(NC) You’re probably busy planning your guest list, dinner menu, decorations, and the many other details that go along with being a fabulous host this season. Don’t stress. Remember: it’s often the small, thoughtful touches that take a gathering from fine to fabulous. Adding that special flair is easier than you may think, and doesn’t have to cost much.
In fact, naturally beautiful and elegant foods, such as fresh California grapes, can be your secret decorating trick. Grapes are a very versatile choice, providing natural beauty at the table and around the home.
Try these festive ideas:
• Garnish your turkey platter with small clusters of red and black grapes, mixed with fresh herbs. The rich colourful hues of the grapes complement the roasted turkey’s golden brown skin.
• Tuck green grapes into a table garland of aromatic greenery, like eucalyptus, juniper and balsam, mixed in with white roses and holiday baubles.
• A simple bowl or pedestal plate of red, green and black grapes makes a beautifully elegant and simple centrepiece to adorn your buffet or entry table.
• Surprise guests with a dessert spread that features chocolate covered grapes. They’re not only pretty, but delicious, too. To make, simply dip small clusters of grapes (three to five grapes each) in warm melted chocolate and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to set.
• Use grapes to add panache to any platter by providing colour and contrast, as well as beautiful volume and artful form.
• Frosted or sugared, grapes are also stunning on holiday dessert platters and are easy to make. Simply brush small clusters of grapes with pasteurized liquid egg whites, place on a rack set over wax paper and sprinkle with superfine granulated sugar, turning the clusters to lightly coat. Gently shake off excess sugar, and let grapes dry, uncovered, at room temperature for about two hours.
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