Were you ever told by your parents to "eat your vegetables and not play with them"?  I was numerous times, as taking the time to eat when I was a child seemed like a waste of time. Here's your chance to play with your vegetables!

Many times vegetables are forgotten when it comes time to decorate your table or your outdoor living space. Gourds for example, were one of my mothers favorites to decorate a fall table. I don't see gourds used much anymore, nor do I see them for sale except for farmers markets and craft shows. Gourds show off many colors and shapes. They are easy to grow and fun to decorate with as well as make bird houses or bird feeders with.

Ornamental corn is another great vegetable used for decoration, especially for fall events. How about using ornamental cabbage and kale to decorate with? You can cut away the centers of ornamental cabbage to make a serving bowl for dips for your next get together. You can also line party plates with the leaves of kale or cabbage to give them a colorful boost.

Now you can play with your food as well as eat it.