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

I’m trying to hold on to June  .   .   . but it hasn’t been easy!

So much to celebrate .   .   . Father’s Day .   .   .  Flag Day .   .   . watching The Triple Crown, The World Cup, Wimbeldon, The Queens Birthday*, for those of you who are so inclined    .   .   . and, if you are lucky enough to be  privy to 4 days, of sublime fashionista laced haute couture, magnificent horses, and just jolly good fun, known as the British Royal Ascot .  .  . Oh, and let’s not forget, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings .   .   . all, and I mean all of the graduations, generally held outdoors, under the hot glaring sun. Wait a minute .   .   . did I mention all the engagement parties, weddings, and more weddings. Phewwwwww!!!! So as not to panic, or bore you, I only gave you the tip of the iceberg, and not the full monty!

Hence .   .   . my opening statement,” it’s hard to hold on to June”. So many events, so little time .  .  . and before you know it .   .   . yup, you guessed it .   .   . here comes the 4th of July.

Now, this will be an easy peasy one  .   .   .  no fancy shmancy here .  .   . down home comfort food. I’m thinking chicken, ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie burgers, all done up on the old ‘barbie’! Throw in sides of potato salad, coleslaw, mixed green salad, a little pasta .   .   . oh .   .   . and quinoa with feta cheese, mango, kiwi, and fresh dill would be nice.    Yes, yes I know I said nothing fancy shmancy .   .   . buttt .   .   . really, it’s only a grain !!! All the prep can take place the day before .   .   . easy, peasy!

Remember people .   .   . I merely suggest, not demand. I offer choices, ideas, and how to facilitate these ideas. Honest!

So having suggested the above .   .   . I further offer a few ideas in order to get this shindig on track.  A few years ago, I got lucky to run across a close out of light weight trays, just large enough for a plate, glass,napkin, and utensils, for $2.50 each!!! Hello .   .   . who could, or would pass that up. Now I get that my trays were a fluke .   .   . sooooo .   .   . here is my alternative suggestion, look for rattan .   .   . it’s very inexpensive, especially at discount stores .   .   . I’m talking real low down, practically paying you to take it away, discount stores .   .   . I know these bargains are out there .   .   . all it takes to score some of this loot is to be proactive. Once you have trays, stack those puppies up next to your plates, and watch how easy peasy the line flows! Come on people, let’s get moving!

For the finishing touch, add candles* .   .   . tons of candles of all sizes. From votives, to hurricane lamps filled with pillars. Don’t have hurricane lamps? .   .   . no worries .   .   . clay pots, as well as clay saucers make great holders for pillar candles. Keeping your pillars upright is a very easy fix. Start with a touch of earthquake wax, or candle adapter fixed to the bottom of candle .   .   . Now fill in around the pillars, using sand, small pebbles, beans, or even colored marbles. To get a great layered look, add multiple strings of lights.

It’s summertime, and the living is easy .   .   . indeed!

Don’t forget to trim wicks to between 1/4-3/8” before each burn. Please burn candles responsibly.

MORE CANDLE TIPS NEXT TIME

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

I WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS and QUESTIONS  .   .   . sharons3@me.com