Coasting Along

I’ve always had a thing for coasters. They seem an inexpensive yet creative way to add a little flare to entertaining, whether it’s just drinks in the living room or an upscale dinner.

I found quite a few beautiful coaster sets online, but be wary because there are certainly tacky ones. I especially love the tropical theme coasters from one of my new favorite sites, Iomi.


I picked up these beauties at the Miami Beach Art Deco Preservation League Gift Shop for only $1 each!



Coasters on the guest room bedside table are a must. Set out one of these beautiful letterpress style from Papered Together and then put a few additional in a little "take home" bag for your visitors to remember their stay.

Of course, in keeping with our naturetainment theme, its best you pick a style that reflect the native flora, fauna, or history of your own neighborhood.

Unexpected Gifts

This week our friends John and Fran kindly hosted us for Valentine's Day dinner. As always, the table was beautifully set with fun wine glasses, beautiful plates, and delicious food all set on a red linen tablecloth. For centerpieces, Fran used three lipstick-red Chineese food containers each holding a bouquet of white mini-tulips.

Casually scattered around the table were Hershey's kisses and small Valentine's chocolates.

A few days later we were on a weekend getaway and as I started unpacking our food bag, I found a handful of the heart-shaped candies in the bottom. What a nice suprise! We gathered that our hostess slipped them in when we weren't looking.

An unexpected gift - what a sweet suprise. Something to keep in mind when a visitor calls.