Baby, it's cold outside!

Oh, it's been soooo cold today! We woke up to 5 degree weather today! Burrrr! That was a record low for this part of NC! Needless to say we spent the entire day "IN". I stepped out to get the mail around mid-day and the short walk to the mailbox and back had my teeth chattering. I like winter but this bone-chilling cold is not my idea of fun! So with not much to do but read, surf the net, and read some more, I decided to go "window shopping" online. Here's what I looked at:

DISHES! Beautiful, colorful dishes!

Aren't these pretty? Of course they caught my attention because of the animal print. I love almost anything done in Cheetah or Leopard.
This lovely set of elegant dishes reminded me of Florida. So textural. I love the embossed crocodile look the edge of the plates. I just imagined having these dishes and setting a gorgeous table in my Florida home, inviting my BFF and her family over for something wonderfully delicious right off the grill!

This pattern caught my eye too! It sort of reminds me of snowflakes which has been on the mind of my 9-year old alot lately. This pattern is by designer Tracy Porter.

My beloved Roosters! I might just have to make an on-line purchase for these. I noticed they were on sale. The red would complement my decor just perfectly!

Here is another Rooster pattern. Did anyone watch Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee yesterday? Her kitchen was accessorized in black and white. She showed us a lovely tablescape. The centerpiece was a magnificent "Chandalabra" (a cross between a chandelier and candelabra). I hope I've spelled that correctly. What inspiration! These dishes would also make a stunning black and white tablescape.

These blue and taupe dishes are just the thing! I love the soft color and the rustic look. I immediately thought of a seafood feast. Anybody out there a fan of the Barefoot Contessa? (Food Network?) Okay, I admit it. I'm a FN junkie. Anyway, yesterday she catered an appreciation dinner and prepared an incredible seafood platter of lobster, blue crab, oysters, clams, and jumbo shrimp. These dishes would be lovely for a summer seafood party by the pool.

This pattern is quite beautiful too. It looks like mosaic tiles form together to make the grape clusters.

Asian cooking - that's what I thought when I saw these dishes. Last year at Christmas I received a gorgeous wok. Ever since then I've been trying my hand at Asian cooking. I also received a rice or vegetable steamer. What a wonderful duo! Maybe the next get together I host will be Asian themed. So artistic.

I couldn't stay cold very long looking at these sunny Daffodil plates. How I would love these for an Easter table or Spring Garden Party.

This is another Tracy Porter design. I adore this pattern. It's so colorful, festive and fun. The blue inside the cup is such a nice contrast to the peony pink and coral on the plates. I definitely would find lots of ways to incorporate these stylish pieces into as many tablescapes and occasions as possible. Maybe Mother's Day or a June bridal shower.

Oh well, so much for my window shopping excursion today. Hope you enjoyed coming along for the dream. If any of these beauties caught your eye you can find them all at Horchow.com

Just a little update - the powder room is almost done. We just have to finish the border and accessories and we will be ready for the reveal. It has taken longer than I planned but other more important tasks popped up so my Power Room was banished to the back burner but the end is nearing and I'm so happy. The red paint on the walls is incredible! I think I will have to find another area to use this luscious color. Stay tuned just a little while longer. Until then,

Happy Decorating!

~Alisa