CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS: A few local caterers now have giant fountains that spew molten chocolate as guests dip strawberries, apple slices, marshmallows and so on. Utah Food Services began using one at Governor's Mansion Christmas parties when Mike Leavitt was in office. Cuisine Unlimited had one at its Christmas open house. And it's not just a "Utah" thing —Wolfgang Puck Catering did a chocolate fountain for the Pillsbury Bake-Off's Hollywood bash last summer.

Do-it-yourself: Melt dipping chocolate and a can of sweetened condensed milk in a Crock-Pot; keep the pot set on low. Set out bowls of marshmallows, chunks of fruit and cubes of angel's food cake, with fondue forks or toothpick dippers. You won't have the "oohs" and "ahs" of a fountain, but you won't have to pay the $150 rental fee. Gathering around the pot will still give guests a chance to socialize.

CHEESE BOARDS: Thanks to low-carb dieters, cheese is back in style. But it's not just Swiss and cheddar anymore. Cuisine Unlimited's "Corporate Holiday Buffet" menu calls for smoked Gouda, Jarlsberg, sharp cheddar, peppered goat cheese, Muenster and Havarti.

Do-it-yourself: The price of cheese has gone up this year, but don't be tempted to save pennies with Velveeta. Use good-quality, flavorful cheeses so guests will be satisfied with a smaller amount. Slice them thinly and intersperse with lots of crackers. Or use cheese in appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or the brie phyllo pouches served at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, where a creamy square of brie is baked in phyllo dough.

A GREAT-LOOKING TABLE OR BUFFET: A formal place setting (plates, glasses, flatwear) at Cuisine Unlimited is $4 per setting — that's just to rent, mind you. Renting a tablecloth is $7.50 to $15, depending on the type.

Do-it-yourself: If you want matching china, either invest in some or borrow from friends or family. Or use good-looking disposable plates and add elegance to the table with cloth napkins. They're cheaper than china and can be folded or placed in a number of ways to set off the table. Choose a wrinkle-resistant fabric, since you'll be laundering them after every use.

Create the look of a "bountiful buffet" by placing the dishes and trays at varying heights. Just be sure the blocks and pedestals you're using are sturdy enough not to slide or tip.

---

E-mail: vphillips@desnews.com