I sort of have a policy at my house. If there is going to be shellfish and or other forms of seafood in large quantities, I try to have everyone eat outside! There is nothing like the smell of crab stuck in your sisal carpet, right?

Up here in Seattle, Mother Nature is hardly cooperating with my policy, so I had to come up with a back up plan. It’s Newspaper.

My deal is that I cover the entire kitchen Island in Newspaper, (but it could just as easily be your kitchen or dining room table). It makes cleanup a breeze! And there is something rustically charming about big piles of bread or crackers that lie directly on the paper.

The Newspaper has actually become such a signature of seafood in my house, that I have friends who get giddy with anticipation as soon as they see it!

I like to use either clear Lucite trays (See photo below, CB2.com), or plain white ceramic platters (see photo below, crateandbarrel.com) to serve appetizers and dinner on.

Not Great Pictures- Sorry! But maybe it is an idea for you. Enjoy!