Hi Jan,
 
Had a great time yesterday. Was good catching up. I've attached an image of a dinnerware grouping that I think might work well on many different levels.
 
Most important, you wanted user friendly ware that could be microwaved, dishwasher, easy care. Secondly, you wanted to be able to transition from casual every day to a more elegant entertaining look as needed. I've put together some basics here and can walk you through how to transition the looks with minimal changes.
 
The colors in the condo you said were a combination of White, Black lacquer, and Natural Wood.
 
I chose a black background to simulate the table the pieces would go on. Tablecloths could be used for more formal dining, but it's Florida -- keep it as easy and fuss-free as possible.
 
To protect the table and add a layer of texture/color I start with placemats. For casual everyday I chose a Sea Grass mat by Dransfield & Ross that has black tinting in the crevices. This will play off of the black tabletop nicely. The Sea Grass keeps it casual and is great easy care material. For more elegant dining, I chose a mat in faux lizard with a pewter nail head trim. The lizard has beige undertones but is mainly greys (hard to describe, but the picture is accurate).
 
For your Dinner Plate, I chose the Juliska Berry & Thread in Whitewash. I think you are very familiar with what a great easy care line this is.
 
On top of this is the Salad/Dessert Plate. This is a great piece also by Juliska. The finish they call "Pewter" but it really has a slightly darker almost Gunmetal look to it. Same easy care and material as Juliska's other pieces: oven, microwave, dishwasher safe. Adding this other piece in keeps the setting fashion forward and not so matchy-matchy.
 
For your Soup/Salad/Pasta Bowl I chose the Berry & Thread again. If you'd like, Juliska makes an octagonal Pasta Bowl in the "Pewter" collection. Might be ok for the elegant dining, but I think the Berry & Thread will be better for your everyday casual. Always something you could add later if you wish.
 
For coffee, I like the shape of the Berry & Thread Breakfast Cup. It feels good in the hand and hold A LOT of coffee (12 oz). If you're like me, that's important in the mornings! There is a round saucer for this piece if you'd like to add them in the future.
 
I did a selection of Napkins by Dransfield & Ross. For elegant dining I provided a couple of choices. First, I thought of your heritage and found a napkin that has a "Florentine Paper" pattern. The Wave Edge Napkin is in Taupe with a "silvered" opposite side. This will go great with the pewter and add a little sheen to the table. For casual, a Natural look to the Wave Edge style.
 
Napkin Rings in pewter by Arte Italica.
 
Flatware pictured is also pewter by Match. There are a few patterns available in pewter by both Match and Arte Italica. I'd like to discuss those more with you. I'm sort of picky about how flatware feels in the hand.
 
Look things over, let me know your thoughts. As we get closer to a final look I'll give you pricing quotes.
 
Thanks,
Adam

TV host and writer Ted Allen and New York socialite Marjorie Gubelmann held a cocktail for David Beahm, celebrating the launch of the David Beahm New York Collection for Flora2000 being offered here at Adam Norris Home. I think you'll love his designs - all presented in heirloom quality containers.