Entertaining Trends for 2012

Happy New Year! This year we're going to see the continuance of some wonderful entertaining trends.  Here is our list of the most important six:


Scrollwork Style--The Mission or Old California-inspired style continues in serveware, drinkware, even flatware.  Wrought iron-inspired scrollwork looks are distinctive.  The only thing to remember is that you should counterbalance the dark colors of the scrollwork looks with light or bright linens or pieces or garnishes.  Beautiful pieces at Neiman's (home): www.neimanmarcus.com


Irregular-Shaped Serving Pieces--These will continue to be trendy, and they do add distinction to a gathering.  Irregular shapes, squiggled edges, rhomboids or geometric shapes...These add interest to your party.  Finish the presentation with lovely fresh herb leaves such as fresh basil (purple basil is so cool for garnishing) and fresh berries, or baby vegetables.  Check out the gold-edged ceramic dinnerware at www.upintheairsomewhere.com , or find all manner of wonderful styles at better retailers.


Pedestals--Also called cake stands or dessert stands.  These continue to be wildly popular, in styles from clear glass to white or colored porcelain to sleek chrome to silver or art glass.  Square, round, or rectangle pedestals all add distinction to the serving of food.


Oversize Cocktail Glasses--These continue to be popular from the last couple of years, and they do make a statement, especially in a mod home decor.  But try this idea too: Buy small cordial glasses and put them out also, and I can almost guarantee that people will choose the small cordial glasses first, for wine or any other beverage.  So put out different beverages and let people choose what type glass they want.


Flutes--Speaking of stemware, the trend for serving any cold or room temperature beverage in flutes continues.  We love this idea and there are so many beautiful flute designs out there now! For a small party, a striking presentation is to fill flutes halfway or 2/3s, then put them and a nice decanter filled with the same beverage on a tray for self service.  Adds wonderful but not stuffy elegance to a gathering.


The Table Showpiece--Lovely dining tables without linens continue in popularity to serve food at parties, especially if the host wants to showcase the table. 

Do be careful of food, drinks, or other things at a party that can mar a lovely, expensive table.   You may want to consider a runner or, even better, a small piece of nice fabric, puddled, under the area where food or beverages are most likely to mar the table (such as at one end, where the serving trays are).  Or you can also sort of center the hors d'oeuvres in the middle of the serving trays as this also cuts down on dropped food and crumbs (but doesn't help with beverage rings, sorry!)

Enjoy!

Kristina

Fandango Catering and Events
(713) 522-0077
www.fandango-catering.com