Tabletops That Won't Break The Bank

Colin Cowie Shares Ideas On Entertaining In Style, On A Budget

(CBS)  It begins at the top -- the tabletop, that is -- throwing a great summer soiree without throwing away money.

On The Early Show Thursday, master party planner Colin Cowie proved that, even though money is tight these days, it doesn't have to put a crimp in your bash.

Cowie, a fountain of inspiration for anyone who wants to entertain in style, no matter the budget, showed how to create beautiful tabletops without spending all that much.

He noted that a popular trend in recent years has been creating comfortable outdoor living areas. Backyards are being transformed into luxurious spaces, complete with seating areas and full-service kitchens. You can now purchase high-design outdoor furniture and carpets with fabrics and materials that won't be affected by the weather, and at affordable prices. Retailers such as the Home Shopping Network and Target offer lots of stylish options at lower prices.

Examples Cowie had on the set of creating a chic outdoor dining table without spending a lot of time or money:

TABLE 1 (on square dark rattan table for four)

Colors: Navy Blue and White. These summer colors lend a freshness to any summer table with its classic nautical look.

Place Settings: Set your table with navy or clear glass plates. Use your everyday china if you have basic white or clear to save money. Then, add interest with less expensive accent pieces that pick up on the theme, such as table linens (placemats, napkins, napkin rings, etc.), but skip the tablecloth (it's not your grandmother's table). This will give you table a much cleaner and more updated look. And never use disposable plates and elements. They're neither cost-effective nor environmentally-friendly.

Centerpiece: Large bowl filled with limes, coconuts and coral will punctuate your table and add a shot of color. Use items that can be bought inexpensively from the supermarket or corner store, and will last much longer than cut flowers. Plus, today's centerpiece can be tomorrow's cocktail (or smoothie).

Decor: For little cost candles can add big value to any setting. They always give instant warmth to any space, but remember: When used outside, they should always be covered to safeguard from the wind. Small touches, such as adding sand to the base of the candles or color-coordinating them, can also go a long way. Another idea: Use decorative pillows on the back of each chair to add an additional shot of color and pattern to your outdoor dining set.

TABLE 2 (rectangular table with seats for four people)

Colors: Lime Green & Turquoise. Both of these bright summer colors and striped patterns are very popular in outdoor entertaining collections. They also happen to be Cowie's favorite color combination!

Place Setting: Set your table with clear glass plates and colored glassware, lime green napkins, and woven, natural-fiber placemats.

Centerpiece (Option 1): Arrange several round moss balls (available at flower market for about $3 each) with a mixture of colored glass votives and globe tea-light candle holders (from Colin Cowie's HSN Collection). Again, instead of flowers, you're using a non-perishable centerpiece that looks great, lasts longer, and adds texture to the table.

Centerpiece (Option 2): To give the table a whole new look, take things up a notch by adding yet another shock of color with inexpensive fuchsia Gerber daisies in bud vases. To complete the look, simply change out the napkins to pink ones -- so they match the flowers.

Above all, always make your guests feel welcome: Small touches, such as personalizing your table, can help you achieve this. For instance, hand-written place cards made of anything from fruits to sea shells. You're only limited by your imagination! So, take time to give some thought to how you can use what you already have and how to use it with style. After all, success is in the details!