all in the family

i'm missing my family something awful today....  so i thought it would be nice to recall some of the finer elements of the homes i grew up in and around....  one thing came to mind instantly.  always, is there a table filled with family photos.  so, i searched the vast image library of the internet and could not find one single vignette (good or bad).  alas, here is my homage to everyone up north and to the (many ) table(s) in my home filled with favorite pics of my favorite people.

lots of enamel colored frames, sterling silver and my favorite: liberty of london for target frames.  wish i had thought to buy more!

burn one down

well, by now it is obvious i am a sucker for stripes.  can't help myself.  love them.  and i happen to like candles - all kinds (that are soy or beeswax and not scented too heavily - so maybe not all candles), but lately i really love the look of taper candles. 

ana candles - the colors are amazing!  this pic doesn't even do them justice.  pop onto www.fivestripes.com -  get a few extra and keep them around for hostess gifts - a package of all different stripes tied up with a pretty ribbon would be heaven.

i love the yellow/white and the turquoise/white and the hydrangea/white - all so purdy.  seriously, you cannot go wrong with the colors.  (i love the spring collection best, but the other lines are equally as nice). 

Build a beautiful table

with wedding season upon us, if you know a couple who are architecture enthusiasts, here are some soup bowls would do the trick (quite beautifully)



Alessandro Zambelli ceramic palace tableware


these Florentine-inspired Renaissance homes can set the entire table.  best part: you don't have to find cabinet space for them and instead showcase your architectural dinnerware s as a centerpiece.  here's the entire set:

from left to right (all roofs are serving dishes)
dinner plates, side plates, small bowl and soup bowl

and here's how it looks as a table setting:



clever, fun and a great set to collect or give (fabulous housewarming gift).  i looooove this!