Wanting to do al fresco?

I am looking (actually yearning) for some new summer dinnerware. So why I am having so much trouble finding the perfect set? I am noticing there is not an abundance of patio or melamine dinnerware out there…..I even checked our usual suspects like Pottery Barn, William Sonoma and I have to saw I am not impressed.
Pottery Barn has gone very basic and very Americana….and WS has a lovely coral motif but still not what I am looking for.
So I started to surf and found a few other options that are nice – but have I become this picky that I still haven’t found the set I am looking for?
Macy’s
Crate & Barrel
Jonathan Adler
Smith and Hawken – really nice and they’re a heavy, durable melamine!!! Close but they look similar to the china I want to replace…..

While all of these are lovely, I am still looking for a sophisticated, stylish set of melamine dishes. I wish I made it to Target in time to get the Orla Kiely collection….If anyone has any suggestions let me…..

Oh and by the way, check out working class studio for these “fashion plates” great for a girls night in! Chat again soon from…..desperately seeking nice summer dinnerware

A little light for those dark days of winter

Smith and Hawken is a great source for neat and wonderful outdoor, garden type ideas and items. I found a few for the holiday which I wanted to share!

Multicolored Teardrop Light String

Dollops of light in four festive colors are ideal for decorating your home this holiday season. String lights around a holiday tree, under eaves or brighten up a topiary after dark. For indoor and outdoor use

Prelit Natural Swag

Bring garden-inspired holiday cheer to your home with our all-natural vine swag, accented with soft, white lights.
Pre-lit Natural Vine Spiral Trees

Add an artistic holiday element to your backyard, garden or front lawn. Illuminated by white holiday lights, this nature-inspired treasure can by hung from an outdoor tree or perched on a porch.
Oversized Ball Ornaments

Create a wonder-sized statement and add festive bursts of color indoors or out with these gleaming, weather-resistant ornaments. We have a huge pine in our front yard – these would be perfect hanging on it just like your indoor tree!

Light Garland, Cream Berry

This realistic, berry-dotted garland is flexible so you can shape it as you like to decorate a mantel, banister or tabletop. Indoor use only.
Silver Ribbon Light Strings

Light strings make any nighttime gathering festive. Our unique lighted ribbon can be used to decorate a wreath, garland or holiday tree. These flexible, lighted ribbon adds a unique glow to holiday greenery.

Take a surf on their website for other great ideas. Give guests a welcoming glow when coming to your home this holiday season!

Giving thanks this weekend – eh?

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. The origin and history of Thanksgiving Day in Canada is different from the American Thanksgiving. Whereas the American tradition talks about remembering Pilgrims and settling in the New World, Canadians give thanks for a successful harvest. The geographical location of Canada is further north as compared to the United States therefore the harvest season falls earlier in Canada.

In Canada Thanksgiving 2008 will be celebrated on second Monday in October - 13th October 2008.

Thanksgiving in Canada provides an opportunity for Canadians to give thanks for having the good fortune to live in a bountiful, free country, and to celebrate that day by feasting with family and friends.

Here are a few simple harvest decorating ideas from Country Living Magazine, Smith and Hawken, and Pottery Barn. Also check out the great treats William Sonoma and Horchow. I love the pumpkin shaped cheesecake!

To all those celebrating this upcoming Monday, happy turkey day!