Emilie Barnes states in her book "The Spirit of Loveliness" that she wants her home to say "welcome home". In quoting from her book, "Welcome home is what I want my life to say to everyone whose path crosses mine. I want to create an atmosphere of serenity and joy, blessing and belonging that embraces people(myself included) and draws them in-that makes them feel loved and special and cared for."Last evening my brother and sister-in-law had us for dinner. This type of warm welcome was extended to all of us.
I thought I would share with you the beautiful paper plates and napkins she had on her table. With the large group of people this worked best. With her crystal, candles and plates, a beautiful tablescape was created.
She served a delicious taco dinner reminding us again of how good of a cook she is.
Cousins enjoying being together.
This salad was a perfect addition to the dinner. My other SIL created this salad served with her outstanding homemade salad dressing.
It seems to be more of a rare occurance for our extended family to be together for an evening, making our visit even more special.
Hospitality, real true hospitality..."a matter of opening our lives to others...giving them the best we have to offer, but never allowing elaborate preparations to substitute for the sharing spirit of hospitality." Emilie Barnes
Thanks you two for your warm hospitality to us last evening.
~photography by my dear sister.
17 comments:
This looks so lovely. what amazing paper plates too...we dont get much choice here in the UK. Yes it is always fun when families get together. The gift of hospitality clearly runs in your family!
I love it when people pay attention to appearance when serving food. My mom always said *Appearance is 50%*. I never served a meal out of the pots on the stove when my children were growing up. I love setting a pretty table...Hers looks so good!
Are you going to share the recipe for your other SIL's dressing? Would love to hear what it is.
One more thing, love the ruffled neck on that black and white sweater. Where did she get that?
My SIL's salad dressing recipe was posted on my blog just recently. I think it is an outstanding recipe and I keep it in my refrigerator most of the time. Scroll down to the most recent salad post.
As for the black and white ruffled top...I can't believe you asked me this question. That is my youngest daughter wearing it, and to her horror I will tell you that it is my top. She borrowed it yesterday and kept asking me if I am sure it doesn't look too old on her???? Now, what is that supposed to mean? The fact that I would tell my blogging friends this secret would probably do her in:) So, you all know nothing...right? The top I bought many months ago in a clothing boutique in a nearby town. I do really like it on her too.
I have never seen paper dishes like this! Where on earth did she get those? What a nice idea. Such an elegant setting for a simple meal without the worry and cleanup.
I'm going to keep my eye on that:)
Debbie
It looks beautiful...and it's easy to see she has gone to a lot of work to make her guests feel special.
I'm smiling about the ruffled top...cute story. It looks great on her. The blouse reminds me of a ruffled 'dear liz blouse' I had as a teen. And it brings back good memories. I'm wondering if anyone else recalls that term...'dear liz'.
And the paper plates...almost too nice to 'dispose'!
How fun! Looks so yummy.
This table makes me want to be there! The colors, the way she put it together, and the food!!! Just beautiful! I found such gorgoues paper plates for Christmas Eve, that I used them with red chargers from WalMart, and I don't think china could be any prettier.
I'm ALMOST inspired enough to throw a party!!!:)
Hugs!
Sonja
That looks wonderful! I like the meal that she chose and those beautiful paper plates. My kind of get together.
This looks wonderful! Those are some of the prettiest paper plates and napkins I've seen! The care she took to make things lovely must have warmed your heart. I love Emilie Barnes! You and it seems everyone in your family has this wonderful gift of a welcoming spirit. = ) Thanks for allowing us to enjoy it, too!
P.S. The conversation about your ruffled top had me laughing out loud! It's adorable! ; )
What a lovely time all of you must have had. Family get togethers are just the best. It's one of my favorite things to do. The table setting is so pretty and the food looks delicious. I hope you have a fantastic week ♥
It looks like your sister-in-law planned a very special evening . The plates are so pretty and the food looks yummy. I think all of your family members seem to excel at gracious entertaining.
I love Emilie Barnes and have several of her books. As a side note, did you know that one of our fellow bloggers (Whisper Sweetly of Cottages, I think is her blog). daughter lives in Emilie's old house. She often posts pictures of the inside of the house.
Anyhow, about that gorgeous blouse... When I was reading your post, I saw the picture and thought what a gorgeous and "in style" blouse. I was recently watching something on tv where they were saying that the hot trend for spring is ruffles. As I looked at your daughter's picture I thought that what I heard must have been correct because here is a beautiful young girl dressed in ruffles. I had to laugh when I read the story behind the scenes.
What a beautiful table setting!! The look...and feel of entertaining is so important. And what a warm and inviting setting.
What a fun time was had by all I'm sure. :-)
aaahhhh....i was one of the fortunate benefactors of that amazing dinner last nite! What a treat it was to sit around that beautiful table and eat that delicious food with wonderful people! Life is good! :)
Hospitality is a mind-set, isn't it? It's the ability to approach everything with the OTHER in mind - be they family or friends, familiar or strangers.
I think that's what I so enjoy about your blog. You walk your talk, and I get to tag along. Much of what hospitality is all about (the ultimate of service) is being taught/learned here.
Thank you for always bringing us to a place of excellence.
Kathleen
Yum! Yum!
Looks like fun.
Melinda
Lovely posting... lovely thoughts! Yummy looking table and goodies.
Absolutely beautiful! Your SIL makes paper plate dining look heavenly!
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