You know me, I love to entertain and plan parties.  I also love the challenge of finding something at Goodwill that I can re-style.  Halloween parties and Goodwill go hand-in-hand!

Not every dinner has to be a formal, sit-down affair. “Serve yourself and sit anywhere” parties are fun and casual, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put any thought or effort into setting up a buffet.  If guests are eating on their laps, it’s helpful to give them something sturdy to hold their plates.

When sitting and eating on the sofa, picture frames are perfect for balancing food. They’re available in any size and finish and are usually less than $3.99.  I look for larger wood frames with glass, and I spray paint them in whatever color suits my table setting. Then replace the picture with fabric or paper.

For Halloween I painted this one black and added black felt with flecks of sparkle. Then I cut lengths of ribbon to fit and glued the ends to the backing.  

Design Tip 2: Contrast adds tension and excitement to a design scheme.  The square salad plate contrasts beautifully on the round dinner plate.

Design Tip 3: Repeat themes for continuity. 

The polka dots –very big in fashion this fall—are repeated on the cup and bowl.  They follow the shape of the round dishes.

I rolled the napkin and tied it with black ribbon. The little chenille pumpkin adds a festive touch.

Next, set little gourds or mini pumpkins on a stack of little frames.  Write guests’ names on each and they become place cards.

I’m not finished yet! I also had these silver wood frames and changed them to orange. I repeated the frame theme and the color orange.

Lastly, I scattered a few leaves on the table and I am set for a sit-down Halloween feast or serve yourself buffet.

Email me at askmerri@goodwillsew.com or post a comment on our Facebook page.

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