tableofferingsblog.com

Posted on January 24, 2025 by sharons3

Come sit with me for awhile . . .
and see what I’m bringing to the table ®

Whether you’re in like, lust, or love . . . red velvet takes the cake!

Your heart belongs to ? Hmmm .   .   . Not sure who your heart belongs to? No worries. I believe in waiting until your heart meets its match .   .   . buttttt .   .   . oh pleeeease  .   .   . of course there is a but, isn’t there always?But the but is a good one. Remember when you were a pre-schooler, a kindergartener? Noooooo? How about grades one thru six when everyone handed out little Valentines to classmates, teachers, mommies and daddies? Ahh .   .   . you do remember .   .   . great. My point? My point is that Valentine’s Day is for everyone. I see it as a celebration of special warm and fuzzy feelings, for many people for different reasons. Sooo .   .   .  having said all of the above .   .   . let me entertain you with my take on Valentine’s Day 2025. My take on the upcoming Valentine’s Day 2025 can be seen below.

An intimate table for two in front of the fireplace covered with a floral motif needlepoint tapestry giving this table a feeling of intimacy. Flashes of red dishes, glasses, gazillions of candles .   .   . and ‘Red Velvet Cake’ fill this Cupid’s nest. Did you see that flash? No? Look closer. Geez. Missed it again? I’m telling you it was just there! There.There it was again! You didn’t see it? Hmmmm .   .  . Maybe what you need to do is .   .   . set your own table, so Cupid can sling those special arrows of love and romance for you!!!

Are you looking for a new twist on the same-old, ho-hum table setting? Well look no further .   .   . help is here .   .   . Now on Amazon “a collection of… Tableofferings® from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER getBook.at/Tableofferings®

For the kiddies in your life “I am sooo Lucky!!!” Series AVAILABLE on Amazon

Book1  getBook.at/book1Lucky    Book2   getBook.at/lucky2

Book3   getBook.at/Lucky3

Remember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free!

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as a former contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.

Come sit with me for awhile . . .
and see what I’m bringing to the table ®

Last week I heard someone singing deck the halls .   .   .  sooooo .   .   .  as you can see in the photo below.  .  . I went with the flow! Look .  .   . what can I say .   .  . label it power of suggestion, time of the year .   .   . or .   .   . I just lovvve to design and decorate!!! Lol! This is a teeny-weeny, itsy-bitsy part of what’s on my mental drawing board.

Now I know that many of you have already met Charlie, houseman extraordinaire and keeper of my found treasures from having grabbed up my new book “a collection of … Tableofferings™ from the go-to expert tablescaper,” but .   .   . you have not been introduced to my stair monitor Arthur (seen below). What does Arthur do ? He stands by proudly to help shed light, and remind everyone to watch their step! The pops of light are sooo easy to create when using battery run LED lights .   .   .  NO extension cords! OMG it must feel almost as good as riding a zip-line high above a forest! Oh please .  .   . I said almost .   .   . the only thrill-seeking in my DNA is working the edgy side of a design!

The photo below is just a hint of what’s on my ‘mental drawing board’. I guess you’ll have to wait till next week…

My  BOOK is  out there for all of you to see!!! http://amzn.to/2ehlCp4

Now on Amazon  http://amzn.to/2ehlCp4 “a collection of… Tableofferings™ from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER !

FOR THE KIDDIES in your life …It’s all about those adorable sisters! Listen to my children’s books Live radio interview bit.ly/29QSJPd
I am sooo Lucky!!!  AVAILABLE NOW on Amazon http://amzn.to/1qh38Zf

Remember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free!

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as a former contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper. Tableofferings and Come sit with me for awhile … and see what I am bringing to the table © … is owned solely by Sharon Insul.

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Come sit with me for awhile . . .
and see what I’m bringing to the table ®

In the blink of an eye! 

It will be the end of 2024! Some may say good riddance, while others may be saying whoa Nellie slow it down! Sorry no can do. Me? Oh that’s an easy one. I say .   .   . bring it on. Because I’m set for New Year’s Eve. Literally and figuratively. Tablescape above is ready to go. Once I blow the candles out this table will be covered with a sheet just waiting for New Year’s Eve.

The photo below gives a birds-eye view of the center with a mix of candles. Candles in all shapes and sizes. From tapers to pillars to sparkling gold and silver holders scattered throughout this tablescape. Alternating gold and silver chargers filled with vintage china topped off with sparkling green compote dishes. Champagne flutes are partnered with wine and water goblets. To create further interest, assorted eye candy of silk tassels as well as happy wishes are tied up with silk ribbon and scattered here, there, and everywhere. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!

