Today is the first day of my new life as the woman I’ve always wanted to be: organized, efficient, whimsical to an almost annoying degree, and most of all, an excellent hostess. That’s right: I’ve started to keep frozen (homemade) cookie dough in my freezer at all times so as to be able to bake some on the spot for guests or (most likely scenario) to enjoy a single nightly cookie as treat— baking my first one as I write this out.
The concept of being a good hostess, of having the kind of warm home that’s always stocked with everything one might need to have people over for cocktails or a holiday dinner, or even for our yearly pumpkin carving party, has largely driven my shopping habits. It’s why I have a china cabinet filled with roughly 30 different seasonal serving platters, or why I have at least 3 different sets of Christmas-themed glasses.
A couple of years ago I found a great set of 10 pink and white British Transferware dinner plates, bread and butter plates, bowls, tea cups + saucers, etc at the thrift store. I also very conveniently realized that there’s a website that sells replacement plates (and bowls, etc) for popular china patterns should one break, including the ones I acquired at the thrift store. Obviously, becoming the kind of household that has matching china has brought me immense joy. It’s the kind of thing that makes me think “what would 15 year old me think of how my life turned out?” the most. It also made me realize that it didn’t take a boat load of money to have nice plates— up until that point I had mostly settled on plain, white IKEA plates, or mismatched ornate ones from the thrift store. Turns out, there are plenty of options out there if you want to dazzle guests with your china like you’re 800 years old.
Clockwise, starting from top left: English Village 30pc Set, $139; 51pc Noritake Rose set, $190; Lenox Mansfeld 4pc Set, $66; Set of 6 Old Britain Castle Dinner plates, $112
I realize that probably no one cares about plates like I do but I’m gonna close this little bit out by just briefly showing my personal holy grail china sets - both Lynn Chase, both very chic! One day I’ll get my hands on a set of 6 (minimum) for under $100…
Longing for Colder Weather
Apologies to those of you who live in places where summer is somewhat pleasant, and more importantly where winter is truly unpleasant, but I live in a tropical nightmare, and I personally cannot wait for summer to be over. Between the humidity, the stifling heat, and the looming threat of hurricanes and tropical storms, it really is the worst time of year to live in Miami. This is why I’m hoping you’ll let me indulge in a little cool weather yearning.
My husband and I were watching La Piscine, and we both loved the suede jacket Alain Delon wears toward the end of the movie. We’re headed to Japan in the fall for our belated honeymoon, meaning we can “really start dressin”. Turns out it’s not so easy to find the perfect men’s suede jacket— many of them are too long, too western, too slouchy, or, worst of all, way too expensive.
Clockwise, starting from top left: 70s Suede Jacket, $125; Two-Tone Suede Jacket, $150; Sherpa-Lined Suede Ranch Coat, $100; Schott Suede Jacket, $205
While we’re on the topic of cool weather clothing, I simply cannot resist the vintage kitsch allure of a novelty knit ski sweater - picture yourself wearing one of these cuties while sitting by the fireplace on a cold day.
Clockwise, starting from top left: Vintage Knit Wool Sweater, XS, $38; 80s Ralph Lauren Ski Sweater, P/L, $105; Vintage Wool Ralph Lauren Sweater, S, $40; Vintage Eddie Bauer Zip Wool Cardigan, Men’s Small, $45
I can’t think of a smooth segue into this next portion, but I get a lot of comments on my purse - it’s a YSL Mombasa bag. Admittedly I got it for a great price on Poshmark last year, and it’s gotten a bit trendier since then, but I think it’s still possible to find it for a decently good price. It gets me so many compliments, and it’s perfect for fall. I wouldn’t bother with The Real Real for this particular purchase— check Japanese eBay sellers or Poshmark!
Alright, that’s all I’ve got for tonight— it’s a light one but I have a cookie waiting for me. Let’s all pretend I published this post last night like I was supposed to and not on Monday! I appreciated the feedback and ideas for future posts, and as always I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read these things;
xoxo,
Christina
Christina we care about plates! If only I had room for that 51 piece set
loved this, can’t wait for more