Table Settings - A Multitude of Options

I am forever staring at my linen collection contemplating the different combinations I could piece together with what I have on hand. As with my cooking, repeat performances are rare. I love to mix it up. I also like to find unconventional items to use. For instance, I’ve cut the ribbon, strings or ropes from boutique shopping bags and used them as napkin ties. Or I’ve used one of my silk scarves as a table runner. I often find remnant pieces of material that can be overlays or runners. This practice of using what you have is a lesson in buying restraint and making due with what exists. You don’t always have to run to the store for new items in order to finish your table. So, putting that idea to use, if you like some the choices I show below, I encourage you to scour your brain and your home for interesting pieces that could emulate the style. This post is all about the mix and match, focusing on how swapping out a placemat, a plate, a napkin, or even changing how to fold a napkin can make a dramatic difference.

I pulled out a variety of dishes of all shapes and sizes along with cloths, runners and napkins so I could play around.

A napkin sampling: from gray to beige, burgundy and blues and deep green

Placemats: different colors and textures create a completely different mood

Silver and gold chargers, plates and bowls…mix and match

Various materials used for runners or even tablecloths. From the raw and rustic to the chic and elegant.

In order to not drive myself crazy, for demo purposes I only created a single place setting for each style. No need to create an entire tablescape in this instance. The goal is to show the various styles, then you can build around the place setting, repeat for the number of guests and finish the table as we usually do with candles and florals.

Here we go.

Black & Gold

Using a textured black placemat and a black napkin, here are 3 napkin styles for different occasions.

Black Napkin Rosette
Place a a strip of neutral colored material down the center of the table as a table runner. I used a silk remnant I bought at a garage sale. Then add the black placemat, gold charger and white plates. I happen to have a crystal cut glass trimmed in gold to use for water. Use what you have to enhance the theme. Then, swirl the black napkin around to create a rosette and place it inside a small bowl.

You can use my simple swirl method to create the rosette or the fold and roll method (see videos below).

Tied Black Napkin Drape
Using the same set up, but maybe adding a tad more bling by adding a gold rimmed dish, fold the napkin in half, grab it at the center of the fold, let it drape and tie it off with a decorative ribbon.

Black & Gold Candy Cane
Fold the napkin in half and roll it up, then using a ribbon or rope wrap the napkin roll in a candy cane fashion. I like placing it horizontally.

Whites & Grays

In the unconventional items category, this one features a velvet and silk scarf of black and deep red tones with small silver beads for sparkle. Start by laying the scarf down the center of the table as you would any runner.

Whites & Gray Rosette
Use a stack of pure white plates and bowl then tuck a gray linen napkin rosette into the small bowl. (See video below for napkin demo). The white plates sandwiched between the dark colors create a balanced contrast. Add clear, simple glassware.

Whites & Gray Flat Flower
Same set up, this time creating a large flat flower petal to place between the plates. (See video below for napkin demo)

Whites & Silver
Keeping the same white plates and the gray linen napkin rosette style, swap the black runner for a silver one with some sheen. Change the glassware to more elegant crystal and now this place setting has upped its ante.

Soothing Blues & Whites

With Spring sprouting up, and Easter a week away, this next set could easily be used for the upcoming festivities.

Classy Checkerboard
No runner necessary, just a rich blue placemat. Use a silver charger and white plates with a long rectangular napkin fold placed vertically to create contrasting visual lines. If you have glassware that can add to the blue notes, great. If not, opt for simple glassware.

Checkerboard Roll
Keeping the same set up, this time make a chubby little roll with the napkin and place at the top of the place setting.

Circles & Squares
Swap out the white salad plate for a deeper blue square plate, swirl the checkerboard napkin into the rosette to be featured in the center small bowl. If you don’t have a square blue plate, maybe you have a plate with florals that could compliment the blues. Think Springtime.

Pointed Blues & Gray
Swap out the white salad plate for a deeper blue square plate and mimic the angles with a long triangle folded gray linen napkin.