Are you looking for a new twist on the same-old, ho-hum table setting? Well look no further .   .   . help is here .   .   . Now on Amazon “a collection of… Tableofferings™ from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER getBook.at/Tableofferings

For the kiddies in your life “I am sooo Lucky!!!” Series AVAILABLE on Amazon

Book3   getBook.at/Lucky3

Remember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free!

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as an ongoing contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.

Come sit with me for awhile…
and see what I’m bringing to the table®

This is the most exciting time of the year!

No? Wait. Let’s try this again . . . are you feeling it yet? No. Hmmm. Let me get back to you.

There is a crispness in the air this time of year, even in sunny Los Angeles. The sun briefly dances ever-so-close above the rooftops then dramatically sheds its warmth as it dips a goodnight. Not only is this the most exciting time of the year but the most social time of the year. November and December is for re-connecting friends, family and welcoming new acquaintance’s to your hearth and home.

Welcoming tables filled with the burst of vibrant colors blended with the rich bounty of earths gifts sends my heart and spirit soaring. My plate selection seen above) adds to the rich bounty that will fill my guests plates come Thanksgiving. Tablescapes are more than merely placing the necessary utensils on a table. Absolutely not! A table setting is meant to paint a picture. A painting that catches your complete attention leaving you with one overwhelming desire. I can’t wait to sit at that table.

The setting below is one from last Thanksgiving. It’s all about the warmth of rich wood, glistening pumpkins and mesmerizing candlelight. Of course. Ahhhhhh. I just heard my few naysayers Mmmm. It’s o k I new you juyst need to see the whole picture! HAPPY Thanksgiving

NOW on Amazon! getBook.at/Tableofferings

Also on AMAZON getBook.at/book1Lucky getBook.at/lucky2 getBook.at/Lucky3

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globallyrecognized Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and…Beverly Hills, California as well as former contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper

Tableofferings is owned solely by Sharon Insul. ©

Come sit with me for awhile. . . and see what I’m bringing to the table ©

Zip Zap Zing! Swish Whoosh! OMG!!!

Are you feeling it? No? Wait . . . let me try this another way. Hang on. How about . . . the electricity in the air? Before you answer . . . close your eyes, take a deep breath and let the excitement of the season envelope your very being.

Ah ha! I knew you just needed a minute to get into the moment. Phewwww!

The photo above is a mere taste of the season to come. Deep rich colors, the warmth of seasoned wood mixed with layers upon layers of visual candy. Tablescapes screaming warmth, hearth and cozy. If you don’t have a well loved wood tray . . . opt for a large platter. Pile your yummies on, surround them with bits of copper, brass and silver pieces from around your home. Add tree branches faux leaves, and earths bounty of fruit, and veggies. Mmmmmm hmmmmm I can feel you are beginning to feel it!!!

A yet another way to add texture, and visual interest is by stepping out of the box. A painting you just snickered. Yes, yes I distinctly heard at least one of you snicker. What? You don’t see art/photographs on the walls of restaurants? Mmmm Hmmmmm. I rest my case!!!

NOW on Amazon! getBook.at/Tableofferings

Also on AMAZON getBook.at/book1Lucky getBook.at/lucky2 getBook.at/Lucky3

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globallyrecognized Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and…Beverly Hills, California as well as former contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper

Tableofferings is owned solely by Sharon Insul. ©

Come sit with me for awhile . . .
and see what I’m bringing to the table ®

Do you always knock on wood?  No?  Oh I see  .   .   . because your not superstitious or anything .   .   . mm hmmmm. Then what was that little rapping sound that I just heard      .   .    . oh please! You know, it sounded like a soft .   .   . rat-a-tat-tat. Hedging your bet       .   .    .  perhaps?  Me? Oh yes I’m always knocking on wood, as well as touching wood any chance I get. Please, feast your eyes on what is only a small part of my wood collection below. The chairs? Wait .   .   . give me a chance to get over my giggles .   .   . phew, thanks. O k  the giggles are gone .   .   . for now. Sooo .   .   . about your first question .   .   . the chairs. These sweet things are hand made, so when I came across them, I actually picked the ones that spoke to my ‘love of miniatures’, much like when picking a pet .   .   . but not. Lol! Not only were they a must have, but also screamed ‘take us home .  .  . because we can carry our own weight’, and they did and do as promised. I tuck these sweeties here and there on buffets, cheese boards, and around the room during cocktail hou, holding various treats.

