With the end of the hectic days of summer, we look forward to entertaining inside. Visions of holiday tables surrounded by family and friends replace thoughts of pool parties and barbecues once the leaves begin to fall.

It's fun to anticipate the gatherings and visualize how we will entertain. With the feasting season of Thanksgiving and the holidays rapidly approaching, now is the perfect time to think about your own dining room decor and getting set for an unforgettable holiday table.

Designing For Dining Has Changed
Today's new homes include wonderful spaces for entertaining in your own style, whether it's casual or more formal in tone. Take a look at the way model homes are appointed to theme a party or an intimate meal for two. It's easy to begin your planning once you've gathered some great ideas from the experts-the model home designers.

You will see that the days of grandmother's china have been enhanced, and creativity is the mode of the day. Years ago, Princess Grace of Monaco started a new trend by using Murano glass plates in place of china. Princess Diana liked to mix patterns to create her own style. Sharon Stone has been known to set each place with its own special look.

How can you develop a signature style? A great way to start is by borrowing your favorite ideas from the model homes you visit. In the models, tabletop decor is typically themed to color, style or type of menu planned. Designers serve up no food, but create the feeling of anticipation for a variety of occasions. Some of the fun themes showcased at local model homes include:

• FIESTA: Imagine a lunch al fresco on a rustic table set with pounded metal chargers and wooden plates, placed around a chiminea of marigolds and a pitcher of margaritas.
• MANGIA: Pasta for two served up in bright green bowls, with salads on red patterned plates. The centerpiece? A giant bread basket filled with warm, aromatic foccaccia.
• BON APPETITE: Tickle everyone's "francy" with soup du jour ladled from a graceful ceramic swan. Simple blue plates, yellow patterned side dishes, and colorful cloth napkins have guests saying, "Ooh la la!"

Creating a table top that delights the senses involves hunting for the perfect accessories. The Builder's Clearing House is a great place to discover tabletop intrigue. The very table settings you see in the models eventually make their way to the clearing house. At Encore! in Fair Oaks Village we counted 40 separate sets that could easily be mixed and matched to create all of your favorite looks-from elegant and formal to outdoor casual. To complete your theme you'll also find a variety of unique centerpieces with something for every occasion.

So, get ready...Visit the models and the clearing house for fresh ideas. Then get set...Cook up the ideas, toss them together without fear, and serve them up in your own unique style.

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