DIY Network

Tapas Party: Salt Seascape Candleholders From "Weekend Entertaining" episode WKE-203

Create beautiful Salt Seascape Candleholders to use as decoration for your Tapas party.

This party is rated 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, and is geared toward the skills of a frequent entertainer.

Hourly Breakdown

Total Prep Time -- 12 hours
Salt Seascape Candleholders -- 1 hour to make 20

Materials --

10 votive candles
2 pillar candles
2 large glass vases
4 medium glass vases
6 tumbler sized glasses
Salt
Liquid food coloring
Large bowl and spoon (for mixing)
4 spouted containers (for pouring)

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Salt Seascape Candleholders

1. It takes approximately 20 drops of food coloring for each 1/2 cup of salt. Start out by mixing the color into about a cup of salt (figure A). Once the small batch is completely combined, pour it into a large bowl and stir until it is all well blended and the color you desire. Repeat this process for each color you will be using.

   Note: If you want to brighten up the color, take out a cup of the colored salt, add more color, and then place it back in the large bowl and blend.

2. Once you have the salt to the desired color, place it in a container with a spout and then pour the colored salt into your containers. Layer the colors as desired up to within 2 inches of the top of the glass (figure B).

   Expert Tip: Experiment in making new colors by mixing the food coloring. Say you want purple, orange, or pink -- just mix the food coloring before you add it to your salt.

3. For added design, after all the salt has been layered, push a skewer into the salt along the side of the glass to create vertical stripes (figure C).

4. Once you have filled the container to within 2 inches of the top, gently push a votive candle into center of the salt to secure. Make sure it is level and be careful not to disrupt the design of the salt.

5. Repeat the process for medium glass containers.

6. For large vase, place a tall pillar candle in the vase. The top of the pillar candle should come to within about 2 to 4 inches of the top of the vase. If candle is too short, you may pour a layer of salt in the bottom of the vase before placing the candle in the vase. Layer salt, the same way you did in the smaller containers, around the pillar candle (figure D).

   Note: Use several different shapes of containers. Some will go on the bar, some on the table as centerpieces, and the rest will serve as accent pieces throughout the party space.

RESOURCES :

Sophisticated Entertaining: Spirited Food for Grown-Up Parties
1557883459
Jeanne Benedict
(October, 2000)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
HP Books

Whole Foods Market
Website: www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Hillcrest Party Rentals
3507 Motor Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Phone: 310-837-9009
Website: www.hillcrestparty.com

The Sophisticated Cookie: Baking with Spirits: The World's Best Cookies Made with Alcoholic Beverages
1557882940
Jeanne Benedict
(September, 1998)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
HP Books

Celebrations: A Joyous Guide to the Holidays from Past to Present
1557883734
Jim McCann and Jeanne Benedict
(November, 2001)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
HP Books

Cesar: Recipes from a Tapas Bar
1580084834
Olivier Said and James Mellgren
(September, 2003)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Ten Speed Press

GUESTS :

Harry Schwartz
Culinary Expert
PO Box 1320
Yarmouth, ME 04096
Phone: 207-846-8881
E-mail: chefharry@chefharry.com
Website: www.chefharry.com

Cheryl Evanoff
Vice President, Regal Rents
6612 Shenandoah
Los Angeles, CA 90056
Phone: 310-529-0312
E-mail: Cheryl@regalrents.com