The Regal Velvets

Burgundy & Gold
Velvet makes anything more elegant. Deep hues like burgundy and hunter green continue that royal feel. A simple napkin roll adorned with a gold napkin ring, paired together with gold and crystal glassware all amp up the elegance factor.

Silver & Gold Grounded in Green
Swapping the gold charger for a silver one makes both the plate and the placemat pop. Replacing the burgundy placemat with a green one to match the napkin then using a ribbon that repeats the silver tone in candy cane wrap method completes the look. This silver and gold with green approach is elegant with a touch of contemporary.

Silver & Gold

This series is all about mixing silver and gold pieces together.

Sparkle & Drape
Silver shimmer runner with silver charger and gold plates. Gold glassware and a neutral beige napkin delicately draped to the side. I love this place setting. It’s elegant with sparkle and would make a lovely Easter table setting that is a tad off the usual trend.

Sparkle & Abstract
A simple switch of the same napkin creates a different mood. Lay the napkin in an abstract puddle on the center of the plate. (See video below on easy it is to create this effect.)

Elegant Daytime
Swapping out the silver runner for a white sheer fabric lightens the feel. Place the salad plate to the left and a gray linen napkin tucked in a large water goblet. Still elegant but more daytime feel.

Gray Triangle
Keeping the same set up as previous but folding the linen napkin in a large triangle then tucked between charger and dinner plate.

Gold Take Charge
Swap the silver charger for a gold one and create a rosette with a deep rich burgundy napkin.

Gold Take Hold
Using the gold charger and runner with golden hues, add a gray/silver napkin in a fluted fold under the salad plate

Freshen Up with Yellow
Brighten the whole setting up with a burst of yellow. A simple long rectangular fold is all that is needed to bring on the freshness. This is another lovely Easter setting.

The Floating Table
I have several pieces of remnant materials that I use either as a runner, a tablecloth or an overlay. For my birthday this year, JuanCarlos said he would make me a special dinner. And since it was a special birthday, I wanted to create a pretty table. I used my silver and gold theme to create an elegant table for two. But as I said, it was a special celebration, so he and my sister, Alyssa, surprised me with a dinner party that included some of my family. See how easy a table for two transformed into a table for 8. This is a perfect example of how to take an idea and expand it out.

And what would a celebration be if not for the food, glorious food. I snapped a few photos of the meal. All my favorites things, with some of my favorite people. And yes, I made my own gluten free carrot cake adorned with candied carrot shards.

I know this might have been a lot of options to digest, but really they were variations of a similar theme. The goal was to demonstrate how changing a charger or a napkin or even the placement of the items can alter the look and feel. I hope these gave you some ideas and jumping off point to decorate your next table-scape.

For more table setting and napkin ideas, don’t forget to review some older posts:

Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

Creamsicle Table scape

Easter Ideas - A Refresher Course

An African Flare Table Setting

Green & Black: A Graphic Table Setting

To say I was nervous about hosting a small dinner party during the pandemic would be an understatement. I know most people have ventured into this territory many moons ago, but JuanCarlos and I have been super cautious. And rightfully so, since we know plenty of people who have had COVID, some of whom we were attempting to meet with until luckily we found out their positive status prior to gathering. We’ve had a few of those close calls so you can understand our hesitation. Thankfully, everyone we know has recovered and is fine.

With our caution has come both a sense of safety and a deep sense of isolation. Therefore, it was time to step out of our shell, out of fear and into joy again. And so we did. And indeed joy we felt. I spent the day preparing food and thinking about a table setting. (Well, it only took me that long because I had to stop to photograph everything, not because I made a feast.) Even though our dinner party total would only amount to 4, I wanted to make it feel a bit elegant and momentous given it would be the first time I’ve set our dining room table in over 2 years!! It’s the dead of winter here in NY, and the temps have been frightful. I have plenty of tablecloths that evoke Spring and Summer, even Fall vibes. But oddly enough not as many for Winter. I wanted the setting to be appropriate for the temperature but not feel cold.

I settled on a very graphic green and black table cloth that set a strong tone. Next was figuring out all the other elements that would complement without becoming overwhelming. Believe it or not, I had a hard time deciding on what napkin to choose. And that is saying a lot since I have a fairly large collection of napkins.

