Dishing it up / with Sharon Insul

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

Looking for “a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant” ??? Here’s the perfect respite .   .   . immerse yourself in…

Now on Amazon  http://amzn.to/2ehlCp4 “a collection of… Tableofferings from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER !

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as an ongoing contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.

Dishing it up / with Sharon Insul

Come sit with me for awhile . . . and see what I’m bringing to the table ® Looking for sophisticated simplicity, look no further. Featured above is one of my takes on a crisp, clean, and simple but elegant tablescape. I always view my potential table settings as if I am about to paint a still life on canvas.  I heard those giggles .   .   . psst .   .   . gigglers .   .   . I didn’t say that I was going to actually paint on canvas .   .   . geez! For this particular still life, my canvas began as a black on black diamond table linen, to which I added pure white fluted dinner plates and a pedestal dish giving this table a stark .   .   . do you see me now .   .   . contrast. Next, I added a layer of polished natural bone plates with their own individual markings straight from Mother Nature. Pale cream colored bone-like decorative handled flatware highlights the stunning artistic horn plates. A hand thrown, black clay oval shaped side dish, with bits of embellished mother of pearl, and matching spoon, sits between two place settings for sharing of a salt-cellar, or other condiments.  For a jolt of color, I added Granny Smith apples, and hand-thrown lime colored chalices. For extra eye-candy, I threw a frosted glass sculpture on the table .   .   . o k so I didn’t exactly throw it on the table .   .   . and a felled branch left behind from the high winds this week, as a reminder of yet another spectacular gift from nature.  Oh please .   .   . of course white candles, candles, candles, with plenty of  white holders to flatter.  Are you looking for a new twist on the same-old, ho-hum table setting? Well look no further help is here .   .   . Now on Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  IndieBound.org             “a collection of… Tableofferings™ from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER  http://getBook.at/Tableofferings. For the kiddies in your life “I am sooo Lucky!!!”  Books 1, 2, & 3 AVAILABLE on …Amazon      Barnes & Noble     IndieBound.orgBook1  http://getBook.at/book1Lucky    Book2   http://getBook.at/lucky2Book3   http://getBook.at/Lucky3Remember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free! Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as an ongoing contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.

Dishing it up / with Sharon Insul

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

Like clockwork, Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May, come rain or shine. A day recognized as a federal holiday dating as far back as May 30, 1868, when it was originally named Decoration Day. A day specifically set aside to honor those that have given their lives for this country. On a less somber note, Memorial Day weekend has also traditionally signaled the beginning of warm sunny days, laced with trips to the beach, long lazy wildflower filled hikes, pool parties, bar-b-ques, and for the younger set the tingling anticipation of summer camp. For some, the excitement has been building all year toward that long awaited vacation to a far flung and perhaps mysterious destination. For those of you who plan on a home-based stay-cation .  .   . endless possibilities abound!What better way to top off a cold buffet on a hot night than with an iced cappuccino? Sooo simple to prepare. The best possible way to serve iced-coffee is by brewing and refrigerating coffee after it cools .   .   . for the best-of-the-best treat! Start with putting your mixing bowl, and whisk or electric mixer whisks into the freezer for 20 minutes. Make sure that your heavy whipping cream is ice cold as well. For every cold cup of heavy whipping cream, add 2 tbs. either sugar, honey, or artificial sweetner all in the same ice-cold bowl. Set your electric beater on high for approximately 1 minute, until medium to stiff peaks form. You can refrigerate this yummy treat in an airtight container for about 10 hours. When ready to use just hand whisk to refresh for about 10-15 seconds. For the adventure in all of you .   .   . I suggest stepping out-of- the-box and putting your creative mode in-gear! Lol! I was just asked for some creative input .   .   . Phew! Yes, yes, yes, I thought you would never ask!!! Here are a few off the top of my brain .   .   . a splash of bourbon, a dash of cocoa powder, and yes, even tequila! Please note a few extra whisking seconds may be needed when adding any additional liquid.No, no, no, that’s not all of my list but .   .   . hellllooo .   .   . It’s time for all of you want to be DIY graduates to step up and .   .   . play! Now on Amazon  http://amzn.to/2ehlCp4 “a collection of… Tableofferings from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER !FOR THE KIDDIES in your life …It’s all about those adorable sisters! Listen to my children’s books live radio interview bit.ly/29QSJPd I am sooo Lucky!!!  AVAILABLE NOW on Amazon http://amzn.to/1qh38ZfRemember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free!           Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as an ongoing contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.

