Preparing a pleasing table - mixing it up and making itbeautiful can be fun- really!  Newideas for the table are always inspiring to me, and with Spring in full bloom,it is time to try some out.   Sometimes, selecting something that you own, but whichyou have never used as a center piece can give you a nice surprise. Floweringplants on the table are a must in spring; Dianthus, Mexican Petunias orBachelor Buttons make lovely low center pieces (to be planted in the gardenlater).  Bud vases at each placesetting can be delightful too.  

The fact that we are leading less formal lives these days, does not meanthat fine china need stay tucked away and forgotten either.  Mixing of china with pottery is totallyallowed.  The beauty of fine china maybe complimented and dressed down with a richly glazed pottery charger orinformal textiles.  Or hand thrownpottery may be dressed up by mixing it with a complimentary pattern, pewter, and/orwonderful glassware.   

Insetting a buffet, mixing ceramics, pewter, iron and hammered metals into theequation can make for a gratifying visual experience.  If you are in the mood to add pizzaz with something new,search out a cool looking runner, serving piece, or candle sticks.  I have discovered the delight of greatlooking stoneware (freezer, oven and MW friendly) which makes preparing,storing and serving foods in one beautiful container a reality.  

Not lessimportant than preparing a table for guests is preparing your everyday table ortray.  The smallest thing can helpkeep spirits high. The use of a colorful table runner (rotated every-so-often)makes things better by delighting our eyes and lending a new light to theentire room. Good looking napkins are a great way to enhance the daily experienceof sitting down to a meal (toss the old stained ones out).  Of course, the eating part is importanttoo- fresh, grilled and fruity for me. Ah, life is good, and sometimes it only takes a small addition to makeour dining experience seem fresh and new.