Hello! Our daughter, Alexandra will be here for a few days so I set a simple Spring table with taper candles and grocery store blooms. It’s certainly feeling like Spring in San Francisco! Here are the steps I used…
1. Vintage Bottles and Wedding Gift Candlesticks
The vintage bottles were purchased at flea markets and Etsy is also a good source. But you could use recycled bottles and jars. We have several crystal candlesticks that we received as wedding presents (36 years ago!). So, I mixed them and just used three to keep the formality down. Colonial candles are good as they are smokeless and dripless (when not in a draft) and unscented. It’s easy to elevate your table setting with taper candles and they come in lots of colors.
2. Tulips and Natural Fiber Placemats
One bunch of flowers does the trick! I like the simplicity of natural fiber placemats (from HomeGoods years ago). These are similar from Ballard.
3. White Plates, Linen Napkins, Antique Fish Cutlery
Shop the Post (some affiliate links–thank you!).
The antique silver and bone fish cutlery were from a friend. So, I think of her whenever we use them.
Halibut With Meyer Lemon and Dill en Papillote
Two nights ago, Howard made this simple and healthy “Halibut With Meyer Lemon and Dill en Papillote.” (Fish baked in parchment paper). He just gave me these directions (he’s been making it for many years).
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Roll out sheets of parchment paper according to the number of halibut filets you will be cooking (about one per person). Put two lemon slices on the bottom of each filet and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Place a small pat of butter (or not if you want it really healthy), some dill sprigs, and two more slices of lemon. Wrap it up like a present and tuck the ends under (see below).
Cook for 15 to 20 minutes (Howard says you are basically steaming it). You can unwrap it for your guests or let them do it. Also, feel free to add different herbs, capers, thinly sliced garlic, etc…you can mix it up.
That’s my simple Spring table with taper candles and a healthy fish recipe.
I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day! My son asked me for a gift suggestion so I sent him to this post 🙂
Love the tasty recipe! I’m in Paris so I substituted cabillaud, and we loved it! Also, would you please share the source of your white dishes? I love the shape and size. Thanks!
Linda, I bought them years ago in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Sorry!
THanks for a great sounding recipe for Halibut! Will try soon.Also do you have a source for your green goblets. I have some vintage ones I get from a shop in N.C. every summer, but none quite like yours. Would love to add to my collectionas I am very partial to things green. hanks.
I got them at World Market a few years ago and they aren’t there anymore. Thank you!
What a beautiful, elegant, understated table.
Wishing you a blessed and joyful Mother’s Day.
I meant to acknowledge the loss of your earring.
I felt so badly for you. I have been through the loss
of a special pair of hand designed earrings as well.
I understand the horrid feeling of loss that you
experienced.
Sending a happy day to you and a lovely weekend.
Thanks so much, Katherine! Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Mary Ann,
I love halibut and this simple recipe looks delicious. Thank Howard for me. Your table looks wonderful. I love Colonial candles and have used them for years. I confess I use Trader Joe’s candles when they’re available. They burn a little faster but never drip unless there is a breeze.
Happy Mother’s Day to you too. I know this one will be a little sad since it will be the first since you’ve lost your mom. I know your family will be there for you.
xo,
Karen
Thanks, Karen…you are so sweet!
LOVE THE GREEN GLASSWARE!
LOVE THE RECIPE TOO!THATS A WINNER!I’m going to add that to my repertoire and call it THE HOWARD!
HAPPY Mother’s Day!!!
ENJOY YOUR GIRL!!!
Ha! Happy Mother’s Day, Elizabeth!
Happy Mother’s Day Mary Ann ! My beautiful girl is coming home to watch movies with me and eat takeout Thai food and i will bring the bubbly. Bliss. I am going to cook that fish recipe it sounds delicious thank you. Happy day!
Oh how heavenly!!! Happy Mother’s Day, Francesca!