"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
> > wrote:
>
>> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
>
> Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
> Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
> and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.

Depends on how big your table is I suppose.

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

Ophelia wrote:
>
> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
> > > wrote:
> >
> >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
> >
> > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
> > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
> > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>
> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.

Candles and flowers are annoying on a dining room table too, imo.

G.

On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:21:54 -0500, Gary > wrote:

> Ophelia wrote:
> >
> > "sf" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
> > > > wrote:
> > >
> > >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
> > >
> > > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
> > > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
> > > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
> >
> > Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
>
> Candles and flowers are annoying on a dining room table too, imo.
>
No wine, no candles, no flowers. Sounds like a great party....


--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:21:54 -0500, Gary > wrote:
>
>> Ophelia wrote:
>> >
>> > "sf" > wrote in message
>> > ...
>> > > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
>> > > > wrote:
>> > >
>> > >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
>> > >
>> > > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
>> > > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
>> > > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>> >
>> > Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
>>
>> Candles and flowers are annoying on a dining room table too, imo.
>>
> No wine, no candles, no flowers. Sounds like a great party....

No wine???? Who said that???? Bah! No good for me <g>


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

Ophelia wrote:
>
> "sf" wrote:
> > Gary wrote:
> >> Candles and flowers are annoying on a dining room table too, imo.
> >>
> > No wine, no candles, no flowers. Sounds like a great party....
>
> No wine???? Who said that???? Bah! No good for me <g>

Forgive me for sounding like Sheldon here but here we go...

For a nice meal with guests, the FOOD should be the highliner, along
with good company.

Candles are just stupid on a dining room table (also one of the
leading
causes of house fires)

Flowers are nice but keep the weeds off my table.

Wine should be consumed *before* the meal. This way, you'll get a
slight buzz and not notice the crappy food that you are eating. To
drink wine with a meal, in order to "cleanse the pallet" is a good
joke to me. If the food is good, WHY would you want to cleanse that
taste away? That's pure nonsense.

Imo, if you like to drink wine during a meal, you're either a drunk or
you need to learn how to cook better.
Now RAWHOB!

G.

"Gary" > wrote in message ...
> Ophelia wrote:
>>
>> "sf" wrote:
>> > Gary wrote:
>> >> Candles and flowers are annoying on a dining room table too, imo.
>> >>
>> > No wine, no candles, no flowers. Sounds like a great party....
>>
>> No wine???? Who said that???? Bah! No good for me <g>
>
> Forgive me for sounding like Sheldon here but here we go...
>
> For a nice meal with guests, the FOOD should be the highliner, along
> with good company.
>
> Candles are just stupid on a dining room table (also one of the
> leading
> causes of house fires)
>
> Flowers are nice but keep the weeds off my table.
>
> Wine should be consumed *before* the meal. This way, you'll get a
> slight buzz and not notice the crappy food that you are eating. To
> drink wine with a meal, in order to "cleanse the pallet" is a good
> joke to me. If the food is good, WHY would you want to cleanse that
> taste away? That's pure nonsense.

Indeed! Best not serve crappy food then?


> Imo, if you like to drink wine during a meal, you're either a drunk or
> you need to learn how to cook better.
> Now RAWHOB!

rofl

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 15:37:10 -0000, "Ophelia"
> wrote:

>
>
>"Gary" > wrote in message ...
>> Ophelia wrote:
>>>
>>> "sf" wrote:
>>> > Gary wrote:
>>> >> Candles and flowers are annoying on a dining room table too, imo.
>>> >>
>>> > No wine, no candles, no flowers. Sounds like a great party....
>>>
>>> No wine???? Who said that???? Bah! No good for me <g>
>>
>> Forgive me for sounding like Sheldon here but here we go...
>>
>> For a nice meal with guests, the FOOD should be the highliner, along
>> with good company.
>>
>> Candles are just stupid on a dining room table (also one of the
>> leading
>> causes of house fires)
>>
>> Flowers are nice but keep the weeds off my table.
>>
>> Wine should be consumed *before* the meal. This way, you'll get a
>> slight buzz and not notice the crappy food that you are eating. To
>> drink wine with a meal, in order to "cleanse the pallet" is a good
>> joke to me. If the food is good, WHY would you want to cleanse that
>> taste away? That's pure nonsense.
>
>Indeed! Best not serve crappy food then?

