Tablescape in your Garden

Enjoy a quiet moment or entertain a friend in the lush setting of your garden. With plantings and birdhouses as the backdrop, set up a table, pull in some chairs and bring out cookies and coffee. Don't forget a large basket of reading materials that are always at the ready by the back door. Put your feet up and indulge in the luxury that you worked so hard on- your own garden.

For more great "coffee break" tablescape ideas, visit www.GirlzNetwork.com!

Rhubarb- A Springtime Treat

Rhubarb- a springtime favorite of mine and chefs everywhere. This tart, stalky vegetable has decorative, yet toxic, leaves and edible stems. The bright red stems are used in a variety of recipes, and as a child we ate them right out of the garden- savoring every puckering, sour moment. This vegetables conjures up balmy spring days, dirty hands and knees, and that first bite after its been rinsed off by the garden hose. To me- rhubarb is as spring as lilacs, sheets on the line outside, and flip flops. Here are some of my favorite rhubarb recipes- sure to bring a pucker, I mean smile, to your lips!

Rhubarb Compote

This recipe is as easy as making apple sauce. Roughly chop rhubarb stalks and put them in a slow cooker or pot over low temperature until they are tender. You may need to add a bit of water so they don't scorch. Once tender, mis in sugar and a dash of cinnamon to taste. Remember, rhubarb is tart so you will need the sugar!

Serve warm with whipped cream or over vanilla ice cream.

Rhubarb Crisp

Streusel top and bottom:

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup flour

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter-melted

Mix together and put half on the bottom of a 9x9 glass baking dish or pie plate. Reserve the rest for the topping.

Filling:

3 cups diced rhubarb

1 tablespoon flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 tablespoon water

Stir together and place over streusel in bottom of dish. Top with remaining streusel.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes, until bubbly.

Serve warm with ice cream.

Rhubarb Cake

1/2 cup shortening

11/2 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda in 1 cup sour milk. To make the milk sour, add 2 tablespoon of white vinegar to it.

2 cups flour

3 cups rhubarb, diced

Cream together shortening and sugar. Add egg and salt. Beat in sifted dry ingredients, alternateingly with milk and baking soda mixture.

Fold in rhubarb.

Pour into a 9x9 pan.

Toppping: 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle over cake mixture.

Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes.

Makes a great coffee cake or afternoon snacking cake.

Happy Earth Day!

Daylillies, to me, are the work horse in a garden. They bloom forever and ask for very little in return. Isn't this what Earth Day is all about? The planet gives us so much, and asks for very little in return. Here are some easy ideas to help us get started with "Going Green"!

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Reduce your waste and carbon footprint. Reuse and donate items that you cannot use- others can and will. Recycle everything possible and think before you throw it out.

Plant a tree! Trees are being eliminated faster than they are being grown. We can go into all of the alternatives to wood usage, but remember- these are baby steps to living green. Plant a tree, gain oxygen and shade, and do something wonderful for the environment all at the same time.

Turn the water off while you brush your teeth. I know it sounds simple, but this baby step conserves water, and will maybe save a little on that water bill. Why wouldn’t you do this?

All that old paint that you are saving for touch-up painting. Use up or dispose of in the proper fashion. The gases that are emitted from the paint can sitting there are harmful to you and your family. Anyway, the touch up spot always looks a bit different! If you must keep a little-put some in a baby food jar and seal it tightly.

Make your own cleaners or use an environmentally friendly brand- like Method from Target and Seventh Generation from Amazon. You would be amazed at what plain old water and vinegar can clean!

Have a “no electronics” evening. Not only turn off, but unplug the television, computer, game boys, coffee machine, hairdryers, etc. Sit with your family and play good old board games- scrabble, twister, checkers go for a walk together, or the book you keep putting off. Great family time and great for the body and mind!

"Going Green” really can be an easy thing to do!

Daylily "On and On"- available at Jackson and Perkins for $12.95

The Blues Tablescape

Do you love sunny days with blue skies? Can't get enough Blue Moon ice cream? Have a hint of blue in every room? Then this tablescape is for you! I want to embrace my blues and dream of fluffy clouds, water, and blue skies of a summer vacation. Lets travel to the color that evokes tumbling waves and cool summer nights- Blues.

A table can be done in all different tones of blue. I am choosing Cobalt Blue, since I have quite a bit to work with. This is a table of color saturation, so pull out anything that you think may work in the blues family.

This is a great middle of the month table, “just because” table, add flags for the 4th of July table, silver for New Year’s Eve table, etc. I think you get the picture- this tablescape can be tweaked to fit many moods, and the color blue is extremely versatile and easy to find.

