I love cake. Imagine a beautifully baked and frosted cake, disappointingly plopped onto a dinner plate–it’s not okay! Ceramic cake stands are sturdy and beautiful, and if you’re having cake for dessert, then you deserve to present that confection of heavenly goodness on something equally as stunning, right?

image via Heart of Light

There are stands that are simple and understated, like this Lenox Opal Innocence Carved Footed Cake Plate , that let’s the cake, well, take the cake.

There are stands that make make-believe tea parties easy, like this one from Now Designs, a 12-3/4 inch Pink cake stand .

And for the unique cake lover: a BIA Cordon Bleu Melina Garden Cake Stand . This looks like it could be straight out of Alice in Wonderland. Smoking Caterpillar shaped cake anyone?

Before summer ends I want to make sure I get to go on a picnic.  What better way to celebrate the beautiful warm weather then to sit in a beautiful park or field with a loved one or friend and eat, drink & relax.

I am a fan of the picnic basket pictured above, The Picnic Time Pioneer Picnic Basket , because it comes with everything but the food.  It includes a tablecloth, dishes, wine glasses, utensils, salt & pepper shakers , napkins, and even a cutting board and cheese knife!!

Here is my recommended menu for a lovely lunch time picnic:

-grapes
-brie cheese
-crackers
-raspberry jam
-curried chicken salad
-coleslaw
-three bean salad

For dessert, I’d recommend something like banana bread or lady fingers - desserts without frosting or chocolate so it won’t melt.

Bring along a bottle of white wine or a thermos of lemonade and you should be good to go!

Just make sure you check the weather before you go, nothing spoils a picnic like rain or 100 degree heat!

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