July. It’s the best time to soak up the sun-kissed ease of summertime.
One of our favorite ways to do it — we love family-style meals like a crab boil this time of year. The food is the star of the show and a vital part of the tablescape — decor optional. Additional elements included here are a large paper-sail, light blue taper candles, a few large flowers, and heavy white rope as nautical accents. You can also use other elements such as large seashells, coral or seaglass. Use whatever you have on hand that lends a nod to the sea.
Centerpiece
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Blue Taper Candles placed in 8 oz. jelly jars filled with white sand (check out Royal Ram Natural Beach Sand on Amazon).
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Glass Bottles (12 packs sold at Michael’s) labeled “Let’s Sail Away.” Inside, roll up a handwritten note, joke or riddle for guests to enjoy a chuckle or conversation starter.
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Large Galvanized Tray (look for steel boot trays at Amazon or Lowe’s) overlaid with parchment paper to hold the crab-boil feast.
Table Setting
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White Pasta Bowls
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Individual Ceramic Butter Warmers
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Linen Napkins
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Woven Placemats
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Galvanized Tavern Mugs
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Crab Napkin Rings (Arthurcourt.com)
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Crab Salt & Pepper (Arthurcourt.com)
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Crab Bottle Opener
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Parchment Paper
Crab Boil Menu
Fill a large stock pot halfway with cold water. Season with lemon peels, bay leaves, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Old Bay Seasoning and garlic powder. Bring to a boil and add crab legs, sausage, potatoes and corn until cooked. Strain water and serve on a large galvanized tray, newspaper or parchment paper — enjoy with guests, family style. For fresh crab legs, head to Papa Joe’s Market or Plum Market, both in Bloomfield Hills; or you can carry-out ready-to-eat from Hazel’s in Birmingham or Joe Muer Seafood in Bloomfield Hills.
Give each guest a bowl of garlic butter for dipping as well as lemons for squeezing (wrapped in cheesecloth and tied with twine to avoid seeds).
Include special beverages and desserts such as a tiered lemon cake or frozen treat to beat the heat.
For full instructions visit the blog at silvertoothhome.com/blog/crabboil.