When is the next dinner party??

Today's Agenda:  I'm pushing through some fun client projects but thoughts keep drifting to two sad events -- the crises in the wake of the earthquake/tsunami in Japan and a recent senseless crime in Bethesda.  It just reminds you how precious each day is and how fragile life is.

I don't know how to segway from that to these crazy awesomely chic and cheap plates I found at Marshalls.  But, that's just how life is, right?  The big picture and small details shape our days and striking a balance between both is necessary.

So, to inspire you (and me) to invite a few friends over for an impromptu dinner party, check out these beautiful plates I found last week at Marshalls -- just perfect for a small gathering with friends. 

I'm really into greens, white, pinks and navys these days...maybe I always have been -- a little preppy vintage which I love.  It's a cheery palette too but still subtle.  And coordinates well with the color of foods!  Even better were the prices of these puppies -- a Calvin Klein plate marked $175 retail for just $20, Kate Spade goodness for just $10 for a large plate!

The key with Marshalls is that you have to look in unexpected places in the store for what you are looking for.  You know, look near the children's toys for that cup and saucer you want.  Or in the scarves section for one more set of stationery.  And definitely don't think that clearance items are just in the clearance section.  But that's what makes it fun :)  It's also great fun to mix and match -- and if you love something and it's a steal but there's only 3 and not 4 of that thing...well, buy the 3 and then have fun looking for the 4th!  So, I gathered all of these from multiple aisles, laid them out to make sure they went well together (and to check to be sure I wasn't just buying them because they were a good deal -- super important to do that), took a couple out of the mix and called it done!

Now, which setting do I use for the next dinner party...