Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Lemony Lunch For Two




If you follow my blog, 
you know I've been 
cooking with lemons of late.

I've had these pretty shell 
shaped dishes for over a year.

I only have two of each, as 
they were a clearance find at TJ Maxx.

I simply couldn't leave them 
sitting on the shelf at $2 a piece.

So they came home with me and
have been waiting to star in a tablescape.

If anyone knows a source for more
 of these beauties,  please let me know.

Last week when the "chef" cooked up
Preserved Lemon and Spring Vegetable 
Risotto with Grilled Pernod Shrimp,
I knew just what dishes 
I would use for our luncheon trays.

Vintage French Ivory Flatware

More of my monogramed linens 
from early marriage days.
We have a set in brown that I used 
here in last week's brown and white table,
and these in lemon yellow 
which are just right for our lemony lunch.

It was the perfect time to use 
our special Parisian napkin rings
which were among a Paris brocante gift from
Jackie @ Bliss Farm a year ago June.

Merci Beaucoup, Jackie!
We adore using these charming 
rond de serviettes.

Lemons and seafood are a 
perfect pairing.  Click here for the 
original post that shares this recipe.

A glass of vin rouge is
 a nice compliment.

A pretty tray for 
Monsieur and   .   .   .

One for madame.
Bon Appetit!



Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

66 comments:

  1. Yum! I don't know which I like more, the pretty Mr. and Mrs. trays all dressed yellow, or the yummy looking shrimp! Bon Appetit!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  2. I know the Monsieur and Madame enjoyed this divine meal! I wish I knew where you could get more of those plates. I'm glad you gave the orphans a home. They are lovely.

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  3. I would love someone to stir me up a lemony risotto this evening! Your little shell dishes are adorable - I hope you find more!

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  4. Dearest Sarah,
    Those trays are presented in a magazine worthy style!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  5. Lovin' your great plates and really fun napkin rings Sarah-enjoy:@)

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  6. What a beautiful presentation. It looks delicious!

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  7. Oh my... This looks so delicious. Risotto is one of my favorite meals. I love the dishes you used to serve it too. Very elegant.

    Janet

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  8. Very lovely table setting Sarah!!!

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  9. I love Risotto. Do you have the Breville Risotto Plus...such a marvelous piece of equipment. My favorite is shrimp and asparagus. The shells are delightful. I checked eBay. Lots of Maxcera, but no shell plates right now. Might be worth doing a saved search. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

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  10. Sarah, this is fabulous. I plan on making the risotto and the shrimp! anything with Pernod is right up my alley. I love those yellow pieces, placemat, napkins... and the vintage flatware. OMG, this is just wonderful. xo marlis ps. Stay cool!

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  11. I love the food and all your yellows, satarting from the placemats, napkins and dishes. Beautiful table with the Pernod and the lovely French flatware, dear Sarah! Big hugs,
    FABBY

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  12. Sarah,
    What a perfect meal to go with your little shell dishes! I love shrimp and that looks delicious! I'm still on the lookout for your mugs...so I'll add this to my list as I'm out and about shopping. We are off to Colorado next week so hope to find some nice treasures there! Love your beautifully set tray!
    Miss Bloomers

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  13. Sarah, you had me at the risotto and shrimp! However, I think the way you chose to present them is so inviting! The sunny yellows and the green stemware are the perfect touches for serving the two of you. I wish that
    I could find more of the plates for you, but I feel sure that you have already searched my sources. Thanks for sharing your post - it is wonderful.

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  14. Photos are gorgeous! I love the flatware. So very pretty.
    Brenda

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  15. Wow Sarah, you did a great job with this tablescape! All the little details are just wonderful! I'll have to pin this recipe because I LOVE risotto and LOVE lemon. :) Those shell dishes are so pretty; it's a shame they only had two left. Have you checked Home Goods and Marshall's by any chance?

    I think your vintage French ivory flatware is gorgeous, and your monogrammed napkins are lovely. I enjoyed your post; thank you for sharing! Visiting from "Let's Dish." Have a wonderful week!

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  16. I don't blame you for buying those 2 she'll dishes, Sarah. They are really pretty. GL finding more. You presentation is just beautiful...Christine

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  17. What a charming trayscape...great shell dishes. I really like the yellow and white linens. Keep checking eBay, sooner or later those shell dishes will show up!
    The shrimp looks delicious.
    Have a wonderful week, Sarah...

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  18. Beautiful! I kinda thought those dishes were Limoges....I have 2 little tea drip dishes that have the same look.