Please, no judgement. I’ve collected these over the years. And pre-pandemic, we entertained ALOT.

The black napkins seemed like an obvious choice but quite frankly there was plenty of black in the main cloth. Plus they wouldn’t have added anything to the party in the way of color dimension. White was clearly too stark and didn’t blend at all. Orange, as you can see, was way too shocking and garish, and would have been too many strong colors competing. Sometimes choosing a napkin is instantaneous, but this time around it took some thinking.

The orange and white ones felt too harsh of a contrast to me. The black might have worked but just felt Blah.

I landed on a multicolored stripe cotton napkin that softened the tablecloth’s intensity and added a whimsy of muted colors. Even though these napkins tend towards a springtime feel, their tonality was the ideal softening agent. To bridge that creamy base color in the napkins I decided to include a soft beige placemat.

Like Goldilocks and the Bears. This choice felt “just right”.

Since this was not going to be a formal dinner party, but an easy Saturday night with my sister, Alyssa and brother in law, Peter, no charger plates were needed. But a little bling was essential. Choosing white plates with a gold rim would help with that. Now that gold was introduced, adding the votive candle holders that I hand painted would finish off that golden touch.

Yes, those are OUI yogurt jars that I saved and hand painted with gold. I have a ton in silver too. I like how the design works with the movement of the tablecloth. Happy coincidence.

Votives provide a lovely low light glow, but I also like height. Which brings me to the candle sticks. Simple cut glass would add the height I wanted and also some sparkle without pulling attention away from everything else going on. Ugh, but now what color candle stick??? I must be out of entertaining practice because these decisions usual come to me in a flash. However, I do think showing this process helps to serve as a great demonstration of how a simple choice can change a look. And that there are no wrong decisions here. Just preferences. I had several choices; greyish silver, maroony purple, yellowy gold, or green. I chose the yellow gold, but any one of them would have worked just as well.

I might have immediately chosen the green since it was a perfect match, but for some reason I only had one.

Ok,
Tablecloth, check
Napkins, check
Napkin rings, check
Plates, check
Glassware, check
Candles, check
Let’s set a table…

When using placemats, sometimes I like turning them in other direction so they don’t cover as much of the tablecloth.

Gather all your elements. Once you see them all together the picture becomes clearer.

First layer down. I started with all the place settings in the center of the table, but right before our guests arrived I rearranged the seating.

To add some additional height, I went vertical with the napkin. Using a simple napkin ring and pulling the center of the fabric through to create an octopus-like vibe. It’s super simple but makes a visual impact.

This is a simple napkin style. For more options, check out my post entitled: Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

I wasn’t serving any fish or seafood, but I did think the napkin resembled an octopus. It created the height I wanted and was playful.

I love how the whole table came together. It’s elegant but not fussy.

Finish with silver and glass ware, some florals and my first in-house pandemic table setting was in the books.

Some random thoughts:

I absolutely love the movement of this tablecloth. The big, graphic swirls are so eye catching. When you take in the whole print from above, with the flowers perfectly centered, the roots of the tree really come alive.

I also adore the details of this print. Every time I see the figures on this cloth I can’t help but to think of the famous Robin William’s line in The Bird Cage: “Who sets a table and doesn’t look at the bowls?” For those who know and love this movie, no explanation is needed. For those who don’t, I implore you to watch this very funny movie.

I hope this has inspired you to take a chance on setting a table with a super bold, very graphic, intensely strong tablecloth print. With the right complementary elements It can be fun and is sure to make a statement that will impress. The first thing my sister said was, “Wow!” Unlike me, who is clearly very wordy, she is a woman of few words, but in this case, only one was needed.

And in case you were wondering what we served… Here are a few images, and the menu.

