Bud Vase Napkin Rings on Clearance

Calling all Tablescapers and Hostesses! Or anyone that needs a gift idea for the person that has everything... I saw these cute acrylic napkin rings in QVC's clearance section and wanted to mention them. Not only are they great for any holiday/occasion, they are a bud vase too!

Product H168208 - $15.24 + S&H - Set of 8.

Not the best pic, but if you click here you can see the video.

(The vase is actually on the bottom in this pic, the rings would be turned vertically to use it.)

Have a happy day:@)

Earl's 4th of July Snack

Hey everyone! At Earl's ~subtle~ request I did give my new cookie cutter a try and think they turned out cute. I tried a new recipe, one my friend Joni at Red Couch Recipes uses. It's very tasty, especially as raw dough, I don't usually snack on that but this was very good...

This is a very light "tablescape" but I still wanted to join in!

Luncheon plate and Cookie Cutter-Salvation Army

Napkins-TJ Maxx

Placemat-Christmas Tree Shops

Picks-After season Michaels (from Ma-thanks!)

Whatcha lookin' at Earl???

Sugar Cookies

6 C flour

3 tsp baking powder

2 C butter

2 C sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp salt

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla.

Mix dry together, add to wet, mix well.

Roll to 1/4".

Bake at 350 degrees 8-10 minutes or until done.

Have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
Tablescape Thursday
Thrifty Tablescape Party
Foodie Friday
Sweets for Saturday
4th of July Party

Feelin' Crabby???

Hey everyone-Happy Tablescape Thursday! I found some fun crab items on my last trip to Christmas Tree Shops. Here's a little ode to summer...

Feeling crabby and kinda blue?

Don't let the hot weather get to you.

Set a course and raise your sail,

Soon you'll have crabs in your pail.

A cocktail party when we're through,

Don't need forks, it'll be finger food.

We'll enjoy a day in the sun,

Summer's here, let's have some fun!

CTS Plates $1.29, pack of napkins $1, placemats 69¢.
Milk glass plate from Salvation Army 59¢.
Clam dishes flea market 25¢
Fish vase and star candle holder TJ Maxx. Flowers from garden.
Wine glasses Walmart, shells free on beach.

And Earl says:
Putting your feet up on an Adirondack chair isn't a bad way to spend the day either!

Have a happy day:@)

Berry Thrifty Breakfast

Hey everyone-Happy Tablescape Thursday with a twist! I've accepted Diann's challenge to see if we could set a table using only thrifty items so I'm also joining the first Thrifty Tablescape Party!

Doily/runner from a yard sale $1

Footed milk glass bowl-Salvation Army 99¢

Corelle Strawberry Sundae pattern, 4 plates from Salvation Army 69¢ each, cups 39¢

Strawberries-I bought 10 hanging baskets that were marked down from $12.99 each to $1

Flatware was a give-away from Michael at Designs By Gollum:@)

Napkins, set of four-TJ Maxx reduced to $4

Mini vases, set of three-Walmart marked down to $1

Ma gave me a clump of the little daisies from her yard years ago.

Enjoying fresh strawberries from the garden on pretty plates... priceless:@)

Have a happy day!

Memorial Day Thoughts

Hey everyone-Happy Tablescape Thursday! I hope you all have fun plans for Memorial Day Weekend full of good friends, family and great food!

It's a day of celebration but also a day of remembrance, respect and gratitude.

Memorial Day: Commemorates US Soldiers who died while in the military service, in all wars.

I like the detailing on the clear bowl and think the angel holding the heart suits the occasion.

From an Air Force Veteran to all those serving or who have served, "thank you".

Fly your flags proudly!

As we enjoy Tablescape Thursday:

On the Thursday before Memorial Day, soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They patrol the cemetery 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing.

Have a happy day:@)

Peonies and Puddles...

Hey everyone, Happy Tablescape Thursday! Welcome to a very wet, overcast week in Philly. Since we can't change the weather I'm just rolling with it for this week's post. Something new:

Weather.com said we had a 90% chance of thunderstorms, 

I went out to tie up the peonies only to find that they were beginning to open up in the rain, so I cut a few.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And from last May:

I thought I'd keep it real and show you exactly what I've had an appetite for-getting the garden planted. Love flowers, but live for the veggies! Guess it's that whole "fruits of your labor" thing...

