Happy Labor Day!

We've been a little behind on blogging this summer. But in the spirit of the patriotic Labor Day upon us, we thought we'd share a little something red, white & blue. We are huge fans of Rainy Day Books - a local bookstore that hosts a fabulous author series. Earlier this summer, we attended a gathering with Laura Bush, talking about her recent book Spoken From the Heart. We gave Mrs. Bush a La Plates treat, because we think she's an amazing woman!
Wouldn't you know, just days later, a thank you note arrived? I knew our former first lady was a class act, but a thank you note for little old me? We were very honored to have Mrs. Bush take a liking to La Plates, but more importantly, take the time to write.
Have a great long weekend - safe travels and fun times!

Chelsea, my late night friend

Anyone who knows me, knows I work late into the night. During these late night hours, Chelsea Handler keeps me company. E! has her on twice a night & reruns never bother me. I think she's just as funny a second & third time around! When I heard Chelsea was coming to our local bookstore, Rainy Day Books, I knew I'd be lining up! We even made her fat dog, Chunk, one of our new PuppyMats.

Waiting in line with my friend Erin, great blogger!

Chelsea greeting everyone by name - nice touch, even if it was just reading the PostIt!

Chelsea loving her new La Plates PuppyMat - happy dining Chunk!

Not sure if Chris Franjola was suppose to make it in the store, but women were surrounding him for photos outside.

Colin Cowie comes to KC

We have been on a whirlwind of a trunk show tour. However, a friend of La Plates delivered a platter to one of our favorite party planners - Colin Cowie. Mr. Cowie was in town for the American Royal Tablescapes event - hosted at Mary Carol Garrity's Nell Hills.Rumor has it, he loved his platter! Brown Greek with Orange Circle monogram "CC", bon appetit Colin!

Back to School in Hollywood!

Welcome to the Vineyard, Obama Family

In the year or so that La Plates has been in business, we have "met" so many wonderful people. Not necessarily in face-to-face meetings, but over email, Facebook, Twitter & blogging. Through these new connections, we learn of really cool things happening.

Recently, we were asked to participate gift basket to introduce and welcome the Obamas to Martha's Vineyard. I don't like to get political, but let's talk fashion and family factor - I'm a huge fan of the First Fam! Not only that, but Edgartown, MA has been host to many fabulous vacations for our family, we were sold!

Led by Sarah, at Up My Sleeve Boutique, we were given our design freedom. Just something preppy with the look and feel of the Vineyard. We designed a set of RED KNOTS La Plates that the entire First Family could use...we even tested a new bowl design for Bo, the "first puppy"! Sarah's boutique created fabulous Nantucket Baskets for all the ladies. The Trendy Tot made custom starfish tops for Malia and Sasha. LuLu Grace of Boston, designed stationery for each the First Lady, Malia and Sasha. Tucker Blair contributed needlepoint headbands for the girls and a belt for the Prez. Authors Kim Knox Beckius and Mathea Levine donated their books The New England Coast: The Most Spectacular Sights & Destinations and “I’m Lucy”, a Story for Children and a Good Cause. Hopefully our basket gets the First Family in Vineyard vacation mode - safe travels Obamas & be sure to send a postcard!

La Plates visits 90210 again

La Plates loves when celebs love our products - at Liam McDermott's 2nd birthday, our new placemats were a huge hit! Always the 90210 devoted fans, we can't wait for Tori Spelling's return to the scene this Spring. Happy Birthday Liam and welcome back to 90210 Tori!

Thanks to The Silver Spoon for tracking us down again!

Keeping up with the Kardashians - holiday style

When we got a call from The Silver Spoon to set a holiday table for the Kardashians, we had to say yes. We think the women in the family are fabulous (Keeping up with the Kardashians), but we really did it all for Bruce. Ever since the Wheaties box, I've been a sucker for him. So we're not sure if Bruce Jenner actually noticed the La Plates - squares design plate set, but in our hearts, we know he loved them! You're a lucky lady Kris!

We did alternating red & green SQUARES La Plates for the Kardashian Krew!

Jonas Brothers, oh la la!

Back in my tween days, I covered my walls with the pics of the cutest boys from all the tween mags. In my era, Ricky Schroeder ("the Ricker", as I knew him) was the star of the magazines...now it's the Jonas Brothers. I was so proud to hear that they loved La Plates at the American Music Awards - Silver Spoon Suite!

Yes boys, we'll make some for you too!

