7 Quick Takes: Frugal Table Edition

Notes from the frugal kitchen, which is noticeably messier after 2 weeks of hard use.

Thanks to Jen at Conversion Diary's 7 Quick Takes for the invitation!

1.

One cucumber vine provides all the free material you need for vegetable peeling lessons. We may be carving swans by September.

2.

Mint is another cheap yet prolific plant. Kids can't outpick it.

3.

Ever since I tasted Shauna's fruit salad, I've diced a few mint leaves into my own. Just a little grace note.

And look! More cucumbers! Soup recipe from Mollie Katzen's Salad People, chilled punch cups from Goodwill.

4.

Dining out can be stressful with kids plus guests, who may not be used to spills at every meal. We all relaxed after vowing to eat at home.

Our best outing, hands down? The fantastic FREE production of Cinderella at the Nashville library's marionette theatre. We may go see it again!

5.

My thrift-store score of Table Topics
led us to deeper conversation and kept the kids at table without as much fidgeting.

6.

When we realized that Sunday brunch might not work, I picked up a pound of smoked salmon salad from Fresh Market ($7) to serve at home.

Excellent budget compromise and so easy with crackers, fresh salad, cheese and fruit.

7.

Potted plants make quick, cheap centerpieces.

I splurged on hanging baskets from Home Depot's $3.33 sale, rotating two between front steps and table.