Churchill in Fairway, designer, Sally Hilkene.

There is a group of women in Kansas City for whom the term “Cowtown” is a point of pride.  The American Royal is an association that promotes excellence in agricultural progress and develops future generations of agricultural leaders. The Royal is a livestock show, rodeo, barbecue contest and parade.  Basically, a two and a half month celebration of the heart and soul of Kansas City.

Designer, Jimmy Shugrue; Pottery by Irma Starr.

The Belles of the American Royal support, through their community service, this Kansas City tradition.  A few years ago they added an event, Tablescapes, to raise funds for youth education programs at the Royal.

Hall’s, Designer, Don Rogers in the Bloch Building at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  Painting, “Turin” by Franz Kline.

One of my dear and generous friends has invited me to join her at her table.

Pear Tree Design and Antiques, designer Carol Dickey.

And what tables they are.  Dozens of designers work their magic to create wonderful tables you can enjoy – and shop!

Sharyn Blond, Inc., Sharyn Blond designer.

Some of my favorites will be on hand, including Bennett Schneider, La Plates, Hall’s, Pear Tree and Sharyn Blond.

Charlecote, designers Kaye and Todd Miller.

Tickets are still available for this festive event.  The Preview Party is Wednesday, September 17th from 6 – 9.  Enjoy the martini bar and be inspired for a mere $50.  As of today, tables were still available for the luncheon on the 18th; viewing and visiting begin at 10 a.m.  More information is available at the American Royal website.

All images courtesy of Serving Kansas City, Tablescapes and Celebrations by Suzanne Donnelly and Marianne Kilroy, photographer.

As you know, I get around.  So much of Kansas City is changing; what’s old is new again and there are great spots popping up in old neighborhoods all over the place.  In the last two weeks I’ve been to a new gathering spot in the Power & Light district, Blanc, the absolutely unbelievable hamburger spot, Happy Gillis (run by Todd, the Soup Maker) and the Filling Station which offered a terrific cup of coffee and completely engaging company.

In addition, I’d seen an ad for Asiatica, a local shop owned by Elizabeth Wilson.  Asiatica is not new, nor in a new spot, but when I saw the ad it offered a different perspective on their wares.

Asiatica is known for their unbelievable inventory of textiles. 

They have an extensive collection of vintage Japanese pieces, some originating from kimonos as well as textured fabrics, which are new, and slew of monochromatic samples that are largely Italian.  An amazing resource, they offer custom clothing made from their inventory.  

Their clothes are beautiful and exquisitely made.  

I had thought that was the bulk of their business until I ran across the ad featuring these delightful pups. 

And, guess what, Ted Muehling jewelry.  Right here.  In my home town.  Camera charged, umbrella in the crook of my arm, out I went to see.  

I know not everyone shops this way.  I know most folks don’t care how a store, or restaurant, or coffee shop feels, but I do.  I need to like it there.  I need to not feel the hair on the back of my psyche stand up when I walk in.  I need to know that the people responsible feel strongly about what they are doing.  It needs to show.

Oh.  What was I thinking?  How can I have been missing this?  A gaff on my part.  Asiatica holds treasures so captivating and so attainable.

In addition to the clothing, there is a large selection of charming ceramics.

And scarves.

I did mention the jewelry, right?  Beads galore, so of course I was in heaven.

If you are here in town, go.  If you are not, go here.

Go.  (And to Blanc, Happy Gillis and the Filling Station, too.)  It’s all good.

If you are entertaining this fall, or for the holidays, you would be crazy not to snap up this bamboo flatware from Target, $30ish for a 20-piece set.  I spied it in the September issue of domino, but no signs on the Target site, yet.  I have a bit of a do right around the corner.

I truly enjoyed the feature in September’s Architectural Digest about Hope garden.  The garden, in Brooklyn, New York, was rejuvenated by Bette Midler and designer Elissa Cullman as a memorial to Cullman’s late friend and business partner Hedi Kravis.   Naturally drawn to the symmetry and order, I also admired the pops of color from the iron pieces.

Also in Coastal Living, the Almidi end table would be the perfect spot on which to place your cocktail.

A jumble of these containers by Vellum would be stunning holding autumnal blooms.

Disappointing, perhaps, but I always seem to see things in black and white.