Cheese Board

(Hot Peppers, Olives, Mini Bread Sticks, Majorero Pimentón Cheese, Mary’s Gone Crackers, Murcia al Vino Cheese, Dana’s Nuts: Spiced & Candied, Goat Cheese with dried herbs, Jammin’ Onion Jam, Manchego Añejo, Apple Paste)

Tomato Tartlet

Tomato/Avocado/Hearts of Palm Salad

Cauliflower, Sweet Potato & Chick Pea Curry with Basmati Rice

Roasted Spiced Carrots & Onions

Oven Roasted Chicken

Apologizes, I didn’t take photos of the last two items to share.

Cheese Board

featuring my Jammin’ Onion Jam and Dana’s Nuts: Spiced & Candied

Manchego & Murcia al Vino Cheeses &Onion Jam

Heirloom Tomato & Avocado Salad

Salad with Hearts of Palm & Broccoli Sprouts

Tomato Tartlets

Napkin Folding - A Few Festive Ideas

Ok, here we are on the heels of Thanksgiving and more festivities are rushing our way. I know what you are going to say. It’s the same time period every year. Yet somehow it feels like the time between the two holidays gets shorter and shorter. So, if you are one of the lucky ones that’s been tapped twice for hosting duties, bless you, and you may need some new entertaining tricks.

Since I have noticed that one of the most highly viewed posts on my blog is Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options, I figured that might be where a few fresh ideas are needed. That post seems to really resonate with readers around the world, and I hope it continues to provide simple yet pretty options for your table settings. But if you’ve already used up those ideas, a bunch of festive options might come in handy right about now.

This post isn’t as extension as the previous. I didn’t show all the ways you can modify or adorn each one. And I didn’t show perfectly finished place settings, but I did give you a little something extra.
Video demonstrations to show exactly how to fold each one, plus bullet point step by step instructions.

Cue the video tape!

Let’s start with the most obvious festive fold for the season…

The Christmas Tree

I used a deep forest green square napkin. Of course, you can use whatever color you want, the tree shape is clear but green drives the theme home.

• Fold in half, and in half again to create a smaller square.

• Fold back the first open edge up towards the top of the triangle point of the napkin.

• Continue to fold up each open edge to create layers.

• Turn the napkin over and fold the sides inward toward the bottom edge

• Flip back over, making any tiny adjustments, and add a decorative topper. Or just leave it as a plain tree is just fine, too.

The Holiday Wreath

I used an orange and green plaid napkin. I felt it gave more visual interest as a wreath. Of course, you can use whatever color you want, but I recommend a multicolored option to add to the affect.

• Accordion fold the napkin.

• Holding one end, twist the folded napkin all the way to the next end.

• Pull one end through a napkin ring letting the edges stick out.

• Tuck the other end into the ring.

• Adjust so it’s round and add a decorative element.

The Poinsettia

For this one, I like using a napkin that has a border to help create more of a flower petal effect. But if you don’t have napkins like that it’s fine. The shape is unmistakably flower-like. Back in my catering days we used this folding method to create decorative liners for bread baskets. I figured why not make a bold statement at each place setting with this fold that is reminiscent of large Poinsettia petals.

• With right side down, fold each corner into the center to create a smaller square.

• Holding the center together, flip the napkin over and fold each point into the center creating an even smaller square. I find flipping it right onto the plate makes it easier so the shape remains beautiful without having to move it.

• Then holding the center points, pull the under fold out and up to create a petal. Repeat for each corner.

• Simply placed on the center of the plate it creates a big, bold statement.

The Menu Envelope

Some of us go all out and actually print out a menu. Instead of just placing the menu on the plate, why not conceal it within a napkin envelope. And for those who think printing up a menu is overkill, reconsider for these top three reasons.

1. It informs your guests of the glorious meal that awaits them

2. It shows you took the time to curate the menu.

3. It creates a pretty keepsake for you and your guests.

Onto the fold. Use a square napkin, color of your choice. I chose white for a traditional envelope feel, here’s how it goes.

• Fold in half, and half again to create a smaller square.

• Place the folded corner edge at the top, then place your menu in the center

• Fold the side corners in over the sides of the menu

• Fold the bottom triangle edge up towards the middle and tuck the top edge under to reveal the top of the menu

• Fold the top triangle down to close the envelope, and adorn with a decorative pop of color or a sprig of rosemary

You can also leave the menu out placed on top of the envelope.

