Cook-a-thon

Our friends are in the middle of a kitchen remodel.  They have a microwave in the laundry room and a gutted shell of the old kitchen.  I can't imagine being without a kitchen, which is one reason I am hesitant to even think about our own remodel.  I invited her over to cook this past weekend so they will have some food this week.  We planned three different recipes, plus something else for supper that night.  In order to have more time to cook, I just put together a simple table with my everyday dishes.  

Noritake Warm Sands stoneware. We have used these dishes everyday for 16 years and they are still like new.  I don't even remember where the placemats and napkins were found.  I purchased all of this before I even thought about tablescaping.  I probably wouldn't pick the linens now, but I still like the dishes.  

I just threw together some votives, greenery and and an old vine for a centerpiece.  When I make a vine wreath, I never throw it away.  I have stacks of them in the basement. 

Since it was just four for dinner, I put a few chickens at the end of the table so we didn't feel like we were at an empty table.

 

Simple, but delicious dessert.  Blackberries at Costco are really sweet right now.

It was a veritable celebrity chef cook-a-thon for about  six hours.  We made America's Test Kitchen Favorite Chili, Rick Bayless Mexican Shortribs (I am obsessed with this recipe), and White Bean Soup.  For supper we made Michael Chiarello's Tomato Soup with Grilled White Cheddar & Pesto Pannini.  After all the cooking, I was too exhausted to take photos of the food.  

Sharing at Tablescape Thursday and Seasonal Sunday.  

Thanks for your visit and I appreciate all you comments and read everyone!   Dianne