Question

What inspires you to come up with simple decorating ideas for lunch or dinner parties?

Ingrid's Answer

The need to get together with friends and family to have fun. That always means a pretty table, and that's really the inspiration. Obviously, the most important part is keeping it simple, so you can enjoy your own party or dinner.

Question

What can I use instead of candles to add a romantic ambience?

Ingrid's Answer

Flowers are what I always find most romantic. You can use rose petals to decorate—and candy of course. And vases, bud vases, or shot glasses filled with red M&M'S®. Perhaps you can spell the name of your loved one with candy on top of the bed sheet?

Lately I have embarked on a total pink M&M'S® kick. I fill little bowls with M&M'S® in baby pink, pearlized pink, and magenta and place them around the table. It looks very pretty if you add bud vases with pink and purple flowers, making it different, from the typical red.

Question

We are having a fiesta party with a piñata. Any ideas about what we can fill the piñata with that's edible—but not made of candy?

Ingrid's Answer

Popcorn. Try some nuts, too, and those little individually wrapped cheeses.