Tag Archives: Lunch

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Vegan & Turkey Bacon Options (Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free)

August 24, 2015 Leigh

This allergy-friendly creamy broccoli salad recipe is so tasty that no one will be able to tell that it’s vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, pepper-free, and gluten-free. Make it vegan friendly or add turkey bacon to punch up the flavor, and you can even chop the broccoli smaller to disguise it from picky eaters. It’s the perfect make-ahead and take dish for everyone to enjoy at picnics or pot-lucks because it’s celiac and allergy-friendly, and has no egg or dairy to trigger food poisoning… because who would want to be responsible for that!

Ingredients:

1½ pounds fresh broccoli tops (blanched for color & health)

1⅓ cup golden raisins (or purple raisins, or craisins)

1 cup diced leeks (or spring onions, shallots, red onion)

¾ cup sunflower seeds / kernels (raw or toasted)

½ of my prepared Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe (For Green Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad) Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free (Click here to see it!)

* Optional: ⅓ pound chopped turkey bacon (or vegan bacon, bacon bits, regular bacon)

Instructions:

Gather and wash your ingredients then dice the leeks. Blanch the broccoli tops in boiling water for a few seconds… or quickly microwave them, I won’t tell. Chop the broccoli into smaller pieces to get your picky eaters to devour their veggies… but you might just want to call it “creamy salad”! (Bagged broccoli tops are an easy shortcut. I used half of a 3 pound bag from Costco.)

If you’re using bacon… bake, grill, or pan fry it, and then chop it up. (It’s easy to split a recipe into two bowls… one for the vegans, and one for those who think no meal is complete without meat!)

Prepare a ½ portion of my Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe (For Green Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad) for this broccoli salad. (For a larger crowd, use a whole recipe of dressing with a double recipe of the broccoli salad.)

Mix everything together, and refrigerate until ready to consume. (This is such a great make-ahead and take dish.)

Here is the broccoli salad in its vegan form… no bacon!

This is the omnivore’s broccoli salad… bacon, bacon, bacon, and more bacon!

Make both my macaroni and broccoli salads using just one recipe of my creamy dressing. Pair them with a baked chicken breast for a complete meal.

Make the broccoli and macaroni salads the day before a gathering for even greater flavor as the ingredients have had time to meld… and so you can indulge in more sleep the next morning.

Take any of my allergy-friendly salads to picnics and pot-lucks, and be assured that no one will go home sick by your hand. (Egg-based mayo + outdoors = food poisoning threat… so not fun for anyone.)

So just keep calm and picnic on!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Recipes

Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe (For Green Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad) Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free

August 24, 2015 Leigh

This allergy-friendly creamy salad dressing recipe is so tasty that no one will be able to tell that it’s vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, pepper-free, and gluten-free. It’s the perfect touch for any combination of salad fixings, and a half-portion serves as the base for each of my broccoli salad and macaroni salad recipes. They are the perfect make-ahead and take dishes for everyone to enjoy at picnics or pot-lucks because they’re vegan, celiac and allergy-friendly, and have no egg or dairy to trigger food poisoning… because who would want to be responsible for that!

Ingredients:

1½ cups soy-free vegan mayonnaise (try the Follow Your Heart brand, or any mayo)

½ cup unsweetened vegan coconut yogurt (or any plain or unsweetened yogurt)

¼ cup lemon juice (or lime juice)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or stoneground mustard)

2½ teaspoons granulated sugar (cane, coconut, white, etc…)

2½ teaspoons sea salt (adjust for taste & sodium needs)

1 teaspoon celery seed (a great salad staple for a spice cabinet)

Instructions:

Gather the ingredients, and feel free to make any substitutions you need to. (I used a healthier mayo and combined it with yogurt to add good probiotics. It also cut out some calories without cutting any flavor at all… trust me, my grandmother would definitely let me know if it had.)

Mix the measured ingredients well, and feel free to add some of your favorite herbs to complement the salad fixings you’re pairing them with.

I like using an elegant gravy boat to serve dressing on the side… it’s less likely to end up on your tablecloth!

