COME SIT WITH ME FOR AWHILE. . .

AND SEE WHAT I’M BRINGING TO THE TABLE

What .   .   . you don’t have a very old Mesquite table for a buffet in your kitchen ?

No worries, your kitchen counters will do very nicely, thank you . . .

Don’t have a lot of counter space, you say . . . hmmmmm . . .
mm … mmm . . . come on, have another look, paaaleeese (please)

If you don’t see extra space, then your still not thinking out of the box !!!
O K .  .  . let me help you see what I see. Ahhhh . . . there it is !!! .  .  . your stove top

. . . yep, that’s right, your stove top.

Now your thinking that I am sooooo far out of the box, that I have gone over the edge. Well, don’t count me out and over just yet !!!!
It actually makes good, practical sense.

If you plan on serving VERY casual, it really makes sense. No worries about keeping your stew, soup, and side dishes hot. Put the burners on low and your good to go !!!

Or if your looking to bump the service up a notch or two . . . read on please.  .  .

All that is necessary, is that your stove top cooking is finished about a half hour before you need to use that area, so it is nice and cool, and allows you time to ‘set your stove’ so to speak, for your buffet. I am not suggesting that you forgo using your counter tops as well…   I’m just offering the potential for a drop dead conversation piece !!!

Cover burners with, a small cloth (optional) folded to create a triangle, letting the point drop over the front edge of stove. Table is now set, so to speak . . . now you can use, wood planks, a couple of trays, large platters, etc. . . . stagger votives toward the back of the stove (out of harms way, and someone getting burnt), mixed with small clusters of flowers. Dim your kitchen lights, light candles* through out safe areas of your kitchen, and let the games begin!!!!!!!

Wood (not too thick) planks are an easy fix, and can be found at your local lumber yard (ask for remnants). Just make sure you know the size you want to cover. By the by . . . again thinking out of the box, if you are not using a cloth, wood can be layered at different angles or stacked, creating more visual impact. No wood? Try inverting different sizes of glass, wood, and/or pottery bowls for a most unique look.

Your now an official ‘out of the box’ hostess !!! HAVE FUN !!!!!!!!

Till next week…

Please burn candles responsibly
*remember to trim wicks to between 1/4-3/8” before each burn.

For answers to your questions .   .   . contact .   .   . sharons3@me.com

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