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

Can’t make it to the beach for Memorial Day .    .    . no worries … I’ve got you covered.

Bringing the beach to your guests, no matter where you live, is a snap. It’s all about the window dressing. Taking a cue from the treasures of the sea, including sea shells, coral, sea glass, and pearls .   .   . yup.   .   . you read it right .   .   . pearls. Fortunately, today there is a huge faux selection of all of the  above at party stores, and home decor stores, just waiting for your creative imagination to take flight.

I happened across my turquoise plastic sea shell center piece pictured above, at a Big Lots store a few years ago, during Christmas season of all times. Not one to pass up a long range golden opportunity, for the very paltry sum of $1.99, I took my prize find home, and carefully stored it away for future use .  .   . waiting for the perfect time to unearth my unexpected treasure. And lo and behold .   .   . along comes Memorial Day and out comes my super sized sea shell bowl!!!

First came layers of tablecloths, saving the top layer for a hand crocheted vintage tablecloth, creating the look of a sand-like background. Next up is my prized centerpiece, filled with chunks of coral, shells of every imaginable shape, and size, sea glass, and then topping it all off, layer, upon layer of faux pearls in varying colors and sizes. My next step was to mix new and vintage plates, while highlighting a mix of glasses, ready for water,wine, champagne, or a newly vinted boutique beer.*

Lets talk candles. . .
It’s time to clarify when, where and how to use candles, safely and effectively.

Place votives in a glass holder, tucking them in and around glassware, and centerpiece. For added ambience,  place chunky unscented pillars, white, or off white)** around the perimeter of your seating area, whether indoors or outside.

For those of you who are the occasional user, please take safety notes.  First, make sure the wicks are @1/4” in length, the first time and every time you burn candles.
Secondly, to prevent candles from dripping on to your table, cloth, or carpet, keep them away from drafts, such as air conditioner vents, open doors, windows.
I know you are now thinking there is no way to prevent a draft .

Ye of little faith. . .allow me to enlighten you!

Simple . . . Light up and watch the flames . . . By moving your candle holders slightly, you will see the flames calm down and behave as good little troopers.
** White of off white pillars give off the best illumination.

*When serving champagne, and/or beer, please go the extra mile .  .  . and chill your glasses, in order to bring beverages to the table at their peak .

“I AM SOOO LUCKY!!!”  launch by June 8th will keep you all posted.

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

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