Perfect Table Settings for the Holidays
With Christmas just days away (yikes!), many cooks have their menu and wine selections in place (here's hopin'), but most probably haven't given a lot of thought to the holiday table itself, as in tablecloths and napkins, centerpieces and party favors.
Luckily for us, Los Angeles-based Denise Vivaldo, a caterer and food stylist, cookbook author and recipe developer who has catered more than 10,000 parties (including the Academy Awards), has pulled together a definitive 350-page primer that contains all this information and much, much more.
"Perfect Table Settings: Hundreds of Easy and Elegant Ideas for Napkin Folds and Table Arrangements," includes more than 250 full-color photographs that illustrate the fine art of napkin folding and place-setting ideas.
Perfect napkin folds for the holidays are the Fir Tree (with a shiny silver Christmas ornament or star placed on its top!), the elegant black-and-white Tuxedo (a natural for New Year's Eve celebrations), or the whimsical Elf Boot (below).
Also useful for this time of the year, there's a section on 10 Holiday Favors, with suggestions for tea towels, gingerbread or pumpkin bread loaves, or a Holiday DVD or Blu-ray.
I loved the section on Do-It-Yourself Flower Arranging (along with a handy Flower Seasonality Chart). The chapter entitled, "Table Setting 101" is worth the price of admission alone.
And don't forget your hostess gift! Vivaldo's list offers up the usual suspects (wine, chocolate, cheese) along with more unique possibilities (a potted plant versus cut flowers, elegant guest soaps monogrammed with the host's initial, or breakfast treats for your host to wake up to the morning after the big party).
In the introduction to "Perfect Table Settings," Vivaldo says, "My life's work as a caterer and food stylist has been all about attention to the details. Setting a pretty table for friends, for family, or even just for yourself is an easy way to brighten up your everyday life."
Or the holidays! Happy, happy, and merry, merry to all. . .
StellaCadente* on December 20, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Did you see what else she is behind? http://www.aldenteblog.com/2010/12/culinary-mysteries-revealed-kwanzaa-cake.html ;)
crystaljewellery on December 22, 2010 at 01:50 AM
For those of you who are purchasing Crystal,we realize that this is one of the most important purchasing decisions you will make.
talent agency on December 23, 2010 at 01:12 AM
In the easy section, I liked the forward clutch and umbrella. The broker offers designs like a jacket and a fish. In advanced designs are gorgeous cover, orchid and oh so adorable elf boot perfect for your holiday table.