Instead of placing a pitcher of water or a bottle of San Pellegrino on the table – try reusing a great looking wine bottle to hold your water. Every so often, I find old wine bottles at resale shops and I can’t resist buying them. The older, Italian wine bottles have a lovely shape. I clean them thoroughly with a bottle brush and fill them with chilled tap water…

I love to have something interesting on the table when I entertain. I filled a crystal decanter with water, placed a clipping from our pear tree inside and stuck a candle into the opening to create this look…

My Dad and sister usually visit on the 26th of December each year, so we celebrate by having a Boxing Day brunch. After a busy Christmas Eve and Day, I like to keep the mood simple, but festive. Here are a few ideas that may help you pull together an easy and elegant table setting of your own in no time at all…

When I entertain during the holiday season, I use every tray, platter and serving bowl I own. So – sometimes I come up short and have to think fast. Here’s a trick that transforms a boring bowl into something a little more interesting. Give it a try…

Take a good look around your house and find second uses for ordinary things – your table will have more character and you won’t spend a penny…