Emily: Songs from the wood

I have been looking for a reasonable set of flatware, as I am planning a Holiday Brunch where I will use my Great Grandmother Marie's wedding china. It was given to me by my Grandma Isabel, who was my great conspirator and who carried on the tradition of French cuisine she had learned from her mother.

While I admit I do not have the talent to fill the plates that they had I at least want to do them justice. Everything that I have found (and can afford) is either too fancy to go with my everyday plates (plain white porcelain) or too plain to belong alongside china. That is, everything but cheap-o Naturewood from Pfaltzgraff, which I will rock this brunch, baby!

Emily: The most perfect cupcake wrappers in the world

Laser cut lovliness from Paper Orchid.

Emily: Jessica Rust

I am in love, and I mean in love with Jessica Rust's line of personalized dinnerware. The delicate patterning would be charming even if not eponymous , but in a world where Things Remembered dominates the "your name here" market her lovely items are a breath of (mine! all mine!) fresh air.

Emily: Friends over

Last night my dear friend came over to sup with his new fiance. She is a wonderful addition to both his and my life, and I am so happy that they have found one another.

So happy, in fact, that I got all excited and set the table with my very best linens, which were gifts from Mackenzie of Site Design and Alberto and Mercedes from Etos way back when we were all studying at NYSID and napkin rings made for me by my little sister, who is now an art student at Tyler.

Using the beautiful things we own not only connects us to the time and place when we acquired them, but creates a sense of meaningfulness for the present moment. Setting the table for much anticipated guests is not about displaying what you own but instead creating a space worth lingering in. These beautiful things tell them "you are special, enjoy yourself."