CLOTH NAPKINS – this is my new obsession. My friend, Leigh, gave me 12 different colored napkins from Crate and Barrel a few years ago as a hostess gift. I love setting the table with them as the brighten everything up. Dish towels are also cool to use as napkins. My kids think I am nuts but I think cloth napkins make dinner feel more special. It’s also better for the environment. I check the stores for when they are on sale. I just organized the closet where the napkins are kept. Admittedly, I have quite a selection now.

My dear friends Randy and Kathy introduced me to Tommy’s and CAZADORES. Together they make foolproof margaritas. Cut a lime in 4ths. Fill a small cup with ice; fill half with tequila and half with CAZADORES, squeeze a piece of lime into it. Pour the contents in a shaker and shake. Pour  back into the cup. Too strong?  Change the ratio but I am telling you that 50/50 is the way to go if you like tequila. Costco sells CAZADORES the cheapest but Trader Joes isn’t bad. Tommy’s mix is expensive ($9.99) a carton ( a small plastic milk carton size) and I can only find it at Bristol Farms. You can freeze it and once opened, it seems to last a long time in the fridge. Now whenever friends come over for dinner, they expect to start with Margarita Time. Keep the ingredients in the house and you are always ready for a party.

Start collecting them. Target always has great ones. They are perfect for entertaining. Vary the sizes and shapes. Simple white platters with delicious food makes for a perfect buffet. I like to keep things casual and simple. You can never have too many. Trust me on this one.

Keep a bowl of lemons and limes in your kitchen. You can get bags of them at Costco and you will use them with so many recipes. Plus the bowl looks pretty on your counter or island. Fear the lemons may go bad? Make lemonade! Start with half the amount of sugar recommended, I like it more lemony. Enjoy!

I use this rub on everything. I have never met Paul but I am his best customer. His rub is delicious on chicken, steak, fish, potatoes, in flour for  chicken Marsala and piccata, on burgers. Just email him and order some. Email Paul at starchef74@hotmail.com. Tell him you are a friend of Lisa’s and he will take great care of you.