I picked up the rose tablecloth at a flea market for $2 and the lunch plates, with cups, at the Salvation Army for 99 cents. We had the gentlest spring rain last night, so perfect for new plants and seeds. 

Notice the circles on the plate, they look like rain drops hitting puddles...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

and Earl sends his wishes:

It's raining Earl, sunglasses?... ugh.

Have a happy day:@)

May Flower Table

Hey everyone! Early May brings white flowers to my yard! I have lily of the valley and bridal wreath right now. So I thought I'd add a splash of red to my table with accessories today!

I picked out this great red handled flatware with my gift cert from Designs by Gollum!

Thanks Michael, it's fun and will be perfect for so many holidays!

I saw a recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Pie that called for ginger, 

so I thought I'd try it out by making a little Crisp before I made it for Mother's Day:@)

I don't know what smells better, the rhubarb crisp or the lily of the valley!

and Earl says...

Remember, it's not the size of the bouquet that matters on Sunday,

but that you take the time to remember Mom.

Have a happy day:@)

I'm joining:
Tablescape Thursday
Fresh Cut Friday

Gone With A Handsomer Man-Week Two!

Hey everyone-Happy Tablescape Thursday and Foodie Friday! I'm continuing with the GWAHM Party theme. Have you read it yet? I've added a tablescape to my recipe this week.

Chapter 34-Bing's sister Eileen had just stopped by for a "visit" to discuss his will, Teeny's visibly shaken, 

and cooking calms her...

        I fixed a red-potato frittata, adding chopped bacon and onions. I set the patio table with blue-and white floral dishes, added a vase filled with hydrangeas, and called Red Butler to the garden.

        He ate in silence, scraping his fork over the plate. I cut another wedge of frittata and slipped it onto his plate. He dug in greedily... 

"Damn, this is good," he said.

I must say, I agree with Red! 

Hope you love it if you try it:@)

Potato Bacon Frittata (I cut this recipe in half and used an 8" skillet)

4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2" pieces (full disclosure-I used leftover ham, I made this on Easter Monday)

2 medium potatoes, cut into 1/4" slices

6 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 C milk

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 C thinly sliced green onion

2 tsp finely snipped fresh basil or 1/2 tsp dried basil, crushed

salsa or sour cream (both optional)

Directions:

1. Using a large nonstick skillet, cook bacon till crisp and drain on towel.
2. Reserve 2 Tblsp bacon drippings.
3. Add potato slices to skillet with reserved bacon drippings.
4. Cover and cook over medium heat for 12-15 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
5. Turn potato slices over and turn down heat to prevent over-browning (if necessary).
6. Beat eggs, milk, pepper and salt.
7. Stir in cheese, green onion and basil.
8. Spread cooked potatoes in an even layer over the bottom of skillet.
9. Sprinkle bacon over potatoes and pour egg mixture over top.
10. Cover, reduce heat to medium low.
11. Cook 15-20 minutes until top surface of egg is set.
12. Decrease heat to low if necessary to allow center to cook without over-cooking the edges.
13. Loosen edges of frittata from pan, carefully invert onto large serving plate (I liked mine top side up better)
14. Cut into wedges.
15. Put a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top if desired.
16. ONE TIP: If the bottom is set but it's still too loose on top towards the middle, you can slowly finish it under the broiler. But watch it very carefully.

Thanks again Michael for a fun read 

and for providing the inspiration for this week's post:@)
Also joining:
Let's Do Brunch
It's a Keeper Thursday

Bunnies for Brunch!

Hi everyone-Happy Tablescape Thursday! Ok, all together now... Aww... I have successfully completed my first napkin fold, Woo Hoo! It took less than 10 minutes and was not difficult at all.

If anyone would like to try it there is a very good BHG video HERE and step by step instructions HERE.

Linda from Lemon Drop sent me a fun Wilton Bunny Whoopie Pie Pan and I couldn't wait to try it out,
I used a recipe for a cookie mold and it worked great-thanks Linda!

Have a happy day:@)
I'm also joining:
The Easter and Spring Party

Bunnies and Chicks and... Pigs??? Oh My!