The Fountain Burst

You can use any color napkin. I chose one with a dainty border to impart a fringe edge.

• Fold in half, and then accordion fold the entire napkin.

• Pull the bottom of the napkin through a napkin ring. (If you don’t have a napkin ring, you can cut paper towel tubes into rings. Since it will be covered for the finished result it’s not crucial that you use some pretty napkin ring. You can even use ribbon to tie it.)

• Pull the napkin through 1/3 the way up, then tuck the bottom edges up and into the ring, covering it completely.

• Place onto the plate and fan out the top portion to create a fountain burst across the entire plate.

Or you can leave the bottom untucked and let it fan out on the bottom as well. That’s pretty too!

I hope the videos helped to demonstrate how fairly easy these are to pull off. This was my first video demonstration, so please be kind with your comments, but any and all feedback is always welcomed. I’m learning as I go to help give you a more visual representation of my work. Lastly, my apologies that these weren’t in full table set ups, but I know that your imaginations and creativity will bring the entire table setting together. Just in case you need a head start, here are a few suggestions:

Take cues from the napkin theme you choose to inform your table design. For example, if using a Christmas tree napkin, keep the centerpiece simple by laying down some greens and adding votive candles as a table runner.

Same goes for the Holiday wreath. Maybe twist greens into a circle and place the votives in the center to mimic the wreaths.

I hope these napkin folds help bring cheer to your holiday table.

May you have a safe, healthy and joyous Christmas

May the New Year usher in a true sense of health and well being for all of human kind.

Blessings!

Thanksgiving Reminders, Appetizers & More

This year’s Thanksgiving celebration is already looking different from last year’s as people are venturing out and gathering more. As we all get our sea legs back for entertaining and hosting bigger gatherings, I thought you might need some fresh ideas or reminders on how the heck to throw a party. I know if I were hosting this year, which I am not, I would need to retrain my brain on what I should be doing and when.

This post will be a compilation of older posts to help you access info in a pinch. It’s going to be chock full, so snuggle up with warm cup of tea, or a bottle of scotch, and notebook in hand. I also figured that everyone prepares the main meal their own way and has tons of turkey, stuffing, mashed potato recipes already at hand. You don’t need me for those. But maybe you need some ideas in these other areas.

Hosting Tips & Prep Ideas | Table settings | Napkin Folding | Florals | Appetizers | Salads

Start your engines and prep, prep, prep.

While you’re prepping, grab a glass of vino and chill.

Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.

List Making and Prep

I can’t stress this part enough. Whether you handwrite, type or send voice memos to yourself, the important thing is to make a list, and keep organized. Especially with Thanksgiving because there are so many moving parts. As you can see, sometimes I handwrite, sometimes I type it out nicely in bullet points but I ALWAYS have a list.

Clearly without typing and spellcheck errors are made.

Sure this list may not be for Thanksgiving but it serves the point of always making a list.

The below link was originally written with Christmas in mind, and so some of the references point in that direction. However, it definitely has tips for general holiday hosting, as well as a good refresher for Christmas, which quite frankly is just around the corner. Skim through the post to find what you need, or take the time to digest it in its entirety. It might help get you ready for large consumption on Turkey day. Ha!

Holiday Hosting Tips - Less Stress

Table Settings

Now once you have figured out your menu, guest list and overall game plan it’s time to focus on the table setting. I know I’ve said it before, but it warrants repeating, especially now as we re-welcome our loved ones back into our homes in larger groups. Setting a welcoming table sets the tone. It doesn’t have to be glammed out it just needs some love. Even the slightest of care taken to enhance the table shows your guests how special they are. The below links give a variety of ideas from the casual to the elegant. No excuses, just do it!

Create a mood

Burst of Burnt Orange - A Fall Landscape

The below link is the mother load of table settings and floral ideas for a special fall occasion.

