From Winter to Spring in One Table: St. Patrick’s Day Setting with My Favorite Plates

 

 This year, I'm feeling more seasonal than ever before. I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of spring—the warmer weather, the fresh blooms, the sense of renewal—and especially St. Patrick’s Day. It's one of my absolute favorites: the vibrant green everywhere, the joyful celebrations, the hearty Irish-inspired foods, and the tradition of planting potatoes, which marks the true kickoff to spring gardening in my mind.

I had so much fun creating this table setting. Ever since I added the 222 Fifth Adirondack sleigh plates (with their charming black polka-dotted edges and wintry scenes) to my collection, I've made it a personal challenge to use them year-round in as many creative ways as possible. They've proven incredibly versatile. I have used them previously here, here, here and here – versatile, no?

I started with a cozy January wintry tablescape featuring these plates, and transforming it into this bright St. Patrick’s Day version took surprisingly little effort. It’s a great reminder that investing in a thoughtful set of plates can carry you through the seasons seamlessly—no one even notices the subtle shifts.

To transition it, I simply layered a vivid green circular placemat under the existing wicker one, swapped the green cups for crisp white ones, ran a colorful St. Patrick’s Day runner down the center of the table, and added sparkling crystal and pressed glass accents for extra elegance and light play.

The antique crystal candleholders—gifted by Mr. O-P on our first married Christmas—are always extra special to me and bring a touch of sentiment to the setting.

The pitcher use as a centerpiece was a gift from my mother long ago.  I wish she could join me at this colorful table.  She loved coming to my St. Patrick's Day dinners as much as I enjoyed making them.

The little green buckets (a bargain find at Michael’s for just a dollar each) hold inviting green popcorn, and each place is marked with a vintage postcard featuring a gentleman or lady to guide guests to their seats.

Wishing you a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day—may your table be filled with laughter, good food, and the promise of spring!

This post contains affiliate links.

Irish Mist Chicken: A Forgotten Favorite Worth Bringing Back for St. Paddy’s

  

 The dish you see here is one I first made back in 1979, during my first marriage. It was an easy, flavorful chicken recipe that suited busy working couples perfectly—similar in spirit to the Company Chicken I've shared here before. We enjoyed it three times that year, and then... it disappeared from my kitchen for decades.

 

The story starts with a Christmas gift: a bottle of Irish Mist liqueur. Neither of us knew much about it, so we turned to the little recipe booklet tied around the neck and tried several ideas. Most were forgettable (a bland cake comes to mind), but this chicken stood out. I'm not sure what I loved more—the subtle, honeyed warmth it brought to the dish or how effortless it was to prepare. Once the bottle was empty, we considered buying another, only to discover the price was well beyond our young budget at the time. So Irish Mist—and this chicken—faded into memory.

 

A few weeks ago, during one of those sleepless nights when my mind wanders to food (does this happen to anyone else?), the recipe popped into my head. A quick Google search turned up the original on Cooks.com (listed as Irish Mist Chicken, though I remembered it as “Irish Mist-ery” Chicken). To my surprise, Irish Mist is still produced and available—I even snagged what seemed to be the last bottle at my local store.

 

 I tweaked the recipe slightly based on what I had on hand, and baking it brought back a rush of fond memories: youthful kitchen experiments, simple pleasures, and the joy of rediscovering something long forgotten. The result was every bit as comforting and delicious as I remembered.

 

 If you're looking for an Irish-inspired dish for St. Patrick’s Day that skips the usual corned beef, this retro chicken is worth a try. It's low-effort, crowd-pleasing, and carries a touch of honeyed nostalgia.  

 Irish Mist Chicken

4 slices Black Forest deli ham
2 whole boneless chicken breasts, cut in half
10 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
2/3 c. sour cream
½ c. Irish Mist Honey Liqueur
4 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

 Arrange slices of ham in the bottom of an 8 x 8 inch baking dish (I recommend this one because it’s green and so perfect for St. Patrick's Day). On each slice of ham, place a chicken breast half. Mix remaining ingredients and spoon over chicken, covering completely. Bake, uncovered, for 1½  hours. Serve over wild rice.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Guinness Brown Bread That Takes Me Back to Ireland – Thanks to Ina Garten

It's been over a decade since I last visited Ireland, but the memories remain vivid—like boarding a tiny plane that felt like it was taking off from a sheep pasture. We explored breathtaking sights and savored so many wonderful foods, but one thing stands out above the rest: the bread. Irish brown bread, especially when thickly sliced and slathered with rich Irish butter, is simply unforgettable. It's hearty, slightly sweet, with that perfect malty depth—no one does it quite like they do.

