It’s February 15, 2016 and half of the United States is experiencing record cold temperatures. We, however, on the West Coast are experiencing warmer than normal temperatures. And because we love to dine al fresco, these warm days bring thoughts of an outdoor meal. We just can’t help it. The darkness and the cool temperatures still come early in the evening, but it doesn’t stop us from having friends over for a lovely lunch. An unexpected invitation may just be what your friends need to energize their day or week. We are inspired by Juliska’s blue Country Estates dinnerware in this serene setting. Who wouldn’t want to set the table with these beauties?
If we looked into our own cupboards, we most likely have a combination of classic, contemporary and vintage dinnerware. Mix it up and create a table top that says “come and sit for a while.” Your menu is going to determine how and what you set on the table.
Tip of the day:
- Do not set any unnecessary flatware on the table.
What does this mean?
How many times have you set a teaspoon on the table and at the end of dinner, it has not been used? The teaspoon is meant for coffee or tea. The name “teaspoon” was given to the small spoon as it was a unit of measure when brewing a pot of tea. Coffee and tea is served at breakfast or brunch and you may set a teaspoon on the top of the saucer, behind the tea/coffee cup. If you are serving yogurt and berries at brunch, then “yes” you would set a teaspoon on the table as part of the place setting. Or, if you were serving a dish of fruit to start your dinner, then you include a teaspoon as part of the place setting. Coffee or tea is not served with the main course at dinner, but it is brought to the table with dessert. (Pssst…if you are having a casual meal and you or your guests would enjoy your evening beverage in the form of tea or coffee, by all means serve it. Just remember this is a little chat about the relevance of a teaspoon and whether or not it should be set on the table.)
Look at your calendar, listen to the weather report and then plan a spur-of-the-moment lunch al fresco!