Dishing it up / with Sharon Insul

Come sit with me for awhile . . . and see what I’m bringing to the table ® Do you have sand in your shoes? Noooo .   .   .  not the kind that has you itching to travel. I’m talking about the kind that gets between your toes. Yes .  .   . that kind of sand. Don’t you just love the feel of your feet digging into warm sand? I do. However, when it comes to my dining room, I prefer the sand to be more visual then tactile.  Hmm .   .   .  what to do, what to do? In order to bring the beach to my urban abode, and ultimately to the delight of my guests I added tons of candles in various sizes,  some of my beach collected sea shells, and a mix of glass containers. When adding candles to a table setting please remember to go ‘low to keep the flow’. Now people I need you to zoom-in to the photo above and check out my “quasi ” sand. Yay .   .   . I just heard many of you say, I see it!!! OMG, I love it when most of you are paying attention. Exactly! White rice. Yup .   .   . a five pound bag of Chinese white rice from the super market for a whopping investment of two/ three dollars. It’s o k  .   .   . I’m not in a hurry .   .   . I’ll wait for the rest of you to check it out .   .   . no rush. To pull off my ‘quasi’ beach night I dug out my mother-of-pearl dishes shown below, and mixed them with mother-of-pearl-looking silverware. For those who must have actual sand I topped off each place setting with hourglasses that stand about 4 inches tall. Must run, because times running out before my guests arrive. Are you looking for a new twist on the same-old, ho-hum table setting? Well look no further, help is here .   .   . Now on Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  IndieBound.org             “a collection of… Tableofferings™ from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER  http://getBook.at/Tableofferings. For the kiddies in your life “I am sooo Lucky!!!”  Books 1, 2, & 3 AVAILABLE on …Amazon      Barnes & Noble     IndieBound.orgBook1  http://getBook.at/book1Lucky    Book2   http://getBook.at/lucky2Book3   http://getBook.at/Lucky3Remember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free! Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as an ongoing contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.

Dishing it up with/ Sharon Insul

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

Many of you will be making reservations instead of soufflé’s this Mother’s Day weekend. Hey .  .   . I get it!  After all it’s not about the menu or the tablescape per se, but it is about recognizing the unselfish love a mother never stops giving to her child/children. There is very little in life that can hold a candle to a mom’s nurturing love.

However, if you are going all-out at home for Mother’s Day, then helllo .   .   . this would be the perfect time to dig deep into your cubbyholes, closets, cupboards, and under your bed.  Wait .   .   .  don’t run off just yet .   .   .  I have another thought while you’re at it .   .   . oh please .   .   . of course I hear a few of you snickering! Since I am on a mission, I will share my last thought on places to look for new found goodies lying around your house. Are you all ready? Crack open some of  your still packed away wedding gifts! Mmm hmm .   .   . ah ah .   .   . noooo, I’m not sorry that I brought it up .   .   . someone has to poke the elephant in your house!!! Sheesh!

Easy people .   .   . almost finished .   .   . promise. Have a quick peek below before you go foraging for all of your forgotten goodies. As I said a few weeks ago, one felled branch found on the sidewalk, a few interesting objects scattered around the table,  add mixed patterns of dishes, glassware, candles, and some of your best ‘learned from mom’ recipes.

Are you looking for a new twist on the same-old, ho-hum table setting? Well look no further help is here .   .   . Now on Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  IndieBound.org             “a collection of… Tableofferings™ from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER  http://getBook.at/Tableofferings.

For the kiddies in your life “I am sooo Lucky!!!”  Books 1, 2, & 3 AVAILABLE on …

Amazon      Barnes & Noble     IndieBound.org

Book1  http://getBook.at/book1Lucky    Book2   http://getBook.at/lucky2

Book3   http://getBook.at/Lucky3

Remember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free!

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as an ongoing contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.

Dishing it up / with Sharon Insul

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

Some crave center stage, while others .   .   . mmm .   .   . not so much. I see that this is not resonating with everyone. Let’s put this another way .   .   . it’s either in your face, ordancing on the peripheral of center stage, much like an elusive butterfly. Whoa, whoa, whoa .   .   . stay with me people .   .   . breathe! Honestly, I am getting to the point! Sheesh .   .   .   . patience please. This is all about off-center, vs. centerpieces. The photo below is an example of .   .   . yippee .   .   . glad-you- could-make-it- for dinner, off-centered-centerpiece. Yes, I heard you. Oh sorry .   .   . only I can hear what someone just asked. The question was, what’s the big deal about off-centered, as opposed to centered centerpieces. Shhh .  .  . please give me just a few more minutes of your time .   .   . thanks!