Thanksgiving Table Settings - Casual to Elegant

Florals

I get it, some you might think flowers are a waste. But gosh darn, they do bring a smile when you enter a room. I know for a fact that you don’t have to be creative to make a great floral display. A while back one of my mom’s friends helped me to organize a luncheon for their group. When I asked if she could arrange the flowers she quickly replied, Oh, I am not good with that. Well, all it took was an example for her to follow, her confidence grew and then she used her own creative eye. And just like that she gained a new skill. And so can you. If you go to the store and stare at the flower section and can’t imagine something from nothing then simply take a look at the images and links below for some ideas. I know you can do it!

This might not be a typical Thanksgiving arrangement, but it screams fall. The big cabbage heads are fun and bold while the baby’s breathe fills in the gaps and adds whimsy.

Florals can be big and make a statement or a single flower with a simple burst of beauty. Whatever your style there is an arrangement for you. The first link is one that requires some planning, various size vases and a variety of floral items to pull off. But it’s worth it, and best part, it will last you through the fall season.

Fall Themed Centerpiece

There are floral examples in the Thanksgiving Table setting link above, but below are two more links for inspiration.

Eucalyptus Burst - A Floral Spray

Maybe you don’t want to break the bank on florals. Mums are ubiquitous, affordable and come in a variety of colors.

Mums…the Word

Napkin Folding

What can I say about napkins that won’t sound like I’m a broken record? Ok, hit the replay button. It doesn’t take much to make a napkin look a tad more special than just plopping in down on the table. Sure there are oodles of videos on how to make a turkey or pumpkin out of a napkin. If you have the time and wherewithal, knock yourself out. I’m all for simplicity with a touch of pizazz. The link below demonstrates 5 basic folds then gives a variety of ways to enhance each. Hope this helps convince you that it doesn’t take but a moment more to fold a napkin.

Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

Maybe you don’t need a place setting or napkin folding ideas because you are hosting a less formal, more casual buffet style meal. Here’s an easy way to corral utensils with an item that we all have stuffed in the back of our cabinets. The ever present florist vase.

Florist Vase = Useful Utensil Holder

Appetizers

Now here is a category I can really sink my teeth into. Pun intended. I love being creative with apps. I feel like this is where you can break from tradition and be a bit more adventurous with your offerings. As a matter of fact, one Thanksgiving, JuanCarlos and I decided to turn the holiday on its head, literally. We made the appetizer portion the main attraction serving 12 different offerings ranging from cold to hot which lasted 3 hours. Then the main meal was much simpler, and didn’t even include turkey! Extending the appetizer ‘hour’ allowed our guests to relax, eat leisurely and mingle to their hearts’ content. I think it was our best hosted Thanksgiving ever. So with that in mind, here are some appetizers that might stray from the norm for this holiday. Pick one, pick them all. Go crazy, it’s meant to be appetizing.

Contrast colors and texture to excite the palate.

Amuse Bouche literally means to amuse the mouth. And that’s what your first offerings should do. They should get the palate ready. An announcement to: Start Your Engines. Below is a variety of ideas that do just that.

Amuse Bouche…That’s not English, Right?

Pickled Offerings: I love serving quality store bought pickled items such as mushrooms, garlic, cornichon. These add a tangy punch to get the palate ready for more.

Marinated mushrooms with roasted red peppers

Skewers: This idea might feel more summer time but it doesn’t have to be. You can have warm skewered items or cold. They are easy to pick up and eat. And the best part about some of the below examples is they use store bought items plus can be made ahead, plated and placed out when guests arrive.

Potatoes & Pulpo (octopus) Skewers with alioli dipping sauce. Quality canned octopus skewered with boiled new potatoes.

Romaine Lettuce wraps with tinned Spicy Sardine and Grape Tomato/Cucumber Skewers

Boquerones (fresh anchovies) on Cucumber Ribbons

Grilled Shrimp & Avocado Endive Boats with yogurt cucumber dip

Sautéd Potatoes & Pulpo with parsley dressing on Endive

Oven Roasted Plum Tomatoes with Fresh Ricotta topped with herbs & olive oil.

And then there is the infamous Charcuterie/Cheese Platter. Sometimes putting this together can feel overwhelming. We’ve all seen them and they look amazing. But how do we compose an appetizing platter? Sometimes a simple step by step and visual helps us to create what may seem daunting. Here are some guides from me and a link from another master, That Cheese Plate.