My table demonstration is for an everyday table- no special occasion.
Lets break this down in easy to follow steps, and use the pictures as your guide:

Table covering: Use something white- I used gauzy sheer curtains that were not in use elsewhere. This gives the table an ethereal, formal quality. White will make any blue pop, and your linen choice will set the informal/formal tone of the table.

Blue solid and patterned china- mix and match with what you have.

Italian water bottles in a strong blue color- I always have these on hand since the carbonated beverage is refreshing, and I use the bottles for vases as well. Large and small sizes vary your vase needs. (Available at grocery stores- I use Trader Joe’s)

Napkins- how about a linen napkin or blue kerchief from the craft store, rolled around a white paper napkin. Less laundering and the white again makes the blue shine.

Centerpiece- its difficult to find cobalt blue flowers so lets think outside the box. *A white bowl, or blue, filled with mosaic blue glass spheres.

Multiple blue, purple, and white candles scattered throughout in blue glass holders. I do mean multiple candles!

Fish bowls filled with sea glass, aquarium gravel, marbles, sand and shells- all in blue tones. You may even want to throw in a fish or two! This is definitely for a casual table.

Flowers and /or produce. Think again in blue tones. Blue Hydrangea would be a knockout, but a bit on the costly side. Instead, think of fruit and vegetables that can be eaten after. Purple eggplant, grapes, lemons or apples for a punch of color will be beautiful. Just remember, one type of anything in a container gives you much more impact, and use a lot of it!

Enjoy your “BLUE MOOD”!

Inspiring Decorating Books

For inspiration with color, pattern, and texture, I turn to Tricia Guild and her gorgeous books. Not only are they "eye candy" for interior decorators, but she sees the world in technicolor and shares it with her readers. These are her newest, but don't overlook Colors and Country Colors- two of my favorites! Any and all of her books make excellent gifts or coffee table books, to just leaf through and enjoy!


Tricia Guild Flower Sense: The Art of Decorating With Flowers can be pre-ordered through Amazon.com for $26.40


Inspiration by Tricia Guild is $13.59 from Amazon.com

Visit GirlzNetwork.com for more great decorating books or share your favorites with us!

Spring Tablescape

Tablescapes are my passion- especially as a decorator and in entertaining. Everything just tastes better on a pretty table! This spring setting has all of the elements that I like to incorporate. First and foremost, I shop through my own house and use what I already have! Think outside the box and use items in different ways.

The linens that cover this table are actually my grandmother's antique quilt! Layer your linens for a fun, new feel- not just the typical tablecloth.

Mix and match china- start with a white setting, if you have one, and mix floral patterns and bright colors for a spring look.

Top the setting off with something whimsical- I used my Little Ones flower fairies collection for this party. Add an object from nature (pussywillows, a bird's nest, fresh greens or flowers) and your table setting is complete!

Check out the entire table setting at my website GirlzNetwork.com, and more ideas to browse through!

Gardening Gifts

Its spring, and I am thinking of gardening! I love getting my hands dirty and watching plants emerge from the cold winter. These are some great items that I found for yourself or your favorite gardener. Go ahead- go play in the dirt!

Succulent wreath from Viva Terra- a great organic product and gift company.

Garden Torches from Outdoor Decor- find all your outdoor room accessories here!

Flowering Tote cachpot from Gardener's Supply Company- plants and accessories available.

Lilacs are the color of spring...

Lilacs are spring. Their fragrance hangs heavy in the air. Gather a beautiful bunch of lilacs for your table. Lilacs conjure up memories of grandma's house and summer picnics. Their fragrance and beauty are fleeting, but the memory lingers on.

Here's a pick of some of my favorite lilac products, including an impossibly gorgeous flower.

'Dark Night' Lilac Plant from Gardener’s Supply Company for $21.95. With its burgundy-red blossoms the color of fine wine, 'Dark Night" is sure to be the focal point in your garden. A sweet-smelling early bloomer, it grows to 8-12 feet tall.

Sterling Silver Amethyst Butterfly Pendant from Amazon.com for $25. As a decorator, every room should have a touch of purple- that includes yourself! This pendant says "carefree and spring", and is a must have accessory in your wardrobe.

Kara Jacquard Bed Ensemble from Domestications is $79.99- any size! This bedding is a breath of fresh air in your bedroom! I can smell the lilacs already! Florals and stripes are trendy in this lilac-toned bedding. Set includes comforter, shams, skirt, and sheets!

Bath & Body Works Fresh Lilac Hair Spray ,8.0 oz, from Amazon.com is only $4.50. Enjoy the fragrance of lilacs as you keep your hair style intact all day. Other lilac scented products available.