Hey everyone-Happy Tablescape Thursday! Today I'm featuring a couple adorable egg cups that I won from Linda at A La Carte-thanks Linda! Please stop by and wish her well as she excitedly awaits the arrival of her first grandchild!

Just pretend you don't see him...

I set a colorful little brunch using my thrifted luncheon plate and pink doily.

The cute Easter towel was a part of Linda's give-away too.

I planted these triple narcissus bulbs last fall, so glad I did.

Each flower is just a little over an inch big-cute!

Have a happy day:@)

Primary Colors For A Spring Brunch!

Hey everyone-Happy Tablescape Thursday! While we generally associate spring with lighter colors and pastels, Mother Nature does provide some primary colors in flowers!

The dark red in this tablecloth matches my Rubyware well!

I used the short vintage vase as a candle holder, I like it!

I'm joining Fresh Cut Friday with some fresh "dug" flowers out of the yard. 

These cute little Tete-a-Tete's in the Fenton basket will be headed back outside and carefully replanted. 

Here's a shot of the fun tablecloth, an Ebay reproduction.

And Earl says...

Always make time to stop and smell the flowers!

Have a happy day:@)

Quiche for One!

Hi everyone! I have a new toy, it's this 4 1/2" individual Le Creuset pie dish-oh boy! Cherry red, it matches the bigger pieces the kids gave me.

I couldn't wait to play with it so I decided to make a quiche for breakfast.

The single serving size is great because I don't like a lot of left-overs.

A single pie dough is more than enough for two of these dishes, so I had a quiche and...

I now have a crust in the freezer for next time!

So even if, or maybe especially if, you're only cooking for one, 

I hope I've inspired you to set your table and treat yourself to something special today!

Thanks so much to Savannah Granny for her CSN give-away! I picked out this dish and a great commercial Nordicware cupcake pan! Have you been to Ginger's blog, it's always a fun visit:@) 

Have a happy day:@)

Quiche for One

*Pre-Baked pie crust

1 egg (I'll use 2 eggs next time, I think the dish is big enough)

1/4 C cream or half and half

Any additions you'd like, I used onion and cheese today.

S&P to taste

Bake at 425 for approximately 25 minutes. Check it at about 18-20 minutes, if it starts to get too brown cover the top with tin foil. 

*I used a basic crust recipe 1 C flour, 1/3 C shortening and a few tablespoons of water. For the pre-baking, I lined the crust with foil and placed a ramekin on the foil to weigh it down. Baked for 12 minutes at 425 degrees.

I'm joining:

Tablescape Thursday
Foodie Friday

Full Plate Thursday

Irish for the Day!

Hey everyone-Happy St. Patrick's Day and Tablescape Thursday! I thought I'd share an Irish Poem today:

For each petal on the shamrock

This brings a wish your way

Good health, good luck and happiness

For today and every day.

And Earl says...

Kiss Me I'm Irish!!!

Have a happy day:@)

Mardi Gras-Party Like You Mean It!

Hi everyone-tomorrow's Fat Tuesday! Happy Mardi Gras!  Love playing with these fun colors!

Let the good times roll:@)

It's hard to see the pretty bowl in the pic above. I found the plate and bowl at Salvation Army for $1.38.

Free beads from a King Cake a customer sends to the office, primrose $1.29, napkin rings and glass 50¢.

Earl says "party hardy, what happens in "N'awlins, stays in N'awlins!

Um, wait a minute... what do you mean this pic is on the net???"

Have a happy day!

I'm joining:
Tabletop Tuesday
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Junkin' Finds
Tablescape Thursday

Just Us Chicks For Breakfast!

Hey everyone! Thought I'd share an everyday setting for breakfast today, just me and my chicks:@)

Ok, maybe one little pig too.

See that huge coffee mug? Oh yea, that's keepin' it real!

I've had this chippy chicken (rooster?) salt and pepper/napkin holder for well over 15 years. 

A month or so ago one of the eggs fell off and broke. Bummer.

I happened to go through the wedding/baby shower isle at AC Moore, something I never do.

Look at what I found, "about to hatch" S&P party favors for a baby shower!

This just puts a big ole smile on my face every time I look at it:@)

Have a happy day!

I'm joining:
Table Top Tuesday
Tablescape Thursday
Vintage Thingy Thursday
Farm Friend Friday