There are many attractive ways to highlight a Thanksgiving table
besides flowers, a few small branches of colorful fall foliage and
pine cones ...

In article >, says...

> For a nice meal with guests, the FOOD should be the highliner, along
> with good company.

To me, how the food (and table) is presented, makes a difference to
enjoying the meal and the social occasion of sharing food. Even when
it's just the two of us we set the table, often have flowers and candles
on the table and and put on some music; it's every-day casual and
relaxed, not at all formal.

Janet UK

Janet wrote:
>
> In article >, says...
>
> > For a nice meal with guests, the FOOD should be the highliner, along
> > with good company.
>
> To me, how the food (and table) is presented, makes a difference to
> enjoying the meal and the social occasion of sharing food. Even when
> it's just the two of us we set the table, often have flowers and candles
> on the table and and put on some music; it's every-day casual and
> relaxed, not at all formal.
>
> Janet UK

Years ago, my daughter and I would put on some good background music
when having a special dinner. It was usually classical music. Candles
and flowers are ok with me but should be put towards the back/side of
the table and not in line of eye sight. Just my opinion.

G.

On 11/30/2013 8:52 AM, sf wrote:
> On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:21:54 -0500, Gary > wrote:
>> Ophelia wrote:
>>> "sf" > wrote
>>>> > wrote:
>>>>> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
>>>>
>>>> Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
>>>> Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
>>>> and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>>>
>>> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
>>
>> Candles and flowers are annoying on a dining room table too, imo.
>>
> No wine, no candles, no flowers. Sounds like a great party....
>
Sounds like a cafeteria.

On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:38:00 -0500, S Viemeister
> wrote:

> On 11/30/2013 8:52 AM, sf wrote:
> > On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:21:54 -0500, Gary > wrote:
> >> Ophelia wrote:
> >>> "sf" > wrote
> >>>> > wrote:
> >>>>> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
> >>>>
> >>>> Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
> >>>> Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
> >>>> and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
> >>>
> >>> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
> >>
> >> Candles and flowers are annoying on a dining room table too, imo.
> >>
> > No wine, no candles, no flowers. Sounds like a great party....
> >
> Sounds like a cafeteria.

Exactly.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

"Gary" > wrote in message ...
> Ophelia wrote:
>>
>> "sf" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
>> > > wrote:
>> >
>> >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
>> >
>> > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
>> > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
>> > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>>
>> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
>
> Candles and flowers are annoying on a dining room table too, imo.

I don't have much decoration because it is mostly full of dishes

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 10:15:52 -0000, "Ophelia"
> wrote:

>
>
> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
> > > wrote:
> >
> >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
> >
> > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
> > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
> > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>
> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.

Not really. Mine is bigger than most, but I don't like all that
clutter on the table.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 10:15:52 -0000, "Ophelia"
> > wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> "sf" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
>> > > wrote:
>> >
>> >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
>> >
>> > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
>> > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
>> > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>>
>> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
>
> Not really. Mine is bigger than most, but I don't like all that
> clutter on the table.

As I keep saying, each to his/her own. I do wish you 'buffeters' would be
so gracious <g>

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 14:37:00 -0000, "Ophelia"
> wrote:
>
>
> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 10:15:52 -0000, "Ophelia"
> > > wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> "sf" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >> > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
> >> > > wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
> >> >
> >> > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
> >> > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
> >> > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
> >>
> >> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
> >
> > Not really. Mine is bigger than most, but I don't like all that
> > clutter on the table.
>
> As I keep saying, each to his/her own. I do wish you 'buffeters' would be
> so gracious <g>

Honestly, I don't get why people need food all over the table.

Passing food around a dining room table is awkward at best and
interrupts anyone trying to eat and carry on a conversation at the
same time (multi-tasking). I don't understand the ritual. Am I
supposed to conclude that the only conversation those people engage in
at the dinner table begins with "Please pass the..."?

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 14:37:00 -0000, "Ophelia"
> > wrote:
>>
>>
>> "sf" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 10:15:52 -0000, "Ophelia"
>> > > wrote:
>> >
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "sf" > wrote in message
>> >> ...
>> >> > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
>> >> > > wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
>> >> >
>> >> > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
>> >> > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
>> >> > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>> >>
>> >> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
>> >
>> > Not really. Mine is bigger than most, but I don't like all that
>> > clutter on the table.
>>
>> As I keep saying, each to his/her own. I do wish you 'buffeters' would
>> be
>> so gracious <g>
>
> Honestly, I don't get why people need food all over the table.
>
> Passing food around a dining room table is awkward at best and
> interrupts anyone trying to eat and carry on a conversation at the
> same time (multi-tasking). I don't understand the ritual. Am I
> supposed to conclude that the only conversation those people engage in
> at the dinner table begins with "Please pass the..."?

