Courtesy of Mary Pam Kilgore

Hi Friends,

Did you ever wonder what a seven course dinner was? Ever wonder how it was served? Today we are going to take a look at How to Plan a Seven Course Meal.

Before we explain each course -- let's look at the courses has a whole.

First Course: appetizer
Second Course: soup
Third Course: salad
Fourth Course: sorbet to cleanse the palate
Fifth Course: fish or poultry
Sixth Course: red meat, fish or poultry with vegetables
Seventh Course: dessert

I know what you are thinking; how can people each all that food, have all that time, or take all that time?

Biggest tip is give the dinner a theme. That helps you choose what types of food you would like to serve. Also remember these are smaller portions. For example the meat course portion should be 4 oz of meat.

Break it down by course...

1. Appetizer Course: Small and light. If you were doing something with an Italian theme you might do an antipasto or you could do a shrimp cocktail.

2. Soup Course: You may use a cream based or clear soup such as a chicken stock based soup or a vegetable soup. Avoid heavy soups.

3. Salad Course: For example use different varieties of lettuce with a nice vinaigrette and a few crotons Also keep the amount of salad dressing to a minimum.

4. Cleanse The Palate Course: Use sorbet like a lemon or a lime.

5. Fifth Course Fish or Poultry: In one of the things I read some called it the first main course. You could serve a baked fish such as Orange Ruffy or baked chicken such as chicken picatta. Make sure that the fish or poultry used in this course don't overpower the Meat Course.

6. Meat Course: This could include fish, poultry, red meat including beef or pork with vegetables and potatoes. If you bake the fish or chicken in the fifth course then you choose a different method here like broiled or grilled. Again keep meat portions small. 4 ounces will do nicely. Adding the vegetable helps cleanse the palate and aid digestion.

7. Dessert Course: Something lavish and memorable. Anything chocolate would work; chocolate cake or chocolate silk pie. You could also offer to have your guest make their own sundaes.

Some hints: Serve foods that compliment each other. This is a meal that is served and not done family style so people won't over load on one thing.

Each course is to have its own wine. A good way to way to do this without sending everyone home tipsy is to visit a wine store and go over the menu with the sommelier to discuss what wines and how much to serve each person.

Also, please allow enough time to enjoy the meal.

Bon Appetite!

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Live well,
Yvonne

60-30-10 Rule To Designing Your Rooms

Courtesy of Kenneth Brown

Hi Friends,

Decorating a space in terms of color is as easy as 60-30-10. Don't believe? Take a look at some rooms in magazines or in Designers' Portfolio. You'll notice that the rooms you like the most are almost invariably divided into percentages of 60-30-10. Why this works is anybody's guess. Perhaps it is the human tendency to see an overall theme in the 60 percent hue, unifying the coloration. The 30 percent provides visual interest and the 10 percent, not unlike jewelry, provides that little spark of sparkle.

So, when decorating a particular room, divide the colors into percentages:
60% of a dominant color
30% of a secondary color
10% of an accent color

When you think about it, this color breakdown is similar to a man's business suit:
60% of the outfit's color is the slacks and jacket
30% of the outfit's color is the shirt
10% of the outfit's color is the tie

Translated to a room setting, it typically means:
60% of the room's color is the walls
30% of the room's color is the upholstery
10% of the room's color is, say, an accent piece or a floral arrangement

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Live well,
Yvonne

Twin Symmetry

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

It's difficult to achieve a beach look in your home without being too cliché. That's why we love fresh, sea-inspired decorating ideas from users who have successfully brought the coastal feel home.

For RMS user Beachyone's guest bedroom, the secret of making the most of a small space is simple: symmetry. The matching beds and perfectly proportioned artwork create a room any beachcombing guest would adore.

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Live well,
Yvonne

Chic Appeal

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

This urban beach-accented living room is perfect for those that like to dress up sea accessories without appearing too theme-oriented or formal. The casual shabby-white sofas and linen draperies help to keep things laid-back for everyday comfort.

Get the Look: One of the best places to display your sea finds is the mantel. Even if the setup is only around during the summer months, it can still bring that casual warm-weather feel into your home. And for a more formal piece that looks like it belongs all year long, try a stunning light fixture, like the white coral chandelier. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, fun with it...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Desert Vacation

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Even though she's located right in the middle of the Las Vegas desert, RMS user homemom knows how to turn her home into a beach getaway. Repurposed furnishings, natural bamboo materials and a white color scheme deliver a shabby chic feel with a crisp, polished look.

Get the Look: Don't feel like you have to be on the beach to incorporate a shabby coastal feel in your home. If vacations don't come often enough, let your sea-inspired decor become your getaway.

Go Shabby Chic...

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne