A minimalist motif gives these canapes maximum charm: Thinly sliced scallions and snipped chives make stems for salmon-caviar blooms. Spread plain or smoked-salmon cream cheese onto soft white sandwich bread. Trim to desired shape, and arrange the chives and roe into single stems or a field of flowers.

Fishing for Caviar
Salmon caviar, or roe, is a luminous bright orange and tastes of the sea. A relatively inexpensive type of caviar, it can be found at specialty-food stores or ordered from russanddaughters.com.

Dining at home this February 14? For a romantic prelude or finale to the meal, serve dried Calimyrna figs. When cut lengthwise, they look like little hearts. They're a sweet complement to cheeses, crusty breads, and salads. An added benefit: Figs are packed with nutrients, such as iron and potassium, which helps lower blood pressure.

This centerpiece of pull-apart rolls rises to the occasion. 

Use your favorite recipe (or try the Parker House Rolls). Roll dough into sixteen 1 1/2-inch balls. Arrange in a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with butter, sprinkle on parsley, rosemary, or thyme; bake as directed. Serve on a cake stand atop a bed of whole herbs.

Leftover dessert doubles as guest favors when packaged in boxes that are as pretty as, well, pie. Photocopy template at 400 percent; trace onto card stock. Cut out the image with scallop scissors along scalloped edges and regular scissors on solid lines. With a straightedge and a bone folder, score paper along dotted lines. Fold along scored lines, and secure tabs with double-sided tape. Line box with parchment paper, place a slice inside, and tie on a tag.

Some holiday parties require every serving dish you own -- and then some. Improvise a bread basket with a large rectangular cloth napkin or dish towel, preferably starched linen (the stiffer the fabric, the better it will hold its shape). Lay the fabric horizontally on a table. Fold the longer side up, slightly more than halfway. Fold the top half down in the same way, so the two edges overlap by an inch. Turn it over, and fold the shorter sides in to meet. For extra security, pin in place. Flip over again, and place rolls or a sliced loaf into the opening.