Oh, Ricky, what a cool kid!

Design Star - for real!

My friends know this, but I might as well admit to all...I'm an HGTV junkie. I don't have many free moments, but those precious times when both boys are napping, work is at a minimum and I can sneak away for a stolen t.v. fix, I immediately go to HGTV. While Design Star was airing, I would DVR every episode. I was a huge fan of "Jen" before I even knew she was a KC girl. Seriously - her murals are fab and her giggle is contagious, how could I not love the chick?!

Well, I treated myself to an early Christmas present...Jen came to rescue my home office/t.v. space/play pen. If I loved her from a far, she was even better in person! She was all about making the space perfect for our family. She's created the perfect plan for me. She's assigned me homework, as I'm bound and determined to put some of my hours of viewing to work. I've already gone to 2 Lowe's and am hitting the ground running tomorrow to knock out a couple of items on my list.

Stay tuned for before and after shots of the transformation. In the meantime, set your DVR's for Paint-Over with Jennifer Bertrand 5/4c on January 1. She's got a Showdown with Kim Myles in February and then she and her husband will be welcoming their first born to the world. What a lucky little man!
P.S. If you live in the KC area, Jen has donated something fabulous to the Children's Mercy Auction - Red Hot Night, February 14th...I'll meet you at the bidding war!

American Music Awards

Our friends over at The Silver Spoon recently asked if we could design a few La Plates for the American Music Awards. We love the opportunity to share our products with a new audience. Coca-Cola was the sponsor of the event, so we went with a variety of designs, using the Coke colors. Although we couldn't attend the event (holiday craze), we hope everyone loved what we designed for them!

Customized a plate for our friends

Rihanna's zebra plate

Mariah's bamboo plate

Taylor Swift's paisley plate

Carrie Underwood's squares plate

Alicia Key's chevron plate

Jordin Spark's modern plate

and we couldn't forget the Coldplay kiddos

Celeb update

We try not to get to star struck when celebrities love La Plates, but our friends over at The Silver Spoon sent us these recent shots (Passion for Pink luncheon during the Emmy Awards) and we got a little ga-ga. I mean how many hours did I spend in front of the t.v. watching the original 90210?! The chant "Donna Martin graduates" is ringing in my ears as I write. And then to our next fan, Curb Your Enthusiasm, to Waitress, to Jack's Big Music Show...how do I pick my fav?! Thanks for your La Plates love ladies!

Tori Spelling - Modern Plates for her kiddos

Cheryl Hines - a Stripe Plate for her cutie pie

Barefoot Contessa

If you've been to my home, you know I have a lot of cook books, but only use a few. I have a collection of The Barefoot Contessa series and can't decide on my favorite! Today, I picked up Ina Garten's latest addition - Back to Basics. Since I was number 779 on the list to get my book signed, I had plenty of time to look over the recipes. Yum, I can't wait to test them out!

We always like to take an opportunity to share La Plates with people who would appreciate their design and function. We thought Ina was the perfect candidate to test out our new oval platter. Somehow I think she'll be filling her platter with better treats than mine! See what we designed just for her:

Navy Gingham Oval Platter with Light Green Script Font

Don't worry Ina, I'm almost there...I know you've signed 778 books, but I've got a special treat for you!

She loved it!

Celebrity fans of La Plates

La Plates are not something that celebs carry around with them to get a PR shot. However, through friends of these Hollywood elite, La Plates have made their way to their tables. Whether as a gift for hosting a luncheon, a birthday treat or a "you're going to be a great big sis" gift, La Plates make a great gift anytime!

Think Pink!

La Plates is participating in "A Passion for Pink" honoring Breast Cancer Awareness & the 60th Anniversary of the Emmy Awards. This is a three day event hosted by The Silver Spoon, September 16, 17, 18, 2008. We customized plates for the hostesses of the kick off luncheon - check them out!

Get the party started!
(plain plate - hot pink with copperplate)

Christina Applegate
(stripe plate - vertical, hot pink with navy circle monogram)

Lauren Conrad
(gingham plate - light pink with light green circle monogram)

Cheryl Hines' daughter
(stripe plate - horizontal, hot pink with purple text)

Tori Spelling's kiddos
(modern plate - hot pink & navy with green american text)

Denise Richards' kiddos
(zebra plate - hot pink and violet with caslon text)

Courtney Cox Arquette's daughter
(alligator plate - hot pink diagonal, green copperplate text)