Wait, There’s More

March 19, 2010UncategorizedDesignersMrs. Blandings

I’m going to give you a taste of the tables from the DIFFA event last night. Click on them to see the details of the table settings. David Jimenez hit it out of the park with his graphic and gorgeous style.

Local florist Chuck Matney was pretty in pink.

The Nerdbots were busy eating so we tried not to interrupt.

Peregrine Honig’s table sparked lots of interest; click to see what she is serving up on those silver trays.

Don Fields created a sea side fantasy on the plaines. (Check out those terrific chairs.)

And for you blueaholics Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar executed an extravagant Easter tableau using a combination of the best that Hall’s has to offer and thrift store finds. (I used restraint and did not say “eggstravagant.”)

John Rufnacht kept the message clear that AIDS awareness is the mission; the creativity creates attention for the cause.

Proceeds from sales all weekend can benefit DIFFA if you mention it to your sales associate.

Guess Who’s Coming to DIFFA?

March 18, 2010UncategorizedDIFFA, Hall'sMrs. Blandings

Hall’s has gathered some really knock out designers to create tables for their Tables by Design event benefitting DIFFA Kansas City.

Here is a sneak peek of Black Bamboo owner, Tim Butt’s, table. Wow oh wow oh wow.

A percentage of the proceeds from purchases made this evening will benefit DIFFA, but the tables will be up through April 14th. Stop in and let Eddie Ross, David Jimenez, Marc Blackwell and more inspire your Spring tables. Hosting Easter brunch? Seder dinner? A graduation feast or wedding shower? Get your creative juices flowing right here.

American Modern

March 18, 2010UncategorizedAmerican Modern, Thomas O'BrienMrs. Blandings

I am a voyeur. I have a good eye, and usually I do no harm, but I am quite aware that what I am doing is amateur. Enjoyable. Pleasant. But not great.

So when I find something great I go over it and over it and over it. Flip. Squint. Check.

Pick, pick, pick hoping to discern the thing that he has that I want.

The pictures help, of course, but what I want to do is read about the process. Explain it to me. Take me with you. And Thomas O’Brien does this in American Modern, which has been sitting on either my desk or bedside table since it arrived at my door shockingly early one morning.

The pictures are wonderful and the projects are fresh – including both renditions of his apartment that you may have seen before – as O’Brien describes them with such care.

O’Brien does that thing, that thing with a mix of furniture and often traditional fabrics that communicates fresh and modern. So often that Rorschach test in my head for O’Brien is black and white and vintage, but look. Antique settee, two kinds of velvet, nailhead, a contrast welt and, yes, Brunschwig & Fils Tiger Velvet on the pillows. One of O’Brien’s favorite fabrics. Who would have thought? He had planned to keep these as his own, but they seemed at home here.

American Modern is shipping now.

I did receive an advance copy of the book, but no other compensation for wholeheartedly endorsing it. All images courtesy of Abrams; photography by Laura Resen.

Auto Reply: Out of Office

March 14, 2010UncategorizedMrs. Blandings

I am off to Dallas with the boys to see my folks. I may pop in to post here and there, but don’t expect much. Or, if you already don’t expect much, expect less.

Image of Calder sculpture courtesy of the Nasher Sculpture Center.

Dining by Design 2010

March 11, 2010UncategorizedDesignersMrs. Blandings

Many of you design aficionados know that Dining by Design originated in Kansas City.

Yep. Twenty years ago.

Can it have been twenty years already?

It has.

Which makes this year a pretty big deal. Lots of hoopla planned. Of course, Kansas City’s most talented designers will be cooking up glorious tables for the event.

You have lots of opportunities to support Dining by Design and DIFFA. You can Table Hop on April 30th, Preview on May 1 or, even better, attend the Gala the evening of the 1st. Mr. Blandings and I will be there.

Hall’s is also hosting Tables by Design, featuring celebrity tablescapes by noted local designers and a dear friend from out of town. The tables will be up from March 18th to April 14th to delight and inspire, but a portion of the proceeds from shopping on opening night will benefit DIFFA-KC.

Click here for all reservations.