Tablescape Times Three: Mardi Gras

Bonjour et bienvenue!

Mardi Gras is an exciting time of year because I don't usually use purple! The paint job of the former owners of this house doesn't really "go" with purple, but I just went with it this year. I have to say, it was a hit! Even with my son's Cub Scout buddies. Or maybe they just liked the masks! :)

Because I was short on sparkly, purply, glittery, things, I was on a quest. As always, eBay saved the day with some stunning finds: all of the goblets and the wine glass charms.

I found the purple glass centerpiece, potpourri, the glass votives, and the green vases/hurricanes at TJ Maxx. The ribbon was in a bargain bin at Michael's.

The masks and beads were Dollar Tree finds. And the mirror place mats were purchased at Michael's. The china is my Lenox Tuxedo, the silver is Sir Christopher by Wallace, and the chargers and napkins are on loan from my mom. The flowers are from my Camellia bushes which have bloomed in the last few weeks.

A word on the mirror placemats.

Do you see what I have used as a tablecloth?

I purchased this AMAZING little find at TJ Maxx for $29.99, and it's actually an incredibly soft faux fur throw/blanket! It is masquerading as a tablecloth! (I recently saw an embroidered purple velvet tablecloth on eBay for $2,800.00!) I HAD to use this blanket when I found it, but I was worried that plates and goblets would not really work on the uneven surface in real life. I don't want to make tablescapes that only look good in pictures. I want settings that actually make sense and that I can use once the food is on the table. I remembered seeing mirror table decorations in someone's house when I was growing up, so I was on a mission to find some. I was shocked at the online prices. Up to $120 per placemat! I found one site that sold the larger size mirror placemats for $7.99 each, but then there was the shipping. And what about breakage? Luckily, a local Michael's keeps the 12" x 18" inch size in stock for the same price and a ton of other shapes and sizes. Also, in brainstorming what I would do if I couldn't find any mirrors, I had made up my mind to go to Wal-mart and buy some 11" x 17" picture frames and use the glass!

Having found the magical mirrors, I was afraid that they might be over the top. But, I think it works! I am very happy with the look - especially at Mardi Gras!

Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Bisous!
Andrea

My Fast Gumbo Recipe:

Instant Rice

Gulf shrimp

Kielbasa sausage

Celery

Onions

Tomato sauce

Garlic Salt and any appropriate spices

If I have green peppers or okra, I throw it in, too.

I am sorry about the lack of quantities, but this is one recipe for which I have no measurements! In any random pan or pot, I sauté the celery with whatever I have on hand - butter, olive oil, bacon fat.

I add onions, spices, and sausage, then the the rice and water. Tomato sauce can go in here as well. Doesn't really matter the order. I cover it for five minutes or so until the rice is done.

I add the shrimp last until it is pink. I taste and add spices as necessary - salt, pepper, filé, cayenne...whatever I have on hand.

Quick and easy! Especially if you buy the shrimp prepared.

Bon appétit!