Elegant doesn't have to mean expensive. All you need is a little time and creativity. Author and entertaining expert Michele Braden explains some elegant party tips that bring a dinner party to life. Gold- or silver-leaf an inexpensive glass platter to create an elegant serving dish or charger plate (figure A). Apply gold-leaf adhesive to the bottom of a glass platter, and allow it to set up till it's tacky. Then carefully set sheets of gold leaf on the tacky surface, and brush gently in place with a paintbrush (figure B). Seal the finished gold-leafed surface with shellac. Michele likes to combine gold, silver and bronze leaf all on one platter for a gorgeous sparkle.
Make pretty plate liners to go on top of your gold-leafed platter with waxed paper or parchment paper. Use pinking shears to cut squares or circles of paper, fold into fourths, and punch a decorative design. Give height to an hors d'oeuvre-laden platter by resting it on a big glass bowl filled with flowers or fruit (figure C).
Try an easy alternative to popular wine-bottle bags--wrap a wine bottle in a glittery scarf (figure D).
Use lots of candles: 20 are always better than one or two. Arrange them in a design, and drape ribbons around them (figure E).
Use everyday household items in unexpected ways. Arrange white roses, lilies and twigs in a champagne bucket, or slip a lacy pillow sham over the back of a dining chair for a unique look (figure F).
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