Whoa whoa whoa ! I just heard someone say .  .   . what’s the big deal about wood? Oh boy! It’s Mother Nature at her finest. There is nothing better than tossing a salad in a bowl, carrying memories of hundreds of rich dressing concoctions, which in turn  constantly seasons the wood. Or, how about the wood plank that has held a standing rib roast, brisket, or maybe a fancy-schmancy chateaubriand surrounded by perfectly crusted whipped potatoes, and that’s the short list. The best part is that you can chop, slice, dice, carve, use for a place mat, charcuterie/cheese board , or even as a plate.   .   . and yes Lol that is also the short list.  Good unprocessed wood offers no chemicals, crumbling, or chipping. Wood just keeps on giving long after the party is over.

NOW on AMAZON ” a collection of .. .Tableofferings® from the go-to-expert tablescaper”

Available in E-book and Hardcover getBook.at?Tableofferings®

Continue reading →

Come sit with me for awhile . . .
and see what I’m bringing to the table ®

Tapas versus hors d’oeuvres .   .   . oh yes, please! What do you mean, which one? Who cares .    .   . it’s all good.

Now the literal translation for tapas is ‘cover lid'( as seen above). In the good old golden days, tiny bits of savory treats were served free on a dish that was balanced on top of your drink, and used like a lid. Having just returned from Spain where tapas abounded in every nook and cranny imaginable it never came as a cover for my drink and definitely not for free. Having shared all of the above info with you I feel compelled to move on to the art of serving tapas, and leave hors d’oeuvres for another day.

Tapas covers a myriad of morsels (one example above) such as olives, chorizo in red wine, Jamón Serrano (aka, ham from the sierra/mountain range), shrimp, pimientos de Padrón, gazpacho, charred artichoke hearts, hummus, etc., etc., etc.. It’s about the mix of the tasty morsels, and how it’s presented. Oh please .   .   . you all don’t have to whisper .   .   .  I hear you! Yesssss .   .   . it isss about the presentation as well as the nibbles. Since we are on the subject of presentation, let me offer a couple of potential suggestions. For visual interest and a giant leap out-of-the-ho-hum abyss think  broken pieces of quartz, marble, slate, decorative tile or a remnant cut of wood.Bon appétit !!!

Are you looking for a new twist on the same-old, ho-hum table setting? Well look no further .   .   . help is here .   .   . Now on Amazon “a collection of… Tableofferings from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER getBook.at/Tableofferings

Come sit with me for awhile . . .

and see what I’m bringing to the table®

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS. .  .

As in life . . . it’s not necessarily how you start out, but how you end up that counts!

Take the heart of a romaine lettuce, as shown in the photo above . . . mix in some interesting ingredients that will turn it into a work of art. Art you exclaim!! . . . Yes, yes . . . that’s what I said . . . art . . . edible art. You have this amazing gift from nature just waiting to get all dressed up. . . or not.

When dealing with visual effects, such as food . . . the first consideration should be color mix, as in the combination of colors to be married together. Think of combining colors, the same way you would when selecting paint for your home. To give your salad some snap, and pop, you have to bring in some texture . . . you know. . . a bunch of crunch, and munch, from Mother Nature’s finest . . . It’s summertime, and the sky’s the limit on selection. Relax, I’m not ignoring taste, it’s just that . . . well really, it’s very, very, very hard to ruin a mixed green salad. . . honest!

Now that we’ve tackled, and mastered ‘The Salad’, it’s time to step out of the box . . . again . . . Did you seriously think we were done? Oh please . . . The lettuce exercise, was merely to help you think in combinations of texture, taste, and visual effect. The same principle applies to setting a dinner table, buffet, tea table, or decorating a home. Color combinations, texture, and ultimately, the visual effect.

Mix it up . . . it’s O K, you can do this . . . start with one dish, whether solid or pattern and start adding in the unexpected! More than one pattern, in the same place setting, play well together, with an added solid color . . . or two for pop. WOW… and here you thought you had just one or two sets of dishes. Now that your getting the hang of tablescaping, it’s time to step out of the box again . . . when creating interesting, unique, and fun place settings, marked down, and broken sets of dishes, are your best shopping buds. Why you ask . . . because, broken sets are generally sold piece by piece, at great discounts, and . . . you don’t have to cram your cupboards with pieces you don’t want or need.

People… think of tablescaping like your clothes … dress them up or dress them down!

Till next week…

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the popular Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and…

WELCOMES YOUR COMMENTS and QUESTIONS . . . sharons3@me.com

When using candles* for your celebration… remember to trim wicks to between 1/4-3/8” before each burn.

Please burn candles responsibly.

On Amazon http://amzn.to2ehlCp4  “a collection of… Tableofferings® from the go-to expert tablescaper”

Continue reading →