Some info about our Gourmet Group*:  We enjoy cooking, entertaining, and most of all, each other’s company. 

We take turns hosting in our homes.  The host decides on the menu (theme) from appetizers to dessert for the evening.  The host prepares most of the meal, but gives at least one course to the others (along with all the recipes) to cook.  We love trying new recipes and ideas.  So most of the time the recipes are ones we haven’t cooked before, but they don’t have to be.

Special dedication:  This post is dedicated to SRC, one of our own*, who lost his battle with Stage 4 cancer last December 2019.  We miss you, Dear Friend – your love for people & for good food, and the big smile and spirit you carried with you.  Although your chair is empty at our table, your place is forever engrained in our hearts!

If your idea for entertaining friends or family in your home is ordering take-out, or maybe you just don’t have time to cook that day, consider ordering everyone’s favorite dishes from a local Chinese restaurant.

  Here is an idea for a quick, easy, and inexpensive great tablescape for such a dinner party.

Another couple in our Gourmet Group was supposed to host on a Saturday night this past January.  By Thursday of that week,  the rest of us were asking them when we could expect our recipes and the menu.  The couple quickly realized they had mixed up their host date.  As a group, we then decided to get together anyway as planned at their house, and we would order Chinese Carryout.  After all, it is really about getting together with each other.

Well, weren’t we surprised when we walked in their front door to find the dining room table set with a Chinese Dinner Theme!  We were expecting just a casual meal with paper plates and napkins.

Our host had thrown this tablescape together at the last minute.

CHINESE THEME TABLESCAPE

Colored hanging Chinese paper lanterns

~ Most items were purchased at the Dollar Store! ~

Egg rolls and chopsticks for each person is always a must.

The magenta placemats were used to place the containers of food dishes that were ordered on.

Chinese-inspired folding fans for each of us ladies

Sake and Chinese beer are also great options to offer to enrich the experience.