“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!