Great Taste

For this past fourth of July, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone. Like most families on the Fourth, we usually enjoy burgers and hot dogs on the grill, potato salad, and fries with the luxury of easy clean up paper plates. Nothing screams “American” louder than a meal like this. It’s quick, easy, traditional, and delicious. What’s not to love? However this year, both my pallet and my decorative sense were craving something a little more extravagant. But how could I create an easy menu and  table scape that would quench my thirst for lavishness? Fortunately, with a little research and a lucky find, I was able to create the perfect setting for the holidays that you and your family can appreciate and have fun with as well.

First and foremost, I had to decide on the perfect meal. I wanted to keep it at least somewhat traditional but fanciful enough to wow my guests. Thanks to a phenomenal find in a prestigious food magazine, I was able to find the perfect dish to satisfy my family’s holiday appetite that can be perfect for yours as well: the best Hawaiian ribs. These weren’t your average barbecue ribs. Flavored with an authentic Hawaiian style marinade, the ribs were salty-sweet from their bath of brown sugar, soy sauce, and the prized ingredient, ginger. These particular ribs are also incredibly easy to prepare, spending only forty-five minutes in the oven with a little basting. These fanciful ribs were fit for a king at a pauper’s price!

With the main course figured out it was on to more complicated matters. How was I to keep the convenience of paper plates while maintaining a beautiful table setting? Thankfully, I found the perfect “dishes” to accent my table. This outstanding set may have looked like real silver flat wear, crystal, and china but underneath their deceitful visage, they were only recyclable plastic ware! I set my table with my under-cover eating cutlery atop a plastic yet posh, fun and, vibrant table cloth, a fancier alternative to the cliché white and red checkerboard on this particular holiday. Then, to tie it all together I set out a lush and blossoming seasonal floral arrangement to complete my table scape and timeless setting.

My advice to you: Have a little fun with your meals. Just because something is simple and quick doesn’t mean it can’t make a big impact. Experiment with different foods and settings to capture a unique and inspiring feel for whatever it is you’re celebrating. Try cooking up a vat of these tasty Hawaiian style ribs and serve them on some fun and faux china with matching silver. You will have a killer look, fast clean up and a full belly. The experience will leave both you and your guests with a permanent smile and a new favorite recipe.