 For years, I've tried to recreate that magic at home without success. My attempts always fell short of the real thing. Then I discovered Ina Garten's Irish Guinness Brown Bread from her cookbook Cooking for Jeffrey, and everything changed. This quick bread captures that nostalgic flavor beautifully, and it's incredibly easy—no yeast, no kneading, just a couple of bowls and a wooden spoon (or your hands). I've been enjoying thick slices at breakfast, with tea, alongside soup—honestly, at every chance I get. It's that good, and it brings back Ireland every time.

Whether you're planning a St. Patrick's Day meal or just craving comforting homemade bread, this is one you'll want to try. The Guinness adds wonderful depth without overpowering, and a pat of salted Kerrygold butter on top makes it pure heaven.

Irish Guinness Brown Bread

Adapted from Ina Garten's Cooking for Jeffrey

1 c. quick-cooking oats (not instant), plus extra for sprinkling on top

2¼ c. whole wheat flour

¼ c. all-purpose flour

½ c. dark brown sugar, lightly packed

2¼ t. baking soda

1 t. baking powder

2 t. kosher salt

1 (11- to 12-ounce) bottle Guinness Extra Stout beer, room temperature

1 c. buttermilk, shaken

5 T. unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for brushing the pan

1 t. pure vanilla extract

Salted butter (such as Kerrygold), for serving

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

 In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk the room-temperature Guinness, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

 Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, stir gently from the center outward until everything is just combined. The batter will be loose and wet, more like thick cake batter than traditional bread dough—that's perfect.

Generously brush a 9 × 5 × 2½-inch loaf pan with melted butter (or spray with baking spray for easy release). Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top if needed, and sprinkle generously with extra oats.

 Place the pan in the oven, then immediately reduce the temperature to 400°F. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and firm.

Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

 Slice thickly and serve with plenty of salted butter. It's wonderful warm, at room temperature, or even toasted the next day.

This post contains affiliate links.

Blossoming into Easter: My Floral Tablescape Makeover

 

Last week, I shared a serene, sage-toned tablescape and mentioned how “with only a few quick swaps, it can easily shift into bolder, brighter hues as summer draws near.” Well, summer may still feel far off, but with Easter just around the corner, I couldn’t resist giving that table a joyful, colorful refresh!

If you click through, you’ll see the transformation: the beautiful Bordallo Pinheiro geranium leaf bowls have been moved to the side, perfect now for serving a fresh spring salad. I cleared away the herb appetizer plates to let the stunning floral designs on the Portmeirion “Botanic Garden” dinner plates take center stage—they truly shine! 

I traded the sage napkins for vibrant floral ones from Pottery Barn that add instant cheer. Out went some of the glassware; in came my beloved salmon-colored water and wine glasses—purchased back in the 70s right out of college because I fell head over heels for them, and I love them just as much now. 

The large Portmeirion butterfly cups and saucers stepped aside to make room for Bordallo Pinheiro geranium leaf espresso cups—ideal for after-dinner coffee and a lovely echo of the cabbage leaf salad bowls.

  

Finally, I refreshed the centerpiece by blending last week’s cherry blossoms with a mix of soft pink and cranberry carnations plus alstroemeria. Voilà—a completely new, festive table is born! 

The best part? It really is that simple to transition from one season (or holiday) to the next with just a handful of thoughtful changes. Who else loves playing mix-and-match with their favorite pieces?

 

Many thanks to Rita of Panoply for organizing this Easter/Spring Tablescape Blog Hop.

 

Click on the links below for more Spring/Easter table inspiration from my blogging friends:

Panoply - Feeling Spring with Pink and Green Tablescape

Home is Where the Boat Is - Tulips and Bunnies for Easter

Hyacinths for the Soul - Hop, Hop, Hop into Spring!

