Castle Impossible

Castle Impossible - HGTV

Has anyone else become instantly addicted to HGTV's Castle Impossible? A young couple leave their lives in California - jobs, family, and friends behind and embark on the adventure of a lifetime - renovating a 500 year old castle just outside of Paris that the wife has inherited from her grandfather.

Setting the Blue and White Table

French Toile de Jouy Salad Plates

 
I love color, but nothing more than classic blue and white. These are some lovely picks for setting the blue and white table.

The Chinoiserie Summer Diffuser

NEST New York Decorative Reed Diffuser

I am a big fan of scented diffusers. A diffuser emits its scent 24/7 without the risk of a flame like a candle and without the heat of a flame. Great for households with kids and pets. Granted that a candle does not give off a lot of heat, but in tropical climates like South Florida, especially in the summer months, there is something about turning on the oven or lighting a candle that is less than desirable. So here is my favorite diffuser for summer.

Setting the Summer Table

Pottery Barn

 

A charger plate is a large, decorative plate that acts as a base for other dinnerware. Charger plates serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. Visually, charger plates provide elegance and enhance table decor. Practically, they protect the table and tablecloth from becoming dirty during service. They're also a key feature at fine dining establishments. Two of my china patterns I originally discovered at restaurants where I was dining - one a restaurant in Bermuda and another in Great Falls, Virginia.