Porkchops (done on our BBQ, purchased at wholesale rate at Costco *yes I bought the membership)
Sauteed mushrooms in butter (also bought wholesale at Costco, butter purchased at Christmas on sale)
Oven roasted spicy potatoes (bought 20 lbs for $6,)
Caesar Salad (bought 6 romaine hearts for $3.69 at Costco, will only be using one)
Desert: apple and blackberry crisp using up some apples that have seen better days purchased mid-December and home picked blackberries = free
Served with Chapman's Vanilla Ice cream (Best Canadian ice cream brand, would pay even more for this product it is that good, 2 liters for $2.99 on sale)
Most of the above ingredients were on hand in the fridge or cupboards. No need to buy expensive ingredients for special dinners. Presentation is key.
I made two yummy crisps, the larger for the three of us to share and the smaller for her to take home and enjoy. None of this is her actual birthday gift, that is a bedding set which we have yet to find (we went shopping this weekend and couldn't find "the one").
Candles on the table: gold taper candles purchased in a thrift store, brand new for 10 cents a piece
Candle holders: purchased at thrift store for 10 cents a piece
Fine bone china, was given to my parents when they got married in 1962. Basic white with a silver ring. Timeless, and recently gifted to me from Mom
Silver napkins - Excess Christmas stock purchased 3 years ago on sale. Basic silver and gold go with any celebration
Flowers for her to take home because she loves them - 2 bunches of Daffodils for $1.99 per bunch
Most expensive purchase for the evening? Liquor as we Canadians still like our cider and beer although we pay through the teeth in taxes for it.
Well, I best go, the blackberry-apple crisp is done and making the house smell absolutely fabulous = free air freshener. Cheers!
Save some crisp/crumble for me...it's my favourite!
ReplyDeleteJane x
Mine too, it was yummy!
DeleteHappy birthday to your Mum!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely dinner to share with her and how fabulous she is now so close to you.
And loving that dinner set, how lovely that you have been given that
xx
I really love having her just down the street, can now pop over for a minute anytime I want to
DeleteA crisp is just about the perfect dessert!
ReplyDeleteCrisps and pies, my two favorite. She is not really one for cake so it was a hit, and no, I didn't put 71 birthday candles on it :)
DeleteEverything looks lovely. I'd rather have that type of dinner at home (someone else making it), than eating out in a restaurant any day.
ReplyDeleteHubby always asks me if I want to go out or stay in for dinner on my birthday and I always request a home cooked meal.
DeleteWow! What a wonderful birthday dinner. And I love that table setting. Very tasteful and elegant china, too! Happy birthday to "Mom."
ReplyDeleteApparently it very expensive when she got married, so they asked for pieces for wedding presents. I hate to think what any of the pieces would cost to replace today
DeleteWhat a considerate daughter you are, never mind you did it frugally, you put a lot of effort and love into the preparation - well done you, and I'm sure 'Mum' won't forget her lovely treat.
ReplyDeleteMom really enjoyed it, so nice having her just down the street from us so we can do things like this.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful birthday celebration. I love the dinner plate, very classic. You know, to put on a dinner frugally, that is so delicious, good for you and pretty as well, that takes a lot of effort. Anyone can present a beautfiul dinner if they spend lots of $$, I think your effort is another gift to your mom. BTW, I share a birthday with your mom, but a couple of years difference. Happy Birthday to your Mom - we're cosmic buddies! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you! I hope you had a good one!
DeleteHappy Birthday to your Mum! And I love your celebration, a wonderful occasion on a budget.
ReplyDeleteSft x
We could have taken her out for a big expensive dinner but I much rather give her a nice gift instead and have a frugal dinner.
DeleteHappy birthday, Mum! You've created a lovely celebration!
ReplyDeleteIt was the first birthday we have actually seen her right on her birthday in over 10 years, last year we saw her the Sunday before as had to work on her birthday and she lived 2 hours away.
DeleteExpensive would not necessarily have been lovelier, sweeter, more nutritious, tastier, fun, or caring than frugal.
ReplyDeleteThank you - she especially loved the minicrisp I sent home with her. Both households had desert for a couple days.
DeleteI want my next birthday at your house!!!! It's awesome that you went all out for your mom and didn't kill the wallet!
ReplyDeleteWell, If you want to come to Vancouver Island for the next one I will host it!
DeleteLOVE this post :) My daughter keeps telling me "mom, you don't have to shop at thrift stores anymore" referring to my pretty good salary as a teacher. But I tell her "why would I stop when I can get such great bargains??" Now I just don't tell her where I buy stuff! It seems silly to pay more than you have to. And your lovely celebration supports that notion perfectly. Well done.
ReplyDeleteShe will change her tune, later in life when she has less discretionary money she will realize you taught her how to live on less money, even when you don't have to
DeleteMy mom always said, being together was the most important thing of all. The china reminds me of my set I got when I got married the first time in 1971. I ended up selling it and keeping my Mom's, plus her silverware. It meant more to me than the sets I hardly used. - Margy
ReplyDeleteI love the China, there are a couple of chipped pieces but most of it is in excellent condition. So timeless, thank goodness she didn't pick a pattern that was mod squad or all flowery, I just wouldn't have liked them as much as this basic beautiful China!
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