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  19. Love those cute shell shaped dishes, Sarah! Your meal looks lemon luscious.

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  20. Those shell dishes are very nice! I love your monogrammed napkin rings also.

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  21. I would love to have dinner at this table! It looks as beautiful as yummy!

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  22. Oh, Sarah, that dish looks DELICIOUS, and I am definitely forwarding the recipe to MY resident chef! (Thank goodness he loves trying new recipes.) The shell dishes were the perfect way to serve them, and I was also impressed that you still have napkins that were wedding gifts! I have some now vintage ones, but none from 40 years ago!

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  23. Your chef out did himself with this scrumptious looking meal, what a perfect pairing. The shell dishes are lovely, I hope you find lots more. Love your foodie posts!

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  24. I love your dishes. The presentation is absolutely gorgeous. Great job! xo

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  25. Everything looks so pretty.lovely collection by you...:):):)

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  26. The food sounds amazing and the trays you have set are just beautiful! Love the napkin rings! Perfect for you!

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  27. Pretty gorgeous! And delicious looking. Darling dishes. I will pick up just a pair too if that's all that is there. Love your napkin rings. Tres chic!

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  28. Oh Sarah, I love those shell plates, I did not see them at tj maxx, I would have snatched them right up to and the price you got them for...wow...You have inspired me to go make a wonderful shrimp dish (with a dash of lemon of course)...loved the post and loved the napkins and napkin rings, too pretty...Phyllis

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  29. Sarah,
    Your Lemony Lunch for Two makes my mouth water for risotto with shrimp. A perfect summer lunch on the perfect summer dishes... Such a beautiful table setting that transformed an everyday lunch on a tray into a meal with pizzazz! Your photos are extraordinary, and I loved seeing them. You inspire me to give our everyday meals a little dressing up.

    Judith

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  30. Sarah, those shell dishes are wonderful. What a deal you got on them! Your tray looks so pretty, and for having been around awhile, those napkins sure look great! I wish my sweetheart was as great a cook as yours. That lunch is making my mouth water. laurie

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  31. You had me with lemons and all of that gorgeous yellow. And, then you feed me all that "deliciousness".

    It looks perfect, Sarah.♥

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  32. Sarah,
    Gorgeous shell dishes, dear friend!!!
    I love the tea towel used as a placemat on your lovely trayscapes!
    The monogramed lemon hued linen napkins are stunning!!!
    Trayscape perfection!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  33. Sarah, Thanks for sharing your pretty trayscape at the Open House party. The placemats and the monogrammed napkins are beautiful. I just bought similar napkin rings and love them.
    xx,
    Sherry

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  34. Those dishes are gorgeous! You know I love everything about the sea! And I love lemons! YUMMY!

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  35. Hi Sarah! Your dishes are so pretty and you really did get a good deal on them. Lemons are always yummy!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  36. A great trayscape! I love all the yellow and your dishes. The napkin rings are adorable too! Have a great weekend!
    Blessings My friend,

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  37. Sarah, I am blown away by how wonderful you have made a simple tray look! Oh my, the dishes are over the top to die for, and those napkin rings, how much fun are those! I have been drooling over everyone's lemon creations, and boy does your shrimp and risotto look good in these shells!
    You are so clever to use yellow too!
    Jenna

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  38. Now you kNOW I love those shell dishes, I would have grabbed them too! Your trays look so pretty with all the yellow and the FOOD looks delicious. I am going to go look at the recipe. YUM!!!!

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  39. Shell dishes are delightful and the 'lemony' linens perfect for a light seafood lunch. Shrimp must have been yummy served with risotto - an idea for tomorrow's supper, thanks dear.

    Hugs - Mary

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  40. This is just a wonderful presentation. I have started just buying sets of two. I like the look and try to buy pieces that "go together" for an eclectic look. My guests seem to think it is a fun idea so I'm going with it.

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  41. Good Morning Sarah, My word, you are so talented at presentation. The tray looks beautiful.
    I adore the little dishes they look very French in style.
    I do hope some one is able to let you know where you can buy more to complete your set.
    Have a lovely weekend.
    Best Wishes to you,
    Daphne

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  42. Sarah~ I love your trayscape serving up your delicious Meyer lemon risotto with shrimp! Definitely a must try recipe! I adore your monogrammed napkins and ivory flatware. If any matching shell dishes wash ashore at my TJ Maxx or HomeGoods, I'll pick them up for you!

