Lovely Presentation

As you probably know, I have come a LONG way in my homemaking skills.
Today as I served the Thanksgiving meal I was reminded of the importance of presentation!
Above was our turkey, beautifully carved by my husband, and garnished with fresh cranberries and parsley. 

Cookies may taste good on paper plates (and I am not saying there is not a time for paper plates) but the person getting one of those cookies can not help but to feel special if the cookies are served on a nice platter.

Most of the time I try and serve my dinners in a nice bowl, instead of in the pans I cooked them in. It does make for more dishes, but it makes me feel good to see a nicely presented table, and those who are eating at my table feel special as well.

I pour condiments in small glass bowls instead of putting the jars and bottles on the table.
Above, I was serving grilled pizzas and gave my guests a chance to choose their own toppings. 

This does not need to be expensive. We slowly phased out all plastic a few years ago.  If I need to purchase an item I think about not only is it functional, but is it pleasant to look at? I search the local thrift store for pretty bowls and plates. We are still using the same white dishes we received as wedding presents 10 years ago, and I have learned to mix and match to make them work in all sorts of circumstances!

Pyrex is WONDERFUL! They are pretty glass bowls, but they have lids, so I can use them as tupperware in the fridge for leftovers, they are my baking dishes, and they are still nice enough to serve in!

And investing in a few cookie cutters was one of the wisest things I ever did! You can take almost any food, and make it beautiful with a cookie cutter, like the star shaped cucumbers a few pictures above, or check out the "parties" category here on my blog. I have so much fun with shaped food! Shaped cheese on crackers, shaped butter on home made rolls, shaped bell peppers in a festive salad. Shaped melons in a fruit salad. The possibilities are endless!
These star shaped shortcakes on 4th of July were especially fun!

So I want to challenge you ladies this holiday season to dress up your tables a little!
Get creative with what you have, and serve your families a beautiful meal!