Waterside Elegance

Who anxiously waits for warm evenings to return and time spent on the beach?  Perhaps you too look forward to spending an entire day enjoying a picnic on the soft, warm sand and relishing in the fresh, cool breezes until well after the light of the day fades and the twinkling stars begin to add bling to the night sky.  Do you enjoy listening to the waves and watching the sparkling sun reflect off the water? This week's tablescape entitled Waterside Elegance calls to mind the evenings spent by the water at sunset and as the moon rises and begins to shimmer over the glittery water.

Hopefully, the tablescape captures nature's splendor at twilight on the beach.

This black, grey, silver and gold table topper was a piece of material I had leftover from a previous project.  Made into a 60 x 60 inch square, it makes a exquisite piece to a standard grey and black tablesetting and, as my inspiration piece, it conjures up the image of the glistening ripples of water that flicker as the rising moon reflects on the pitch-black water at nightfall.

The silver floral mesh tulle fabric was another remnant which I sewed into sheer napkins used to cover the gold lamé napkins.  The napkin rings made up of silver beads and gemstones also mirrors the sparkling quality of the silver waves at dusk.

Underneath the iridescent abalone shell plate is another black scallop shell plate.  The black color is perfect for displaying and providing contrast to the scalloped shell which was painted silver.  The white Auger shell ceramic candleholders also helps to create a beachside theme.

In celebration of the dazzling water's beauty, a dinner including Grilled Cedar Plank Trout is fitting for the occasion.

To accompany the smoky flavor of the trout, some shell-shaped cornbread biscuits and herb butter also formed into the shape of a seaside shell, makes a great pair.

The crunch of a fresh Broccoli, Cauliflower and Cranberry Salad gives texture and an assortment of flavors to the subtle taste of the fish and biscuits.  The salad is even embellished with cheese in the shape of an adorable beachcomber, the sandpiper.

What a wonderful way to eat your raw veggies.  Topped with a sprinkle of crispy bacon pieces, it is a meal in itself!

The following is the recipe for this delicious salad:

Broccoli, Cauliflower and Cranberry Salad

2 or 3 medium florets of broccoli, raw, chopped

1/4 or 1/2 cauliflower head, raw, chopped

1/2 c dried cranberries

2 T chopped onions

4 - 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped into pieces

2 T shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing:

1/2 C mayonnaise

1/2 C sour cream

1 - 2 T sugar

1/8 tsp. salt or salt to taste

Mix dressing until creamy and pour over salad.  Mix and refrigerate for several hours before serving.  

Take pleasure in your wanderings on the beach.......