10 Takes on Trays

Trays... I have a thing for them.

Every hostess needs one. Or two.

Or a collection.

Here's 10 picks I love.

Some I want. Some I already have.

Because I'm all about "attainable" entertaining...

 these are all priced under $50

Irresistibly sweet 

If I knew how to  bake... (which I don't) I can see 

hand baked pastries, confections, and cupcakes.

Mud Pie $34.00

Understated elegance always catches my eye. 

I'm thinking perfectly placed cucumber sandwiches.

Terrain $28

Bit of a Moroccan look here. I like.

Crusty bread & an array of bold cheeses.

Works for me.

Pier 1 Imports $36

Vintage appeal. Have it. Adore it.

But don't use it in the kitchen.

 On my bathroom counter with apothecary jars filled with everyday essentials. I makes me happy everyday.

Pier 1 Imports $31

Getting Personal. 

Etsy $30

Monogrammed Tiny Trays.

Bought several sets of these for gifts. 

And of course, one for me!

Impressive packaging. 

Impressive gift for the price.

Layla Grayce $15 Set of Two

Talk about old world charm. 

Ordered this as a gift for my daughter.

Makes a statement where ever it sits. 

Etsy $48

OK, it's a basket, but I love the versatility of it. 

I'm thinking simple here... 

Salsa & chips. Cheese & crackers. 

Pretty way to stash napkins & silverware on a buffet.

Crate & Barrel $40

Pretty. Practical. Have it.

This one has served me well 

a million times and a million ways.

French Bull $25

A tray for all seasons.

Fall & Winter... coffee, hot chocolate, spiced cider.

Summer... lemonade, iced tea, cocktails.

Want this.

Etsy $49

Gracious Style

Gracious Giveaway!

My dear friend, Mindy of The Gracious Girl is hosting a week of Gracious Giveaways: New Year’s Resolution series. All week, Mindy will be inspiring you with wonderful tools to help inspire or jumpstart your year in a most gracious fashion.

First up in the week of giveaways...

My Sheath Style Apron in Sunny Chevron!

Enter HERE and meet Mindy...

You'll never meet a more Gracious Girl.

Chicken Divan from Aunt Carol's Cookbook

Here's a book that's been serving me well for... well, I guess since 1979.

Geez, I wasn't even 30 then. Tells you how long I've kept it, used it and loved it.

Given to me by my Aunt Carol, all those years ago, it's filled with comfort food & 50's recipes from her fellow church ladies.

Passing on the jello & chip dip, I've turned to this little lovely time and time again, but my hands down flat out favorite recipe from the book (and made more than times than my current age) is ...

Chicken Divan

It's a go to dish that works for an everyday meal, but impressive enough to serve to guests for a family gathering or casual dinner party.

A great "starter dish" for the hesitant hostess. Add a simple green salad, a french baguette and dinner is done!

An added plus is that you can prepare most of it early in the day and then store it in the refrigerator until it's time to bake. Any recipe you can make ahead is a must for me!

Hope you try it... I know you'll love it.

Chicken Divan

Ingredients:

4 Boneless Chicken Breasts or 8 Chicken Tenderlions

1 ½ Cups Fresh Broccoli

¾ Cup Mayonnaise

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup

½ to 1 Cup Milk (depending on how thick you want the sauce)

½ Cup Chopped Onion

¾ Cup Chopped Celery

2 Slices Bread (toasted and cut into croutons)

*I usually use plain white bread, but whole grain is good, too.

½ Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or more if you like)

1 Slice Swiss Cheese (torn into small pieces)

1 Tsp Lemon Juice

2 Tbls Butter

Olive oil

Directions:

Simmer chicken breasts in water until thoroughly done.

Sauté onions & celery in olive oil until slightly tender.

Combine mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, milk, sautéed onions & celery & lemon juice in mixing bowl.

Spray 9”casserole dish with non stick cooking spray.

Place chicken in bottom of casserole dish.

Layer broccoli evenly over the chicken.

Pour soup mixture over the top.

Bake at 350* for 25 minutes. (I cover it with foil)

While it’s baking or earlier in the day...

Toast the bread. Let it cool, then cut into crouton size pieces. Melt the butter, then pour it over the toasted croutons and mix well.

When 25 minutes is up, add the cheeses on top, then the croutons.

Bake for another 5-7 minutes uncovered until cheese is melted and croutons are golden brown.

Serves 4

Double the recipe and use a 9x11 casserole dish for 6-8 servings.