The Ultimate Casserole ... Naples Tables

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

— Martin Luther King, Jr.

When I established LDD in 2012 my mission was not only to create livable luxury spaces, but

also to always give back to my community. I believe strongly that the talents and good fortune

we are granted should be shared with others unconditionally. Our second studio located in

Naples, FL is in a very generous little town. Yes, I did just say that … despite the population of

22,000 somehow it feels very much like my ‘Mayberry’. Really, it does because in small towns

you can ask your neighbor for a cup of sugar, newbies are greeted like old friends when you

pass on the sidewalk, but most of all you can always count on the casseroles when times are

tough.

Well, I’d like to introduce you to the ultimate “casserole”, Naples Tables by the League Club.

This amazing group is a non-profit organization of women in Southwest Florida, who for over 30

years has looked to strengthen communities through education, volunteerism, and philanthropy.

Last year they launched their First Annual Naples Tables Luncheon and, I had the distinct honor

of being a selected designer for the inaugural event! Well I returned this year and of course

upped the ante by creating a table that was American Made … everything … it was quite an

undertaking, but we were wildly successful.

I wanted to represent our United States with a little history. Lauren Kreter of Borrowed a

Vintage Inspired Company was the perfect find for this! Lauren, who has been sourcing vintage

china and flatware since 2011, searched her inventory for vintage American made china and

glassware. The mismatched china was not only beautiful, but also represented the melting pot

that is our country!

Lauren’s china was complemented with Liberty Tabletop flatware. Liberty, a family owned

business in Sherrill, NY, offers beautiful designs. For our table we couldn’t resist the Liberty

place setting. This pattern truly celebrates America as it pays homage to the US Constitution

and to our fallen heroes.

Each guest enjoyed a little taste of Kim’s Cottage Confections’ custom made cookies. Kim’s

hand-crafted cookies, which alternated between the LDD Interiors logo and a Made in America

logo, dressed each place setting as a small thank you to each of our guests.

Greenhouse Fabrics from High Point, NC has a division of Made in the USA fabrics. The classic

plaids, florals, and fun whimsical prints in red, white, and blue were spun into layered table

cloths and napkins by Window Wear Design. Guests enjoyed a fresh but traditional spin on

colonial patterns, an energetic contrast to the classic Florida designs that were prevalent at this

year’s event!

I will admit the show stopper of the table may just have been the red, white, and blue

candelabras by Dunes and Duchess designers Stacy Kunstel and Michael Partenio. I adore

their love story … wildly successful shelter magazine writers, stagers, and photographers who,

when not lighting the design industry on fire, play the roles of Dunes and Duchess in their island

escape. Yes, that is really how they tell their story … fabulous isn’t it?

The finishing touches came with bold centerpieces in, of course more red, white, and blue! Red

amaranthus dripped from tall vases out of a base of blue hydrangeas with spiked white

snapdragons reaching for the stars. A subtle nod to the idea that you can live your dreams in

America. Then in slight contrast, the fresh eucalyptus that flowed haphazardly down the center

of our table represented the chaos we also experience in our great country. That disorder and

disarray was counteracted by the strong eucalyptus fragrance in the air, which is known to

relieve stress. This aroma was enjoyed by not only the tables guests but also the surrounding

tables!

It truly was an honor to create this design for Naples Tables. I know when they pass out the

“casseroles” later this year, our hard work will go to those truly in great need.

Save the date for next year’s event! **March 8, 2021** You’re gonna love what we do next!