The balmy evenings of summer continue into autumn in our neck of the woods but the feeling is somehow different. Maybe it's just knowing that summer, in all its glory, has passed and autumn, those wonderful weeks beckoning in the approaching holidays, is here. Labor Day came, school began, the rhythm of the fall is in full swing.
Thanksgiving, as a major national holiday with its emphasis on food, immediately calls us into the kitchen and presents opportunities for miniature decorating with a twist. How about designing a room to show what happens before the big dinner? But let's step back a minute first.
Here's an old picture of the New York Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade starring Felix the Cat. He was quite the character in his day. Felix appears to be supported by a number of clowns and is followed by a big shoe, probably inhabited by the old woman and and her numerous children. If you can identify the balloon character in back of the shoe, please let us know!
Following is Ms. Peggie's own Thanksgiving Day Parade. The succulent roast turkey leads, followed by a basket of fresh rolls, a pickle jar, two wonderfully gooey desserts and a colorful fruit salad. Creamy whipped potatoes, gravy and all the other fittings for a sensational holiday are also available.
Ms. Peggie's Place carries all kinds of wonderful foods to inspire you in creating just the right setting, whether it's for meal preparation or anything else. Please, come have a look.
Have a Bloody Mary -- or a Bloody Shame -- and begin your planning. Wander through our grocery department to find just the right combination of tomato juice straight or one with more pizzazz to get things rolling.
Take a look and you'll find a tray with drinks all set to go. Pair the drinks with chips, set up a big old cheese block and then consider your entrees.
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| They'll never be bored for a cheese board. |
There's lots of food, from subs and taco platters to seafood cocktails, stews, and soups. Watermelon always adds a certain panache to any miniatures party. It used to be that this gourd was only available during the summer months but these days it can often be found year round. In any case, creative license is always legal and encouraged for your creation. In addition to watermelons, you'll find a juicy cantaloupe on a cutting board as well as other fruits and vegetables waiting to be prepared.
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| A smashing stew! |
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| Shrimp cocktail, anyone? |
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| Here's to tacos! |
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| Seafood Extraordinaire |
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| Matzo ball soup |
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| A juicy cantaloupe |
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| Watermelons! |
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| Apple pie fixings, featuring fresh apples |
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| Strawberries |
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| How about a cherry pie? |
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A small sampling of available vegetables
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October 31st brings Halloween, another opportunity for decorating and entertaining. If a Halloween Gala is in the cards and you want to move past the usual candy corn, take a look at the chocolate desserts in the display cabinet. There is something about gooey, chocolate swirls on baked goods that conjure up witches and goblins --
if the pastry is served on Halloween and
if it's in a setting all decked out in Halloween fashion. We'll help you there, too.
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A Halloween cake hand made by Michael Sue!
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What's food without dishes to serve it upon? There are lots here and remember to provide flatware so the little people won't muck up their fingers mixing the dip.
Dishes are available in all shapes, sizes and designs from delicate porcelain to pieces that could pass for Melmac, and everything in between.
Now it's time to look at the cooking appliances. A big red Aztec stove would fit well into any contemporary setting. There's also a beautiful white and black unit, accented in gold and blue that gives an Asian appearance as well as a large Pennsylvania Dutch stove. Other models are also here, as well as microwaves and grills, for those who prefer to hold their party outdoors.
Whether your design is indoors or out, table linens, oven mitts, aprons and towels will be needed. Peruse our collection and especially notice the extra-fancy hostess aprons.
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| Sparkle dishes, for an extra special presentation. |
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| Utensils -- to keep things tidy |
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| Service for the whole family |
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| Kitchen accessories |
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| Petite and pretty |
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| Dishes and cookware to fit all tastes and budgets. |
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| Pop the turkey in here... |
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| ...and let the gravy simmer on one of the burners. |
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| Especially charming stove for an Asian kitchen. |
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| Straight out of Lancaster, PA. |
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| Good for anytime in San Diego and for hardy sorts in other areas. |
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| Aprons, towels and mitts. |
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| An apron for the hostess with the mostest! |
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| Perle Mesta would approve! |
And whatever you decide to do, please be careful!
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| Christmas is coming! |
A Reminder! The San Diego Miniature Crafters 42nd Annual Miniatures Show & Sale is presenting Michael Sue Nanos at the 2016 Workshop: Picnic S'Mores on Sunday, February 7, 2016 from 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. There is a one time nonrefundable workshop fee of $18.00. No tools are needed and beginners are welcome. Minimum age is 13. The show will be held at the Al Bahr Shrine Center, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road. San Diego. Email questions to sd.minishow@gmail.com. Further details and registration information are at http://sdminiatureshow.com. Hit Classes and Workshops. The class will be a lot of fun. We hope to see you there!
Please visit us soon to have a look. We look forward to seeing you!
Cordially,
Michael Sue Nanos
Proprietor
Michael Sue's Tips:
Crafting Hints
Here are two tips I've gotten from a NAME convention:
1. Keep your tools free of glue as you are working. Jab tweezers, small scissors, X-Acto knives, needles, etc. into a block of white Styrofoam. Keep jabbing and all that glue will be cleaned off. No kidding!
2. Prevent paint brushes from getting all gunked up with dried paint. It's very simple, just start off with a damp brush; it will keep the paint from traveling up the brush to its base.
A good class is worth the price!
