MoneySaver: Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham offers holiday tips and budget-friendly party space
DURHAM (WTVD) -- For holiday parties or interior design tips, the Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham offers budget-friendly options.
From cooking to design, they are teaching it all. The school offers certificates, associate and bachelor's degrees, and the students are always looking for opportunities to put their skills to work.
So, for anyone looking to put on a party, the school could be a budget-friendly option.
"We do have a dining room space," explained Director of Culinary and Baking Pastry Arts Chef Les Eckert. "We can rent out for Monday through Friday parties."
The parties can be held in the student-run restaurant, The District at 401 which also serves lunch on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Students aren't allowed to cater off-site but can cook in the school kitchen.
"We do work with party planners," said Eckert. "The actual guests with a budget, we take into consideration their food, their interests, how many people they will have."
The room can comfortably seat 50 people and Eckert says it is catching on with locals.
"For food functions, meeting functions, award dinners, holiday parties, receptions, things of that nature, it is something that can be definitely be looked into," she said. "It is a great space."
When it comes to baking and pastries, Eckert says this time of year it's all about the pies. She says to punch up your flavors in traditional pumpkin pie use fresh spices like shaved ginger. You can also cut extra pie dough into shapes with cookie cutters and place on or around pie edges to dress up a dessert.
For the table, interior design student Heidi Starr shared some ideas.
"Layers are a very good idea," said Starr.
Starr says you can use plates and bowls to add layers and simple is best for the table.
"If you have a gorgeous table, express that," she said. "Don't cover it with a tablecloth. Use a table runner."
Starr points out; simple items right out of the pantry can be turned into great place settings.
"I actually have, in one of the examples, paper bags," she said. "I've cut down the bags for the children and drawn in areas where they can write what they are thankful for."
Starr says glass jars full of natural elements like pine cones can also make a great centerpiece.
She's just one of many students about to graduate who can also be hired for interior design projects on a budget.
"We handle everything from residential to commercial," she said. "A lot of us are involved in internships that have helped out with commercial buildings locally like the Old Bull Apartments. One of the students here helped with that quite a bit."
Proving the Art Institute can be another budget friendly resource to help get you through the holidays.
