Date:  October 23, 2009  |   Story: Diane Carroll  |  

“Casual occasions are my favorite, when I can mix and match pieces to create my own look,” says Blytheville native Carolyn Grisham. For a gathering of family and friends, she tops her Sheraton-style dining table with nature-inspired candelabras outfitted with colorfully striped candles. Pyracantha branches gathered from her garden lend a seasonal touch to urns on the sideboard and as a centerpiece. For place settings, she brings in her characteristic blend of traditional with a twist: French matelasse placemats, napkins and antique silver mixed with square, all-white plates.