If you need new dinnerware, I hope that you aren’t having as much trouble as I am deciding on what you want to purchase. I have been going back and forth, for longer than I care to admit, trying to make up my mind. It’s driving my poor husband crazy!

First I thought I wanted something rustic. Then I thought I wanted more of a vintage (Victorian-like) look… dainty pink tea roses on a creamy colored background came to mind. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a pattern even close to what I had envisioned.

During my futile search, I came across several colorful Tracy Porter Dinnerware Sets that really caught my eye. I am seriously considering the Artesian Road Collection, even though it’s NOTHING like what I thought I wanted, in the first place.

As you can see in the photo, the colors are absolutely to die for… red’s, orange’s, brown’s, blue’s, green’s, yellow’s… you name it, it’s in there. Since, I’ve always been drawn to anything paisley, I really feel this set is calling my name. In fact, the more I look at it the more I want it.

It includes four dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and (large) 12 ounce mugs. All are dishwasher and microwave safe.

The only thing left for me to do, now, is order and make sure hubby never finds the receipt. He’s always been more of a paper plate kinda guy!

I’ve never been a big Jamie Oliver fan. Just so I don’t get bombarded with hate email, let me add that it’s not because I don’t like him. It’s simply because I’ve never really taken the time to watch him in action.

I have to tell you though; I absolutely LOVE his line of Bottoms Up Mugs… so much so that I plan on purchasing several of them to give as holiday gifts. Remember, it’s NEVER too early to start shopping.

As you can see in the photo, what makes these mugs unique is their bottoms. (It’s probably fairly obvious by their name.) They are geared toward men. However, a couple of them are suitable for women, as well.

I adore the color combination of blue and brown that was chosen for this particular line. (Secretly, I won’t be 100% satisfied with my life until my kitchen has been painted these two colors.)

The mugs, crafted by Royal Worchester, will accommodate 11 oz of java or your favorite beverage. They are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Each one comes in a gift box that enables you to read the entire saying, without removing it from the package. Two of my favorites are ‘Hot ‘n Steamy Like Me’ and ‘I’m Cooking You’re Cleaning Up’.

If you will be doing lots of holiday entertaining, now is a good time to inventory your bowl collection. You can never have too many bowls, this time of year… especially festive looking ones. (And no… recycled butter bowls don’t count!)

This 5 Piece Multi-Color Nesting Bowl Set, by Precidio, is great to have on hand when extra serving vessels are needed. They are perfect for those who have little storage space and can be used as mixing bowls, as well. Hint: think gift giving.

The bowls are made from, ever popular, melamine. That makes them dishwasher safe, break resistant and very lightweight.

What I like most about them is that they are somewhat oval in shape and quite colorful… red, blue, yellow, green and purple.

Sizes include a generous 28 oz., 53 oz., 90 oz., 142 oz. and 214 oz bowl. (Can you say party mix?)

If these specific colors don’t thrill you, there are other color combinations available. I even found a set in pretty natural tones.

I ask you… what goes better with a new bowl than a yummy holiday snack? Feel free to post your family favorite, below. I’m always on the lookout for a tasty snack recipe.

It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas dinner and just how you will be serving it. If you will be including a tasty salad, as part of the meal, have I got the bowl and matching servers for you!

(Of course, this Spode Christmas tree salad bowl set can be used for other dishes, as well… everything from mashed potatoes to dinner rolls to holiday candies. Since it’s quite deep, the possibilities are almost endless and only limited to your cooking ability.)

It complements the dinnerware set of the same pattern. There are many other serving pieces available, as well… including: a gravy boat, large serving platter, crudités tray, highball glasses and covered veggie dish.

The salad bowl, itself, is 9-1/2 inches in diameter. It is microwave and dishwasher safe and will arrive nestled in its own gift box. (Call me crazy, but it just sounds right to say ‘nestled’ since I’m talking about Christmas related stuff.)

Both wooden serving utensils are 12 inches in length and are finished in rosewood, with painted holiday accents on the handles. They are to be hand washed, only.

There is no better time to start a holiday tradition than now. Consider purchasing this great salad set, along with a few other pieces, to use this year and for years to come.

When my husband and I got married we opted for a cupcake cake. We didn’t have a big wedding… or a big budget for that matter. We didn’t want tons of left over cake and I honestly didn’t need the extra calories. (In addition, it was easy for our guests to take home their ‘piece of cake’.)

Cupcake stands are the perfect way to display cupcakes, for any occasion. There are available in many different styles and a wide range of prices.

The greatest thing about making cupcakes is that you can easily whip up several different flavors, for the same event. It doesn’t cost that much more and the guests will appreciate the variety. (We served five different kinds at our reception.)

The typical cupcake stand holds 23 cupcakes. You can purchase larger stands, as well. These will accommodate up to 38 cupcakes.

If you have younger children, chances are you will be asked to bake cupcakes sometime during the school year. You’ll be the talk of the classroom, if you deliver them on a cool little sand.

In this case, the styrofoam version is probably your best bet. It is the least expensive and can be disposed of easily if it gets damaged.

I love deviled eggs. Every time I make them, I ask myself why I don’t do so more often. It is one of those dishes, which allows your creativity to shine through… because there are MANY different ways to slightly alter the recipe.

I rarely make deviled eggs when I am in need of a dish to pass. Why? Even though they always turn out to be quite tasty, my eggs are not very eye appealing… needless to say they will never make the cover of ‘Family Circle’.

I’m afraid that even if I served them on Paula Deen’s crazy deviled egg plate they would still lack crowd appeal.

But, next time I make them I am going to try the following tips, in attempt to improve the finished product.

To ensure that egg yolks are properly centered in the whites, securely fasten your egg carton with tape (the night before you will be preparing your deviled eggs). Turn carton on its side. Yolks should be centered in just a few hours. Who would have thought?

Don’t overcook your eggs. Overcooking is what causes the icky green ring around the yolk.

If you are transporting the eggs to another location, transport the filling in a separate Ziploc bag. To fill eggs, cut off corner of Ziploc and squeeze mixture into whites.

I’m crossing my fingers that my next batch of deviled eggs will be something that even Paula would be proud of.

I want French Bull Tableware! I ran across these groovy dishes the other day and immediately added them to my wish list… which magically grows longer, by the day. (Don’t tell anyone!)

As I get older, I’m more attracted to retro themes. So, this colorful tableware fits right in with my wants and needs. Since it’s manufactured out of Melamine, it’s great for indoor AND outdoor use, alike.

These nifty dishes are very durable and definitely kid-proof. They are shatterproof and resistant to high heat.

French Bull, the company, debuted in 2002. It offered a tried and true product (Melamine) with an entirely new twist. Bold color and striking patterns now replaced simple design, making this updated product a big hit.

The wide variety of available colors and patterns makes it very each to mix and match these pieces. (Say good-bye to your boring table!) Whether you need place settings, serving platters, bowls, flatware or even a sippy cup or cake server… French Bull can accommodate.

All of these French Bull Tableware pieces are VERY affordable and will last forever. They make great shower gifts and are perfect for your kids who are going off to college.

Are you familiar with the durability and convenience of Melamine? Feel free to share your comments, below.