1. Stick to a theme
Focus on one or two colours, or on fun motifs, such as ice skates, mittens and snowmen, for a skating party.
2. Be creative
Need a jumbo tablecloth? Hit the fabric store for inexpensive white nonfusible interfacing. Have the kids decorate it with crayons and markers the day before. Then pump up the pizzaz with a scalloped border (it's easy-cut material) or snowflake cutouts.
3. Add variety
Create an interesting tabletop "landscape" by varying the shapes, sizes and heights of platters, stands and tureens.
4. Festive cheer
Season the setup with holiday ornaments, loose or clustered on the table or displayed in clear bowls.
5. Keep it simple
Pull out the table for large parties so it's accessible from both sides. Stack dishes at one end so guests can fill their plates without fumbling with cutlery and napkins (place these at the opposite end).
6. Have 'courses'
Set out food in the same order as a sit-down meal: appetizer, salad, main course, followed by dessert and drinks. If you've got room, create separate food stations rather than loading up one superlong table. How about hot dishes in the kitchen, and dessert and drinks in the dining room?
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