In the forum, we recently started a discussion on table settings. What makes a great setting? From my experience, my family or guests all linger around the dining table, serious or light-hearted discussions or conversations taking place, discussions, analyses, jokes, gossip, outrages, complaints, you name it. The dining table is truly where everyone comes together. Love is renewed, friendships forged and reinforced...a deep sense of togetherness. The example of Polly cooking a wonderful birthday dinner for her precious Daddy was a poignant example of how she demonstrated her love through the language of cooking.
We spend a lot of our energy and time in preparing a wonderful meal, but you can't separate the food being served from the table setting, and our table should always reflect the meal and the occasion.
How do you do it? My baptism into table setting started with my guru Lydia Dorfman. She alerted me to the necessity of accessorizing the dining table. She has selflessly taught me everything I know about table setting and keeping a beautiful home. Here is an example of a table setting that was arranged at the last minute. The orchids were nearing the end of their days from a display I had which lasted over a month. Napkin holders were used to hold the orchids. The glimpse of silver you can pick up from the photo was really a candle holder placed sideways. Plenty of candles and with the use of black placemats and napkins, an attractive table was set for the dinner to come. I have not used tablecloths, so the extra job of laying an underlay, then a bottom tablecloth and a top tablecloth and all the ironing were not necessary, leaving me more time to prepare dinner!
Dear all,
There is a mistake in the recipe 'Fried Rice with Superior Broth' this week. The parsley mentioned should be coriander. 是芫茜,不是蕃茜! Sorry!
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