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

We all like hearing those 4 little words .   .   .  no not those words, LOL .   .   .

the other words .   .   . ‘I’ve got you covered’.

As we all know, covering someone or something can mean a zillion things, but not this time.  .   . This time it’s about food, and it shouldn’t come as any great surprise, since food and the presentation thereof .   .   . is what I bring to you weekly.

Well I say it’s summer, and time to bring breakfast, lunch, brunch, high tea, some hors d’oeuvre’s and cocktails, perhaps dinner .   .   . or dessert .   .   . or .   .   . maybe a ginormous buffet to the great outdoors.

This is the time of year when most peoples moods seem to warm with the rising temperature. Warmer weather, giving way to longer daylight, allowing us more leisure time, and ultimately balmy evenings. Balmy evenings laced with soft breezes that remind us just how amazing Mother Nature can be. Breezes .   .   . likened to a far off island trade wind .   .   .  it’s that special warm dusting of air that runs across your skin every time there is the tiniest stir of air .   .   . as though an invisible feather just did a special dance.

I think, this is right about the time your wondering where this story is going .   .  .  So here is the crux of my story .   .   . How, and what to cover your food with when serving outside. Wait.   .   . don’t go yet ! Really, I promise it will be worth the few moments left to finish my tale of tips.

The photo above, with two rattan food domes, and trays, is just one of many ways to successfully protect your food from flying pests that are always waiting in the wings to chow down with the rest of your guests. Not only do I have the flying gourmands to worry about, but I also have the dubious distinction of sharing my courtyard with a couple of hungry squirrels. So now you all understand my obsession with food protection patrol!!!

I use many different types of covers, such as the inexpensive netted umbrella, inverted glass bowls, and glass plates large enough to cover bowls of food. Now for my all time favorite of favorites .   .   . cloches, cloches, and more cloches, of all shapes and sizes. There is definitely something to be said for that tantalizing peek through the looking glass!!!

Food covered .   .   . it’s time for lots, and lots of candles .   .   . tapers, votives, pillars, and floating candles , with a flower or two in the same bowl .   .    . go ahead don’t be shy .   .   . candles are the icing on the cake, so to speak .   .   .

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