dishes

Loving Lately

Spring Tablescape

Hurray for Spring! We are so ready to welcome this season into our homes! What better way is there to celebrate than with the bright colors and foods springing up around us?

TV dinners, meals on the go, family members with crazy schedules trying to fit in supper when they can… we get it. However, when you can make it happen, family meal time is really worthwhile. Numerous studies have been done emphasizing the benefits of eating together. According to healthfully.com, such practice can not only promote healthier eating, but strengthen family relationships, curb risky behaviors, and even produce better academics. In an article by StandfordChildren.org titled, Why the Family Meal is Important, they explain how “dinnertime is a time of respite from the hustle-bustle of everyday life.” They even suggest creating chores (place setting, clean up, food preparation, etc.), and having expectations (sharing, listening, being respectful of one another, etc.) for meal time; which can lead to improved self-esteem. Sounds good to us!

Image courtesy of EmilyPost.com

Setting a table is kind of a lost art. Not every meal at home has several courses, with corresponding various wines (at least not in Sadie’s Nest); we can save those table settings for when the queen comes to visit. However, setting a basic table can be fairly easy. According to the Emily Post Institute, “Setting a table is not as difficult as it seems. The basic rule is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; that is, from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. And finally, only set the table with utensils you will use. No soup; no soup spoon.” We can handle that.

And who doesn’t love the idea of bringing fresh flowers into the house? I’ve been waiting all winter to have some blooms! Okay, maybe allergy sufferers aren’t enthusiastic about it, so here is a link to Martha Stewart’s Spring Centerpiece ideas.

Our fresh arrangement of cabbage and roses, was created by Rhonda. -A special thank you to Sadie and Rachel’s mom, who has given us a lifetime of magazine worthy tablescapes, for putting together this lovely display!

Nora Fleming Ware

I am crazy about Nora Fleming. I think her idea for one dish that is interchangeable for any occasion is brilliant. It’s perfect for entertaining because you just have to store one (or two…) dishes! Then you change your ornament to fit the occasion! And they are so cute. The day I stumbled upon these in a Von Maur department store, I played in their gift department for over an hour. I hadn’t had that much fun playing since Barbie. I think I placed every ornament into every dish. And every time I got equally excited. The platters are great for bringing your dish to a party, you can instantly match the event or ‘label’ your dish so people know what it is. Of course, the Fourth of July is approaching so the flag is perfect. If you are bringing veggies, use the adorable artichoke. What’s your event? Christmas? Just put in the stocking, or Santa cap, or reindeer or holly & berries ornament. Thanksgiving? There is a turkey for that, or the cute pumpkins, which you could use all fall long. Mother’s Day? She made a darling pink flower, which you could also use for a shower or just spring. Or for spring use the bird, or the nest with eggs… or the butterfly!

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Birthday Party? They have a really cute colorful party hat.

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BBQ? Use the hamburger or the ketchup and mustard.

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Strawberry Themed Shower…or Fruit platter?

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I have to stop. I could get really carried away.

For more information: http://www.norafleming.com