Me and My Captain - Spring Is In The Air...In Florida Anyway

The Cat's Whiskerz - Bunny Ears and Easter Wishes

Everyday Living - The Splendor of Spring

Pandora's Box - Breakfast with the Bunnies

My Thrift Store Addiction - Whimsical Sweet Treats Easter Bar

Life and Linda - Welcome Spring With Bunnies

Mantel and Table - A Fresh Blue and Pink Tablescape For a Beautiful Spring

Olla-Podrida - Blossoming into Easter: My Floral Tablescape Makeover

Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Easter in the Garden

The Little Yellow Corner Store - Easter Bonnet Bunny Tablescape

Red Cottage Chronicles - Easter Tablescape Ideas: A Charming Pink and Green Table for Spring

Dinner at Eight - Springing into View - A Blossoming Table

Thrifting Wonderland - Simple Spring Tablescape Ideas

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday 

"Leprecorn" -- Sweet, Salty, & St. Patrick's Day Ready

It's St. Patrick's Day week! Every day this week I am going to bring you seasonally appropriate recipes and tablescape ideas so that, by week’s end, you're all set for the Wearing 'o the Green!

There’s something magical about a colorful, crunchy snack that disappears faster than you can say “top o’ the morning.” This Leprecorn—my playful name for this green-tinted popcorn mix—has become a St. Patrick's Day staple in our house. Kids and adults both go crazy for it, and honestly, the grown-ups are often the ones fighting over the last handful. It's that addictive combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy, all wrapped in festive green.

 The best part? It comes together in minutes using microwave popcorn as the base—no stove-top popping required. I love setting out little tins of it at each place setting for our traditional St. Patrick's Day dinner; it adds a fun pop of color to the table and keeps everyone happily munching while the corned beef simmers.

 Trust me: make a double batch. You’ll thank yourself later.Leprecorn

 1 bag microwave popcorn (plain or lightly buttered works best)

1 c. mini pretzels

1 c. chopped pecans

½ c. white chocolate chips

½ pkg. Wilton green candy melts

 Pop the microwave popcorn according to the package directions and let it cool slightly so it's easy to handle. Pour it onto a large sheet pan, spread it out in an even layer, and pick through to remove any unpopped kernels—no one wants a surprise crunch!

Transfer the popped corn to a very large mixing bowl. Add the mini pretzels, broken pecans, and white chocolate chips. Give everything a gentle toss to combine.

 In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the green candy melts on high in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until completely smooth (about 1–2 minutes total—watch closely to avoid scorching).

 Pour the melted green candy over the popcorn mixture. Using a spatula or your hands (lightly greased or with gloves if you prefer), toss everything gently but thoroughly until the pieces are evenly coated.

 Spread the mixture back onto the sheet pan in a single layer to set and dry—at room temperature this takes about 20–30 minutes, or pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to speed things up.

 Once fully set, break into clusters and store in an airtight container (if it lasts that long!).

This makes a generous batch—perfect for sharing at parties, gifting in tins, or just enjoying by the handful while watching the parade. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This post contains affiliate links. 

Murder Most Trivial: My Favorite Murder, She Wrote Book Yet! Cozy Mystery Review

 

For many years now, Sundays have meant one thing around here: books. 

Mysteries, cookbooks, the occasional irresistible novel that kept me up far too late — you’ve joined me for all of it. And I’ve loved sharing those reviews with you in this familiar little corner of the internet.

Earlier this year, I experimented with moving my book reviews to a separate blog. It seemed like a tidy idea at the time — giving the books their own dedicated space.  But after some thought (and a great deal of reflection), I realized something important. I don’t want my books in a separate room. They belong here.

Reading has always been woven into my cooking, my entertaining, my quiet evenings, my travel dreams — and into this blog since 2010. It feels only right to bring Sunday reviews back home where they began. So starting today, our Sunday book reviews return.

 If you love mysteries, cookbooks, and the occasional literary treasure, I hope you’ll pull up a chair. There’s always room for one more at the table — and always another book to discuss. 

Now… let’s talk about this week’s read...

 

I've been a devoted fan of the Murder, She Wrote book series for years, and I haven't encountered a single Jessica Fletcher mystery that didn't captivate me. As soon as I finish one, I'm already counting down to the next. While I've genuinely enjoyed them all, the latest release—Murder Most Trivial—truly stole my heart. It's an absolute standout!

  From the opening chapter, I felt like I'd been transported right back into an episode of the beloved TV show. I could practically hear Jessica's thoughtful narration, Mort's gruff sheriff voice, and Seth's warm, witty remarks leaping off the page. Ayuh. The author's spot-on portrayal of these iconic characters makes every scene feel authentic and immersive.

  The story kicks off with a delightful twist: Jessica teams up with her Cabot Cove friends—Seth Hazlitt, Maureen, and Sheriff Mort Metzger—for a local pub trivia night. They dominate the competition and win an unexpected prize—a spot in a high-stakes, five-day trivia tournament being filmed in Los Angeles.

