When I was in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago for a book signing at Maison Rěve for The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details, my old friend with whom I was staying wanted to throw a cocktail party at the last minute.
I whipped up a pineapple upside-down cake (You know I always travel with my pan, and the kind folks at Liberty Gold provide the pineapple!) and he made the sangria as I delved into his cabinets to see what he might have to spice up his presentation.
One of the most important aspects of creating a simple, yet appealing tabletop is food arrangement. Here's one instance when it's absolutely okay to play with your food.
Even flat breads, when fanned out creatively, look more appealing when served up with a simple humus dip atop a plastic, Christmas tray.
A funny figurine, like this penguin at left, adds a sense of whimsy to the setting. (And he looks as if he's going to get right into my cake!)
And finally, repurposed objects can make an ordinary plate look fresh. I found this pale blue flower pot buried in one of my friend's cupboards and overflowed it with cherries in the middle of an array of store-bought cookies.
TGIF!For more budget friendly party tips, pick up The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating with Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details at Borders, Barnes & Noble, Amazon or Powell's.
The Elegant Thrifter
Always Frugal, Always Fabulous!
