Tag Archives: Parties

Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas with Tablescape Décor Ideas Evoking Love’s Pure Light

Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with tablescape décor ideas evoking Love’s pure light. Placing a nativity as a Christmas dinner’s centerpiece places the message of Christ into the center of the Christmas celebration itself. It’s a beautiful way to remember the greatest gift of truest love.

18leigh

“Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon Virgin Mother and Child! Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace!”

The focal point of the centerpiece vignette is a gilded nativity sculpture ensconced within a sheltering angel’s wings inset with shimmering glass mosaic. A gilt cross is placed as a reminder of the resolution of the ultimate gift. Beaded tree forms stand in deference to the difficult journey made to Bethlehem.

46leigh

“Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight! Glories stream from Heaven afar, Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Saviour, is born! Christ, the Saviour, is born!”

A golden polyptych rising as the gates of Heaven reflects a glimmering mosaic Holy Family sculpture and presiding angel aglow with proclamation. Glories stream as jeweled fabric swirls from a beaded wreath representing He that is all seeing.

29leigh

“Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth! Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!”

Radiant light reflects as the looming dawn from a large beaded ornament poised over the nativity. Reproductions of renaissance art featuring Madonna with child are exhibited with various gilded crosses in the background.

24leigh

“Silent Night, Holy Night Here at last, healing light From the heavenly kingdom sent, Abundant grace for our intent. Jesus, salvation for all. Jesus, salvation for all.”

Ornamental golden levels rise as the stairway to Heaven whose path may be traversed by means of the prayers of the faithful and Love’s pure light, symbolized by lit votive candles of golden beads and frosted glass.

13leigh

“Silent Night! Holy Night” Sleeps the world in peace tonight. God sends his Son to earth below A Child from whom all blessings flow Jesus, embraces mankind. Jesus, embraces mankind.”

Heavenly blessings as signified by vintage gold embroidered tulle envelop the earthen colored cloth. Gold-leafed chalices bear remembrance to Holy sacrament.

43leigh

“Silent Night, Holy Night Mindful of mankind’s plight The Lord in Heav’n on high decreed From earthly woes we would be freed Jesus, God’s promise for peace. Jesus, God’s promise for peace.”

Brass utensils with wooden handles echo tools suggesting earthly toil and mankind’s plight. A simple wooden plate hearkening to the apostles’ era is ringed by a halo of righteousness in the form of a golden charger. Christmas messages of “hope” and “joy” mark handcrafted napkin rings which encircle cloth napkins implying the fabric of humanity.

5leigh

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 KJV

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. Though there are actually several versions of “Silent Night, Holy Night”, I have quoted the most complete translation of the original German Hymn (whose words were written by Rev. Joseph Mohr in 1816, and music composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818).

P.P.S. Print free nativity Christmas cards and learn how to easily make the coordinating napkin rings here: Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas with Free Printable Nativity Cards and Easy Craft Tutorial for Hope & Joy Napkin Rings for Christmas Dinner

Celebrate Halloween with Colorful Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) Party Décor Inspired by Traditional Ofrenda Symbolism (+ DIY Craft Tutorials & Candy Recipe)

65leigh

Celebrate Halloween with colorful Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) party décor inspired by traditional ofrenda symbolism. It is an edifying means of incorporating both traditions into an event that seeks to cultivate an atmosphere of cultural understanding. By recognizing the universal conditions of love, life, and death through festivity, we can be united as one people comprised of a beautiful mosaic of ethnic tradition. In this way, revelry becomes a means of dispelling the negative cultural bias that plagues the nation, so that we may move forward together in celebration.

133leigh

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) coincides with All Saints Day and All Souls Day in both tradition and calendar. In this regard, a traditional ofrenda (offering) has a higher central tier honoring a deceased loved one. Taking the place of a photograph is another traditional element, that of a religious symbol. It takes the form of a chalkboard cross that has been inscribed with flowers and the Spanish words, “Te Amo” (“I love You”). A vase upcycled with crystal appliques holds a floral offering in keeping with gravesite ritual. See how easy this is to make in my tutorial here: DIY Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Napkin Rings, Wine Glass Charms, & Vase Craft Tutorial for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween Dinner Party Décor.

