Setting - Walk around your home inside and out. Where is it most spacious? What are the interesting features of it? Is there a lovely fireplace, a delightful little nook, or a quaint corner to which you love to retreat? Take note of special places in your yard, such as a shady spot or a flowering bush. Remember these treasures – they will become part of your party planning.

For one of my Christmas parties I longed for a change from the typical dining room, kitchen scene for the food I was offering. I took repeated walks through my home, seeing finally the intimacy and coziness of a tiny guest bedroom I have. The queen sized bed takes up most of the space in there. Looking at it, the idea was born: I will display appetizers on the bed! I included aphrodisiacs such as olives, grapes and figs, just for fun. To this day, my guests still talk about the feast on the bed!