Grandma’s
Kitchen Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.
We all have family gatherings or other
For a social event, you might choose a natural
special events when we prefer finger foods over
color linen tablecloth. For this type of occasion
traditional meals. Finger foods do not tie us to
you could also use linen napkins. You might
the kitchen, but allows us to mingle and enjoy
place a symbol of the event in the center back.
the event with our guests because most can be
For instance, a piece of art or sculpture for an Art
prepared ahead of time and set out just before
Show or an example of workmanship at a Craft
guests arrive.
Show.
Finger foods are just the right thing for wedding
Candles are appropriate for any occasion. They
receptions, Super Bowl parties, birthday parties,
can even be your center piece. Colors and scents
piano recitals, Bridal or baby showers and other
can be matched to your special event.
social events.
Food should always be placed with meat items
Preparing a table setting for your event is
first, vegetables next, then fruits. Desserts should
pleasing to the eye and shows what the occasion
be the last items in the line. It is easier for guests
is celebrating.
to choose their preferences if each kind of offering
For a wedding you might use a white tablecloth with a lacy one on top. You could place flowers
is placed together instead of randomly placed on the table.
the color of the bride’s bouquet in the center back
Platters, three tiered stands, chafing dishes or
of the table. White cloth napkins would be better
other food containers can help make the table
than paper.
beautiful.
For a birthday party, choose a bright color cloth
It has been quite a while since I have hosted
with the cake as the centerpiece and confetti
such events, but have been in a group at times to
scattered across the table to make it festive. Paper
help put them together. The only event I normally
napkins and plates with a birthday theme would
host at home now is Christmas Eve. We have
be fine for a Birthday Party.
started having finger foods on Christmas Eve so
For Super Bowl parties, a cloth with the image of a football field and small footballs around the table would be attractive. It is easy to find paper plates and napkins with a football theme.
we can grab a plate of food and congregate in a more relaxed environment. Here are some ideas for finger foods. I hope you enjoy them.
Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper editor and columnist residing in Windsor. In addition to three sons, she has a gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom love cooking with her just as she did with her mother and grandmother.
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