What starts as a fun getaway quickly turns deadly when a crew member is murdered on the very first day. Suddenly, the game show has life-or-death stakes, and Jessica must uncover who stands to gain from sabotaging the production.

One of the book's biggest joys is its game show setting, which offers a fascinating peek behind the scenes of live TV production. Add in clever pop culture references to classic detective series, and you've got the perfect blend of nostalgia and whodunit intrigue that longtime fans will adore.

The metafictional elements are pure genius: the investigation leads Jessica and her crew to filming locations from their favorite mystery shows, where they playfully debate how Columbo, Monk, or Jim Rockford would crack the case. It's a loving homage that had me smiling throughout.

What makes these novels so special is how faithfully they capture the spirit of the original series. The characters feel exactly like their on-screen counterparts—I can hear the actors' voices in my head and vividly picture Jessica pedaling her bicycle through Cabot Cove, Mort in the sheriff's office, or Seth in his clinic. The vivid, visual storytelling makes immersion effortless.

If you're a Murder, She Wrote fan, Murder Most Trivial is a must-read. It delivers cozy mystery, clever twists, and that signature Jessica Fletcher charm. I loved every page and can't wait for the next adventure!

 You can pre-order a copy here.

 Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

 This post contains affiliate links.

Savory Stuffed Crêpes à la Ficelle Picarde

 

Before I even knew what was happening, the words, “Stay for lunch?” came tumbling out of my mouth. I knew as I was saying them that it was a big mistake, but somehow I couldn’t stop myself. It’s for reasons like this, when I absolutely take leave of my senses, that I keep Melissa's premade crêpes on hand.

 

I remembered I didn’t have every traditional ingredient on hand, but with a few smart swaps, I pulled off these ham and mushroom crêpes beautifully.

Start to finish? Just 30 minutes. You have to stay organized and move steadily, but it’s totally doable—and it looks (and tastes) impressive. My friend was probably expecting a basic grilled cheese; instead, I set down these elegant rolls alongside a crisp romaine salad with vinaigrette. The look on her face? Priceless. 

The best part about crêpe-based recipes like this? They’re versatile for any time of day—breakfast, you bet. Brunch, naturally. Lunch, of course. Dinner, you betcha, and they even work for dessert.

Because I was hurriedly making this lunch for a friend and I, I did not have time to photograph it properly, so what you see here is courtesy of ChatGPT. Honestly, this is exactly how it looked when I served it.

Here’s how I made my quick version for two.

Ficelle Picarde (Quick Ham & Mushroom Stuffed Crêpes)

 For the mushroom filling:

8 oz. crimini mushrooms, chopped

4 scallions, chopped (plus extra scallions for garnish)

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

⅔ c. Chardonnay

Salt, to taste

 For assembling:

6 Melissa’s Ready-to-Use Crêpes

6 thin slices good-quality ham

1 c. shredded Gruyère

1½ c. béchamel sauce (recipe below)

For the béchamel sauce:

2 c. gently warmed half ‘n half

2 T. butter

2 T. flour

Gratings of fresh nutmeg

Generous pinch of salt

 Generous pinch of white pepper

Prepare the mushroom filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped scallions for 1 minute until softened. Add the mushrooms, stir well, and cook until they release their liquid. Pour in the white wine, season with salt, and simmer until the alcohol evaporates and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool a bit.

 While the mushrooms are cooking, make the béchamel sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux (don’t let it brown). Gradually add the warmed half ‘n half a little at a time, whisking vigorously until smooth and lump-free after each addition. Once all milk is incorporated, season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until thickened. Set aside.

 Well, the béchamel is cooking, preheat your broiler to 355°F. Mix 2 T. of the béchamel into the cooled mushroom mixture for extra creaminess.

 Lay out each crêpe. Place a slice of ham in the center, then spoon about 1/6 of the mushroom mixture on top. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

 Spoon the remaining béchamel generously over the rolls. Sprinkle evenly with shredded Gruyère. Broil for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

 Garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Enjoy hot with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette.

 Notes: Premade crêpes make this lightning-fast, but homemade work too. The dish reheats well if you have leftovers (though there probably won’t be any!). This is comfort food with a touch of elegance—perfect for turning an awkward moment into a memorable meal. Bon appétit! 

 This post contains affiliate links.