Lighted Fruit & Cheese Tray

For our Easter gathering, I chose to prepare a fruit and cheese tray, the simplest of all appetizers to prepare, for starters. For this one, I used an inexpensive mirror rather than a platter as my base. A lighted glass block, which can be found at craft stores, added a little bit of height and a whole lot of pizzazz.  I used three to five unusual, gourmet cheeses in large wedges.

The different kinds of cheeses recquired are determined by the number of guests invited. My rule of thumb is to start with three regardless of the number of people, up to 25. I add one different type of cheese for every 15 people over 25.

Position the large wedges of cheese to allow for nooks and crannies which can be filled in with grapes cascading down. Strawberries also added a pop. Assorted crackers were served on the side. Now, just how easy is that?

For more exotic trays, orange or grapefruit halves with flesh removed and edges fluted make great containers for dips for the fruits.

Hand-Made Gerbera Daisy Napkin Rings

PVC pipe sprayed purple with a silk Gerbera daisy glued on makes for a colorful, whimsical napkin ring holder!

Items needed:
• 2” PVC pipe
• Spray paint in desired colors
• Silk Gerbera daisies (or silk flower of choice)
• Epoxy glue

Directions:
1. Multiply the number of napkin rings needed by 1.5”.
2. Purchase PVC pipe, 2-inches in diameter, the length needed.
3. Cut pipe in 1.5” inch lengths.
4. Spray paint in desired colors; allow to dry completely.
5. Using epoxy glue, attach silk flower to painted PVC length.
6. Thread napkins through decorated PVC length.

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Easter Two Ways

Epilogue to Easter 2011: Hard to get into the spirit of Easter 2012. One of my best friend's, whose favorite color in the whole side world was purple, left us for her heavenly home just a couple of months after Easter last year. 


We had seventeen people gather around these tables. Laughter flowed freely along with good food and good wine. I am in the planning stages of what to do for this year with that huge hole in all the lives that Betsy touched. Betsy, you will be sorely missed this year!

Toy wagon plays host to flowers, candy & more as bunnies snuggle along side.

My mother's pink linen tablecloth makes a beautiful backdrop for her pink and white china! Bringing back wonderful memories of childhood.

My really long dining table gave plenty of room for not on, but two whimsical centerpieces.

Precious memories from a  long ago time!

Growing up in a very small family that is now even smaller, having several guests for Easter Dinner is really special & fun! Having more guests than can comfortably sit at one table means setting up a couple of tables. Who said the two tables had to be similar?




Taking a little creative liberty, I chose to have one very traditional table that boasts my mother’s linen tablecloth and Pink Orchid china—the one I remember from childhood. Ironing the table cloth and napkins is a labor or love, aka, chore. A tall centerpiece allows for conversation, yet commanding attention and respect.


The other table is a bit whimsical with two centerpieces. A wagon carrying plants and candy provide a resting place for a family of bunnies by the wheel. A bird cage is home to a bird with a nest and eggs. Butterflies keep watch over the young feathered family.


No gathering that includes my good friend Betsy would be complete without a touch of purple, thus the purple candles in the middle of the table and a smattering on the wheels of the wagon centerpiece and the daisy coasters.


Custom designed paper Mache Easter bunnies dance on the oak mantel overlooking the diners.


A little bit of my mother’s taste—a little bit of whimsy! What better way to celebrate such an important day as the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ?

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