Trimming the table

AFTER all the shopping, the chopping, the cooking and the last-minute runs for ice, now comes the fun part. The aesthetically pleasing part. Setting the buffet table with beautiful things. We’ve run all over town from one end to the other to collect lovely, seasonally appropriate serving pieces so that you don’t have to. You can order many of these beauties online. OK, you may have to do some running around. It will, we assure you, be worth it. Lay your table with graceful dishes and serving ware, and your guests will ooh and aah. You may have to fill in with compliments on their outfits where appropriate.

-- Laurie Winer