Monya Kampa is the Owner and Creator of Plush Pumpkin. Her beautiful Velvet Pumpkins have changed the look of Fall Décor forevermore! Inspired by her mother’s love of artistic beauty, Monya created her first Pumpkin in the fall of 2001 and the rest is history! Monya’s Pumpkins are hand sewn and adorned with real pumpkin stems in St. Paul Minnesota.

Monya has become a dear friend of Ampersand. She kindly answered a few questions for us on her style of entertaining, and we couldn't agree with her more!

My signature dish to make for the family:

A traditional Armenian dish called Dolma (a mixture of vegetables stuffed with meat and rice) My Father was Armenian and it had been served in his family for generations.  I remember as a child going to my Grandparent’s house for family gatherings and Dolma was always served, with rice pilaf and pita bread of course.  My husband and children love this dish.  Every time I make it the smell reminds me of my childhood.

The greatest virtue in a host/hostess:

Always make everyone feel welcome (even if they weren’t invited)

My biggest entertaining mistake:

Trying a new recipe for the first time for a dinner party.   Never again!!

The historical figure or fictional character I would most enjoy at my dinner table: 

Lucille Ball

My entertaining motto:

Always have a signature cocktail and fresh flowers.