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213 - Holiday Special |
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Time For Dessert |
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The holiday season is really the chance to go all out. Here are
some suggestions for transforming a dessert table into a real feast
for the eyes for friends and family, whether it’s traditional or
modern.
Add visual variety by varying the height of the table Small, sturdy
wooden boxes or even milk crates usually do the trick.
- You can cover the table and boxes with your favourite traditional
cloth. If that’s too small, a few metres or yards of beautiful
fabric makes a great option. On our table we used an olive green,
cut velvet cloth.
- This is the perfect opportunity to display a family heirloom
like candelabras or a large clock to commemorate the passage
into a new year. Place them front and centre. If you don’t have
something like this, how about a large, colourful floral arrangement.
- Pineapples, the universal symbol of hospitality add some extra
drama. Stand a pair of them on simple dishes to provide an interesting
backdrop.
- Lay out the table as you would think will be the “course of
action.” On one end of the table you may place the dessert plates
and forks, some champagne flutes to toast the evening and the
occasion. We added bowls of spiced nuts, a dish of truffles
and Mandarine oranges.
- Speaking of champagne, here’s an idea for a unique take on
bubbly. Pour a few drops of cassis into each flute and add a
few cranberries. When you add the champagne it takes on a sparkling,
pink hue. The cassis adds flavour and cranberries a festive
look.
- Desserts are placed strategically down the centre of the table.
Present them using a variety of serviceware. Smaller delights
like cookies look even more appetizing when arranged on a tiered
cookie tree. As an option, you may even wish to place some dishes
on a lower box.
- Desserts can be anything you wish. Our table included a decadent
chocolate cheese cake, a torte, bundt cake and trifle. A fresh
fruit flan with out-of-season berries adds a non-traditional,
yet welcome touch and flavour to your table.
- Candles in any form will really set off the display. Tall
tapers in your favourite candlesticks or candelabras, pillars,
votives or lanterns impart a welcoming look.
- Get natural. Place pine and cedar on the table and add some
nuts and Christmas mandarins. The scent just says “Holidays!”
- The napkins can be as simple or elegant as you wish. We folded
Battenburg napkins in squares of organza the same shade as the
table covering. Then we added gold tassels.
- Whether you’re using a large centrepiece or flowers, smaller
groupings of flowers placed throughout the display add a nice
scent along with their beauty.
- Coffee and tea cups, sugar and cream and teaspoons are laid
toward the opposite end of the table, for when after your guests
have chosen the delights they wish to try first.
However simple or elaborate, your dessert table and your efforts
will be enjoyed by all of your friends and family. |
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