april's tastebud article:
Green Table
This month “green up” your table literally by bringing this fresh color to your dishes and centerpiece and figuratively as in “green” the new buzzword for local and earth friendly.
The inspiration for this table came from one of my long-time friend’s recent wedding. Room 39 catered the event using fresh, local ingredients and every detail in the décor was personal, handmade or recycled and made for a wonderful and intimate celebration. I borrowed a few of her ideas here.
The centerpiece is created by using recycled wine bottles that her dad cut off and sanded down to make terrific vases in several sizes and shades of green. Cluster three of these vases in the middle of your table and fill with one of my favorite signs of spring, vibrant grass. Wheat grass is an easy and quick to grow grass from seed or find flats of it at local florists. I love how the roots show through the glass and the bright green blades sprout out of the top. If you can’t find wheat grass, simply cut from the spring bulbs that are popping up in your yard.
The next step to greening your table is in the place settings. I started by recycling my burlap tablecloth from Thanksgiving and cutting it into placemats. Bring in the color green by using dishes in fun patterns and shades from apple to kelly. For an earthy element add in a wooden salad bowl made from a sustainable resource. The mix of wood and glass will add interest to the table. Place cards are made from recycling wine bottle corks and brown paper grocery bags. Start by tearing the paper sack into small rectangles and write guests’ names on each, then cut a slit in the top of the cork and slide the paper into place.
What to serve? Look for seasonal recipes that utilize the newest offerings at the farmer’s markets such as cool weather salad greens, vegetables, eggs and meats.
Recycled wine bottle vases available from BotanicaEmail hcoones@hotmail.com for information
This month “green up” your table literally by bringing this fresh color to your dishes and centerpiece and figuratively as in “green” the new buzzword for local and earth friendly.
The inspiration for this table came from one of my long-time friend’s recent wedding. Room 39 catered the event using fresh, local ingredients and every detail in the décor was personal, handmade or recycled and made for a wonderful and intimate celebration. I borrowed a few of her ideas here.
The centerpiece is created by using recycled wine bottles that her dad cut off and sanded down to make terrific vases in several sizes and shades of green. Cluster three of these vases in the middle of your table and fill with one of my favorite signs of spring, vibrant grass. Wheat grass is an easy and quick to grow grass from seed or find flats of it at local florists. I love how the roots show through the glass and the bright green blades sprout out of the top. If you can’t find wheat grass, simply cut from the spring bulbs that are popping up in your yard.
The next step to greening your table is in the place settings. I started by recycling my burlap tablecloth from Thanksgiving and cutting it into placemats. Bring in the color green by using dishes in fun patterns and shades from apple to kelly. For an earthy element add in a wooden salad bowl made from a sustainable resource. The mix of wood and glass will add interest to the table. Place cards are made from recycling wine bottle corks and brown paper grocery bags. Start by tearing the paper sack into small rectangles and write guests’ names on each, then cut a slit in the top of the cork and slide the paper into place.
What to serve? Look for seasonal recipes that utilize the newest offerings at the farmer’s markets such as cool weather salad greens, vegetables, eggs and meats.
Recycled wine bottle vases available from BotanicaEmail hcoones@hotmail.com for information