This particular salad contains organic romaine lettuce, heirloom cherry tomatoes, prepared beets, artichoke hearts, sprouted pumpkin seeds, dried parsley… and of course my creamy salad dressing.

My Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free) uses a half portion of my prepared creamy dressing.

Also using a half portion of this creamy dressing is my Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Vegan & Turkey Bacon Options (Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free). Chop the broccoli into smaller pieces to get your picky eaters to devour their veggies… but you might just want to call it “creamy salad”!

Make both my macaroni and broccoli salads using just one recipe of this creamy dressing. Pair them with a baked chicken breast for a complete meal.

Make the broccoli and macaroni salads the day before a gathering for even greater flavor as the ingredients have had time to meld… and so you can indulge in more sleep the next morning.

Just keep calm and picnic on!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Parties & Tablescapes

Colorful Indoor Picnic Party Tablescape Perfect for Rainy Days or Texas Temps!

August 24, 2015 Leigh

This colorful indoor picnic tablescape makes a party perfect on rainy days or in soaring Texas temps. As a matter of fact, that is exactly what brought this vibrant alfresco celebration inside. No one really wanted to sit on dry itchy grass with hot dusty wind from triple digit heat laminating one’s face with excessive humidity. The risk of West Nile tainted mosquitos, fire ants, pesky flies, even thunderstorms rolling in led to the request of a placid gathering soothed with the luxuries of air conditioning and comfy chairs. Admittedly, the modification made for the loveliest of afternoons in cheerful celebration of summer.

Large prints of watercolor paintings brought the brilliant colors of sprightly blooms inside.

A handcrafted banner (click here for tutorial & template) set a playful mood aloft a side table topped with madras plaid napkins and a fruit crate that secured a vintage woven picnic basket filled with the surprises of sweet treats for dessert.

An indoor ficus tree was delightfully strung with lights of multi-colored string orbs just as one would trim a courtyard. Embroidered patchwork tuxedo cat pillows in Warhol tradition honored a beloved friend who passed on.

A brightly woven picnic blanket was employed as a tablecloth and set with yellow dinner plates that shined like midsummer suns. Appetite stimulating red salad plates and handmade napkin rings (see the tutorial here) filled with more madras plaid napkins were layered atop that. Coordinating crocheted hearts adorned glass drinking jars fitted with purposely mismatched lids and paper straws.

Delightfully oversized clothespins supported banner matching pinwheels (click here for tutorial & template) which contributed to the illusion of a cool circulating wind. A cast iron bluebird of happiness, wearing its heart on its sleeve, sang away the blues amidst glowing red votives filled with LED tea-lights. Completing the centerpiece was a coke bottle carrier repurposed with tiny vases to hold fresh red gerbera daisies.

Remember when foul weather spawns, just to keep calm and picnic on!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. For allergy-friendly picnic food try these recipes:

Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free)

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Vegan & Turkey Bacon Options (Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free)

Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe (For Green Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad) Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free

Parties & Tablescapes

Star-Spangled Independence Day Patriotic Party Décor Ideas (& All-American Burger Bar)

June 15, 2015 Leigh 5 Comments

Every year on the fourth of July, families across the country gather in jubilant celebration of the birth of our proud democracy. We join together to commemorate our forefathers’ defiant stand to secure those inalienable rights we enjoy today, and to venerate that hard-won freedom. Take part in a tour of my star-spangled Independence Day event for décor ideas to plan your own patriotic party with!

History was heralded with a welcoming wreath spangled with bright steel stars and the broad stripes of old glory… denoting a gallantly streaming flag hailed through the perilous fight.

A table in the aft zone was layered with patriotically printed fabric atop a white tablecloth… symbolizing the purchase of peace. The table’s façade was treated as a frontispiece with a star-spangled banner collage featuring iconic imagery in the appliqués cut from the same patriotic print fabric. (Find my no-sew craft tutorial on it here.)

The theatre’s horizon displayed a dazzling banner of classic Americana exclaiming, “God Bless America”. An explosion of color extended to thematic paper plates, blue cups, and flag printed napkins. A plain white vintage water pitcher was adorned with the sparkle of a steel star and flag ribbon.

