It's time to starting preparing................................

Its been a busy week with loads of amazing things happening, some more interesting and alarming than others but I won't go into that just now.  It feels like Christmas with the madness buzz happening everywhere and I really am in the mood for doing the Christmas Tree this year!  A little plug for Papaya (my other job) if you need any Chrissie decorations you do need to visit Papaya at Bondi or Mosman or check out their stockists on their website.

I've just updated my website www.tabletopsinabox.com.au  with my grandmother's famous trifle recipe which I know you will all love, especially on Boxing Day for breakfast, isn't it horrible how all our healthy eating plans go out the window at this time of year!

I've also updated the famous baked ham recipe - its a real keeper and this is the one I changed and I think personally it's delicious.

Baked Ham:

What you will need:

A large ham on the bone with skin

1 Table spoon of White Vinegar

1 Table spoon of Seed Mustard

Brown Sugar – 1 large packet

1 Table spoon of lemon juice

1 Large bottle of stout

Garlic – as much or little as you like

What to do:

Peel back the skin on the ham – and remove

Mix ½ packet of brown sugar with vinegar, seed mustard, lemon juice, garlic with ½ bottle of stout, once mixed pour over the ham in a baking dish and bake for 1 hour, continually basting the ham with the mixture, adding more stout from the bottle.

When serving pour the mixture into a pouring jug and pour over the ham once served.

Enjoy!

 

Don't forget I'm happy to share great dinner party ideas on line so send me some of your favourites from your mother, grandmother or if we have too Jamie might be responsible for it but if its a keeper I'd love to share it!

I won't say happy festive season just yet!  There's more to come!

Influence

I just wanted to share ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,!  I was given a bangle as a gift which has the wording REDEFINE THE IMPOSSIBLE which changed my life.

Table Tops in a Box  www.tabletopsinabox.com.au is my 'Redfine the Impossible' - so I hope you all think about making the impossible happen when you enjoy your new table decor, think about how you contributed to my impossible!

I really have enjoyed the time making Table Tops in a Box come to life and have found some amazing websites like Sally Campbell and Katherine Rally - both these ladies are producing incredible fabrics.

I also thought about how to dress your table easily, so that's why the box sets are a simple solution.

I also spent time looking for the right company to work with and found a 'Fair Trade' registered manufacturer who produced the 100% cotton and natural dyed napkins, table runners and very kindly produced the Table Tops in a Box designed votive sleeves .................... a little niche product that really finishes the table settings, I was absolutely thrilled they agreed to produce Table Tops in a Box ranges for me....................


I love sharing........................  I look forward to bringing you some Christmas Day recipes and if you'd like to share one with me just email libby@tabletopsinabox.com.au!

 I'd love to keep sharing!

Ciao

Libby


www.tabletopsinabox.com.au

Summer Brights and Simply Naturals - Table Tops in a Box

Summer is around the corner, with the season focusing on brights so add a touch of colour in your table decor this season and be on trend.

The Mix N Match Brights has four bold colours, Hot Pink, Orange, Yellow and Red featuring patterned colour napkins and table runners or for those wanting more contrasts you can mix in the block colour ranges to give major impact.  Imagine the Orange Mix N Match Patchwork table runner with plain black napkins - fantastic contrasting and all you have to do is fill your Table Tops in a Box -  box on line or choose one of the four place setting box sets featured.


Those that prefer more neutral tones the ranges offer many variations, from the Black, Blue and Natural in the Mix N Match, or the Black Dyed Rattan - the photographed settings at www.tabletopsinabox.com.au by Nina Claire Photography show the ranges.  I would also like to thank Donna and Mark Redmond for allowing the photos to be taken in their beautiful home.

The Aluminium Dot range is the perfect range for Christmas - which can be accessorised with any of napkins and runners.  The photographs gives you an idea for a 'Simple, Stylish, Impactful' silver, black themed Christmas Table. (Christmas decorations are available at Papaya.)

Think about early Christmas shopping now, don't leave it to the last minute.

ITS LAUNCHED

Finally the website is launched www.tabletopsinabox.com.au and yes you can order your simple, stylish and impactful table decor now!

I've done three markets, with great responses from the general public, in fact today at the Warriewood Produce Market I had loads of positive feedback and many saying they'd be back next week.  I loved today as the people were so friendly and the produce sold amazingly fresh and organic!

Its on every Friday at the Warriewood Football field just Google 'Beaches Markets' and you'll find directions.

Sunday, my dear friend Tony Morgan will be at Bondi Markets, so call by and say hello!

I'm still looking to feature recipes especially ideas for Christmas lunch, so send me your recipe and a photo - I'd really like to feature some interesting ideas for Christmas lunch.

November 17 is the Avalon Market, so if you don't make Sunday come and visit me next week.

Enjoy the website, spread the word as the ranges are affordable and impactful!  I've featured the Aluminium Dot Range and the Black Rattan.

Its almost time to bring the creative dream to life with 'Table Tops in a Box' launching initially at the Mona Vale Twilight Markets on November 2 with the following day at Mosman Village Markets which is Saturday November 3.

The website is almost finished and I'll certainly make an announcement once it's live!

I really need to pinch myself to think something I've been talking about for so long has finally become a reality its a little like the renovation of my old unit in Bronte.  I believe it was comments from young Anna and Claudia Pasfield - 'Stop taking about it just do it' - so I've just done it, yes the renovation was done some time ago and now I'm launching 'Table Tops in a Box' - wow!

The ranges look great with the 'Dot Aluminium' range matched with the black runner and napkins making a beautiful black/silver themed Christmas table, an elegant look this year - so family I have the theme worked out.

I'm looking for recipes to feature, especially great summer dining ideas and with Christmas around the corner any ideas to bring a yummy Christmas feast!

Looking forward to featuring the new ranges and also seeing you at the markets in November - wish me luck!

Table Tops in a Box

Just loved this week as Table Tops in a Box is starting to come to life, with the photo shoot for the website happening on Tuesday thanks to my great friends Donna and Mark who allowed me to use their beautiful home.

Nina Claire Photography did an amazing job, I just love Nina's style and she certainly helped me with styling through a lens - its a lot different.  I receive the photos tomorrow and I can't wait.

Now I need some inspirational recipes for dinner parties, that I can post on my website, so if you have a tried and true recipe let me know about it or if you'd like to share a recipe from the past as I'd love to see our grandmothers and mothers recipes come back to life!

Photos are most welcome and remember every dinner party needs 'Table Tops in a Box' for simple, stylish and impactful dining tables.

If you'd like to see Table Tops in a Box you can find us at the Mona Vale Twlight Markets on Friday November 2, 2012 - they start at 6pm.