....for summer entertaining my family has borrowed a cultural tradition from the Japanese, the oshibori, the word for a small damp towel about the size of a face cloth or washcloth to cleanse and refresh the hands.  They are given hot or cold depending on the weather.  Besides cleansing your hands, it is sometimes acceptable to use the oshibori to wipe your face.   The traditional oshibori is white and often presented on a small tray.

These cloths are so refreshing on a summer day when they have been dampened with water to which a squeeze of lemon has been added and presented cold.  Lavender water or water to which fragrant essential oils have been added is also refreshing.  In winter present a warm oshibori to your guests at the table.

Serve them at your next backyard barbecue of slow smoked ribs or juicy hamburgers with a garnish of tomatoes fresh from the garden.  Yummy!!!  When we serve ribs at our annual 4th of July barbecue we like to use red or dark blue cloths to enhance our patriotic theme.  Any color could be used depending on your table decor and occasion.

I use face cloths and soak them in lemon water and wring them almost dry, and then they are folded in half and rolled into a tube shape.  I put the rolled towels in a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator to chill until just before our guests are seated at the picnic tables.  I place one in front of each place setting or present them in an attractive basket.

Soooooooooo Refreshing on a warm summer day! They are welcome warmed in the winter!  Bon Appetit!!

Regards,

Claire

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