Thinking of the Beach

Candles planted in white sand in a ceramic shell centerpiece,  and that's not all...

A brass fish napkin holder with a small shell trivet in the foreground.












A lovely and inventive centerpiece adds to the romance.

The place setting with square beige plates and a little sand pail.  How cute is that?

Hors d'oeuvre toothpicks, topped with small shells, that a friend of my mother's made for her decades ago. 

This hand-made serving bowl in the shape of a fish is one of my favorites.

A hand beaded napkin ring evokes a spiny oyster or a spiny sea urchin.

The completed look.

A Study of Casual Elegance

Golds, browns, and a splash of orange help to showcase the brown, woven placemats.

The warm glow of candlelight.

The gold napkin knotted in the middle adds a touch of elegance.

The full place setting. 

 This one shows the small berries in the dish used for individual crepes.













 

Butterflies and Botanicals

Such beautiful plates... nothing more needs to be said.

Treat Yourself to a Playful Table Setting

 The colors in this table setting really speak to me.  They make me feel happy.  Each item is chosen with care and the hope you will enjoy all the little dishes and the plaid placemats and napkins as much as I do.

Cute flatware!

 These little tulip trays are some of my favorite things.  Very painterly.

 This creamer and sugar bowl set are so playful and fanciful.  Life is just a bowl of cherries!  So, live, love, laugh, and have a good time!

I think this beautifully crafted covered jam bowl is called a fig bowl.  Made in Japan, where many fabulous and wonderfully made dishes, bowls, etc. are made.  I looked at it time and time again, on each excursion to a particular store, considering if I would splurge on such an unnecessary luxury.  And I have never regretted buying it.

The adorable little cassoulet was made by the Hall China Company a long time ago -- perhaps in the early 40s.

Popovers Are Perfect for Sunday Morning

 Popovers, hot out of the oven, served with real butter.  Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.  And just right for an easy-going Sunday morning.  Bon Appetit!

Nothing is more tasty than a fresh homemade popover with a crunchy outside and a soft center -- and its eggy goodness.

Time to Cook Up Some Great Chicken Enchiladas!

It all starts with onions and tomatoes.

Pull the cooked chicken breast meat off the bone.

Make a cream sauce with some light sour cream and add green chilies, cumin, and cilantro.

Add generous amount of cream sauce to the rolled chicken enchiladas. 

Finish off with some cheddar cheese and bake at 350 degrees till hot and bubbly.

Rosarita's Chicken Tostadas

 This recipe is from the Rosarita brand of Mexican food and it was delicious!

I love the colors of the new plaid napkins I bought at Pier 1.

 Delicious tostada with cooling iced tea.  Can never get enough Mexican food.

Chicken in sour cream with green onions and a little garlic salt.  Wonderful topping of cilantro and a 50-50 ratio of fresh chopped tomato with fresh avocado mixed with a little lemon juice.  The bottom tostada is layered with refried beans.  Ah, perfection on the tongue.