VP Xi, what outfit will it be update: What an amazing evening. We got to watch Vice President Xi Jinping’s plane arrive on the tarmac and then lined the red carpet to shake his hand as he exited. I hope someone got a picture of it because I didn’t. After his 22 car motorcade left the airport we hustled back to the capitol for the all-things-Iowa state dinner.

Mack even got new panda earrings for VP Xi's visit. Love it!

Iowa themed state dinner.

Tomorrow I am off to hunt down the perfect blooms for our French-themed Valentine’s Dinner this Saturday. I am hoping to snag some post-Valentine’s petals that are on super sale. Think I’ll have any luck? I will have a few sneak peek photos for you on Friday night after we set everything up. Can’t wait!

One thing is for sure - I will be using silver serving pieces as vases.