How Will You Set Your Table for the Holidays?

I've mentioned before that setting a table is art. The holidays are a prefect time to display some of your artistic talents, whether it's the decoration you place around the house, dressing a Christmas tree, creating a wonderful meal, or masterfully designing a table for a holiday dinner. I've also said, eating a good meal should also include ambiance. The food always tastes better when you feel comfortable with the environment you're eating in and that environment evokes positive emotions.

Photo Credit: 1. Delish.com; 2,3, 4. HGTV; 5. getmarried.com; 6. Chez Larsson

Kumquat Digestif- The Morning After; The Art of Preparing a Meal

A little while back I told you I was making a Kumquat Digestif. It finally finished infusing, and I was able to try it. First I prepared a delicious meal of Thai Steak with jasmine rice and and a spicy cabbage salad; and a Tomato-Cucumber salad with mint, almonds and feta cheese (I substituted the feta with ricotta salata cheese because of my distaste for feta).

After the meal was over, we finally tried the digestif- la raison d'etre. My dinner guest really liked the Kumquat Digestif and said that it tasted like Grand Marnier. It was a bit too sweet for me, so I have since added some more thyme, kumquats, and vodka to cut the sugar a little bit. Yummy.

Of course, with my obsession to all things relating to a dish or a glass, I had to set the table appropriately. I've previously discussed a few of my dinner pieces here, here, and here. I was glad to be able to bring them together in this attractive, yet not too overstated table setting. It is great to have a dinner like this every once and a while, where you actually prepare an extensive meal and organize a more elaborate table for your guests. You feel accomplished and satisfied that you're actually capable of something artistic, because cooking and setting a table is art.

Great food, great environment, great company. You have to enjoy the little things... and all of this simply because I wanted to try the Kumquat Digestif. I guess bigger ideas start with the small ones.

Do You Know Kimono?

On 100 Layer Cake, guest blogger from Chewing the Cud did a tutorial on how to fold a kimono-styled napkin. Such a neat little idea! I had to re-post this. So many things could go inside of these. I could have used these as a kid, when I was trying to hide my brussel sprouts in my napkin.

For written instructions, check out 100 Layer Cake here.

Cool Find (On the Cheap)

Carafe-styled vase at A.C. Moore on sale for only $3.00.

What's Going On At Pier1

Pier 1 Imports is great for an eclectic mix of home furnishing ideas. I raced through the store quickly so I wouldn't buy too much, but of course I couldn't leave without buying something. Here are some of the items that caught my eye.

And what did I end up buying...?

Ta-da!

The cobalt blue drinking glasses! The color is such a perfect match for the plates I bought from World Market. I couldn't resist. They were on sale.

Even water will look good in these!

Party Over Here!

Remember my search for the perfect tablecloth at Home Goods? Well, I was able to put it to good use. I threw a small party for my grandparents 66th wedding anniversary. 66yrs- wow! That was definitely worth celebrating.

I had to make this table presentable for the celebration:

Pretty blah, right? I love my table, but not for a party. I wanted the table to have a crisp white color palate with pops of color.

So I called upon the economical guru of its class...
Surprise! It's not Home Goods! Ikea is more practical when buying items like champagne glasses in bulk. Home Goods has more quality items than they do bulk items; and sometimes you items that are more functional than stylish, especially when you're working with a budget.

This 3 tiered serving platter was only $15.

I love these over sized tea lights. $6 for a pack of 24 and $2 for a six pack of the glass candle holders. I also placed these all around the house.

This milky colored vase ($10) was perfect for my white color palate. I wanted to use some bright colored flowers to contrast the white vase.

Not pretty, but served its purpose. I picked up about 30 of these for $25.

These napkins are pretty good quality for such a reasonable price. $1.49/50pk.

The infamous tablecloth from Home Goods.

Remember my trip to CB2 in New York. Here are some of the purchase results... Love these.

And here is the table almost to completion:

I reused the water filled votive with the floating candle that I got from the bridal shower in NY that I shared with you in the Shower Me With Style post. It helps to be resourceful.

Congrats to my Grandparents for 66 years of amazing strength and commitment! I love you!

*This post is dedicated in loving memory to Greg Smith. Miss you.