New Year in the desert of West Texas set the stage for Rustic Elegance. Chinati Hot Springs is a primitive oasis with adobe cabins and hot springs on tap. Leslie and I and 25 friends took to the outback with the vision of creating an elegant New Year's Eve dinner. We chose simple table settings of gold chargers, clear tableware and fringed runners made from a sophisticated aqua fabric with animal print added in to compliment the surroundings.

Armed with cans of gold and metalic spray paint I set out to find my decorations. After scouring the riverbed I discovered tree roots washed up from a spring flood, weeds dried to perfection and even some cactus leaves that could be spray painted and added to the table decor. Add burnout brown ribbon and tealights ensconced in recently painted candleabras and you have the perfect combination of rustic and elegant!