“There’s something about the ambience
of dining that’s really important. A pretty
table makes a celebration memorable."
'
MATTHEW MEAD
SEASON’S EATINGS For Matthew, a place
setting is like the bow on a package. He sets
off white plates with napkin rings made from
graphic drink coasters,
b e lo w .
Punch a hole in
a paper coaster, thread metallic cord through,
and tie around a napkin, adding jingle bells.
A
'
v in g
f r e
s h
BOUQUETS TO GO To make fragrant chair-back decorations and
party favors,
a b o ve ,
Matthew scours the garden and grocery
store for fresh herbs. Bundle bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and
marjoram with twine, leaving tails to tie around the chair. The
bouquets can be made several days in advance, then refrigerated.
Once dry, the herbs can be used in cooking.
PUNCHED UP Layers
give a table depth, says
Matthew, who made a
“lace” runner from a roll
of kids’ craft paper and
a decorative punch,
rig h t.
“It’s paper yet
there’s an elegance to
it,” he says. Wrapping
paper and decorative
scissors work, too. ®
For buying information
seepage 2#6.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS DECEMBER 2009 39