104leigh

Lit candles are said to illuminate the path for the visiting spirits of loved ones. Representing fire, these may be in the form of Catholic religious candles depicting santos (saints), luminarias (lanterns) made of pierced paper bags or cans, or plain wax candles. Perritos (little dog figurines) are presented in symbolic gesture regarding the idea that dogs guided ancestral spirits to the afterlife. (Because surely “all dogs go to Heaven”!) Mariposas monarcha (monarch butterflies), that migrate to Mexico through Texas in the fall, represent visiting ancestors. Wild yellow and orange Mexican marigolds (cempasúchil) are known as the flor de muerto (flower of the dead). They may be linked into garlands, shaped into crosses, or placed decoratively. A fun way to incorporate these elements is make your own luminarias and flowers. The traditional crafts are easy to make using my tutorial here: Easy DIY Upcycled Can Tea-light Luminarias (+ Free Printable Template) & Tissue Paper Flowers Crafts (for Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Décor). Another essential item is a papel picado (cut paper) banner which signifies the fragility of life.

109leigh

Representing water is a Mexican bubble glass pitcher bearing a traditional mask of la calavera catrina (iconic image of a wealthy 1800’s era Euro-Mexican lady). When worn as a parade mask, half of the face is covered with a skull representation symbolizing life as inextricably linked with death. Make your own with the help of my tutorial here: DIY La Calavera Catrina Costume Mask & Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Banner for a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween. Other decorative elements are multi-colored doilies beneath figures of X’s & O’s(kisses & hugs), and little signs naming the holiday. Small sugar skull tins replace toys, and framed sugar skull images replace ancestors’ photos in this lighthearted nod to tradition.

79leigh

Calaveritas de azucar (little sugar skulls) are necessary offerings as its sweetness (representing life) is said to balance the bitterness of muerte (death). Easily make these with my recipe here: Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Edible Folk Art & Egg-Free Vegan Candy Recipe for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) or Halloween. Seeds (with an obvious connection to life) originally decorated skulls in place of sugar. They are still offered as a traditional component, with food representing the element earth. Here they are contained in floral dishes nested into decorative tin pails. Sprouted pepitas or semillas de Calabaza (pumpkin seeds), pipas (sunflower seeds), and fried green peas as well as roasted chick peas (garbanzo beans) are adorned here with glittered skull cupcake picks. A trio of palanqueta de ajonjoli disks (sesame seed candy) are another sweet form of seed offering. (Nut brittle is a form of this kind of candy.) Sugared marshmallow pops are propped into stacks of customary naranjas (oranges). (The pops were purchased at Fiesta Mart, but they may also be found at Le fidèLe affiliates Michaels & World Market whose coupon links are in the left side bar or below on a smart phone.) Pan de muerto (bread of the dead) sits front and center of the ofrenda as it denotes human life in its round skull-like form with an X of raised dough like cross-bones. It is a pan dulce (sweet bread) flavored with anise and orange peel. Candies, Mexican chocolate, and chicle (chewing gum) are also customary offerings.

93leigh

White glittered skull shapes may be decorated and strung as another craft honoring the holiday. Read how to make the banner here: DIY La Calavera Catrina Costume Mask & Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Banner for a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween.

602leigh

Make your own stand-up signs with dollar wooden shapes from the craft store. These prepainted shapes came from Le fidèLe Design’s affiliate Michaels (see the coupon link in the left side bar or scroll down on a smart phone), but any blank shape may be decorated easily with paint pens. Simply glue a wooden bead or shape (like these pyramids) to the base of the back.

492leigh

The background fabric for the ofrenda was once used as a tablecloth for a dinner party. (It can be purchased at Le fidèLe affiliate Joann whose coupon link is in the left sidebar, or below on a smart phone.) See it in this capacity in my previously posted article using this theme for a grown-up Halloween tablescape here: Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween Dinner Party Décor + DIY Décor & Recipe Links. Learn how to make your own wine glass charms and napkin rings for the dinner party here: DIY Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Napkin Rings, Wine Glass Charms, & Vase Craft Tutorial for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween Dinner Party Décor.