By off-centering interesting pieces about the table, shown below, everyone gets to actually see everyone else at the table. I know .   .   . who knew! What a concept     .   .    . instead of voluminous floral displays.

The table shown below is NOT my tablescape, but merely an over-the-top example of what I view as a floral centerpiece-staging event, not dinner. Sooo your conversation is limited to the person on your right and left only, but definitely not much from the no-sight-zone, over or around the elephant in the room. Ouch .   .   . my stiff neck!!!

Are you looking for a new twist on the same-old, ho-hum table setting? Well look no further help is here .   .   . Now on Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  IndieBound.org             “a collection of… Tableofferings™ from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER  http://getBook.at/Tableofferings.

For the kiddies in your life “I am sooo Lucky!!!”  Books 1, 2, & 3 AVAILABLE on …

Amazon      Barnes & Noble     IndieBound.org

Book1  http://getBook.at/book1Lucky    Book2   http://getBook.at/lucky2

Book3   http://getBook.at/Lucky3

Remember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free!

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as an ongoing contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.

Dishing it up / with Sharon Insul

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

Oh no! It’s not a figment of your imagination. Indeed, the world is spinning ever-so-much-faster then when you were little. Can we stop this feeling of spinning out of control brought about from the computer-generated, make-believe, virtual environment that has become part of our every day-to-day life? Hmmm .   .   . of course you can! We all have the power to disconnect .   .   . but, but, but .   .   . hang on .   .   . you all do realize that by disconnecting from your technologically-driven world, caring family as in mother/ grandmother, and friends could potentially become less accessible. And my Tableofferings™ ‘pearls of tablescaping wisdom’ could not fill your screens weekly! 

Speaking of pearls .  .   . lol .   .   . I just can’t seem to help myself! Remember.   .   . I am a writer/published author/spinner of words .   .   . ergo .   .   . my shameless segue to my centerpiece as seen above. What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than to gather gorgeous gifts from the sea, highlighted with none other than pearls dripping over a turquoise bowl in the shape of a sea-shell. Psst .   .  . the beautiful turquoise shell is plastic.

Now that I have your attention, and your camaraderie let me say a few words about Mother’s Day. If you are fortunate to have your mother, mama, mom, mommy, mater, ma mère, grandmother, great-grandmother, or even an ‘extra-mom’, it all comes down to memories shared and new ones yet to be made. It’s not about the cost, but the thought that counts. Below a simple glass pedestal filled with oversized sea shells and more pearls with a touch of crystals.

Are you looking for a new twist on the same-old, ho-hum table setting? Well look no further help is here .   .   . Now on Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  IndieBound.org             “a collection of… Tableofferings™ from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER  http://getBook.at/Tableofferings.

For the kiddies in your life “I am sooo Lucky!!!”  Books 1, 2, & 3 AVAILABLE on …

Amazon      Barnes & Noble     IndieBound.org

Book1  http://getBook.at/book1Lucky    Book2   http://getBook.at/lucky2

Book3   http://getBook.at/Lucky3

Remember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free!

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as an ongoing contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.

Dishing it up / with Sharon Insul

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

Many of you will be making reservations instead of soufflé’s this Mother’s Day weekend. Hey .  .   . I get it!  After all it’s not about the menu or the tablescape per se, but it is about recognizing the unselfish love a mother never stops giving to her child/children. There is very little in life that can hold a candle to a mom’s nurturing love.

However, if you are going all-out at home for Mother’s Day, then helllo .   .   . this would be the perfect time to dig deep into your cubbyholes, closets, cupboards, and under your bed.  Wait .   .   .  don’t run off just yet .   .   .  I have another thought while you’re at it .   .   . oh please .   .   . of course I hear a few of you snickering! Since I am on a mission, I will share my last thought on places to look for new found goodies lying around your house. Are you all ready? Crack open some of  your still packed away wedding gifts! Mmm hmm .   .   . ah ah .   .   . noooo, I’m not sorry that I brought it up .   .   . someone has to poke the elephant in your house!!! Sheesh!

Easy people .   .   . almost finished .   .   . promise. Have a quick peek below before you go foraging for all of your forgotten goodies. As I said a few weeks ago, one felled branch found on the sidewalk, a few interesting objects scattered around the table,  add mixed patterns of dishes, glassware, candles, and some of your best ‘learned from mom’ recipes.

Are you looking for a new twist on the same-old, ho-hum table setting? Well look no further help is here .   .   . Now on Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  IndieBound.org             “a collection of… Tableofferings™ from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER  http://getBook.at/Tableofferings.