Ok if that's they way you want it ... firstly I don't have only ONE dish of
each thing on the table that has to be passed around everybody and secondly,
I don't want everybody lining up over all the food before I get any ...
which btw I wouldn't take ther with ... I wasn't giving buffeters a hard
time, I just said - "each to his/her own" !!! I have several dishes of the
same foods in front of a very few people so that they can take what they
want. From what I can gather, when you are not serving buffet, you make up
peoples plates as to what you think they ought to have. Not for me and
mine, thank you!

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

In article >,
says...
>
> On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 14:37:00 -0000, "Ophelia"
> > wrote:
> >
> >
> > "sf" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 10:15:52 -0000, "Ophelia"
> > > > wrote:
> > >
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> "sf" > wrote in message
> > >> ...
> > >> > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
> > >> > > wrote:
> > >> >
> > >> >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
> > >> >
> > >> > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
> > >> > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
> > >> > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
> > >>
> > >> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
> > >
> > > Not really. Mine is bigger than most, but I don't like all that
> > > clutter on the table.
> >
> > As I keep saying, each to his/her own. I do wish you 'buffeters' would be
> > so gracious <g>
>
> Honestly, I don't get why people need food all over the table.
>
> Passing food around a dining room table is awkward at best

You just need more practice :-)

>and
> interrupts anyone trying to eat and carry on a conversation at the
> same time (multi-tasking).

Stop talking with your mouth full, then you'll have time to pass the
gravy

Janet UK

On Sunday, December 1, 2013 1:43:10 AM UTC-5, sf wrote:
> On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 14:37:00 -0000, "Ophelia"
>
> > wrote:
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > "sf" > wrote in message
>
> > ...
>
> > > On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 10:15:52 -0000, "Ophelia"
>
> > > > wrote:
>
> > >
>
> > >>
>
> > >>
>
> > >> "sf" > wrote in message
>
> > >> ...
>
> > >> > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
>
> > >> > > wrote:
>
> > >> >
>
> > >> >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
>
> > >> >
>
> > >> > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
>
> > >> > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
>
> > >> > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>
> > >>
>
> > >> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
>
> > >
>
> > > Not really. Mine is bigger than most, but I don't like all that
>
> > > clutter on the table.
>
> >
>
> > As I keep saying, each to his/her own. I do wish you 'buffeters' would be
>
> > so gracious <g>
>
>
>
> Honestly, I don't get why people need food all over the table.
>
>
>
> Passing food around a dining room table is awkward at best and
>
> interrupts anyone trying to eat and carry on a conversation at the
>
> same time (multi-tasking). I don't understand the ritual. Am I
>
> supposed to conclude that the only conversation those people engage in
>
> at the dinner table begins with "Please pass the..."?

Nothing frustrated my dad more than dishes being passed to right and to left. He'd try to set a rule "Let's pass clockwise " or something, but no one was listening. He'd sit there and kinda steam. I finally convinced mom to set up up buffet and everyone seemed happy with it. We had a course of shrimp cocktail, then a fruit cup.....so there was a lot to serve and clean up before the main event. Putting the side dishes on small cocktail tables off to the corners of the main table also helped to ease table congestion..

On Sun, 1 Dec 2013 09:04:44 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
> wrote:

