Paula enjoys creating special tables in her dining room as much as she enjoys cooking.

From an early age Paula was influenced by her Mother and her Aunt Norma who always had pretty table centerpieces for various holidays. Her Mother had a business when she was young selling beautiful centerpieces made of artisan bread and dried flowers in baskets. They always made a way to the Herman family tables along with fresh flowers she would arrange with candles. Paula’s Aunt would use beautiful china and serving pieces from her collections of Wedgwood Coalport and Meissen Blue Onion. Paula remembers them all vividly. Their attention to details at the dining table showed Paula at a young age they cared about their time at the dining table. It left an indelible mark.

Creating a special environment around your dining table does not have to be met with frequent trips to the local craft store. Nor does it have to be fancy. Use what works for you but create time to make the dining table a special place. You and your loved ones will be nourished by the food and the conversation around it for years.