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

Or is it the sheep .   .   .  or is it the ram??? Hmmm .   .   . If this is your Chinese zodiac sign then I, being the magnanimous mistress of choices am leaving the choice up to you, since the sign includes all three .   .   . oh please .   .  . my pleasure, you’re entirely welcome. Now my personal choice is the ram, of course I’m sure .   .   . why? Well .   .   . I don’t see myself as a sheep, and certainly not a goat !!!  Now a ram .   .   . ahhh yesss .   .   . a ram is strong, sure footed, steadfast, and spunky enough to negotiate any mountain. Lol .   .   . I see some of you rethinking your choice. No, no please .   .   . no hurry .   .   . it’s quite alright, take all the time you want, after all you do have all year .   .   . right?

Regardless of your particular Chinese zodiac sign .   .   . a celebration is indeed just that .   .   . a celebration. One to be shared with friends, family and first timers to your circle come February 19th.  The Chinese New Year, aka Spring Festival dates back a mere 4,000 years. Yup .   .   . 4,000 years of delicately flavored mouth watering recipes. Of the many dishes considered table worthy for ‘the’ most important Chinese holiday are; noodles for long life and fertility, shrimp lettuce cups for rising fortune and happiness. Wait .  .   . hang on .   .   . let me catch my breath!  Phew .   .   . I’m under control .   .   .o k I’m ready to continue .   .   .Peking duck representing good health, (not to be carved before brought to the table so as not to undermine ones health), a whole chicken served uncut till brought to the table symbolizing a fortuitous new year start to finish. Next comes the unique, not usually seen in a restaurant, but highly placed on the must haves when dining at home. Chinese tea eggs for prosperity*. Next comes stir fried beef with nectarines for continuing health and happiness, to be followed with a whole steamed fish for abundance, followed by bowls of oranges, and tangerines symbolizing gold for the up coming year.

What to do .   .   . what to do? Oops, that was just me thinking out loud. Do I set a traditional Gung Hay Fat Choy tablescape, OR do I skitter over that silly conventional invisible line, and go for the gusto? I’ve taken a vote and glory be, shucks and golly gosh     .   .    . I seem to have won the vote!!! YAYY! So here is this years very “nontraditional” Chinese New Year’s celebration à la Sharon. You do know I can hear a few of you clucking your tongues! People, remember that you’re not here for the food .   .   . right? Mmmm .   .   .  sweet silence .   .   . thanks, that’s better .   .   . sheesh .   .   . remember, I merely suggest not cajole. Here is the deal with the photo below .   .   . yes, yes, by all means click and wonder around.

Done? Excellent .   .   . so here goes .   .   . ‘The’ main event isn’t due for another 6 days .   .   . but what I have laid out for your inspection is my ‘sweet’ sideboard for after dinner. Vintage candle holders, votive holders with an Asian motif, mixed with a sprinkling of  my antique decorative pieces, including vintage chopsticks. Red candles, woven throughout my sideboard will cast a glimmer of what’s to come in the year of the ram. Now all you have to do is .   .   . sit very still, and watch closely. There, there it is! .   .   . oh please, look again, I don’t want you to miss seeing the swirling flashes of dancing dragons amongst the juicy morsels. Take a little imagination, play outside the lines, add a few of your ‘things’ lying around the house, and stir gently.

Wishing all of you who partake in the Chinese New Year .   .   . prosperity, good fortune, continuing good health, and just as important .   .   . happiness.

*Tea egg is a typical Chinese savory food commonly sold as a snack, in which a pre-boiled  egg is cracked and then boiled again in tea, sauce and/or spices. Wikipedia

When using candles, please trim wicks to 1/4″-3/8″ of an inch, each and every time.

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

© 2014 Sharon Insul / Tableofferings. All rights reserved (Text and Photography)

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

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