Earlier in the week, when Julie and I discovered that Palm Springs was going to be 81° we looked at what events were available at Modernism Week for the day and met at 8:30 AM for an entire day of desert delights!

The back of this vintage postcard reads, "All electric kitchens, refrigerated air conditioning, heated pool, shuffleboard- open all year."

Limón is one of the most unique buildings in Palm Springs as it is an all-steel structure.  Fans of the famous Town and Country Restaurant located in downtown Palm Springs’ “The Center” will be interested to know that its owners and builders, Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, also built this fireproof residential building.

"Come enjoy and be inspired by the recent renovations by H3K Home+Design, who have transformed the property into a holiday landing place that can accommodate 14 guests in separate suites, all surrounding a gleaming swimming pool.  Take in the large communal kitchen, fit for a coterie of chefs and outfitted with state-of-the-art appliances and international décor."

Needless-to-say, I fell in love with the place. I seriously doubt I will be back. It currently rents for $5,000 per night with a three-night minimum. Our $35 ticket, to spend a morning there, was a pretty sweet deal.

Our next stop was at the Vintage Market to ogle the wares of yore. I always find something that tickles my nostalgic fancy.

Our third stop was billed as a must-see for fans of midcentury modern dinnerware! The Jack, King & Queen of SHAPE: Ben SEIBEL, Russel WRIGHT & Eva ZEISEL: An Exhibit of Rare Dinnerware.

These three designers reigned over the Modern tablescape during the 30s, 40s and 50s, each making glorious contributions to shape, glazing, whimsy and “easy entertaining for the modern home-maker”.

Our host was Jay, and this was his collection (well only a 1/3 of his enviable collection).

According to the quote accompanying this photo, "On my dad's knee, finishing dinner on Starburst...The mania began early (c. 1957)."

Known predominantly for his work in 1960s “Space Age” tableware, BEN SEIBEL hit his creative peak early in his career with ROSEVILLE RAYMOR STONEWARE in 1952, a dinnerware line. Produced for only a few years (in an effort to save Raymor from bankruptcy), attendees will preview nearly every piece in the line, showcasing the best examples of his work.

And this was my favorite. Century SUNGLOW by Hall/Hallcraft, 1957, was produced in White (most popular; also, most expensive) and with decal patterns: Fern (most plentiful), Garden of Eden (rarest) and Sunglow (Scarce). If you collect only one shape by Zeisel, Century's petal-handled platters and bowls (stacked) will always make a memorable SPLASH with your guests. Something I truly aim for!

MUSEUM (White) by Castleton, 1946, was produced in Eggshell White only. Plates are Hard-To-Find in presentable condition because the glaze was too soft to protect again sharp steel edges.

Prior to this exhibit, I had never thought of vintage tablescapes. I am now a fan. Interestingly, this event was hosted in the Welwood Murray Memorial Library (c. 1940). It's $10 ticket price was a donation to the Friends of the Library. Cool right?

Oh boy did we get a lesson in dinnerware (and loved it all) HIGHLIGHT & SNOWGLASS  by Paden City (1949-1955) was produced originally in matte Blueberry (Silver-Blue), Citron (Apple Green), Nutmeg (Nutty Brown) and Pepper (Black). Glossy versions were soon added; the differences are most easily seen in the Deep Navy Blueberry and a rich cocoa-y Nutmeg. Chive, in Jade (matte) and Forest (glossy), was added to spur slow sales while Snowglaze (Grey-White) replaced the too-fragile-to-be-practical Snowglass Salad plate, Saucer and Bowl Covers; matte Snowglaze tends toward blue gray; glossy - a warmer white (quite hard to find). Just in case you were curious!

Like Hollywood, Palm Springs has its own Walk of the Stars. Since 1992, over 440 stars honoring notable entertainers, humanitarians, civic leaders, architects, artists, authors, and athletes have been inducted on the sidewalks throughout Downtown, Uptown, and All Around the heart of town. I always delight is finding people I know/admire.

With the remainder of the day open, we wander about, in the Downtown, stumbling upon some cool stuff. Everyone was photographed with Colette Miller's Wings.

Isabelle by Julian Voss-Andreae was so unique. There is no way to do her justice in a photograph.

We quickly ogled and admired the Merito Manor Historic District. Completed in 1960, this Desert Modern was the creativity of Barry Berkus, Architect.

Berkas was only 25 years old when he designed Merito Manor, using a structural stressed skin folded plate roof system to give it a distinctive look and to allow column-free interiors.

"Screenwalls of cut rock in a pattern dubbed, peanut brittle" were placed between the thin wood columns, but these rock walls do not extend up to the roof line emphasizing that it is the thin columns, not the heavy rock walls, that support the roof and allow the post and beam structural module to be expressed, a common tenet of Modern architecture, Built at a time when electricity was cheap, Merito won the "Gold Medal Medallion Award" for being designed as a Total Electric Home.

We completed our day with a stop at SHAG, Josh Agle's shop. What a full, fun day in an amazing city.

No sign has ever been truer!