i;
Chic holidsy entertaining
for less
Ups and tricks to make any holiday party a blast
A beautiful holiday table can be the cen
terpiece of any celebration. However, many
hosts and hostesses are discouraged by the
idea and potential cost of fancy linens, expen
sive serving ware and a perfect centerpiece.
"A beautiful tablescape doesn't have to be
costly," says Target Style Expert for Home and
HGTV designer Sabrina Soto. "Layering in key
holiday trends to your everyday pieces can be
a cost-effective way to create a one-of-a-kind
dinner table."
Soto, together with celebrity TV chef and
Target culinary partner Giada De Laurentiis,
offer the following tips for creating a festive,
yet affordable holiday setting.
Set a beautiful foundation:: Instead of
feeling compelled to use traditional red and
green hues, any color combination can be the
basis for a festive table, says Soto. She favors
soft, season-less colors for decorating with
added touches of gold and silver, which work
with any color scheme and interior aesthetic.
You can use everyday dinnerware, but create a
holiday feel by adding glamorous metallic char
gers, chic beaded placemats or napkin rings.
Add elegance with a striking center-
piece :: Centerpieces are the focal point of
an elegant table but don't need to be expen
sive to be beautiful. A single silver or metallic
accessory can increase the glam factor of
your centerpiece or try clustering several
accessories for a sparkling effect. Polish
up grandma's old silver vases or purchase
some inexpensive mercury glass items such
as hurricane or votive candle holders — the
season's hottest trend.
A crystal vase for the centerpiece can
elevate the table's elegance quotient. Fresh
flowers can be pricey during the holidays;
Soto suggests filling the vase with small
glass ornaments. Mixing mirrored ornaments
with fresh pine cones or seasonal fruit can
make for a festive yet sophisticated decora
tive piece.
Plan a stress-free menu:: A beautiful ta
ble sets the stage for an evening of delicious
food and warm conversation. Plan ahead
and prepare most of the food in advance,
rather than trying to cook everything at once.
You'll feel less stressed and will be able to
enjoy the party.
"Try to leave only one item for last minute
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prep—this brings everyone into the kitchen
and sets the tone for a cozy, comfortable
evening," says De Laurentiis. "I prepare most
dishes in my ceramic bake ware because it
can go directly from the oven to the table, and
still look great."
To further simplify the menu, De Laurentiis
suggests selecting foods that can be served
at room temperature. Try a red pepper or basil
cheese cake that can be made ahead of time,
and will be fine sitting out before the party
even begins. While foods like fish or shrimp
are delicious, they are hard to keep fresh if
you are serving food buffet-style.
By combining beautiful pieces that you
love with classic elements, anyone can create
an exquisite look for the holidays.::
—ARAContent
“CHARLOTTE’S BEST
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ii
Tips-0alor«.
.X .r for more holiday decoratihg ideas
^ and affordable design thatwill add
" eiagance to any table, visit Target
r cont/Chrisfimss, Sdli nteed more tips and
; Inspiration, try MarthaStewartcom/en-
^ teitaining orHQTV.com/fight-up-the-holl-
I days/package/indeK.iittnl. Th& Charlotte
Observer has regiiiaf local and national
^ entertaining, home decorating, food and
other features at CharlotteObserven
com/living/.
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