| Chinese Takeout Party |
| Chinese Takeout Party |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-513 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Q: Some friends are coming over for Chinese. How can I make carryout more personal? A: (Jeanne Benedict, Ask DIY Entertaining expert) You can't serve your guests out of those little cardboard takeout containers! Since you won't be focusing on the food anyway, how about this idea: Create a Chinese-style table that will rival any restaurant decor! - Start with a Chinese-character table runner. You'll need 3 or 4 yards of fabric (muslin or a fabric with a silky grain), depending on the length you want to make it. Cut it 14" wide and mask about 2" from the edges with tape in preparation for spray-painting a border. Also mask the center of the fabric to prevent paint overspray (figure A). Then spray with gold paint to create a metallic border (figure B). Let the paint dry and remove the tape.
- Next you'll need to add some Chinese characters down the middle of the runner. You'll probably need a cheat-sheet, so either download an alphabet from the Internet (figure C) or find a book at the library that you can copy (or use a menu from a Chinese restaurant). Simply freehand the characters down the length of the fabric (don't worry if you're not an artist -- the look should be casual) using an indelible-ink marker (figure D).
- For vases, use inexpensive blue-and-white transferware bowls. Fit a piece of floral foam in the center of each bowl and add flowers (for extra height, you can attach individual blooms to floral picks). We used cymbidium orchids and roses, among other types of flowers, but you can use whatever strikes your fancy (figure E). Once all the flower arrangements are finished, place them at intervals along the runner or anywhere you wish to add a touch of color.
- Invest in some attractive Asian-style table settings such as square plates, rice bowls, teapots, chopsticks and chopstick rests (figure F); once you've made the initial investment, you'll be able to use everything over and over (except the fresh flowers, of course).
- Here's an idea: Mix and match the chopsticks and chopstick rests (figure G ) according to the personalities of your guests -- or buy ceramic tiles to use as rests, if you prefer. You can also dress up bamboo chopsticks with red nail polish if you'd rather use bamboo than lacquer ones.
- Now transfer food from those containers into pretty serving vessels and create a buffet table where guests can help themselves (figure I). Bon appetit!
Q: How long can cheese sit on a buffet table before it spoils? A: A lot depends on the temperature -- if it's a hot day, you'll probably want to fill a silver tray with ice and set the cheese in a second tray on top of it. Generally, on a moderate day, a hard cheese should be okay for about four hours and a soft one for about two. Actually, when cheese is getting a little wilted, it will start looking a little unsightly! Q: How far in advance do I need to mail out my party invitations? A: For a birthday party, four weeks is fine. For a once-in-a-lifetime occasion or a big party, though, eight -- or, at the very least, six weeks. Q: I had a delicious dish at a work function. Is it proper to ask the hostess for the recipe? I barely know her. A: Of course -- I bet she'll feel complimented!
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
