Design and Entertaining Patsy Lowry

Celebrating the Past, Present and Future

By Patsy Lowry

“Celebrate endings for they precede new beginnings.” – By Jonathon Huie

Welcome to 2022! Why not trip the light fantastic and invite your friends to dinner to celebrate the old and bring in the new! Encourage them to share the joys they experienced in 2021 and their expectations for the new year. Determine the date, guest list, menu and create a theme. I love butterflies and all they represent. Set the stage by creating a magical table. One that sparkles, shines, reflects and glitters; ambiance is everything. The secret of all table settings is the element of surprise. Consider covering your table with extra duty aluminum foil or silver mylar. Add crystals, mirrors, pearls, candles and butterflies. Craft stores are filled with treasures for decorating your table. Perhaps you have a storeroom of items to be shared. I added butterflies throughout my table setting. Butterflies symbolize rebirth, beauty, balance, hope, transformation and the changing colors of life. I went online to learn more about butterflies. I shared my knowledge with my guests. Then I asked each guest to describe how they feel about butterflies. Creating conversation invites guests to participate and share their ideas with everyone. Begin the new year with a grand experience which celebrates food, friendship, stories, laughter and love. Embrace 2022 with high spirits and share your world with friends.

ENTERTAINING IDEAS:

1. Start setting the table and preparing a few days in advance.

2. Personalize the place cards by adding butterfly stickers.

3. Mix and match as much as possible.

4. White, silver or gold napkins add a festive touch.

5. Small mirrors or pieces of scattered mirror throughout the table will reflect and double the effect.

6. Candlelight adds atmosphere as well.

7. Fifteen minutes before your guests are due to arrive, be totally dressed, make up on, music playing, the bar set-up, adjust room lighting.

8. Welcome your guests at your front door and let the happiness begin.