Decorating rebellion manifested itself with a centerpiece, placed off-center, of beribboned candles atop vintage ceiling tile candlesticks… all to represent Lady Liberty’s torch. Hanging from them were steel stars and flag painted Christmas ball ornaments… representing bombs bursting in air and the flag that was still there. A galvanized pail held utensils set for dessert.

Revelers were offered the refreshment of blue patriot punch held in sustainable vessels festooned with stars and stripes. Further sustenance was provided with chips in a red painted basket (from the Beanitos brand made in the USA).

The memory of George Washington was honored with “truthful cherry patriotic pie” (of my own upcoming gluten-free vegan recipe) held high in esteem upon a metal pillar spelled with zinc USA letters. Sweet vegan tarts crowned with candy stars (from another American brand Hail Merry) topped a second pillar swathed in more stars.

The fore-field was set as an all American build a burger bar over the classic American staple of blue jean cloth set over a red tablecloth. Blasts of star spray shot out from beneath a centermost tray… connoting embattled fireworks.

Homemade burger buns (of my own upcoming gluten-free vegan recipe) were displayed in a pewter dish. Behind that sat a vintage tray offering hamburger accompaniments… like heirloom tomato slices, organic green onion, artisan leaf lettuce, and locally grown red onion slices.

An additional vintage pewter dish served onion loaded beef patties (another of my upcoming recipes). Slices of soy-free vegan cheese (from USA brand Follow Your Heart) were stamped with an American Flag seal of approval. Deep square vintage steel dishes presented pickled okra, onion, cornichons, gherkins, and sun-dried tomato stuffed green olives.

Galvanized metal buckets lined with flag napkins made admirable single-serving fry baskets bursting with seasoned steak fries (see my upcoming recipe). Old-school salt and pepper shakers got the patriotic washi treatment. More vintage dishes contained soy-free veganaise, paprika-free mustard, and corn-syrup-free ketchup… so that no allergy got served.

As the July 4^th night sky blazes with the flash of celebratory fireworks, may we all seek to reflect upon the valorous sacrifices made for our collective liberty.

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. Keep checking in on my Recipes Page for the latest postings on Gluten-Free & Egg-Free Pies, Fries, & Hamburger Buns! I’m launching a new on-going series of Burger Creations that is set to grow increasingly creative with time!

Be sure check out my article for a DIY July 4th Denim No-Sew Appliqué Collage Star-Spangled Banner Craft Tutorial for Independence Day here!

And this article for July 4th Altered Art Greeting Card as Mailable Mixed Media Independence Day Décor (DIY Collage Art Tutorial)here!

Recipes

Healthy Herb Garden Fresh Parsley Pesto Pine Nut Pasta Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan)

May 12, 2015 Leigh

Partake of a sinless garden of earthly delights with this recipe for parsley pesto pine nut pasta. These herb garden fresh noodles are guilt-free because they are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan. This dish is so deliciously delectable that Eve herself wouldn’t know it was healthy!

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh Italian flat leaf parsley (or try basil, or even cilantro)
¾ cup pine nuts (+ more for garnish)
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (adjust for taste)
1 teaspoon minced garlic (adjust for taste)
⅓ cup vegan parmesan (or regular variety) + extra to serve with
½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust for taste)
¼ teaspoon ground black peppercorns (adjust for taste)
16 ounce package gluten-free brown rice spaghetti style pasta (or any variety)

Instructions:

Gather all of the ingredients, and wash the fresh herbs. Boil the pasta according to its package instructions.

Mince the parsley in a food processor adding olive oil, pine nuts, parmesan. Add the seasonings then taste it. (Adjust the mixture as desired, but keep in mind that the flavor should be really strong at this point because it will be diluted by two cups of pasta.)

Drain the pasta and add the pesto to it. (I do this in the same warm pot I cooked the pasta in.) Cover the pot to keep the pasta warm until serving, and then transfer it to a pretty serving dish. Garnish with additional pine nuts and flower-cut radishes if you like.

I’ve even made this recipe without adding any parmesan at all, and everyone still thought it was wonderful. (This is a great way to indulge in a weeknight meal while cutting a few extra calories.)

