Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Tablescapes and Recipes with Heidi Ann

Welcome to the table. I am so glad that you have come. I have prepared it with my Granny's china and silver and crystal. She was so special to me. I enjoyed her company often as she lived next door. She taught me to cook and sew and clean house. Her home was so beautiful. I am priviledged to have many of her antiques. She passed away on Christmas day and I was told there was a standing joke that she would have to have dinner ready or she couldn't go. And she did. I always thought that the Good Lord smelled her cooking and got hungry and called her home to fix supper there. I am sure she will be at His Banquet table. In fact I can't imagine her not using the gift He gave her in Heaven. She loved me and I knew it without question. I look forward to seeing her again.




The sugar bowl and creamer and mint/nut dish were part of her luncheon dishes. I actually found another set to add to it so that I could have tea parties. Do you see the cranberry candle?



It was her mothers. I believe that they got these at the state fair. It has her name and the date which is 1899.
Opps let's look at it again.
This is so formal and I love it but you are about to see how we really live.




Yes, sometimes we do eat with our hands. lol I can't believe I forgot the silverware.
Here are just a few ways that I set my table for everyday use.


It's a Happy Look.
This is our casual dining. We use these rooster plates everyday. If you have seen my house you know that I have just a few roosters around for decoration. A few too many that is.
Does anyone else have these vintage glasses? They came in red, blue, green and gold. I got them when we were married back in the 70's. I am so glad that I didn't get rid of them. My grandmother had red ones and I later found green ones so I guess I have all the holidays covered.
And with all the roosters around didn't you just know that the hens would show up too.
This is a great recipe. It is also a perfect way to show off your herb garden.
Fresh Herb Cornish Hens
6 servings
6 Cornish hens salt and pepper
1/4 cup butter softened
1 cup of chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup snipped fresh chives
2 Tablespoons each of chopped rosemary and thyme
6 Tablespoons chopped fresh sage, divided
3 Tablespoons olive oil
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Season hens, inside and out with salt and pepper to taste. In a food processor or blender, combine butter, parsley, chives, rosemary,thyme, and 2 tablespoons of sage. Process to form a paste and set aside.
With your fingers, carefully separate skin from the breast of each hen. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture between skin and breast. Smooth skin back into place and truss.

Rub hens with olive oil and remaining 4 tablespoons of sage. Place in roasting pan. Roast 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and roast until juices are clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced with fork, about 40 minutes. Baste frequently with pan juices. Remove to platter and serve with wild rice.
For more recipes and tablescapes go on over to Heidi Ann's place http://foxglovesfabricandfolly.blogspot.com/

She knows your are coming and is holding a place for you.

As my Granny would say, "Remember Your Manners and chew slowly!"

Enjoy

Becky
My Pink Saturday post in on www.oneshabbyoldhouse.blogspot.com












18 comments:

A Romantic Porch said...

Oh, your decor is so beautiful. The hens look delish! xo rachel

Gone said...

I love Cornish Hens and will have to try your recipe!

The more formal tablescape simply striking and the Rooster tablescape is so cute, too!

Beverly said...

Becky, I love your table set with so many of your wonderful things from your special grandmother.

I have my grandmother's silver, and I love using it.

We love Cornish hens, and I will try your recipe. It looks and sounds delicious.

Joanna said...

Your table settings look wonderful. Very inviting. I wish I had enough china pieces to set up an entire table. It looks so lovely. xoxo, Joanna

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Becky you are so funny, you made me laugh a couple of times on that one! All of your yables look pretty and it is extra special when we are able to have our grandma's dishes. I love that candle that your grandma and great grandma had, how cool!
Hugs~Kelly

LBP said...

I love both of your tablescapes! My grandmother had a few of the pieces I see on your formal table!

Thanks for the recipe, sounds delicious.

Blessings

Linda

threesidesofcrazy said...

What beautiful table settings and I love the tribute story - holidays , food and tables always make me think of my grandma too!

Jennifer said...

Becky Hello and Thank you for stopping by.Yes we sure have been busy with all this posting.LOL I got pink sat up last night finally after so much trouble but could not get fall to go.Finally this morning I did.

I love your table setting it so pretty.Your grandmother candle and china is beautiful.Your memories of your grandma sound alot like mine.Oh I miss her so,when she left this world she took a part of me with her.I love your rooster setting also.So pretty!!That recipe sounds yummy!!!Hugs,Jen

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

All of your tablesetting are fabulous! Your Granny's china and crystal is gorgeous! The casual settings were so pretty and inviting. Loved the colors and "centerpieces". I am a fellow rooster lover too! :) ~Rhonda

Anonymous said...

I was reading your post about your Grandmother and realized I was smiling the whole time. What a sweet table and a sweet story. Then I got a laugh when you said you all must eat with your hands as you forgot the silverware. ~ Lynn

Rhondi said...

Hi Becky
Your tablescapes are lovely, but I have to admit I like your granny's china the best!
Hugs, Rhondi

nikkicrumpet said...

I love the rooster topiary thingie...and I must admit my favorite table setting is the everyday one...it just feels cozy and inviting...well it would if it had silverware lol.

Jeanne said...

Becky, your tables look beautiful. Your grandmother's dishes make a beautiful addition to your table. The cranberry glass is a treasure so special and you are so lucky to have it. Your more informal setting is just as attractive. It is so much fun to set a lovely table. The hard work is worth it for the happiness it gives our guests and ourselves.

Hugs...Jeanne

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Becky your table is so pretty. I have that same cream pitcher, I wish I had the other pieces like yours.sigh

bj said...

Your formal tablesetting is just beautiful. How blessed to have your grandmother's dishes. Such a wonderful thing.

Kimberly said...

That rooster topiary is too cute! Happy Autumn :)

Christie said...

Hey Becky! Ohhh, your grandma's table pretties are beautiful...what treasures they are. I know you miss her and what precious memories you have of her. They are special ladies, and no one on this earth can fill their shoes. You will see her again.
I loved your everyday tableware too. Roosters are so cute! The recipe looks delish too!
xoxo,
Queenie!

Heidi said...

Good Morning Becky, I first of all wanted to "thank you" for joining me in my "recipe & tablesetting exchage"! I so appreciate it! Your post was just so beautiful! I adored your dressier table, but your everyday table was just charming! Maybe it's because I too love roosters!!! :) & your recipe for the cornish hens looks amazing! I am loving your blog & will be adding it to my favorites!....Wishing you a wonderful week!....Heidi XO