> On Sunday, December 1, 2013 1:43:10 AM UTC-5, sf wrote:
> > On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 14:37:00 -0000, "Ophelia"
> >
> > > wrote:
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > "sf" > wrote in message
> >
> > > ...
> >
> > > > On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 10:15:52 -0000, "Ophelia"
> >
> > > > > wrote:
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > >>
> >
> > > >>
> >
> > > >> "sf" > wrote in message
> >
> > > >> ...
> >
> > > >> > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
> >
> > > >> > > wrote:
> >
> > > >> >
> >
> > > >> >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
> >
> > > >> >
> >
> > > >> > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
> >
> > > >> > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
> >
> > > >> > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
> >
> > > >>
> >
> > > >> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > Not really. Mine is bigger than most, but I don't like all that
> >
> > > > clutter on the table.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > As I keep saying, each to his/her own. I do wish you 'buffeters' would be
> >
> > > so gracious <g>
> >
> >
> >
> > Honestly, I don't get why people need food all over the table.
> >
> >
> >
> > Passing food around a dining room table is awkward at best and
> >
> > interrupts anyone trying to eat and carry on a conversation at the
> >
> > same time (multi-tasking). I don't understand the ritual. Am I
> >
> > supposed to conclude that the only conversation those people engage in
> >
> > at the dinner table begins with "Please pass the..."?
>
> Nothing frustrated my dad more than dishes being passed to right and to left. He'd try to set a rule "Let's pass clockwise " or something, but no one was listening. He'd sit there and kinda steam. I finally convinced mom to set up up buffet and everyone seemed happy with it. We had a course of shrimp cocktail, then a fruit cup.....so there was a lot to serve and clean up before the main event. Putting the side dishes on small cocktail tables off to the corners of the main table also helped to ease table congestion.

I fee his pain!

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On 11/30/2013 4:15 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>
>
> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
>>
>> Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
>> Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
>> and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>
> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
>

Exactly! When I had the big dining room table I served family style.
Our table is a round, glass dinette table and there isn't much room in
the center for anything. The food on the card table worked so well.

--
Janet Wilder
Way-the-heck-south Texas
Spelling doesn't count. Cooking does.

---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com

"Janet Wilder" > wrote in message
eb.com...
> On 11/30/2013 4:15 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>>
>>
>> "sf" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
>>>
>>> Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
>>> Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
>>> and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>>
>> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
>>
>
> Exactly! When I had the big dining room table I served family style. Our
> table is a round, glass dinette table and there isn't much room in the
> center for anything. The food on the card table worked so well.

Exactly!!! Whatever works best for you) I just gave my preference but I
don't expect everyone's to be the same

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

In article >,
"Ophelia" > wrote:

> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
> > > wrote:
> >
> >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
> >
> > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
> > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
> > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>
> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.

We went to a small (6 person) dinner, so passing stuff around the table
worked. A buffet wouldn't have worked, given that our host has a dog
that would like nothing better than a turkey carcass.

My experiments this year involved apple pie and stuffing. Normally I do
pie crust in the food processor, but went back to the old-school method
this year. The crust came out well. I also tried the spiced sherry apple
pie filling from the Fannie Farmer Baking Book. I was worried that our
host's son would be put off, since he has a pretty basic flavor palate.
However, he approved. I had a recipe in my files for stuffing bread that
I used. It's basically an herb bread. It smelled great coming out of the
oven, but I still had to add plenty of herbs to produce a stuffing
(actually dressing) that met my standards. The SO stayed within his
comfort zone and made key lime pie.

Cindy

--
C.J. Fuller

Delete the obvious to email me

"Cindy Fuller" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> "Ophelia" > wrote:
>
>> "sf" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
>> > > wrote:
>> >
>> >> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
>> >
>> > Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
>> > Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
>> > and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>>
>> Depends on how big your table is I suppose.
>
> We went to a small (6 person) dinner, so passing stuff around the table
> worked. A buffet wouldn't have worked, given that our host has a dog
> that would like nothing better than a turkey carcass.
>
> My experiments this year involved apple pie and stuffing. Normally I do
> pie crust in the food processor, but went back to the old-school method
> this year. The crust came out well. I also tried the spiced sherry apple
> pie filling from the Fannie Farmer Baking Book. I was worried that our
> host's son would be put off, since he has a pretty basic flavor palate.
> However, he approved. I had a recipe in my files for stuffing bread that
> I used. It's basically an herb bread. It smelled great coming out of the
> oven, but I still had to add plenty of herbs to produce a stuffing
> (actually dressing) that met my standards. The SO stayed within his
> comfort zone and made key lime pie.

All sounds lovely)))))) Well done)


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 10:15:52 -0000, "Ophelia"
> wrote:

>
>
>"sf" > wrote in message
.. .
>> On Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:01 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> BUFFET!!! is the name of the game.
>>
>> Totally agree. I hate cluttering up valuable table space with food.
>> Okay, a few of the smaller items can be on the table besides candles
>> and flowers... but not everything, for god sake.
>
>Depends on how big your table is I suppose.

A buffet doesn't work when there's enough people to warrant one and
some are slobs... maybe some of yoose want to have your
holiday dinner salad bar style, not me.