The Red Plate

A few days after our wedding, when most of the family had gone and the chaos had died down a bit (a story for another day...) we had a chance to sit down and open our gifts. Let me preface this by saying we have the best, most supportive friends and family on the planet. We were certainly spoiled and unbelievably appreciative for it. Our tiny apartment looked like a tornado had hit by the time we were done unwrapping boxes. Luckily for us, we still had Jason's parents visiting from New York to help sort and record which box came from which family member or friend.

I seriously sat down and cried after opening all these gifts. I couldn't believe how much love had come our way.

Anyway, Jason and I had been stacking boxes in the corner of our bedroom for months as they arrived from UPS so that we could have one giant present party after the wedding was over. There were so many papers everywhere when we finished, we almost didn't see one little flat one in the corner buried under tissue paper and ribbon. Turns out, that little flat present became one of our best family traditions: The Red Plate. 

"It was a time honored tradition among early American families that when someone deserved special praise or attention they were served dinner on the red plate. Today, this custom, so dear to early American families, returns to remind us that a simple reward can mean so much. The Red Plate is the perfect way to acknowledge a family member's special triumphs...celebrate a birthday...praise a job well done...reward a goal achieved...or simply say "You Are Special Today." When the Red Plate is used, any meal becomes a celebration honoring that special person, event or deed. It is a visible reminder of love and esteem. This is a way of showing someone dear to you that they are appreciated and remembered. The Red Plate is designed and crafted to become a family heirloom as it is cherished and passed from one generation to the next marking life's important milestones. The Red Plate...Make it a tradition in your family, symbolizing the good and happy times. It will speak volumes of love, when words just aren't enough.."

Someone very near and dear to my heart recognized from my blog post that I had served Jason's red velvet pancakes to him for Valentine's Day on the red plate, (he had received Employee of the Month for the bizillionth time in a row) and it got me to thinking that perhaps I should share our tradition. 

I was lucky enough to have the very first meal served on our family's red plate for Mother's Day last year. Eggs Benedict. My ultimate favorite.

So whatever the occasion; A's on your child's report card, a promotion, or anything someone does in your family that just shows hard work or a lot of love, honor them. It is this kind of tradition I'm looking forward to having for years to come with my new family.