Serve the pasta along with a side salad of mesclun greens topped with sliced radishes and pine nuts. Offer parmesan, sea salt, pepper, olive oil and vinegar for each guest to season their own greens with.

We served Italian pomegranate soda in lieu of wine for this luncheon.

See how to easily craft your own herb garden napkins rings from printed fabric, get your own free basil seed card printables (invitations, place-cards, food tents, menus, herb markers) and learn how to effortlessly customize a table setting with Washi tape here!

Be sure to check out more of the Fresh Herb Garden Luncheon Tablescape here.

Race you to the herb garden!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Arts & Crafts

DIY Herb Garden Fabric Napkin Rings Craft, Free Basil Seed Card Printables (Invitations, Place-cards, Food Tents, Menus, Herb Markers) & How to Customize a Table Setting with Washi Tape

May 12, 2015 Leigh

Bring the splendor of the herb garden to an indoor tablescape resplendent with free basil seed card printables for invitations, place-cards, food tents, menus, and even herb markers. Craft matching napkin rings with herb printed fabric, and then learn how to effortlessly customize a table setting with washi tape. Practically zero budget is needed to create a splendiferous luncheon with every element detailed… what a splendid way to grow a party!

Let’s begin with crafting the herb garden napkin rings. Find a fabric with a lovely herb motif. Cut it into 6 inch long strips about 1 ⅜ inch wide.

Mark an empty wrapping paper roll (or use a paper tower tube) into 1 inch sections. Cut through these sections to make the ring bases.

Hot glue the fabric strips onto the paper roll sections. (The ends should overlap a little.)

Glue the fabric flaps down to the inside of each roll. (This will make a nice edge that won’t fray in the future.)

Tie on a thin ribbon that coordinates to the darkest color of your fabric, and knot it closed. Trim the loose ends to about an inch long each.

Now your rings are ready to use and are reusable too! Fill them with cloth napkins and place them next to flatware customized with washi tape. It’s a great way to accent your look without having to buy new dishes or utensils, and it’s better for the environment than resorting to the disposable stuff.

Simply cut small inch sections of a coordinating paper tape and wrap onto anything you want to embellish. It won’t leave any residue when you peel it off, so clean-up is a breeze!

Utensils, goblets, and even a salad bowl have been effortlessly washi-ed to wonderful.

I even added washi to tiny terracotta pots filled with candles. The easiest way to make your own is to slip a tea-light candle into one. (We had no burning incident, but if you’re worried about fire… try an flameless LED tea-light instead.)

Now let’s make basil seed card invitations, menus, food tents cards, place-cards, and even herb markers for your tablescape. (Please note that my seed card printables are free for your personal use only.)

Simply right click on a small image below and select print. Choose color and photo settings for the best results. Print them on a thick paper cardstock that won’t curl.

Cut them out by the lines, and fold the pieces that need them into tents.

I taped the flat herb markers to toothpicks and wrote names on them to use as place-cards. The herbs they were stuck into then became lovely take home gifts for the name bearers.

The herb pots were lovely to set around a centerpiece of parsley pesto pine nut pasta elevated by an inverted serving bowl. (A piece of cloth, sandwiched in between, ensured no slippage while serving.)

See the recipe for my Healthy Herb Garden Fresh Parsley Pesto Pine Nut Pasta Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan) here.

Race you to the craft room!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Recipes

Lemon Glazed Pumpkin Pear Teacakes (Gluten-Free Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg- Free) for Mother’s Day Tea

May 6, 2015 Leigh

My dairy, egg, and gluten-free recipe for Lemon Glazed Pumpkin Pear Teacakes began as an experiment to concoct an original healthy and allergy-friendly cake. It can be fashioned into your choice of layered cake, cupcakes, and teacakes. The level of sweetness can be controlled by the amount of glaze you choose to top it with, and almost four cups of pumpkin and pear make this a yummy but guilt-free treat for all to enjoy. So for this Mother’s Day, let them eat teacakes!

