First impressions count and when it comes to staging food for a party; the 3 simple rules below will impress both you and your guests:

1. Levels, levels, and more levels – not the level you use to hang a picture, we’re talking varying the heights of your platters, bowls and plates using crates, boxes or whatever else you may have on hand. Simply cover the props with fabric, table cloths or linens of some type and voila! Incorporating levels not only adds interest, it saves space, is inexpensive and produces dramatic results.

2. Pick a theme – could be a colour, season, occasion, desserts. Themes help you focus, add continuity and keeps your planning easy and contained.

3. Use old items in new ways – butcher or brown paper is one of our favorite versatile decorating tools. Roll it out and set food right on the paper, use a sharpie to label each item. Easy, fun and unusual. Bonus- it makes for a quick clean up!