Why did I create Coastside Settings?

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Start here for the long version ... My childhood birthday parties were magical. My mom took great care in planning our birthday parties, incorporating handmade elements whenever possible. The love she poured into any form of entertaining was infectious, and I carried this care with me when planning our daughters' birthday parties over the years, resisting "off the shelf" party supplies in favor of specially curated decorations to match the themes chosen by our daughters (in some ways I had no choice—they often chose quirky themes for which there were no canned party supplies: "Apple Cider," "Alphabet Butterfly," "Wonder Dog," "Wipeout," "Dinosaur Elephant," and "Hermione Granger," to name a few). Rising to this challenge meant planning their parties for the next year beginning the day after their birthdays. And I loved it! Every birthday party included a carefully crafted table, even if only a buffet.

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Start here for the short(er) version ... By the time our girls turned 13, themed parties became passe, so I needed a new creative outlet. Enter the San Mateo County Fair table setting competitions (yes, it's a thing!). I had admired the entries over the years, each time saying,
"I can do that!" ... and I finally did. As with our daughters' birthday parties, I now plan for the table setting competition 364 days in advance so that I have ample time to research my theme, to look high and low for just the right items, and to coordinate design elements. 

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Start here for the upshot ... So my love for table setting began as a hobby fueled with passion that I have honed over the years. I believe that a well-set table can make any meal feel special and memorable. Although I am proud of earning two blue ribbons in the San Mateo County Fair table setting competitions, it's not about the accolades, but about the joy of creating a beautiful and inviting space for friends and family to gather around. I would love to help you do the same for your small gatherings and to help alleviate the pressure that entertaining can create.