Good things.

My mother has the largest collection of good things in the world.

Next to Martha, of course.

More specifically, my mom has everything one might need to throw a perfect dinner party: plates of varying sizes, shapes, patterns and colors; cloth napkins for every occasion; serving bowls and platters; multiple sets of silver; goblets; glasses; mugs; napkin rings; chargers; tablecloths and runners; candlesticks, vases, etc. etc. The list is never ending, as is her need for additional storage space.

She is an excellent party planning resource. Unfortunately, she lives 400 miles away.

Which is why I've started my own collection of good things.

When Nate and I got married, most everything we registered for was related to entertaining. Nate loves to cook and I love to make things pretty, so entertaining is kind of our thing. We don't do it very often, but it's something we both enjoy. We received the most beautiful entertaining pieces for our wedding: platters, napkins, table runners, candleholders, serving utensils, sugar bowls, crystal stemware. When I opened our first china place setting, I cried.

Since then I've collected beautiful vintage napkins and tablecloths from both of Nate's grandmothers. And I've purchased a number of other necessary items — most recently a white ceramic toothpick holder with a little domed cover, and a miniature salt and pepper set. I also bought a darling little apron, because it's important to look cute for your husband while setting the table for guests. (At least that's what I tell myself. It's not like I'll be cooking anything in it.)

I have just about everything I need to comfortably accommodate eight guests at a last-minute dinner party — a basic requirement for any good hostess.

The one thing I don't have (that I really, really, really want) is a set of plates by Jessica Rust Designs. I keep running into her work — O at Home, Real Simple — and I love it. She has a number of ready-made designs, but will also turn a photo of your house into a little illustration and put it on a plate. So sweet, I can barely stand it.

Wouldn't our front door look adorable on a plate?

Good things, indeed.