76leigh

Feliz Dia de los Muertos!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Whimsical Fairyland Tablescape Décor Ideas for a Birthday Party or Mother’s Day Celebration

Welcome to a whimsical fairyland with tablescape décor ideas perfect for a birthday party or Mother’s Day celebration. This is a venue where fantastical flower bearing fairies evoke Irish proverbs that will fill your mind with conviviality as joy fills your soul.

133Leigh

“Your feet will bring you where your heart is.”

Take a seat next to a dear loved one whose smile is lit by the glistening light reflected by the chandelier’s découpaged crystals.

140Leigh

“What fills the eye fills the heart.”

Feast your eyes upon a table festooned with watercolor ribbon bows and a berry clustered birdbath centerpiece framed by ceramic tulip salt and pepper shakers.

150Leigh

“A word is more enduring than worldly wealth.”

Meadow fairies present you with purple flowers and signs declaring, “You’re the Greatest!”

182Leigh

“People live in each other’s shelter.”

Rest upon floral cushions as you bask in the serenity of good company sheltering beneath trees adorned with handcrafted paper flower mobiles.

184Leigh

“Time is a good storyteller.”

Raise a toast with violet bubble goblets in celebration of time shared as you dine upon ceramic dishware of purple dragonflies twirling around parchment paper pansies.

136Leigh

“A light heart lives long.”

A lavender tablecloth of basket-weave patterning glides across a lighthearted tablescape with wood handled flatware and eggplant napkins rolled into handmade watercolor ribbon napkin rings.

215Leigh

Remember that “Mothers hold their children’s hands for just a little while… and their hearts forever.”

And as the small serving plates say, “The best medicine in the world is a mother’s kiss,”… remembered and cherished. Love you Mom!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. The flower laden fellows are Mark Roberts Fairies, and the lovely quotes are old Irish proverbs!

P.P.S. Learn how to make your own paper flower mobiles by clicking HERE.

And read how to easily make the ribbon napkin rings HERE.

Get my free printable Birthday & Mother’s Day cards HERE.

Get the perfect Macadamia Nut Cake Recipe (Gluten-free Vegan) to serve at your gathering HERE.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween Dinner Party Décor + DIY Décor & Recipe Links

75(2)Leigh

Celebrate Halloween with a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) themed dinner party filled with decorative sugar skulls (calaveras de azucar in Español) that embrace the lighthearted American holiday while still honoring Mexican traditions. Sugar (azucar) is said to balance the bitterness of death (muerte), and calaveras are traditionally offered on All Saint’s Day (November 1) to departed loved ones as one would leave flowers graveside. As Halloween serves to poke fun at all things scary, Dia de los Muertos is intended as a way to accept death as inevitable… and also to honor dearly departed loved ones. Representational calacas (colloquial term for skeletons) symbolize the idea of life being inextricably linked with death, and have migrated north from Mexico into American Halloween celebrations as themed décor. By using one celebration as a theme for the other, the two concepts combine to poke a little fun at death as not being so scary!

27(2)Leigh

The vivacious tablecloth was made from fabric printed with customary Dia de los Muertos imagery in vibrant illustrations over a black background. (Purchase the cloth, glass candles, & large decorative skulls from Le fidèLe Designs affiliate Joann Fabric & Crafts whose clickable ad appears in the sidebar.)

20(2)Leigh

Exotically painted salad plates sit atop solid purple dishes to evoking the brightly embroidered dresses of Mexico. (Purchase the salad plates from Le fidèLe Designs affiliate Cost Plus World Market whose clickable ad appears in the sidebar.) Lustrously glittered napkin rings of sugar skulls hold death black napkins in their icy grip. (Learn how to craft the napkin rings here: DIY Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Napkin Rings, Wine Glass Charms, & Vase Craft Tutorial.)