Pumpkin Pear Cake Ingredients:

4 cups gluten-free baking mix (brands vary greatly… I used Arrowhead Mills)
2 egg replacers (3 teaspoons + 4 Tablespoons water = 2 eggs… or just use eggs)
1 cup of canned pumpkin (or use homemade purée)
2 ¾ cups pear puree (blended ripe pears, or other fruit purée)
½ cup melted coconut oil (or butter)
1½ cups sugar (or alternative granular sweetener)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or other citrus juice)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (not imitation)
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon allspice

Lemon Glaze Icing Ingredients:

4 tablespoons lemon juice (or any citrus juice)
1 cup confectioner’s sugar (or use powdered)
optional: dust with more confectioner’s sugar (or use powdered)

Instructions:

Mix all the dry ingredients together.

Add in the wet ingredients to make a super sticky batter.

Spray a 2 tea cake pans, 1 muffin tin, or 2 cake rounds with coconut oil… or use a jarred stuff to grease them the old fashioned way. Do not dust with flour afterward.

Pack the dough into your pans. If you’re making muffins, shape rounded tops with the back of a spoon. If making cakes or tea cakes, smooth the mixture flat with a spoon. (This is a sticky dough that will retain more of its shape than the more fluid batters.)

Slide your filled pans into a non-preheated 350ᵒ oven. (This is because gluten-free vegan goods bake a bit differently than the wheat and egg types.) Bake according to your oven’s temperament, for about 40 minutes.

Let them cool off a little before popping them out.

To make the glaze while you’re waiting for them to cool completely, simply mix the ingredients well in a bowl.

Spoon the glaze onto cooled teacakes.

Confectioner’s sugar may also be dusted over the top if you like. (Confectioner’s is a dusting sugar without corn additives.) Top these teacakes with raspberries for a delightful sight.

They were a delicious allergy-free addition to my Spring Garden Mother’s Day Tea.

I hope they bring a smile to your face too!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Recipes

Easy to Mold Naturally Colored Pink Sugar Shapes Sweethearts Recipe = a Spoonful of Sugar for Your Mother’s Day Tea

May 6, 2015 Leigh

Celebrate Mother’s Day the Mary Poppins way with a spoonful of sugar in your tea! This no-cook recipe for pink sweethearts utilizes natural beet juice instead of artificial food coloring, but you can substitute any color of juice you like. Plus, they’re really easy to make and mold into any shape you desire. They’re a “supercallifragilisticexpialidocious” alternative for decorating your baked goods as well, because they contain no corn syrup. It only takes a matter of minutes to mix and mold, then let them dry overnight. They are “practically perfect in every way”.

Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar (I used evaporated cane juice)
3 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon bottled beet juice (or other juice… or gel food color + 1 teaspoon water)

+ flexible silicone molds in your choice of shape

Instructions:

Gather the ingredients, and measure them precisely.

Mix them together very well, until the pink color is evenly distributed.

Use spoons to dispense the sweet mixture into each well of the mold. Pack it down tightly, flattening the top with the back of a spoon. (This recipe filled two of my heart molds.)

Let them sit out to dry overnight, and unmold them gently in the morning. Keep them stored in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them.

Here they are at the Spring Garden Mother’s Day Tea.

One must be allowed to indulge in girliness every once in a while.

These are so much cuter than plain little squares of white sugar.

So how about you… one lump, or two?

“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and – snap – the job’s a game!” –Mary Poppins

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Recipes

Cherry Pecan Chicken Salad (Soy-Free / Egg-Free with Stuffed Tomato & Gluten-Free Shaped Finger Sandwich Options) for Mother’s Day Tea

May 6, 2015 Leigh

Skip the watercress and cucumber, and opt for heartier fare for your Mother’s Day Tea with this easy allergy-friendly recipe for Cherry Pecan Chicken Salad. Serve this delicious soy-free and egg-free delight with gluten-free bread or crackers for all your guests to enjoy worry-free. Or just make a nutritious lunch of adorably shaped finger sandwiches for the kiddos and a stuffed tomato for yourself. Either way, try some today!

Ingredients:

1 oven baked chicken breast (see my recipe for this here… or use a can, leftovers, or even turkey)
½ cup pecan pieces (or walnuts, almonds, etc.)
½ cup diced green onion (or leeks, onion, etc.)
½ cup dried cherries (or dried cranberries, raisins, etc.)
¾ cup soy-free veganaise (or mayo, vegan unsweetened yogurt, etc… or mix these ½ and ½)
sea salt to taste (or salt free substitute)
ground peppercorns to taste
optional: heirloom tomato to stuff, gluten-free crackers to top, artisan lettuce to fill, gluten-free bread for tea sandwiches, etc.

