Mardi Gras 2017

It's the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, so 

"Laissez les bons temps rouler!" 

The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are Purple, Green,  and Gold, but I couldn't resist adding a bit of Peacock Blue into the mix. My centerpiece is a beaded placemat and a vase of Peacock Blue with a feathered Mardi Gras mask and coins and beads. I even added a few peacocks around just for fun.

I used a gold tablecloth and napkins, Peacock Blue chargers, white plates and gold candelabras.

I added Mardi Gras masks around the table and put a few purple, green and gold coins in the plates to add color.

This reproduction Victorian postcard adds some Mardi Gras fun to my silver service.

So that's my Mardi Gras table for this year! Have a fun day! 

I will be sharing with Between Naps on the Porch. 

Proud as a Peacock!

Yes, I know that Proud as a Peacock is a well know phrase and there is a peacock theme to this table, but I have another reason to be proud - my daughter Emily actually did this tablescape!

She started with my gold striped tablecloth and added a purple peacock shawl she found at Pier 1 to use as a runner. Then a Pier 1 beaded charger under a turquoise glass vase which is filled with golden beaded stems and peacock feathers. Scattered all over are peacock hued glass marbles and acrylic jewels.

At each place she used peacock blue chargers (which were on clearance at Michael's), topped by a white plate, which is topped by a blue paper napkin and then a peacock cocktail napkin.

I found a different peacock cocktail napkin after I had taken these pictures, but add them here for some variety!

Under each glass is a peacock coaster, also from Pier 1.

Emily found some cute note cards at Barnes & Nobles, which we turned into place cards!

Peacock Salt and Pepper Shakers also from Pier 1.

On the mantle, we put a peacock feather wreath and surrounded it with some peacock ornaments from our Christmas collection. We used Emily's aqua glass candlestick holders and added my mini peacock tea pot.

Now, can you see why I am proud as a peacock? I think Emily did a great job!
This table would be beautiful anytime, but I love it for Mardi Gras!

I will be joining

Let's Dish with Cuisine Kathleen

and

Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.

Happy Mardi Gras!

There are just too many tablescaping holidays in February this year and they are all in one week's time! But I couldn't let Mardi Gras pass without a table! I will be linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch!



I started with my gold tablecloth and added plummy purple place mats which I then covered with my favorite golden beaded place mats. Then I added a gold charger and blogland's favorite china, Gibson Claremont White (Gollum's china). I topped that with a green napkin and metallic gold napkin ring.

I used acrylic flatware because it looked fun and sparkley and purple glasses as well as gold rimmed one - all keeping with the gold, green and purple colors of Mardi Gras.



For the centerpiece I used my silver wine cooler with gold beads sprouting from it and two Mardi Gras masks. I added beads and coins all around the wine cooler.



Here is the table in all it's gold, green and purple glory:





Happy Fat Tuesday!

Mardi Gras Time!

This week I have our table set for Mardi Gras! Of course, I will be linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday, although a little late since I have plans tonight!





I started with my gold tablecloth and added plummy purple place mats which I then covered with my favorite golden beaded place mats. Then I added a gold charger and blogland's favorite china, Gibson Claremont White (Gollum's china). I topped that with a green napkin and metallic gold napkin ring.

I used acrylic flatware because it looked fun and sparkley and purple glasses as well as gold rimmed one - all keeping with the gold, green and purple colors of Mardi Gras.



For the centerpiece I used my silver wine cooler with gold beads sprouting from it and two Mardi Gras masks. I added beads and coins all around the wine cooler.



Here is the table in all it's gold, green and purple glory:





Happy Fat Tuesday next week!

Shrimp Creole for Foodie Friday

In celebration of Mardi Gras this past Tuesday, I am sharing my recipe for Shrimp Creole for Foodie Friday hosted by Gollum at Designs by Gollum.


My Shrimp Creole recipe is adapted from the "Time Life Cooking of Creole and Acadia".

Shrimp Creole
Serves 2-4

1 28 ounce canned crushed or diced tomatoes
1 1/2 pounds uncooked medium sized shrimp
Olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup chopped celery
2 tsp finely chopped garlic
1/2 cup water
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground red cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp Creole seasoning
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp cornstarch mixed in 1/4 cup cold water

4 cups cooked white rice

Shell and devein the shrimp. Rinse and dry.

In a heavy pan, heat enough olive oil to just cover the bottom of the pan. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat until the onion are translucent. Stir in the tomatoes, water, bay leaves, paprika, red pepper, Creole seasoning and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for 20-25 minutes until the sauce has thickened enough to hold its shape on a spoon.

Add the shrimp and continue to simmer for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and firm. Don't over cook or the shrimp will get tough.

Stir the cornstarch and cold water to recombine and add to the mixture. Stir thoroughly and simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the bay leaves and serve immediately over rice.

Enjoy! Mardi Gras decorations optional!!!

Mardi Gras at My House!

Happy Mardi Gras Y'all!





Using the Mardi Gras colors of Green, Purple and Gold, I started with a gold tablecloth and green napkins with metallic gold napkin rings. I used plain white Gibson china on metallic gold chargers and Grand Baroque silverplate. For stemware I used green goblets from Target, purple Fostoria glasses given to me by my grandmother years ago and saucer champagnes from my wedding crystal by Lennox with a gold rim.



My centerpiece is a silver wine cooler with metallic gold bead stem in it "wearing" Mardi Gras masks that I have saved through the years. I scattered a few beads and doubloons and Voila! Mardi Gras!









What's on the menu? Shrimp Creole, but I don't have any pictures yet. Here is a picture of Jambalaya from last year though!





Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

Easy Jambalaya

For Foodie Friday hosted by Designs by Gollum http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/


For an early Mardi Gras, I made Easy Jambalaya. The recipe is at Recipezaar at this link http://www.recipezaar.com/Easy-Jambalaya-91727

It was getting dark, so some of my pictures are a bit blurry. I know I still have some coins and beads from my last trip to New Orleans, but I couldn't find them anywhere! I could find green beads and green and gold coins in my St. Patrick's Day stuff, so don't look at the shamrocks on the coins! The "tablecloth" is an old evening gown with a satin skirt and sequined top. As you see, I did find some Mardi Gras masks!!! The recipe was good and easy!









Thanks Gollum! :D Jewel