This is an easy way to make seasonal dishes without having to buy dishes for each season. Use a set of red or white plates and top them with clear glass plates. Arrange different seasonal items between the two plates. The red plates seem to go with many holidays. The white ones will go with others. Heres a few items to use to “sandwich” between a red bottom plate and clear top plate…
VALENTINES DAY… a white paper heart doily, picture of a white rose, “Love” confetti, paper valentines
MEMORIAL DAY, 4TH OF JULY, LABOR DAY… Small American flag, fireworks picture, plastic ants, watermelon seeds
BIRTHDAYS… colorful confetti, “Happy Birthday” saying, deflated balloons, pressed flowers, age of person
THANKSGIVING…Fall leaves, herbs and spices, pumpkin picture, dried pumpkin seeds
CHRISTMAS… snowflake cutouts, flat cedar branch, picture of a present or ornament, ribbon, crushed up peppermint, faux snow, Christmas sheet music, tinsel
These plates have different sprigs of herbs and spices, bay leaves, rosemary, mint, and peppercorns sandwiched between them. (Place your meal right on top of the glass plate to eat). It makes for a natural and fresh presentation.
Its fun to think up things that can go between the plates for different Holidays. Can you think of others to go on white plates for St. Patricks Day, Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Halloween, or anything you celebrate? Love to hear your ideas!
1. Copies of vintage photos in black and white or sepia would be great for Mother’s and Father’s day. Cut them out with fancy scissors and add colorful mats made from craft paper.
Halloween could be pictures of eyeballs or “horror” d’oeuvres. Place cards with guests names and drops of blood (red nail polish) would be good for Halloween too. Don’t forget the “finger” sandwiches along the side.
Shamrocks and gold chocolate coins would be good for St. Patrick’s day.
by Nan [...] — 10/22/07 at 8:49 am #
2. Hi Cathy,
Soooo Beautiful! Such a great idea. You have given us all food for thought.
Thanks loads!
by Betty — 10/22/07 at 8:54 am #
3. Cathy, Great ideas! I recently went on the quest for new dishes, and ended up with white because I felt like they gave me the most options. Thanks for the added ways to make them festive for the various holidays!
by Deb — 10/22/07 at 10:47 am #
4. Hi Nan,
Good to talk to you again. Your ideas for the plates are GREAT! Love the vintage photo idea. For Halloween you could really go a little crazy. Love what you came up with. St Patty’s, gold coins, really cute. There’s a million ideas out there. Thanks for adding to the list. I think I’ll use a few.
Write back soon.
by Cathy — 10/22/07 at 11:21 am #
5. Thanks Betty,
I appreciate all your great comments and support.
Talk to you soon,
by Cathy — 10/22/07 at 11:31 am #
6. i love those pink plates, how about some glasses ,the same pink with that same rainbow color, but the glasses should be clear. love this store frieda
by frieda — 10/22/07 at 12:18 pm #
7. Hello Frida,
Actually the plates are more a red color. The lighting or camera was off a bit. I’ve enjoyed my red plates. I’ve used them for many celebrations. They give a little more color to the table than white…bright and fun.
Glad you love HomeGoods, who doesn’t!
by Cathy — 10/23/07 at 1:39 pm #
8. Hi Deb,
White plates really give you a lot of options for your table. They go with anything. Add the color in the accessories and you always have a beautiful setting. ( Kind of like a white sofa, always a classic and neurtal way to decorate).
Thanks Deb.
by Cathy — 10/23/07 at 1:49 pm #
9. Your mind is always working…..such a clever idea…..
Loved the leaves….use palm in the summer.
by Julie — 10/24/07 at 8:45 pm #
10. Hi Julie,
You’re the cleaver one! I love the palm fronds idea. Great for a pool party or Luau or any summer get-together. I wonder if this would work…lay a leaf or palm on a red or green plate. Sift powdered suger over it, lift off leaf and cover with the clear plate. A silhouette. Or, on a red plate, lay a picture of a poinsetta flower and sprinkle powdered suger (snow) over it, clear plate over it. So many ideas…..Thanks for yours.
by Cathy — 10/25/07 at 12:09 pm #
11. this idea is absolutely fabolous! Do you use heavy clear plates or plastic. I wasn’t sure. anyhow, it’s a wonderful idea and I can’t wait to try it.
thanks
by ania — 10/25/07 at 2:06 pm #
12. Thanks Ania,
I used clear glass dishes, but i’m sure you could use clear plastic ones as well, unless you need the weight of the glass to press down on items.
Glad you liked the idea!
by Cathy — 10/25/07 at 4:15 pm #
13. Fabulous idea! How about putting candy between them to motivate kids to eat their veggies? Just kidding! I love it.
by Mel — 10/31/07 at 8:29 pm #
14. That is such a great idea! I especially love the leaf/fall plate.
http://heatherjslife.blogspot.com/
by Mrs. Jones — 11/1/07 at 12:04 am #
15. Hey Mel,
Loved your candy idea…leave it under the clear plate, so they can see it, and tell them if they eat everything on their plate they lift off the top plate and have the candy for dessert. Brilliant!!! You must have kids!
by Cathy — 11/6/07 at 1:15 pm #
16. Hello Mrs. Jones,
Its nice to hear you like this idea. How about a note to your husband or kids, under the clear plate saying… ” I love you” or ” Have a great day” or “Take me out to dinner tonight” or ” Your turn to do the dishes”…..
So many ideas!
by Cathy — 11/6/07 at 1:25 pm #
17. BON APPETITE
by SOFIA — 5/16/08 at 1:29 pm #
18. Thank you Sofia.
Bon Appetite back to you too!
by Cathy — 5/16/08 at 3:42 pm #