND THESE ARE SOME OF THEM.

MY NAPKINS WERE A PURCHASE FROM WISTERIA.  (ACTUALLY, THE CHARGERS WERE FROM THERE, TOO.)

WISTERIA IS A GREAT COMPANY.  IT IS OWNED BY A YOUNG COUPLE WHO HAVE ROOTS IN THE DESIGN INDUSTRY.  THE WIFE'S MOTHER IS A FAMOUS DESIGNER IN HOUSTON AND THE HUSBAND'S MOTHER IS A FORMER EDITOR OF "VERANDA" MAGAZINE.  THEY TAKE CLASSIC PIECES AND REPRODUCE THEM IN MUCH THE WAY THAT JOHN ROSSELLI HAS BEEN DOING FOR YEARS IN NEW YORK.

THE CROWN NAPKIN RINGS ARE ALSO FROM WISTERIA!

I THINK THAT THE REASON THAT THERE ARE SO MANY "SPANISH COLONIAL" TYPE OF THINGS ON THEIR WEBSITE AND IN THEIR CATALOG IS BECAUSE THEY ARE BASED IN HOUSTON.  THOSE LIVING IN THE STATES BORDERING MEXICO FREQUENTLY DECORATE WITH SPANISH COLONIAL TOUCHES.

THE STEMWARE IS FROM WORLD MARKET AND THE CENTERPIECES ARE FROM HOMEGOODS!

MY CHINA HAS A 24-KARAT GOLD BORDER.  I PURCHASED 12 OF THESE PLATES FROM TUESDAY MORNING TWO YEARS AGO WHEN OUR HOUSE WAS ON THE SPARKLE TOUR IN SUNDANCE.  MY STERLING IS REPOUSSE FROM KIRK-STIEFF.

I KNOW THAT THE HOLIDAYS ARE LONG PAST, BUT I WANTED TO SHARE ONE OF THE MORE SUCCESSFUL DINNER PARTIES THIS PAST YEAR....STAY TUNE FOR MORE!

I HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED THIS FIRST REAL BLOG.  PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!

LOOK OUT WORLD, HERE I COME

Today, I am abandoning my blog "So Okoboji."  I really loved writing that, but since I no longer reside in the Iowa Great Lakes Area, I must start a new journey.

This new post will reflect the new locations that I live in, namely, Arizona and Minnesota.  Or to be more precise, Phoenix and Minneapolis.  

These two cities are different in climate, yet they are both seeking to find beauty, and the best of everything!

I will be reporting on my style of decorating interiors, decorating for the holidays, shopping and discovering new places and stylish items.  It will also include lots of entertaining ideas and parties.  I will also feature fabulous fashion finds.

I hope you enjoy reading it.  Please subscribe and join me for some fabulous inspiration! Daphne