Posts by Katherine
2025 Summer Reading List
15 books to help you while away a summer afternoon from mysteries and romance to new parenting philosophies and historical deep dives! There is nothing I enjoy more than reading for some quiet “me” time. Getting lost in a good book is my ideal relaxation activity. I usually have more than one book going at…
Read MoreSetting the Table for Independence Day
Are you ready for some fireworks, BBQ, watermelon, and all the red, white, and blue? I sure am! It also feels like a particularly poignant moment to revisit and reflect on our nation’s founding. While it is our nation’s 249th birthday, marking the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, it is not the 249th…
Read MoreChina Patterns: The Rare & Valuable
Hello Lovely Peonies. Which china patterns are rare? Which are popular? Which are overdone? And how do I know if a pattern is valuable? My e-mail has been flooded with these kind of questions lately as well as requests for plate identification help (see this post on ID and this post for determining value). I’m…
Read MoreFinishing Our Master Bedroom Decor
Explore our plans to finish our blue and green master bedroom decor! I am determined to complete at least one decorating project this year at my house! Up to bat: our master bedroom! This room is so close to being finished. I just need to pull together all the design elements and find a few…
Read MoreOn Motherhood
May 2023 after a successful IVF stimulation cycle, we had one viable embryo to transfer. ONE! One chance at having our own baby. That’s him right there. Our miracle baby! Can you believe it? Sometimes I can’t! I can’t believe I’m celebrating my second Mother’s Day as a mom! We got lucky in so…
Read MoreWhat’s My Antique Dish Worth?
5 Tips to help you determine the worth of your antique or vintage dinnerware! Today, I wanted to share some of my advice on collecting and/or re-selling antique dishes and determining the value. Obviously, the first step in determining value is to identify the maker and pattern. My process for plate identification is detailed in…
Read MoreInfuse Historic Charm into a Builder Grade Home
10 Tips to bring historic charm and character to a new build or builder grade home. Let’s outdate that modern construction! Ban the sterile white box! Nix the cookie cutter uniformity! Bring on the warmth, character, and charm of a period home with architectural features! For most of us the reality of housing markets, location,…
Read MoreA Blue & White Wedgwood Easter Table
Let’s set an elegant Easter table in blue and white with Wedgwood Queen’s ware, chintz linens, spring florals, and chocolate bunnies! Welcome to my Easter tablescape friends! If you are hunting inspiration for your spring parties and holiday gatherings, you are in the right place! This blue and white tablescape with Wedgwood Queen’s ware, chocolate…
Read MoreBoxwood & Bunnies Easter Mantel
A blue and white Easter Mantel with a Regency inspired aesthetic perfect for spring! Hello Spring. Blue and white is always right, but something about this timeless combo felt particularly fresh and inviting for my spring decor this year. I love this French blue hue. It feels soft and pretty and so right to channel…
Read MoreWhy I Love a Traditional Kitchen
Warm but classic… Functional but sophisticated… Striking but timeless… Ah the well designed traditional kitchen where the heart of your home marries style and function for timeless appeal! Traditional kitchens with their warm wood tones, natural materials, elegant tile work, and sophisticated detailing have an enduring charm that beckons you in, stirs the senses, and…
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