Tonight, Russet Wire and many other Chicago bloggers will join Windy City Bloggers as they kick off the holiday season with Pastoral.

We will learn how to assemble the perfect holiday cheese plate – and to pair it with wine. I can’t wait, it should be a fun night of wine, cheese, and preparing for the holidays. Stop by if you can.

An idea turned into obsession this weekend when Jordan and I took to Wisconsin. My mission was to buy a few mis-matched China plates for our wedding but I ended the night at home with HUNDREDS of plates – different sizes, shapes and colors. They are all so beautiful and perfect.

We have one for each place setting a small and large plate. I’m hoping for a disorganized but pretty floral look for each table. Here they are all cleaned and organized:

Vintage, mis-matched China can be an alternative to expensive seasonal plates for your table as well. Here I’ve layered some white china plates with gold lining for our Thanksgiving dinner next week.

If you fancy a set of china plates I suggest looking on craigslist or in thrift stores. You’ll be surprised at what you find and how great they look in your home.

Happy Hunting,
RW