The Art of a Charcuterie & cheese Platter

You can never, and I mean NEVER, go wrong with serving a charcuterie/cheese platter. There is always something for everyone. The beauty of it is that you can arrange it with anything and everything. Make it an appetizer platter, like the one below, filled with a variety of flavors and textures.

Boqueron/olive/cucumber skewers, roasted red peppers, spiced nuts, asparagus baked in puffed pastry, palmiers all mingle nicely among cheese and dry cured meats.

Abundance. Fill the platter and block each item in sections. It makes it look organized and appetizing. You WANT to dive in.

And now for even more appetizer ideas…

Smoked Trout Cucumber Bites

Boquerones = Bow ka row nays

Luscious Butternut Cream Crostini with Roasted Walnuts & Honey

3 Dips a Dippin’

I love this one because it’s a different take on crudité. And the dips are so flavorful that will keep on dipping.

Marinated Feta

This dish is an absolute winner. My customers love it as much as my guests. It is so versatile, creamy and tangy, spicy and delicous.

Fried Polenta Topped with Mushrooms & Goat Cheese
These fried polenta rounds are also a great vehicle for the above marinated feta. I’ve often made that combo and had not a single one left.

5 Appetizers That Impress & Relieve Stress

Maybe you have the task of figuring out what to serve a vegan during a holiday that rarely has offerings that will suffice. Here’s an appetizer that is hearty, earthy and fits the vegan bill.

Vegan Chick Pea Mash

And for our last category, because I’m sure by now your tea has gotten cold or you’ve run out of scotch. Either way, it was a boat load of info. But this last section is much needed and short.

Salads

Ok, let’s admit it. We all make the effort and serve them up on Thanksgiving. But how many of your guests actually eat it? I say offer up a salad that counters all the heaviness of a traditional Turkey dinner. Crunchy, refreshing salads will be a palate and belly cleanser. Try any of these.

Citrus. Salad Bowl

Versatile Crunch Salad

Cucumber Ribbons, Chunks & Cherry Tomatoes

Use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons from an English cucumber. When you get to the middle section after peeling, cut it into chunks. Add halved cherry tomatoes and mix with a herb vinaigrette.

Ok, that’s it for now folks. I hope these helped you and provided some ideas. I wish you all a safe and joyous Thanksgiving. May we each find health through nutritious food and spiritual love. Gobble Gobble.

Easter Ideas - A Refresher Course During A Pandemic

Brighter days ahead. This Easter will look a bit cheerier and a ton more hopeful than 2020. A year ago we were just getting used to lock down and coming to the realization that we weren’t going to be able to visit with family and friends for the holiday. Never in our wildest dreams (aka nightmares) did we think it would last this long. 365 days later, while there is a glimmer of hope in being able to gather in small, safe groups, it might not be the case for everyone.

For those who can, you may want a refresher course on how to entertain. This harkens back to last week’s post but dives way deeper. And since like all of you I haven’t hosted any events, I don’t have any new tricks up my sleeve. That’s when you have to reach back to the past and pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat. No reason to reinvent the wheel, use what’s worked before.

I give you, Reminders of the Past & Other Helpful Easter Ideas. And if gathering with loved ones still is not in the cards for you this holiday, any of these can be pared down to help make the day feel more festive.

Get ready. This post is chock full of images and links. Let’s start at the beginning.

Setting a table

To me, it’s the one act that truly connotes a special event and rings in the feeling that guests are coming. This may be the first time in quite awhile that you have taken out your linens and tossed them across the table. I say, go all out and make everyone feel special this go around. Here are a few ideas for a fresh spring table setting.

Yellow, Yellow Burst of Sunshine Tablesetting

The yellows and white are so cheery, while the midnight blue anchors the place setting in a lovely pop of contrast.

Calming Creams & Bold Blues Table

Same sort of color combo but in a more calming tonality.