9(2)Leigh

Crafted sugar skull wine glass charms embellish virgin sangria (fruity wine beverage known by the Spanish name for blood) filled vessels. (Learn how to easily make the charms here: DIY Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Napkin Rings, Wine Glass Charms, & Vase Craft Tutorial.)

49(2)Leigh

The tablescape is illuminated with Catholic religious candles (as a nod to All Saint’s Day) not decorated with santos (saints) but with Dia de los Muertos imagery. Small homemade luminarias (lanterns) filled with tea-light candles are tied with the same multi-colored yarn of the banners, charms, and vase. (Learn how to inexpensively make these here: Easy DIY Upcycled Can Tea-light Luminarias + Free Printable Template & Tissue Paper Flowers Crafts.)

36(2)Leigh

A clear square vase, decorated with crystals depicting Day of the Dead imagery, is filled with black glass marbles holding a tightly packed arrangement of cempasuchil (wild marigolds) which are typically left for the departed as ofrendas (offerings at altars or graves). (Learn how to quickly make the vase here: DIY Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Napkin Rings, Wine Glass Charms, & Vase Craft Tutorial.)

8(3)Leigh

Small edible sugar skulls serve as both customary folk art décor and sweet after dinner treat. (Get the easy recipe here: Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Edible Folk Art & Egg-Free Candy Recipe.)

67(2)Leigh

A polychromatic Mexican serape (wool shawl) covers lifts which elevate central elements of the centerpiece unseen. Ornamental calavera (skull) novios (brides and grooms) ceremoniously occupy the centerpiece. (Calacas, skeletons, dressed in wedding attire are a common theme describing the circle of life.)

43(2)Leigh

Awaiting a guest of honor, is a handcrafted Mexican parade mask portraying la calavera catrina (which is an iconic image of a wealthy Euro-Mexican lady from the 1800’s). When worn, ½ of the face is covered with a skull representation it symbolizes the idea of life being inextricably linked with death. Banners of traditional papel picado (pierced paper) and painted sugar skulls of novios adorn the background of the festive tablescape. (Learn how to easily craft the mask and banner here: DIY La Calavera Catrina Costume Mask & Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Banner for a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween.)

54(2)Leigh

Feliz Dia de los Muertos!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Bavarian Oktoberfest Party Décor Ideas for a Fall Tablescape

048Leigh

Willkommen to an Oktoberfest party where the tablescape décor will transport you to a fanciful Bavarian hunting lodge straight out of Grimm’s fairy tales. So don your dirndls or lederhosen, fill your bier steins, and raise prost to a chorus of “Ein Prosit” for a wunderbar family folk fest!

002Leigh

Dark brown tablecloths reminiscent of solid Alpine earth ground the tablescape. Nail-head trimmed pewter chargers topped with true blue dishes echo the pewter hinged lids and stoneware glazing of the steinkrugs. A feather motif dances around the edges of ivory salad plates.

93Leigh

Feathers encircle “leather” rings containing lederhosen protecting cloth. (Find the napkin ring craft tutorial here.)

039Leigh

Carved wooden acorns tied with feathers and nametags direct polka dancers to their seats. (Find the place-card craft tutorial here.)

070Leigh

Tiny acorns scatter across the table acting as yesteryear confetti.

058Leigh

An Alpine “horned” tray befits the base of a centerpiece glowing with candles, scattered feathers, and a large vintage steinkrug of gathered fall branches and long feathers. (Find the centerpiece tutorial here.)

052Leigh

Green foliaged trees and a one-of-a-kind European armoire, refit with a placid oil painting, set the background scenery.

019Leigh

A vintage wooden sign carved with a German message of welcome stands in greeting. A carven hare guards an antique pewter pitcher festooned with colorful plumes. A tiny bierkrug sits feather-filled alongside it.

090Leigh

A toast is proposed… may our hearts forever be filled with merriment just as the kartoffelpuffers, knackwurst, sauerkraut, and apfel sauce fill our bellies this very evening! Gemütlichkeit!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

122Leigh

P.S. Wondering how to prepare such a hearty meal for your own wunderbar gathering? Try my Gluten-Free & Egg-Free Potato Pancake (aka- Kartoffelpuffer, Latke, hash brown cups, etc.) Recipe with Baked & Fried Versions for Oktoberfest!

