There are twenty guests coming for al fresco cocktails on your deck next weekend. How to craft a glam evening sans stress?
It's all about presentation that are at once chic and effortless
-- A stylish table is one that is a mélange of practical serving pieces and statement making flourishes. Stock up on punchy tablecloths and runners from crate and barrel. Mix and match solids and patterns in bold colors to set the festive ambiance. Crate and Barrel has an array of affordable options.
-- Buy colorful, patterned plastic serving pieces from Plumparty.com. This site offers a range of fabulously fun (and inexpensive) party props divided into themes like Pool Party, BBQ, Havana Nights, and Clambake.
-- Create a luxe foil to contemporary plastics serving pieces with luxe wedding gifts and heirlooms. Dig out sterling trays and candlesticks, glass fruit bowls, crystal salt and pepper shakers and strategically mix the sparkly stuff with casual pieces on the table. Amazon.com is a great resources for upscale tabletop items.
-- Add quirky/cool cache to the table with vintage accoutrements like mirrored coasters, cut crystal oil and vinegar dispensers, a French champagne cooler and a ceramic cheese knife in the form of an artichoke. Placing an old fashioned cloche cover over cheese will add a soupcon of Provence to your table and garner covetous glances from guests. Best bets are raiding grandma's cupboard and summer flea markets. Try poshchicago.com for old school cake plates, cloches, sterling iced tea spoons and gorgeous cut glass or fiesta ware pitchers.
And, remember, serving from tacky plastic take out containers is verboten.