April 18, 2011 – big day!

Today is Eugene Robert Otter’s 80^th birthday. Who is Gene Otter?  My dad; that handsome 20-something-year-old in the picture above, that’s who.  Happy birthday, Dad!  If you follow this blog then you already know that I am in the middle of planning his big 80^th birthday party, which will be held on Saturday, April 30^th.  The reason we’re waiting nearly two weeks to hold the party is that today it is still Lent and my dad gives up all alcohol for Lent and he wants to party at his party, so the weekend after Easter works best.

Today is also this year’s Tax Day.  Three days later than usual due to a holiday in Washington, D.C. that occurred on Friday, April 15^th.  Tax Day is a big deal at our house because Dave is a CPA and has worked non-stop for several months now and the end is finally here!

With all the celebrating happening around here, I’m going to post some crafty Easter stuff today instead of a recipe.  I’ll appear on Channel 12 Valley Dish twice this week.  First in a taped segment with Marissa on Wednesday, April 20^th, where we demonstrate how to make these gorgeous silk tie Easter eggs. Then again on Good Friday, April 22^nd, when I will show you how to set up a beautiful and natural Easter buffet. Here’s a little sneak peek at a couple of the elements involved.  Be sure and watch both the egg and buffet segments at 3:30 on Channel 12.

Moss Table Runner

1 felt-backed plastic tablecloth
1 large roll of sheet moss (about 16″ x 48″) *
2 bags reindeer moss *
Glue gun and glue sticks

Measure and cut a piece from the plastic tablecloth that is just slightly smaller (about 1/8-inch smaller all round) than the roll of sheet moss.

Beginning at one short end, use the hot glue gun to adhere the sheet moss onto the top side of the tablecloth, working your way down the length of the runner.

Glue small clumps of the reindeer moss around the edges of the runner.

Allow to sit undisturbed for at least 30 minutes.

To store from year to year; place the runner, moss side down on a counter. Cover the bottom felt side with plastic wrap and gently roll it up. Place in a large garbage bag. Press out excess air and close with a twist-tie. Store in a cool, dry place.

* The sheet moss and reindeer moss can be found at Micheal’s or Hobby Lobby.

Moss-Terracotta Fruit or Appetizer Pots

Medium to large Styrofoam eggs
Plastic Wrap
Elmer’s white glue
Pie pan or flat plate
Terracotta pots to fit eggs
1/2 bag of reindeer moss
Newspaper
Greening pins

Tightly wrap the Styrofoam eggs completely in plastic wrap and set aside.

Pour some of the glue into the pie pan and water down slightly with tap water. Mix well and then use a paper towel to whitewash the terracotta pots completely on the outside. Lay a pot on its side and pull apart the moss over the pot, allowing the small falling pieces and fibers to sprinkle onto the pot, press to adhere. Continue as you turn the pot, adding as much or as little as desired. Stand up pot and allow to dry completely.

Once pots are dry, crumble up a few sheets of newspaper and push through two greening pins.

Press paper into pots, with sharp ends of pins pointing up.

Cover with moss and insert the plastic-covered eggs.

Now you are ready to use these as centerpieces or accents to your Easter buffet table. When ready to use for service, you’ll be covering the eggs with greens and then inserting either fresh fruit; such as strawberries and kiwi slices all over the eggs, or inserting cooked medium shrimp. More instructions and pictures coming on Friday of the finished product.

Go to this VIDEO to see how to attach the fruit or shrimp or whatever you wish onto your egg form.