“A make-your-

own-dinnerpaity

is a great way to

get people to

interact. I love it

for gatherings

where the guests

don’t know each

other well.”

ANNETTE JOSEPH

r

J o L H .

U S ^ 1 |

for

O,

"

b U tU ryoar-o«u Mx

-PLatbreddL party

L

on-

S a t u r d a jJ ^ d

W R ITE

s t u f f

Easy handwritten invitations,

above,

make a casual gathering special. These are made with

purchased scalloped cards, oversize stickers, and a

chalk-ink marker. 4-inch round labels; paper-source.com

R O LL W ITH IT

A couple of yards of inexpensive

cotton fabric make a quick summer tablecloth. Use

pinking shears to cut strips of the same fabric for

napkin ties,

above center.

Absolutely Cotton "Blue

Flowed’ $6.99/yard; hancockfabrics.com

TA R T

it

Uf

An old metal tart pan anchors a

centerpiece of mismatched bottles filled with flower

stems and herb sprigs.

B ITE-SIZE

Since guests will cook their own meal,

provide an easy-to-grab appetizer that you can put

together before they arrive,

right.

Load appetizer

picks with mini mozzarella balls, chunks of yellow bell

pepper, basil, and cherry tomatoes, then drizzle with

a readymade flavored dipping oil. Glass votive holders,

$1 each; worldmarket.com GS)

32

AUGUST 2010 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

(P O R T R A IT . T A B L E ) P H O T O S : R O B B R IN S O N . (IN V IT A T IO N . A P P E T IZ E R ) P H O T O S : B L A IN E M O A T S ; S T Y L IN G : J E S S IC A T H O M A S ; F O O D S T Y L IN G : G R E G LU N A