For the kiddies in your life “I am sooo Lucky!!!”  Books 1, 2, & 3 AVAILABLE on …

Amazon      Barnes & Noble     IndieBound.org

Book1  http://getBook.at/book1Lucky    Book2   http://getBook.at/lucky2

Book3   http://getBook.at/Lucky3

Remember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free!

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as an ongoing contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.

Dishing it up / with Sharon Insul

Come sit with me for awhile . . . and see what I’m bringing to the table ® Mother Nature most assuredly cast her spell on the artist who recreated this stunning yet most compelling pair of feathered friends quietly resting on a delicate golden branch. Colorful floral surrounds these beautiful birds with an adorable hummingbird to boot! I could not resist bringing out one of my mom’s china sets for the holidays. The pattern is Chinoiserie by Gorham.As you can see below, I chose to leave my glass table top bare, which sits over two felled tree trunks. Now the fun begins! The first piece in this place setting is a very large wood charger, covered with honest to goodness real Lotus leaves that had been dried and treated. I had to tame the extremely large leaves by pinching them in under the plates. Phew! That was a close call as they seemed to be  taking over the chargers!  Ivory-looking utensils were the next to adorn this table. Then came tall stemmed harvest gold/yellow colored goblets to share space with a florescent-like green short stem goblet for a polished finish. The catalyst for this table’s ‘centerscape’ began with a gift from Mother Nature.  Have a good look at the photo below. Go ahead take your time .   .   . I  can wait. Do you see the fantastic felled tree branch that was left behind after the recent high winds? OMG, I know .   .   . amazing, and practically at my front door! So what’s a person to do, but pick this prize puppy up and bring it home? Earthy, and unprocessed pieces of nature are right up my alley. So with my new found prize on the table, it was time to give it some earthy pop. Mmmm .   .  . how about a blue starfish tangled up in the branches, and a couple of recycled glass objects intertwined with glass candle holders. Shell white, and teal candles were my choice. Oh yes .   .   . ah ha .   .   . this would be the time to .  .   .  Come sit with me for awhile. . . and see what I’m bringing to the table® Are you looking for a new twist on the same-old, ho-hum table setting? Well look no further help is here .   .   . Now on Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  IndieBound.org             “a collection of… Tableofferings from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER  http://getBook.at/Tableofferings. For the kiddies in your life “I am sooo Lucky!!!”  Books 1, 2, & 3 AVAILABLE on …Amazon      Barnes & Noble     IndieBound.orgBook1  http://getBook.at/book1Lucky    Book2   http://getBook.at/lucky2Book3   http://getBook.at/Lucky3Remember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free! Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as an ongoing contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.

Dishing it up / with Sharon Insul

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

Mmm .   .   . or . . . maybe not bringing it to the table .   .   . I was thinking that just maybe bringing it ‘to the bench’ would add a little zip to my garden dinner. Say again?  How will a bench add new zip to my dinner table? First take a quick look at the photo below, then come back to me.  Hmmmm .   .   . not being able to see or communicate across the dinner table is a complete waste of what could have been a fun and interesting evening. Oh please .   .   .  you don’t have to fill the center of the table to make a tablescape exciting, and interesting. The ginormous bouquet of flowers resting on the bench gives the feeling of dining in the middle of a field of flowers. Yes! I just heard someone say that it’s almost as if you’re being transported to a far off place. Excellent .   .   . by Jove I think you’ve got it! Now people,this is exciting!!!

Below is a simple but effective mini-bar that I put together for this evening’s soirée. For the second course the bar tray will be traded out for chilled champagne and flutes.  To further emphasize a feeling of being swept up, and gently set down in a field, I added a mix of bright white flowers punctuated by one very red rose. Ahhhh   .   .   . music to my ears. Of course I heard some of you whisper about my accents of a deep purple tassel, and a velvet embroidered/appliqued mini-pillow with a floral motif. Details .   .   . details .   .   . it’s always about the details.

If your looking for a new twist on the same-old, ho-hum table setting? Well look no further help is here .   .   . Now on Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  IndieBound.org             “a collection of… Tableofferings from the go-to expert tablescaper” Available in E-book and HARDCOVER  http://getBook.at/Tableofferings.

For the kiddies in your life “I am sooo Lucky!!!”  Books 1, 2, & 3 AVAILABLE on …

Amazon      Barnes & Noble     IndieBound.org

Book1  http://getBook.at/book1Lucky    Book2   http://getBook.at/lucky2

Book3   http://getBook.at/Lucky3

Remember if you’re a Prime Amazon member you can read for free!

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the globally recognized  Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California, as well as an ongoing contributing columnist for the Beverly Hills Courier Newspaper.