Instructions:

Bake and cut a chicken breast into cubes. (See my roasted cocorico chicken with root veggies recipe here, and my chicken with sautéed mixed greens recipe here.) Wash and dice the green onion.

Measure and mix all of the ingredients. Add sea salt and pepper according to your taste and sodium requirements.

Here I cut the top off of a large red and purple heirloom variety tomato, and then scooped out some of the center. Then I spooned a good portion of chicken salad into it and garnished the top with ground red peppercorns and green onion.

The green and purple artisan lettuce it’s resting on, also makes a wonderful carb-free wrap for the chicken salad. Those are gluten-free vegan Mary’s Gone Crackers in the Super Seed variety… yum!

The chicken salad was the perfect filling for the gluten-free tea sandwiches I served at the Spring Garden Mother’s Day Tea.

To go beyond tea sandwich triangles, simply press a cookie cutter into the bread, and fill with chicken salad. (Tulip, daisy, and butterfly shapes were my choice for the tea, but you can see bunny bread here with my carrot crouton recipe.)

Thanks Mom, for all the chicken salad you’ve made me over the years!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. If you’re looking for another easy version of this, try my turkey salad recipe here.

Parties & Tablescapes

Spring Garden Mother’s Day Tea Party Tablescape Décor Ideas (+ Free Printable Card & Invitation)

May 5, 2015 Leigh 2 Comments

You’re invited for tea at my nest where enchanting tablescape décor awaits, where butterflies will carry you to a flower filled spring garden complete with the melody of birdsong. Delight upon delectable teacakes, treats, tarts, and tea sandwiches while sipping mint scented tea sweetened with pink sugar sweethearts. Celebrate with handmade gift crafts conveying heartfelt sentiments along with free printable invitations and cards sending your warmest wishes for a beautiful Mother’s Day!

Harken your ears to the call of birds whistling a merry tune of invitation to the spring garden. Two nests double the blessings bestowed upon the day as finding even one is said to be the harbinger of prosperity.

Notice the greeting of butterflies rising from moss laden purses filled with the yellow roses of friendship and tulips representing strength and life itself.

Take a seat cushioned with pastel patchwork pillows provided for your comfort.

Touch the threaded texture of a tablecloth hand embroidered generations ago.

Release baby pink vintage napkins from their handcrafted tapestry and lacework rings.

Sip mint scented tea from delicate vintage china teacups ornamented with floral motif.

Sweeten your tea with pink sugar sweethearts delivering a spoonful of sugar in the perfect dose.

Stir in flavor with silver tea spoons that have been lovingly held by previous generations.

Sup on tea sandwiches packed with cherry pecan chicken salad, whose butterfly and floral shapes echo the garden’s delights.

Try almond crusted chocolate tarts balanced with healthy red raspberry fruit.

Taste pumpkin pear teacakes dripping with lemon icing, dusted with confectioner’s sugar, and topped with more fruit.

Cleanse your palette with pink peppermint almonds held in small antique silver bowls.

Sink your teeth into juicy plump strawberries offered amid vintage salt and pepper shakers.

Replenish your china plate from a grapevine heart topped tower of treats wrapped in lengths of tapestry and lace.

Gaze upon sunlight reflected from gleaming antique silver service layered with vintage doilies atop layers of vintage lace and patterned cloth.

Feel the impressions of vintage buttons encrusting a jewelry box gift sheltered by a lofty spring floral arrangement.

And at last, read the Mother’s Day card that will hold the memory of the cherished event for years to come.

Sincerely wishing you the happiest of Mother’s Days!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. Right click on the small image below, and select print to make your own invitations (at the left) and cards (at the right) free (for personal use only). Print them on photo and color settings for the best results.

P.P.S. Click on the links below for teacake, chicken salad, and sweetheart recipes as well as crafting instructions for the jewelry box, keychain, and napkin rings.