The Simple Elegance of White Hydrangeas

Today was spent putting the finishing touches on an event for the IU Foundation. In conjunction with One World Catering & Events, this evening is to be the final dinner in a three day long program.

The design for the tables was simple elegance. Being the third catered dinner in a row for these IU Foundation members, I wanted them to have an evening that felt less staged and much more like they were dining at a fine restaurant.

The morning was spent putting together 20 bouquets. We used white hydrangeas, bundled together, in a simple yet elegant clear vase. The hydrangea stems looked beautiful in the vase. Water was then topped off to the absolute top of the vase making them look as if they were not filled at all, crystal clear and gorgeous.

The assembly took place in the newly finished kitchen at the One World Catering & Events headquarters. Then we packed up the arraignments and took them over to the IU Auditorium.



Upon arrival at the Auditorium, I found out that an IU employee had decided to change the lovely and elegant white linen table cloths to a poly-blend-shiny material mimicking satin...with matching napkins...in off white. And the napkins were draped off the side of the table and not placed to the left of the plate, as planned (and as would be correct). The table settings shifted from one that would be fitting in a high end restaurant to one that would be fitting for a wedding reception. We all have different taste.

But the point is that the simple elegance of white hydrangeas is always beautiful. We used five stems per bouquet. Choosing each stem individually and then placing the next up against the flatter side of the flower of the former stem and rotating the bouquet each time we added another stem. Just like Ina Garten showed me how to do.

Setting the Table Part II

The art of still life. This photo, taken a the Macy's Flower Show in New York this year, is an amazing example of creating the beauty of a still life oil painting on your dining room table for buffet. Using gorgeous arrangements of fresh fruit, crystal, china and silver, the outcome is stunning.

This particular table setting was designed for a buffet event. A silver champagne bucket was used to hold fresh baguettes (partially shown in the back ground of this photo). Over sized wooded candle sticks were used to embellish the olde world setting. Simply and elegantly beautiful.

Setting the Table

One of the most simple ways to add beauty to your home is setting the table. Whether you are having a dinner party for ten, or a simple dinner for yourself, correctly setting a table can add elegance and style to your home. And the best part is that it is not permanent. A day or two later, you can change the entire setting.

The best set tables incorporate a blend of textiles, china and stemware. The color and design options are endless. The table in the photo to the right has a formal attitude. Place mats, instead of a table cloth, add a more modern look to antique china.

And never underestimate the use of stemware. Each place setting should have both wine glasses and water goblets. Serving two wines with dinner? Then make put out both red and white wine glasses for each guest.

The center piece then ties everything together. The center piece of this table, a photo taken on a trip to San Fransisco, uses candles, a wine bottle and serving pieces to create a still life of sorts. The center piece does not always have to be flowers.

Most importantly, let your creativity come through. If it doesn't seem that it looks right, keep playing with it. After a few adjustments, it will all come together...for the next couple of days.

BTW, Martha always says to set the table a day ahead. Not only does it free up time on the evening of your dinner, but you get to enjoy what you have created a little longer.

Style, Food and a Great Cause

Here's a shout-out for a great new cookbook with awesome photos of interior design from some of the most gorgeous apartments on Manhattan's upper east side.

The cookbook, Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations is available from www.amazon.com. The recipes are mostly classic style recipes that the ladies and gentlemen on Park Avenue use for entertaining. They including: beef bourguignon, bouillabaisse, beef Stroganoff ("in a New York minute"), bean salad, just to mention recipes from the 'b' section of the index. I've made several of these recipes and they are wonderful.

In addition, photographer Ben Fink offers snap shot views into the homes and gardens in both Manhattan and the Hamptons. The photos are of gorgeous place settings, classic dining rooms, warm and elegant living rooms and so much more.

In addition, profits from the sale of this book go to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. So put"Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations: Entertaining at Home with New York's Savviest Hostesses" on your book list. Here's a link to ordering information: http://www.amazon.com/Park-Avenue-Potluck-Celebrations-Entertaining/dp/0847833445