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If you are looking for a centerpiece that brings a “Wow” factor to your table, think about combining unusual elements together.

One combination that I love is a vase filled with sliced limes topped with a bouquet of flowers. Not only is it a striking visual element on your table the smell of the limes mixing with the florals creates an appealing scent.

This centerpiece doesn’t take that long to put together, but really makes a statement.

To create it you will need:

6-8 limes (depending on size)

a hurricane vase

a plain glass  florist vase

6-8 stems of a “drapey” flower

6-8 stems of a “stalk” flower

10-12 stems of a “blooming” flower

To assemble, start by slicing your limes. I make the slices pretty thin.

When you are finished with that, put the plain florist vase inside the hurricane. It is okay if the florist vase sticks up a bit because the top will be hidden anyway.

Once the vase is in place, start layering in the limes until you’ve got them going up to the top of the hurricane. Fill both the hurricane and the plain vase with water.

Start arranging the flower stems inside the plain vase. I use the “drapey” flowers around the outside edge of the vase in particular,to hide the edges. The “stalk flowers” create some texture and height appeal while the “blooming” flowers add bright pops of color and texture.For this arrangement I used cuttings from a snowball bush that had not yet bloomed for my “drapey” flowers, lavender stems for my “stalk” flowers and peonies for the “blooming” flowers.

Have fun with this, be creative and remember there aren’t any rules set in stone about how this has to look. You could also substitute lemon or orange slices and you could use any combination of flowers and greenery. If you want dramatic height, you could even throw in a few tree branches.

Happy Entertaining!

Shanna

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Word of the Week:  Smile

smile [smahyl]

• to assume a facial expression indicating pleasure, favor, or amusement, characterized by an upturning of the corners of the mouth.

• to give a gift only you can give

• to bring joy to others

Put on your best smile and see what happens today. Smile at everyone you meet, whether friend or stranger, and see the snowball effect of what a smile can do!

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When Most Wonderful Hubby and I travel (which isn’t nearly often enough to suit either of us), I love to collect recipe ideas. Years ago, we had breakfast at a great little European-style cafe in Spokane, WA. They had the best Dutch Babies I’ve ever eaten. They also served an extremely tasty breakfast casserole.

After much experimenting and many taste tests, I think I finally came close to reproducing the dish. It is easy to make and while it bakes you can either put your feet up and eat bonbons or finish getting the rest of your breakfast ready.

Ingredients for the casserole

Slice up the ham into cubes or bite-sized pieces.

Pour on the egg and cream mixture.

Sprinkle on cheese once the eggs are set.

Serve and enjoy!

Ham and Hash Browns Breakfast Casserole

1 bag of southern hash browns

6 eggs

2/3 cup of cream

2 cups of ham, cut into cubes or bite-sized pieces

dash of salt

1 tsp. all-purpose no-salt seasoning

1 1/2 cups shredded colby jack cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 9×13 baking pan and place hash browns into pan. Pop into the oven. While the hash browns are heating up, beat the eggs, add cream, seasoning and salt.  Cut the ham into bite-sized pieces or cubes. If you don’t have left-over ham to use, a ham-steak provides just the right amount of ham for the casserole. Take the hash browns out of the oven, sprinkled the ham over the top then pour in egg and cream mixture. Turn oven temperature down to 350 degrees, put the pan into oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. When the eggs are set, sprinkle the top of the casserole with cheese and continue baking a few minutes until cheese is melted. Serve hot and enjoy!

Happy Entertaining!

Shanna

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If you are hosting a party that involves seating your guests around the table, think about keeping the centerpiece low. A high-flying centerpiece can make it difficult to see across the table and visit with other guests. When you use a low centerpiece, it won’t block faces and can help keep the conversation flowing.

One of my favorite ways to dress up a long dinner table is with individual bowls of flowers. Use a grouping of three to five or scatter as many as you like down the table. If you alternate these with votive candles, it is a beautiful and simple way to dress your table with style and a hint of elegance. It is also a very affordable way to create some “Wow!” factor for your table.

You can also use individual bowls of flowers scattered throughout a buffet table setting. Nestle little bowls, jars and glasses with individual stems next to serving pieces for an added pop that your guests will appreciate.

Any type of stemmed flower will work. My absolute favorite is roses, but since they are not yet in bloom, I’m currently having a blast with tulips.

Choose a container with some character. It could be anything from a custard cup to canning jars to a tiny bowl. Listen to what speaks to you and have fun with it. If you’ve got a set of matching little serving bowls, parfait cups or even tea cups, they all make interesting containers for your blooms. Use clear glass votive holders to finish the look. If you really want to get fancy-schmancy, put down a piece of shimmery fabric and loosely drape it in the middle of your table. Then place the flowers and votives on top. It will look amazing and beautiful.

Be creative, have fun with your centerpieces and remember that you are the artist and the table is your blank canvas!

Happy Entertaining!

Shanna

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