Cheers to Your Health Dinner

The Day Before or Earlier

Up to 24 Hours Before

Three Hours Before

An Hour Before

45 Minutes Before Serving Main Course

30 Minutes Before Serving Main Course

After the Main Course

Make It Special!

• Serve the Savory Spinach Dip in a hollowed-out red cabbage.  Slice a thick slice (about 1 inch) off the top of the cabbage; cut out center, leaving at least a 1-inch wall.  Place cabbage on platter, and fill with dip.  Arrange colorful veggie pieces (such as red bell pepper strips, yellow squash slices and broccoli flowerets) around it.  Or serve with low-fat or fat-free pretzels or tortilla chips.  You can even drop these dry dippers into cupcake liners or coffee filters nestled among the veggies.
• Make a glittering centerpiece by weaving a piece of white or sparkly tulle (available at fabric stores) with a string of tiny white lights down the center of the table or around the base of candlestick holders.  Arrange cuttings of fresh ivy or other trailing houseplants or evergreens in the tulle.  Or you can purchase silk plants at craft stores.  
• Write personalized messages on fabric ribbon with paint pens or press-on letters (available at fabric or craft stores).  Motivational thoughts will help keep guests on track with their New Year’s resolutions.  Use the ribbons to wrap around each napkin (with or without a bow) as napkin rings.
• Type a menu, using a script font, and print it out on elegant paper (available at copy centers or party supply stores).  List the calories and grams of fat next to each menu item if you wish.  Insert the menu in a picture frame to stand on your table. (For easy viewing, put one at each place setting or place a menu at each end of the table.)  As guests are seated, they can read what they’ll be served, heightening the anticipation of the fabulous meal to come! 
• Instead of plain water with dinner, serve glasses filled with ice, sparkling water and a spiral of lemon or lime peel or a thin slice of lemon or lime floating on top.  It’s calorie free and very refreshing!