Simple Origami Lotus / Waterlily Flower Arts & Crafts Tutorial (Perfect for Pan Asian Themed Décor, Place-cards, & Chopstick Rests)

010Leigh

This arts and crafts tutorial for an origami lotus flower, also known as a waterlily, is really very simple. I first learned the method from a book in elementary school, and I’ve been making them ever since. I’ve been known to leave them as calling cards, get well messages, love tokens, etc. They also make elegant yet inexpensive table décor because they can be upcycled from any paper. Just write a name on a petal to use them as place-cards then allow them to double as disposable chopstick rests… but expect some to be taken home as mementos from the evening.

001Leigh

Use any paper you like from traditional origami paper from the craft store, to economical white printer paper like this. (Read my origami crane tutorial to read how to use wrapping paper.) Fold one corner over until it meets the opposite side, and press the crease down flat.

002Leigh

Cut off the uncovered portion of paper cleanly, using the folded paper’s edge as a guide. You have just made a perfect square without using a ruler.

003Leigh

Unfold the triangle you’ve cut free, and then refold it using the opposite corners. Now unfold it, you should see an X crease into the square of paper.

004Leigh

Next take each corner and fold it into the middle, using the X crease as a guide. You just made a smaller square shape.

005Leigh

Repeat this 4 corner folding again, making an even smaller square.

006Leigh

Repeat this again, making an even tinier square.

007Leigh

Now flip it over, and then repeat the 4 corner folding into the center one last time.

008Leigh

This is the tricky part… place your thumb into one corner of the square, and place the other fingers under the lipped point underneath it. Push in the corner with your thumb while gently pulling the underneath point out. It will flip up and over into a sort of petal. (The right petal in the picture is only halfway done. You can keep pulling gently until it looks like the left petal.) Stop pushing and pulling once the petal has a solid form with a rounded outside edge. Repeat this petal making on all corners.

009Leigh

Now pull out the four hidden points from beneath.

010Leigh

This is what it’s supposed to look like, but it may take a few blooms to get the hang of petal pulling.

011Leigh

This is what the underside should look like. (It’s the perfect place to write a little message.)

14ChopstickRest-Leigh

This is one of my origami waterlilies being used as a place-card holder/ chopstick rest. See it in action in my Pan Asian Inspired Indigo Shibori & Wooden Themed Tablescape (Perfect for Luncheons & Informal Dinners).

227Leigh

Bloom where you are planted!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

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

272Leigh

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.

274Leigh

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

249Leigh

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.

252Leigh

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.

233Leigh

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.

237Leigh

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.

211Leigh

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

263Leigh

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

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

012Leigh

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

061Leigh

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

013Leigh

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

 

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

333Leigh

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!

358Leigh

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.

368Leigh

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.)

362Leigh

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.

014Leigh

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.

021Leigh

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).

363Leigh

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.

333Leigh

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.

373Leigh

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.

375Leigh

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.

353Leigh

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.

351Leigh

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

374Leigh

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!

044Leigh

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!

163Leigh

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

120Leigh

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

047Leigh

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!

032Leigh


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:

002Leigh

Mix all the dry ingredients together.

007Leigh

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

008Leigh

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.

011Leigh

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.)

025Leigh

021Leigh

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.

022Leigh

Let them cool off a little before popping them out.

030Leigh

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

031Leigh

Spoon the glaze onto cooled teacakes.

122Leigh

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.

051Leigh

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

082Leigh

I hope they bring a smile to your face too!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

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

136Leigh

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”.

125Leigh


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:

019Leigh

Gather the ingredients, and measure them precisely.

020Leigh

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

028Leigh

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.)

118Leigh

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.

097Leigh

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

122Leigh

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

121Leigh

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

125Leigh

So how about you… one lump, or two?

128Leigh

“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