We will be eating outside in order to continue being as safe as possible. So I might take some cues from this table setting, Sunday Blues - of the Soothing, Swooning Kind. Plus this link also has a few recipes from which I might just take food cues as well.

I know we are all out of practice, but let’s try not to be lazy about the details. Take the time to finish off your table with napkins. There are various ways to fold a napkin, which doesn’t mean you need to be a magician of deft dexterity or a master of origami. It just takes simple folds, and then possibly adding an embellishment… or not. Check out these super simple ideas to put the finishing touch to your table.

Napkin Folding 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

Maybe you have decided that you aren’t quite ready for a formal meal. Perhaps brunch or a buffet style setting might be a good option for you.

How To Set a Brunch Buffet Table & Napkin Pockets

Brunch Made Simple

Florals

And what would a proper table setting be without flowers? You can be extravagant and make various arrangements or you can keep it as simple as culling together a single color of tulips for single elegance. Need some visuals? Here you go.

Never Too Many Tulips

One big arrangement

Eucalyptus Burst - A Floral Spray 

Given the dire economic state, funds might be a concern, and that is completely understandable. An inexpensive way to use florals that will make a big impression - Mums. They have different varieties that can be mixed and matched for impact.

Mums the Word

The Menu

Sure you can have all the bells and whistles with your decor but nothing keeps them coming back like the food you serve. When it comes to the holidays people have certain traditions they like to keep, and some are even expected. JuanCarlos and I found this out the hard way during a few Thanksgiving feasts. You know me, I like to mix it up; some traditional, some not. You might have your menu already set, possibly with lamb as the starring role. But if you are still pondering what to make, fear not. Below are links to a variety of alternatives that hop just outside the Easter basket but still sing Spring.

Meat alternatives to lamb:

These are hearty and in the same vein as a lamb dish but slightly off the beaten bunny path.

Osso Buco

A Belly Full of Pork

Appetizers:

Pizza Rustica

A traditional Italian appetizer. Admittedly, this recipe is a labor of love. It is very rich and serves a lot, so I highly recommend only making it if you know you have guests that will enjoy it.

That’s right, it’s not actually a PIZZA, but a cake of sorts. It’s filled with layers upon layers of prosciutto, salami and ricotta cheese.

And some not so traditional

Tarts of Summer

Spring Asparagus Tarts
(Rolling and cutting puff pastry, mix together ricotta & goat cheese, parsley, salt, pepper. Spread over pastry and top with asparagus. Brush with garlic oil, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake at 400 until golden.)

Spring asparagus with cheese on puff pastry. This is pretty straightforward, and makes a great appetizer.

Crisp pastry, creamy cheese and the bite of spring asparagus. What’s not to love?

Oven Roasted Tomatoes & Ricotta

Oven roasted tomatoes are like candied jewels and pair perfectly with the salty, creaminess of ricotta cheese.

Salads: bright and crisp

Citrus Salad Bowl

Individually plated salads… a good way to serve during a pandemic.

Pretty in Pink Salad

There is something exotic and striking about the colors and textures of these pink lettuces.

Butter Lettuce with Orange, Blueberries & Crunch

Salad Baby: Little Lettuces Fresh & Crisp

Side Dishes:

Here are two side dishes that may not be typical but truly spring - Spring. And the best part, they can be served warm or room temperature.

Strings… of Bean, Peppers & Asparagus

Tomato, Squash, Peppers & Onion Bake, a one pot vegetable side that can be enjoyed warm or room temp.

I love how the sweetness from the veggies plays off the savory of the cheeses in this baked dish.

I hope you found this trip down memory lane useful. Even more, I hope that in taking from the past we can borrow some joy to light a spark for our future. As for our family, we have been extremely fortunate and so very grateful for our health, safety and beyond. This Easter we are lucky that the stars are aligning for some of my family to be able to come to my house. The weather is expected be nice enough for us to be outside. My parents and a few others have been vaccinated and the rest of us have been quite diligent about staying safe. We will still remain a good distance apart and wear masks when we are not eating. But we will be together, and that is a very good thing. I wish for you the same. May you be able to break bread with your loved ones safely and joyously.

Happy Easter and beyond.