Host A Back-To-School Meet And Greet With Parents

Question: "I would like to host a back-to-school coffee morning for the classroom parents — how can I create impact on a budget?"

Coryanne: Back to school and coffee mornings go hand in hand, and are a great way to meet classroom parents and start the school year off in style. Creating a fabulous event on a shoestring is simple and, even better, will take little time to pull off.

Start with end-of-season perennials — they make a great floral impact with little out-of-pocket cost. Create a unique table display by repotting them into tea cups, glass bowls, or canning jars for an eclectic look, or opt for the traditional clay garden pots to create a classic look. When dressing your table, create a stylish look by mixing modern white dishes with heirloom pieces to keep the table simple and clean looking.

If time is not an issue, browsing your local thrift store for discarded heirloom dishes or simple white tea sets is a great way to stock up at a fraction of the price of antique stores. When creating the menu, don't be afraid to invite your guests to bring something and turn your coffee morning into a potluck.

This will keep your food budget focused on fabulous teas, coffees, and other beverages, and give your guests baking bragging rights at the table.

 — Coryanne Ettiene is a kitchen living expert. She is an authority on food, cocktails, entertaining at home, and kitchen life. A published writer, on-air expert, and social media enthusiast, Ettiene's view of domesticity is changing the way people entertain and live in their kitchens. She has just launched Kitchen Living with Coryanne, a guide to modern lifestyle at home.