A few weeks ago, an engaged friend of mine was pondering china selections on her blog. Does anyone register for fancy schmancy china anymore? Is functional and quirky the new norm?

For our wedding, we registered for pieces from the modern and decidedly usable Noritake Colorwave collection (in graphite). We chose the “quad,” square-ish plates that have a soft, lifted edge, and the tulip accent plates.

While we use these simple white plates from Target for everyday, Tuesday night with the ladies and any other remotely “fancy” dinners are always served on my Colorwave china.

And, because I am fortunate to have fabulous people in my life, the Noritake fun doesn’t stop there.

Like I mentioned a long while ago, our cute corner cabinet is filled with Noritake Altadena china, an heirloom collection given to A. and me by an old family friend. It was her mother’s. I love it.

But…will I ever use it? I don’t think so. It’s just too perfect – no scratches or chips.

What about you, dearest readers? Are your plates anything special? I know there are scads of cute patterns out there right now. Maybe we need some more…maybe I should talk to A. On second thought, I don’t think that would be a very long conversation.

Dreaming of this baby,

Whenever I flip through home decor magazines, I love seeing the glossy photos of giant picture walls – with funky frames and black and white prints or gilded mirrors paired with pretty patterns. Above is my first attempt at a photo grouping, as seen on our dining room wall. Albeit a bit weak, I really like it! There is a little bit of room for expansion, but I am taking baby steps.

This image from Pottery Barn has long been in my inspiration file (read: saved on the mess that is my desktop):

And someday, oh, someday, I want something more like this room featured at Casa Sugar. Click on the link to see larger photos. It’s so hot.

I like this cyclops-guy from West Elm, too:

And, though the arrangement is straightforward, the funky prints in this Crate & Barrel image jazz up the wall:

And, for some reason I love this understated grouping from Pottery Barn:

And while I’m pushing all things PB on you, take a look at this doozy:

Wow.

I’ll get there someday – someday when I have more walls, more pictures, and more disposable income to spend on strange pointy column thingys to set in front of my elaborate photo walls.

Until then…

Do you have a photo wall? What is your rule – odd numbers/even numbers? Mismatched frames or no-nonsense symmetry? Do tell, and share your photos!

Happy Monday,

My favorite features are:

the butter-hued stripe

my lovely capiz chandelier that sounds like windchimes when I open the windows

the church pew that matches the windows (more to come on that later)

and this piece:

I rescued it from a secondhand shop and gave it a new look with black paint, new hardware, and some yellow paisley wallpaper.

Despite its lack of use, I’m glad that we have a formal dining space. We use it for special occasions – Thanksgiving and Easter with both of our families,  two bridal showers, and the occasional Wednesday night dinner. Don’t worry, when you come over we won’t make you sit on the floor. Unless, you know, you’d be more comfortable there…

*****

There is nothing more satisfying than coming home from a long day at the office, cooking a healthy, scrumptious meal, and sitting down with my beloved, A., at our dining room table:

And when I say “healthy, scrumptious meal” I mean “burritos from the burrito place,” and by “sitting down at our dining room table” I mean “sitting on the floor in front of the TV.” Just being honest, here.

But, that doesn’t mean I don’t love my dining room table. My sister and I bought it a few years ago for our first apartment together. And when I say “bought it” I mean “Thanks, Dad.” (Sorry. I’ll stop that now.)

My favorite part of our dining room is the antique corner cabinet we found at a cute shop in a historical German village nearby. It houses the pretty china given to us by a close family friend for our wedding. I love it.

So….have you noticed the matching chandeliers that K and I enjoy? I will admit that she found it first, and then I copied her. But, I ordered the other color in a burst of individuality.

So, ‘fess up. Do you actually eat in the dining room? Do you have wholesome family conversations? Or do you watch 30 Rock and zone out like munching TV zombies? I’ll let you guess which category we fall under.

Happy Channel Surfing,

&