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  43. Very nice! Love the dishes and the risotto with shrimp looks so good. I've never seen those exact dishes but ill keep an eye out for them! I like how you lined the tray and presented the food.

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  44. ahhh, your shell dishes are wonderful and look amazing with the great risotto and shrimp.....

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  45. What a delicious & wonderfully welcoming lunch, Sarah! All your pretty lemon accents just lift my spirits to see. I shall keep an eye out for more shell dishes for you.

    We're having your version of the lemony salmon tonight...thanks so much for the recipe.

    Hugs,
    Rett

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  46. Sarah, I'm back for the third time,looking at your delicious lemony post. LOVE the shell dishes. I was in Home Goods yesterday and looked. I know it's been a year, but you never know. I'm saving your recipes to try.
    They all look delicious. Salmon is my favorite fish, and risotto, and I can't wait to try the olive oil cake. Jamie Deen did one a couple of weeks ago on his program, but not with Meyer lemons. Yum!

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  47. Hi Sarah,
    Thank you for stopping by La Dolfina yesterday!
    I just scored that tureen a few weeks ago and am kinda attached to it but, I have another gorgeous white bamboo one that I could show you.
    Let me know if you are interested...
    This post of yours is delicious!!!!
    XO
    Terri

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  48. delicious looking dish.....I just discovered making risotto in the oven with no stirring!! the Boss loves it so I've been making it atleast once a week....I love your French napkin rings ......it's just a happy tray of food!!

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  49. Your tablesetting and scrumptious meal are so pretty! I will keep my eyes open for more of the shell dishes. They are so cute. Just tried to Google them for you but could not find anything.

    What a special treat to sit at one of your tables, Sarah. Always a special event, I am sure!

    You have such a gift
    for putting it all together.

    Alison :)

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  50. Every time I come here I'm just amazed by all your beautiful touches Sarah. These shell dishes are simply lovely. And the napkin rings and napkins are too. I would love to eat at this table!

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  51. Hi Sarah,
    I love your settings and those dishes are great. I bought some Maxcera dishes and needed a few more and was NEVER able to find them, so good luck with your search. That recipe looks amazing. Dianne

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  52. Looks fabulous! I can practically taste it! :)

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  53. Hi Sarah,
    The shell dishes are perfect for your seafood dish. Love the napkin rings and placemats. Hopping over to get the recipe. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  54. Those dishes are darling, and the lemon yellow colored napkins are perfect! I'm a sucker for monograms, too. Your "chef" can cook for me anytime!

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  55. The shell dishes are so pretty, Sarah! I have not been in a Home Goods or TJ Maxx in many months and I feel like I am in withdrawal...lol! I did find a "Tuesday Morning" store here and made a quick visit but they did not have many dishes.

    Your monogrammed napkins are beautiful and the lemony yellow color is perfect for your lemon risotto and shrimp dinner.

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  56. Love those dishes, I will keep an eye out for them. You never know.
    Lovely tray scape, made me hungry!
    Thanks for linking to Let's Dish!

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  57. Love, love , love it all. The yellow is so perfect and such a gorgeous tray. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  58. oh i just love this, sunny bright lemon yellow, gorgeous photos, dishes and dish, love your menu! i am still in the world of gray and nothing pops like lemon yellow in my drab little world!

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  59. So pretty, Sarah! I love those shell dishes and all of your lovely French touches! Thanks for sharing at The Scoop!...hugs...Debbie

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  60. What a lovely luncheon, Sarah. Your plates are fantastic, and you're so lucky you found them at such a wonderful price.

    Risotto is one of my favorite dishes. Thanks for the link! I want to try the recipe. I agree about lemons and seafood. YUM!

    Thanks for linking-up, My Sweet. You've made me very happy!

    xo,
    RJ

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  61. Oh, Sarah, this sounds sooo delicious! You couldn't pass up on those amazing dishes - love TJMaxx!
    I am delighted that you shared with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  62. i am freaking out over the dishes!! So fun and unique!! Thanks for linking up today and sharing this with us.
    Karin

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  63. this looks so delish, you have my mouth watering!!

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  64. I highlighted this post for centerpiece Wednesday tonight!
    Karin

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  65. Sarah!
    Your summer garden are very pretty flowers and lovely beautiful photos!
    Michiko

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  66. Well...not exactly what you were looking for, but check out these other patterns by the same company, Maxcera. Fab...u...LOUS.

    http://www.replacements.com/china/MXE02.htm

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.